Gamification in Learning
How we apply and use gamified elements as a means of motivating learners and guiding behaviors.
What is gamification in learning?
Just like a video game with points, levels, and badges, gamification in learning is the earning and spending of points, a tiered system of advancement, and the award of badges for the completion of certain sets of projects and exercises.
While some systems make learners compete against each other, our is focused on the individual because there is little sense in competition when mastery-based learning is involved: the point is to motivate learners to mastery and becoming competent.
A New World of Learning: Gamification Elements
PInspired by research into gamification in video games, online community development, and economic studies, Qwasar uses 6 elements of gamification in learning. These elements are designed to work together to both direct and motivate learners.
Economies, levels, and skills help learners to navigate their own learning and their new technical world while simultaneously allowing them to feel and take confidence in how far they have progressed and what they’re capable of doing.
The reward that comes with finishing a project, plus the responsibility of using correction points wisely, encourages learners to take ownership of their learning, submit work with minimal errors, and progress through their tracks.
GAMIFICATION DESIGN MATTERS
Incorrectly designing a gamification system can have negative effects and results on learner motivation and behaviour. The use of these 6 elements is to encourage learning and to motivate the learner.
The Gamification in Learning Spectrum
Gamification in learning can range from a simple points system to a sophisticated and science-backed system that aims to fuel learner motivation and impacts learner outcomes.
Not all “gamified” programs or platforms are backed by learning science, psychology, or neuroscience, and thus do not obtain the same outcomes.
Properly designed systems can have a significant impact on learner motivation, duration, and program completion.
Learners who face complementary gamification elements tend to have higher motivation and engagement in their learning.
Gamification in Learning: Our Points System
COMPLETE A PROEJCT
Earn project or experience points for each project successfully completed.
SPEND POINTS
To submit a project for review, to be graded, learners spend points.
EARN POINTS
Each time a learner completes a peer code review for another learner, they earn points. Learners also earn points each day they log on.
COMMUNITY POINTS
Learners can also earn points by helping out other learners in the community, answering questions in our forums.
Selected Gamification in Learning Research
Below we share some links to academic research articles or papers on gamification in learning.
Gamification
Respected author Karl Knapp explores a solid overview of gamification in learning in his book, sharing what works and what doesn’t.
Learning Behaviours
Richard Langers looks at the use of gamification, game attribute taxonomies, and psychological theories.
Overview
Peer Learning
Learning from peers, peer code reviews, and working in groups is a core part of our programs here at Qwasar.