I was reading a very interesting article last week about training at Deloitte (http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/01/how_deloitte_made_learning_a_g.html) and how they have implemented gamification principles into their leadership academy programme.

Basically, from what I understand, their learning academy works much like a platform computer game with levels to work through, badges to collect and missions to undertake before you can move on (think Sonic the Hedgehog: Management Mission).   This approach has seen them have a 37% increase in the number of people returning to the site every week, which is fantastic.  However, I found myself wondering whether there has been an increase in learning transfer back into the workplace or if this new approach to learning (which is becoming ever more popular) is all style with little substance.

Of course, no matter what method of learning delivery we opt for (whether classroom based or online) we need to find a way to engage the learner.  Am I alone in wondering if it would be more meaningful/fruitful to engage a learning in the content rather than the gimmick?

This new world of gamification sounds very slick and exciting and there is no denying that it is cutting edge in terms of learning and development options, but it is also very costly - prohibitively so for many businesses, especially if the novelty of playing a game wears off for learners (can you imagine playing Sonic every few days now as an adult?)

Perhaps the answer lies not in the solution but in the needs analysis that we undertake. If learners can clearly see the benefit to them of up-skilling in a particular area, surely they will be more inclined to engage whether you are using the latest m-learning technologies of a more traditional delivery method? Or am I living in an idealistic world?

Either way, I don't think I personally will be dusting off my Nintendo anytime soon.  ;-)