Interactive training produces effective learning. There is more to interactive training than games and group projects. We have identified (and field-tested) more than 100 different interactive training techniques. Here are brief descriptions of three of them. (More to follow in the future issues of the Game Letter.)

Assessment-Based Learning Activities (ABLA) require participants to complete a test, a rating scale, or a questionnaire and receive a score (and other feedback) about their personal competencies, attitudes, or personality traits. In some ABLAs, participants' responses are combined to identify the perceptions, opinions, or characteristics of a team, a workgroup, or an organization. Whenever appropriate, ABLAs encourage interaction and discussion among participants to analyze their responses and to apply the results to future action.

Audio Games are training activities that primarily depend on playback of recorded audio messages (such as audiotape or streaming audio) to provide the training content, structure the training activity, and collect players' responses. Most audio games use very few or no visuals.

Board Games borrow structures and play materials from popular recreational games to create highly motivating training events. Board games typically use game cards and dice to encourage individuals and teams to explore relevant concepts, principles, skills, and problem-solving strategies.