Too often, e-learning modules end up being glorified PowerPoint presentations. The learner reads through the information in a linear, beginning-to-end format, and is tested for knowledge retention at the end. As detailed in 5 Gaming Elements for Effective E-Learning (Training Industry Quarterly, Fall 2012), there are five takeaways from video games that can take e-learning to the next level.

• Contextualization takes the e-learning out of the void, and puts it into a time and place, such as a scenario or story that provides the back bone for the training.

• Curiosity draws the learner into exploring the e-learning module, enticing them to completeness.

• Control allows participants to direct their own learning, driving the direction of the training, and causing them to retain more information due to engagement.

• Cooperation / Socialization integrates a very popular factor of many online games, removing feelings of isolation and fostering teamwork.

• Engagement / Interactivity puts the learners in situations where they are participating in the training from the start, rather than at the end of a module.

And with the growing popularity of BYOD (bring your own device) we could have everyone bring their Wii controller to work! <grin>