Gamification is a term that gets thrown around in higher education frequently these days, but what and more importantly how can that be achieved?

The concept of Gamification is creating game mechanics (point systems, levels, leaderboards and challenges) into a learning environment. Video games are the dominant entertainment form of our time because they are powerful tools for motivating behavior. The idea is to create a game like environment that plays on peoples’ natural need for competition and achievement. A very common use of Gamification in Higher Education is the technique of rewarding learners who accomplish tasks.

An example of this in a course setting could be by adding in some hidden tasks in your course a learner would have to accomplish in order to gain badges, points, or credits. Those badges could then be traded in for possible prizes within the course such as extra credit, a test retake (maybe), or a get out of homework free badge. These are some of the simpler ways of incorporating this concept into a course setting.

That example is a simple way that anyone can take advantage of this concept, but personally I have always thought the best way to accomplish “Gamification” is playing a game and learning about content without knowing I learned anything at all. I know what you’re thinking, building an entire game takes time, graphic skills, and development skills that most people don’t have, but I firmly agree accomplishes the concept of Gamification more efficiently.

Think about playing The Oregon Trail years ago. That game was about getting your family from point A to point B without getting everyone killed, a simple game. Personally I always lost everyone to dysentery (Which I think I’m still mad about), but as you advance through that game you accomplish little quests in order gain food, fix your wagon, and cross rivers. All that time playing the learner is absorbing content like foraging and hunting techniques, wagon differences and repair, and even geography. 

Games have always been an effective way to create motivation in people so why not try them to motivate students?

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media