C2 Workshop's E-Learning Blog

E-Learning and Games

As per industry sources, 70% of learners drop out of their e-learning applications without completing them.
 
What, by golly, does this mean? Folks run away from learning? It just can’t be. No way. 
 
Because, if you see, people want to enjoy new things everyday. Pretty natural, right? Otherwise, they would keep seeing the same old things, and will be yawning away to glory. Oh, what a rusting feel that could be! Mind you, we’re talking just about our outward senses here.
 
What about the inner stuff, the mind? It too needs to feel stimulated with some fresh stuff every day. As otherwise, it would also be yawning. Only thing, we can’t see it. Now, that’s not the point. The question is, could we designate this stimulation as learning, in simple terms? We could, I guess.
 
So, there’s no scratching our heads about learning, per se. It has to be around, because, it keeps the pulse racing. Awright! Where, then, is the catch?
 
I wonder if it’s got to do with the way the stuff is presented to us. Possible!
 
Coming to think of it, I’m at my wit’s end, seeing the way people – I mean all these teachers, professors, and instructors – present their stuff to me. Intolerably drab! That probably was the reason why I used to always sit near the door in the class room. Scoot, when the bell rings! Get the heck out!
 
Now, here comes this guy, giving me a naughty smile. Throws a puzzle at me, and asks me if I could handle it. Suddenly, I find myself sitting up. My senses have become acute. I’m ready to respond, because… I’m at risk.
 
This is exactly what happens with  kids. They get irresistibly hypnotized by computer and online games, not without any reason. Because, they get kicked up about being at risk, they hate to lose, so they put all their energies together in learning those ways that’ll help them to come out of it. Only to feel top-of-the-world when they win, having mastered the ‘tricks of the trade’.
 
The infatuation for playing with risks, holds sway over many a heart. Cliff-hanging, wave-surfing, para-gliding, skiing, the list can go on. If only instructional designers could get a hang of this stuff and bring in at least a little bit of that thrill factor in the courses they design!
 
The thing is, it’s happening. Slowly but surely! Experts say that by 2014, more than 75% of the global organizations will have some kind of gamified application. Because, such engagements, they find, do bring in the most needed learner attention levels.

Games rule. And, they also strike a winning formula with e-learning.

(Nirmal Ranganathan, Instructional Designer, C2 Workshop)

Redwood Awards - Honoring Attitudes

Exhilaration!

Just this word would suffice to define the mood that permeated this year's "Redwood Awards" at C2. The entire team rejoiced the grand success of the 'Redwood Awards', in yet again recognizing lofty minds. The winners…

Alex and Hari, the winners for COMMITMENT: Late into the night, these two minds are invariably glued to their computer monitors, checking for any glitches in the content. This unflattering requirement could be done full justice to, only if one internalizes commitment. These 'intern-turned-staff' talents epitomize this great trait.

Himanshu, the winner for DEDICATION: By and large, everyone is dedicated to his/her work. But, the level of dedication is what differentiates the great from the good.

Himanshu is dedicated not just to what he has to deliver, but to what the organization needs to as well. The designer's attention spreads way beyond his ambit, to oversee other areas of the project, just to ensure things are fine. This is a rare trait to come by and C2 has been quick to spot the Redwood for Dedication.

Monica, the winner for FLEXIBILITY: Would anyone agree to let his/her profile keep changing? Definitely not, for the simple reason that this would affect their career prospects.
 
It's refreshing to find someone who places her heart in just doing her best in whatever comes her way - a one-in-a-million trait. Monica has kept herself so flexible so as to be called in for anything that needed her attention. And, by that special attitude, she becomes C2's Redwood for Flexibility.

Nirmal, Nirmal Ranganathan & Santhosh, the winners for INITIATIVE: It doesn't take any great effort to spot those rare minds that possess the habit to take initiatives. "Why not do this additional stuff that'll help the organization?" is a question not many would ask. Understandably, everyone is engrossed into what s/he needs to deliver at the end of the day, 'cos, that's what is expected of them. But, those who deliver on something that's not expected out of them are a special lot.

By the same reason, these three minds become C2's Redwoods for Initiative.

About the Redwoods:

The Redwood Tree, a veritable giant, completely dwarfs you at first sight. Growing from a seed no bigger than that of a tomato, it reaches heights of 367 feet (the height of a 35-storey building). Around since the Jurassic Age, with an average life expectancy of nearly 2000 years, its roots go OUT (not down) 900 feet, interlocking with the soil and roots of other trees. Disease and pests have failed to conquer it, making it evergreen.

Initiated in 2006, the Redwood Awards is based on the premise that "Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude". It recognizes employees who stand tall among giants in terms of their attitudinal skills including commitment, dedication, motivation and initiative.

ID: Move On The Moving Ground!

What if the terra-firma I'm standing confidently on, shakes violently under my feet?

I would be completely shaken up to say the least. I wouldn't be sure of my next step, 'cos, what if, by its very action, it causes a graver shake-up, taking me all the way down? The journey from an elevated and elated state to an abysmal depth could be depressing.

Such situations are not exclusive to topographical properties alone. They could cause an equally powerful turbulence to my mind landscapes as well, if what's thought of as fool-proof turns around and makes a consummate idiot out of me.

I could quote Instructional designing as a classic example, to prove this point. I put my heart and soul in thinking scenarios and come up with what I think is a piece of pure gold. But, in no time, I find this impression getting shaken up by none other than my student - of all people.

That paralyzing fear is what causes me not to take any chances. Nothing could replace my feeling completely safe and secure in my own cocoon. So no venturing out! And, that's probably the reason why one doesn't find brilliance around.

If some exemplary action needs to happen in my instructional designing, the first and foremost thing I need to learn is TO DARE! So what if I go down the abyss? Would there be no way out? There definitely would be, if only I look around...

... If only I learn mastering mental agility, so as to be able to let go, jump over the divide and land wherever I find the firm ground and take it from there.

In other words, learn to move on the constantly moving ground to produce something that'll move.

(Nirmal Ranganathan, Instructional Designer, C2 Workshop)