Gamification and Higher Learning

Next up: K-12! 

Next up: K-12! 

Death Of Gamification Greatly Exaggerated

These "death of gamification" articles are becoming popular. The irony of that in the scope of the content game we play can't be overlooked, but let's put that discussion on hold. Instead lets discuss the fact that gamification is NOT monolithic. 

Gamification, the use of game theory in marketing or other non-game enterprise functions, takes many forms such as:

* Active - earning points for social rewards.

* Passive - forming an ecosystem with algorithms reinforces play.

* Real Tie - we will play in real time when predictive analytics and big data become more common.

I got criticism speaking of "badges" at a Meetup recently. The person made it sound like I was equating all gamification with badges. Not so, I am keenly aware of the many different variations of gamification. 

A website's taxonomy (its navigation) is a form of gamification. Website designers are developing paths and rewards or "passive" gamification. When I reward your behavior with an instant redeem coupon we've moved into real time gamification and when I keep track of your "points" we've moved to active gamification. 

Great gamification happens without you ever knowing it. What is a red light but a convention, a game, we all agree to and play by daily. Our rewards are not having car crashes and being a good citizen. Make no mistake, red lights and green lights are games and we "win" by arriving home in time for dinner safely. 

NO gamification is not now nor will it ever be "played out".