What'll be new in 2011?

2010 was an amazing year for game shows in training!

Here at LearningWare, we:

• Developed new ways to embed AllPlay Web within a webinar using Adobe Connect, omNovia and other platforms. 
• Got a new keypad partner in Meridia--allowing for our customers to have greater flexibility with their audience response keypad choices. 
• Released Gameshow Pro 5--adding new game boards, a new design, a new backend, AllPlay functionality and MORE to the most popular game show software for training.
• And more (including moving into a new office)!

BUT we're not resting on our laurels. Here's what's on the docket SO FAR for 2011:

• New games for QuizPoint, our popular online game show software.
• New games for AllPlay Web, bringing more variety and engagements into webinars, elearning and virtual classrooms.
• An iPad control app: The ability to completely control our Gameshow Pro 5 software using your iPad.
• OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Construction games: Pre-packaged, plug-and-play games making OSHA training entertaining, effective and far more engaging.

But that's just a start. Going into the next year, we'll continue to innovate by leaps and bounds--helping instructors deliver more engaging, effective and fun training.

So what do you want to see in 2011?

Online Game Shows that Generate Interest

Most of our customers are using game shows for a training application of some sort; whether it's in a K-12 classroom, internal corporate/government training, consulting, etc.

A smaller subset of our users take game shows and use them in a different way. We have a loyal and satisfied base of DJs that have used Gameshow Pro for custom games at weddings, parties, etc.; pastors that use game shows as an addition to sermons; even entertainers who take the game show act on the road to competition nights at bars or clubs.

We even had an employee who used a Classroom Feud game at his wedding--pitting the bride's side against the groom's side in a how-well-do-you-know-the-newlyweds showdown!

(It just goes to show one that in addition to being a highly effective content retention tool, game shows are also an incredibly entertaining vehicle for learning or just for fun.)

Recently I had a different scenario proposed: Could someone use a game show to drum up public interest in a topic? The question was asked by a personal trainer, looking to stand out from the (numerous) competitors and draw potential clients to his website. He proposed doing a monthly online game show (QuizPoint would be used in this instance) to generate traffic, discussion, and to increase peoples' general knowledge of fitness topics.

It's a great idea--and one that has application both for the public AND for internal corporate/government/k-12 use. The thing is--game shows capitalize on competition. Most people love to play a fun quiz or game online, even if it's merely to test their knowledge. Having a weekly or monthly game show where online visitors can come back and prove their smarts, see where they rank amongst their quiz-taking peers, and perhaps even be entered to win a prize is an excellent way spread the word about a topic.

Used internally, weekly or monthly game shows about relevant training modules that trainees could visit and play at their own pace gets them coming back to web resources and sustains the training far beyond the bounds of a virtual or in-person classroom.

K-12 users can generate online game shows for parents (or parents and kids to play together at home)--keeping them apprised on the latest school information, hot topics and classroom subjects.

Internally, externally or for the general public, online game shows are a great way to generate, sustain and drive interest in topics.

Quiz Point Reviewed by ILEETA

The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) recently reviewed LearningWare's QuizPoint in its "Use of Force" Newsletter. The article can be found here, but we've also copied the text here:

QuizPoint

with: Lt. Harvey Hedden
What an instructor knows is not nearly as important as what his student knows as a result of the instructor’s work. Law enforcement officers don’t really like being tested, but many agencies see cognitive testing as a valuable assessment tool to determine if an officer possesses important concepts, as well as a proactive defense to civil litigation, especially in the area of use of force.

Many trainers have developed PowerPoint presentations that permit the student to answer questions. The biggest limitation of these tools is that there is no means to keep individual scores.

Private industry discovered some years ago that they could make testing more palatable by making it a game. Our competitive nature means students study harder and recall more important information when learning is reinforced by competition. Even more mundane subjects are remembered because it could mean a higher score. Most of the officers you train have played some sort of video game – and many still do – making them ideal candidates for this type of testing.

Learningware is a company that has developed two such testing platforms. Their original product GameshowPro, has recently been augmented by a new product called QuizPoint. Like its predecessor, QuizPoint uses a form of television’s Jeopardy game. The game’s software allows an instructor to include pictures, video and audio clips – before, during or after a question. QuizPoint also allows for a variety of testing options, including timed responses and directing the student to corrective information.

I found the QuizPoint software easy to use as both an instructor and a student. The quizzes are created by the instructor with software provided by Learningware and then uploaded to the companies’ secure web site. The quizzes are hosted on-line and the games are flash based, meaning the student can access the test from any web browser without downloading software. Users must have a user name and password.

The student’s responses are recorded and kept on file for later retrieval. Leaningware provides a Learning Management System that allows the instructor to see results by exam, question class or student. The system is also ideal for remote learning because the exams and records are web based. QuizPoint can also provide aggregate test scores to help you identify problem learners, and you can post top scorers to maintain the spirit of competition.

QuizPoint is currently being used by California P.O.S.T. and examined by a number of other agencies. For my preference, alternative templates currently being developed by Learningware will also be a welcome addition, especially for some of our more serious subjects where the game show format may not be most appropriate.

Learningware.com offers free trials of QuizPoint so you can determine if the product can help you. Learningware also offers government pricing – a license for up to 250 students currently costs $2,000. For further pricing information, you can contact Learningware at 800-457-5661 or speak directly to the Government Services Representative at 866-433-5139.


Looks like QuizPoint is already making waves--and we're glad to hear it!

Tips for Using Online Games

In honor of our newest product, QuizPoint, we’re dedicating this issue of Espresso to using online games.

Online games can be a great way to unite learners from different locations and globalize your training classroom. So without further adieu, the top 5 tips for using online games:

1. Use Teams.
Playing a game online can be a largely individual experience. Regardless of location, group trainees into teams. This will give them the experience of playing as a competitive unit, and learning with their peers despite the relative isolation of online. Teams can compete against each other to get the highest collective scores. And speaking of scores…

2. Display Scores.
Have a continually updating leaderboard (displayed before or after the game—or both!) that shows which trainees or teams lead the group in highest scores. Trainees can check this scoreboard as frequently as they wish to see if they’re still at the head of the class. This keeps the spirit of competition alive, and engages trainees in the game. Trainers may choose to give prizes for the top ranking players.

3. Retake tests for mastery.
Consider allowing trainees to re-take quizzes or games online. This allows them to master the material at hand and continually improve their scores. Plus, it allows them to pick up questions that they missed, and reinforces questions that they already answered correctly. If you decide not to let trainees re-take the tests, be sure to review questions after the game. Trainees need to know why they got a question wrong, particularly in an online format.

4. Make use of tracking features.
Many online game and quiz programs feature Learning Management Systems (LMS) that provide detailed trainee results. These allow a trainer to see which questions were consistently missed, which trainees had the best scores, and in which areas the entire class (or particular persons) need further instruction. These features can be immensely helpful both with the current trainees and in designing or revamping the next training course.

5. Utilize the online component and links.
Incorporate media and links into your game show. After players answer a question, it’s a great time to direct them to additional resources or information. You can link to online PDFs, pictures, video clips, the company website, etc. Some programs also allow you to input your own sounds and pictures offline as well. This changes an online game show from a review activity or a fun competition into a truly involved and interactive learning experience.

Bonus: Use online game shows for fun.
Online games don’t always have to be intrinsically linked with your training content. Since they’re such a good way to unite people in different locations (and even countries), use a “fun” game with company trivia for a team building activity. Games and quizzes can also be used to address cultural considerations and build awareness for traveling employees.

Another bonus: Try out QuizPoint for free for 30 days. Visit this link to download a trial version of the new online game and quiz creator software.