Gamification means using the principles of game design in another context; for example, a training program or an e-Learning course. An e-Learning course that has been gamified will include elements such as challenges, rewards, and repeated attempts. There are many benefits to gamification, but one of the greatest is the way a gamified course can engage and motivate learners.

How can a video help gamify my e-Learning course?

Videos are an important tool in your toolbox. Along with other gamification elements like transitions, custom slide branching, quizzes, feedback messages and interactive activities, they can provide the finishing touch to your engaging learning course.

Videos can be used:

1. To provide a quick overview or a preview of the content. Begin a new section of a course with a video that engages interest, reveals the topic, clarifies expectations or teaches the needed content.
2. To give a hint. Find or create videos that reveal just enough but not too much. One feature of gamification is offering multiple attempts to achieve a goal, as most real computer games do. Therefore, another place to offer a video with a hint could be after a user gives a wrong answer but before he or she goes back to try again.
3. To explain the right answer. Because a user may get a correct answer through a “lucky guess,” reviewing why the answer is correct can reinforce learning. A video can be an engaging format for that review.
4. To provide instructions for a game-based activity. Learning a new board game from a friend is usually more fun than reading the rulebook that comes in the box, and a video is the next-best thing. If you add a specific game or game-like activity to your course, a video can provide the instructions and even give a demonstration.
5. To let the creator or instructor address users directly. Add a personal face to an online course with a video of yourself! Record yourself explaining the course material, introducing yourself to students, or presenting a mini-lecture on the topic.

And fortunately, you can easily insert videos from YouTube using two ways:

• Use PowerPoint itself
• Use PowerPoint add-ins like iSpring

How can I insert a YouTube video in PowerPoint?

Embedding a video from YouTube into PowerPoint 2013 is pretty simple, as the program comes with a YouTube button.

1. Click on the Insert tab and then click the Video icon near the far right. Select Online Video.

2. The Insert Video dialogue box will open. You will see that the first option is YouTube.

3. Enter a search term to find your video. Then select your video and click Insert.

4. Your video will now appear on the slide, and you can fine-tune its size and position. Go to the Playback ribbon under Video Tools and select your preferred playback options (automatic or on-click). Preview the slide in Slide Show mode to check that the video is working properly.

If you prefer to use the second option, From a Video Embed Code, you can copy and paste the video embed code from YouTube into the box provided.

You will find this code underneath the original video by clicking on Share -> Embed:

The methods described above embed a video that will only play when an Internet connection is available. If you need to show your PowerPoint in a location without an Internet connection, you will need to insert a video file that you have saved on your hard drive. For an e-Learning course that you publish on the Internet, this should not be an issue.

It is possible to add a YouTube video in PowerPoint 2007 and 2010 as well, but the process is more complicated. Watch these YouTube videos to learn how to insert YouTube videos:

Inserting a You Tube video into PowerPoint 2010 using embed code.

Inserting a video avoiding YouTube’s embed code.

You can also use the second method to insert a video in PowerPoint 2007.

How can I insert a YouTube video with iSpring?

iSpring is a PowerPoint add-in that enables you to transform your PowerPoint presentation into an e-Learning course, complete with quizzes and interactions. This ability is ideal for gamifying your content. iSpring adds an extra tab within PowerPoint, and that tab will also let you easily embed a video from YouTube.

1. On the iSpring toolbar, click on the YouTube icon:

2. This will open a dialogue box where you can simply paste the URL of your video (the central button will show an optional tutorial):

3. If you click Preview, you will see your video:

4. Click OK to insert the video into the slide. It will appear as a picture of a reel of film, and you can adjust its size and location:

5. After you publish your presentation as an e-Learning course through iSpring, the video will only play when the course is posted online. In other contexts, a link to the video will appear:

6. When your e-Learning course is posted on a website or LMS, the video will play within the screen of the course.

Gamification increases user engagement by incorporating game elements in the design of an e-Learning course. By following one of the methods described above, you can really juice up your course! Select fun and informative videos from the millions available online and use them to enhance your courses and presentations. Quit putting your audience to sleep!

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Written by: Elizabeth Studenroth
Elizabeth Studenroth has been writing for iSpring for almost a year now. She manages to successfully combine writing about e-Learning with actually teaching people at a community college. Being inspired by both learning and teaching, she is really passionate about both of her jobs. We believe it’s that passion that helps her get down to the bottom of any topic.