Watch the Best Video Introduction to Gamification & Explanation of its Pros & Cons from Penny Arcade

It's a funny and informative introduction to gamification and I guarantee you will laugh out loud at least once :)

This may actually be the first simple explanation I've ever seen of any of the potential positives AND pitfalls of using gamification as a strategy.  Clocking in at around 6 minutes, it's a great introduction to share with people who are interested in learning about the basics of gamification.

The fantastic work done on this particular episode deserves to be called out:

Introduction to Gamification & Educational Benefits of Gaming

I ran across this article during the Holiday Break and it really struck a chord with me.  It's an account of a teacher who heard the word "gamification" for the first time during a discussion with a friend about how she was applying certain techniques to her student development and lesson plans.

Image Source: Language Teaching Tips

She posted a quick diary of the main benefits she saw with her students in the classroom:

1. Competition
2. Self-expression
3. Achievement
4. Rewards

I also came across this latest study outlining how Medical Students performed better at Surgery after hours of Nintendo Wii Play each week and may also be the key to "developing cognitive skills to improve surgery performance."