In this episode of The Digital Adoption Show, host Neha Smriti dives deep into gamification in learning with Karl Kapp, a leading expert in instructional design and gamified learning. Karl is a full professor at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, an L&D practitioner, speaker, and the mastermind behind the L&D Mentor Academy. He has spent over two decades transforming traditional learning experiences into interactive, game-like experiences that engage learners and drive real-world results.
We explore the science of making learning addictive, why traditional training fails to engage, and how action-first learning changes the game. Karl shares real-life gamification success stories, common pitfalls companies make when adopting gamification, and how AI is shaping the future of instructional design.
His upcoming book, Action First Learning, is a must-read for anyone looking to move beyond passive learning models and create truly engaging and impactful learning experiences.
Karl Kapp’s Journey into Gamification & Learning Design
- Karl’s first experience in instructional design through a sixth-grade safety video.
- How theatrical training influenced his approach to learning and public speaking.
- His transition from traditional instructional design to innovative, gamified learning.
The Power of Gamification in Learning
- Why most corporate training fails—the problem with passive learning.
- How to make learning addictive and engaging through gamification.
- The science of behavior change and why experience-driven learning works.
Real-World Examples of Gamification Driving Business Impact
- Escape Room Onboarding: How a consulting firm improved teamwork and retention through an interactive airport simulation.
- Board Game for Business Strategy: Transforming siloed managers into strategic thinkers through gameplay.
- Fraud Investigation Simulation: Training professionals to conduct financial investigations through immersive storytelling.
Measuring the Success of Gamification in L&D
- Why traditional training metrics (attendance, completion rates) are misleading.
- How to measure behavioral change and business impact effectively.
- The importance of pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments.
Action First Learning: Karl’s New Book
- The problem with passive learning models.
- How action-based learning improves retention and engagement.
- Step-by-step playbook for designing gamified experiences.
- Why every chapter is a standalone guide to implementing a different gamification strategy.
Gamification & Digital Adoption Platforms
- How gamification can boost user adoption of digital platforms.
- The power of badges, leaderboards, and incentives in enterprise software.
- How companies can gamify onboarding & training experiences for better retention.
AI in Gamification & Instructional Design
- How AI augments instructional designers, making content creation more efficient.
- AI’s role in brainstorming game mechanics, designing scenarios, and improving learning personalization.
- Why AI can’t replace human experience design but can be a powerful exoskeleton for instructional designers.
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