My First Try at Online Gamification

Although gamification isn’t new, it isn’t a super old strategy either. However, I must admit that I am slow to getting on this train. According to Karl M. Kapp, expert in Learning, Technology and Business, gamification is using game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. The good news is, if you have been using active learning strategies, you’re probably already using gamification! When I took on the task of “trying out” gamification, I realized that it was something I was already doing too! For instance, in nursing education, I give students a lot of multiple choice practice questions. I found out that I could turn multiple choice questions into a game! How does this look in an online setting? I’m sure this can be done in a variety of ways. I was able to accomplish it through Voicethread. I was fortunate enough to participate in a VoiceThread Master Class with George Haines and one of the exciting things I was able to do was create a Game using the VoiceThread Platform. 

 

I decided to create a VoiceThread Blood Transfusion Game. In this game I include a picture of a patient who was in a car accident and requires a blood transfusion. Then I have pictures of different blood transfusion bags and students have to circle the bags with the blood types that they can safely administer to this patient based on the patient’s blood type. I like this activity because I have a similar exam question where I state the patient’s blood type and ask which blood types the patient can accept transfusions from (this is usually a Select All that Apply question, which students typically hate). HERE is a link to the activity. Let me know your thoughts in The Online Educator Facebook HERE. 

 

I would be super interested to know if you have any activities you use as gamification in your classes. Head over to the Facebook group and share your ideas HERE.