Applying game design elements to training sessions offers a way to make learning more engaging with the ultimate goal of improving language retention. Organizations can start with traditional awareness training and build upon it by introducing contests or games that reward users for correctly reporting potential risks. Game mechanics like interactive learning modules or real-world scenarios (like simulated phishing emails) can be easily incorporated into training procedures for new staff.
The core idea of gamification is to make nongame activities feel more like games by adding features like points, badges, challenges, and rewards to incentivize active participation. The concept is based on people’s natural tendencies for competition, achievement, collaboration, and self-expression.
An article published in Chief Learning Officer Media notes, “Gamification, on the other hand, only uses a few game elements. Learners don’t play an entire game from start to finish; they participate in activities that include video or mobile game elements such as earning points, overcoming a challenge, or receiving badges for accomplishing tasks.”
There are two primary approaches to gamification. Structural gamification involves adding game mechanics to existing processes without changing the content itself, and content gamification embed game mechanics directly into the content to make the experience more interactive.
Training content that would usually consist of lengthy informational packages can be broken down into interactive modules where employees actively participate in scenarios and tasks rather than passively consume them. These modules could be simulations, quizzes, and problem-solving exercises.
Employees earn points for completing tasks, answering questions correctly, and achieving training milestones. The accomplishments of players could be publicized if that is something they are comfortable with.
Hands-on practice in the form of cybersecurity scenarios can help staff apply lessons to situations that would require its application. For example, organizations can make use of simulated data breaches to test staff member's knowledge and reaction times.
Phishing simulations provide an opportunity to help staff identify malicious emails. Incorporating scoring systems to identify the details that users recognize as malicious in the simulations can go a long way.
While HIPAA compliant email software like Paubox easily protects emails, they don’t take away the risk of human error which could lead to a HIPAA violation. Training makes sure staff understand HIPAA regulations and meets the requirements of the Privacy and Security Rules for the handling of electronic protected health information.
Covered entities must train workforce members on HIPAA related policies and procedures relevant to their roles.
HIPAA requires that both covered entities and business associates provide HIPAA training to workforce members who handle PHI.
New employees should receive compliance training "within a reasonable period of time" of joining a covered entity.