What is Gamification?
Gamification “is using game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems” (Kapp, 2012, What is gamification, para. 4). It can be divided into two strands: structural and content. Structural gamification works towards mastery of content through a game like structure of earning points or rewards. If content is not mastered, mini lessons appear within the game that address misconceptions and errors. Content gamification, on the other hand, alters content and enlists students to take on an active role in a challenge context to solve problems. Gamification involves different combinations of game elements to guide instruction and promote learning. Some examples include goals, rules of play, a sense of competition or cooperation, point scoring and leveling-up, feedback, and storytelling or role play.
Gamification is an educational tool that can be used to rethink learning design. Karl Kapp (2014, para. 3), an educator and professor of instructional technology, claims that it is “an approach to instruction that facilitates learning and encourages motivation using game elements, mechanics, and game-based thinking.”
Gamification is an educational tool that can be used to rethink learning design. Karl Kapp (2014, para. 3), an educator and professor of instructional technology, claims that it is “an approach to instruction that facilitates learning and encourages motivation using game elements, mechanics, and game-based thinking.”
The following video will provide an overview of gamification in the classroom. While watching this video you will be able to identify the characteristics of gamification, to distinguish gamification from other game environments and and to compare and contrast structural and content gamification.
(Kapp, 2014. What is Gamification?)