Is there a role for learning activities, eLearning, simulations, face-to-face classroom sessions, etc., that have “gaming” elements? Would employees be motivated to take a course and also compete for a “top skills” prize? Might gamification be used by an employer as an engagement and retention tool?

What is "gamification and learning"? The use of game design, game mechanics, competition, badging, and recognition applied to non-game activities to engage and motivate the learning process. Gamification is one of the top three innovations being considered, pitched, and talked about in the learning industry in 2015.

Learning and training professionals are invited to explore every facet of gamification and learning in a unique 2½-day lab, hosted by Elliott Masie at the 10,000-square-foot MASIE Learning Lab in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Lab topics will include
• gamification: what is it?
• gamification and learning models
• gamification of non-games
• Does gamification work?
• When does gamification not work?
• learning gamification vs. marketing gamification
• Is gamification sustainable?
• costs and expenses for gamification
• addie and gamification
• lms and gamification
• gamification marketplace
• producing gamification - the skills
• gamification, introverts, styles and emotional intelligence
• the strategic risks and downsides of gamification
• failure and simulations: "failing our way to success"
• play as a human trait
• badging in the workplace
• usability and gamification

Elliott Masie commented, "The Gamification & Learning Lab is a great opportunity to explore, experience, and even challenge the roles that learner engagement, competition, badging, and game design can play in workplace learning. This is a field in its early stages, with promise, innovation, and also hype. I am deeply excited to bring together a small group of learning colleagues to creatively, critically, and collectively explore Gamification & Learning."

The Lab will explore every dimension of gamification and learning, using a vendor-neutral and evidence-based approach. Elliott will interview key innovators in the gamification field, interact with CLOs and academics who are experimenting with gamification and learning, and also engage in a real-time video focus group with employees in major corporations to gauge the "usability" of gamification and learning.

The Gamification & Learning Lab takes place 04-06 May 2015. Registration is open and group discounts are available.