L&D Article Review #30

What can video games teach us about Instructional Design? I've been fixated on this topic ever since hearing Cara North talk about it and now, every time I pick up the controller I feel myself pondering that question. This is my 30 L&D articles in 30 days challenge! (Link to the article down below)

Article #30: What Can Video Games Teach Us About Instructional Design? - By John Spencer

How long it took to read? - 6 minutes (extra if you watch videos)

Who is this for? - Those who want to replicate that state of flow in their courses.

What I took from this article - Have you experienced the state of "flow" in your work? That moment when you lose track of time and get sucked into what you're doing, committed to finishing with the best outcome? I used to experience this all the time when I played video games as a child. Seeking the next challenge with nothing but intrinsic motivation spurring me along. Wouldn't it be great to understand what makes up this state and how to replicate it in Instructional Design?

Spencer chases that feeling and draws 6 useful lessons from video games that we could apply to our training. My favorite of these has to be the difference between "failure" and "failing", with failure being permanent and failing being only temporary. Data suggests that learners are more motivated when they experience incremental or near successes. Think about a video game boss you barely lost to. That desire to tweak your plan and try again!

I don't believe this article is encouraging gamification in E-Learning. Spencer is more or less looking at adult learning theory and drawing influence from other media. It's a motivational article that encourages you with the same theme it preaches: create challenges that are balanced, embrace conflicts that are intrinsically rewarding, and provide feedback. Definitely some food for thought!

https://medium.com/@spencerideas/what-can-video-games-teach-us-about-instructional-design-e43b2e386841