Old School vs. New School - Can Video Games Help You Learn?

When asked the question if video games can help you learn, instructional design consulting professionals reply that the jury is still out…the research results are inconclusive. In general, one could say that quality games can help build some skills that are useful on the job.

Some games can help develop memory and improve attention. There are others that train you to capture more information to facilitate decision making. And still other games that involve strategic thinking that can help build a more strategic point of view. But when you look at “brain training” specifically, it is reported that it can take about 90 hours of training before you can see actual changes in the brain.

The best overall advice is still old school. 

1. Business Focus.  First determine the specific business and performance metrics and objectives with key stakeholders.  
2. Vital Few.  Then identify the critical few skills that need to be enhanced in the work force to move the metrics that matter most.
3. Relevant Design.  Lastly, design the most effective way to train, reinforce, monitor and measure the new behaviors. Most often, the more old-fashioned way is best…with face-to-face, interactive, customized and high-fidelity scenario-based training followed by coaching for reinforcement on-the-job and measurement to track, confirm and drive progress.