Gamification

It was interesting to read how the psychology and mechanics of gaming could be applied to the learning process to engage the students and create a rich learning experience.  Initially when I read the title of the report I assumed gamification meant to add more activities and games in the learning activities. But this is exactly what it is NOT! It's about understanding the mechanics of gaming that keep the users engaged and translating those design mechanics to the teaching and learning process. What a brilliant idea!

 Although I'm not a serious gamer, over the years i've played several games that have completely hooked me so I can totally relate to many concepts being explained in the article such as the the thrill of mastering a level in a game or anticipation of reaching the next level and encountering new challenges. I particularly liked the idea of the flow channel. This means that learning should be designed in such a way that it's incremental and allow students to progress by increasing the level of challenge gradually. Too challenging = anxiety, too simple = boring.

After reading the article I tried to apply a simple gamification strategy when i handed out the project requirements in class. Raymer made a very compelling point in his article about making the user feel smart.  I could see how the students could get confused with so many requirements in the project task.  So I created a progress sheet with my students in class which I felt would accomplish many objectives of gamification:

• Break down goals to manageable levels
• Measure progress and motivate students
• Peer motivation
• Provide feedback

The progress sheet is much like the progress sheet we have for PGCTHE module 2 project. Initially the students were overwhelmed by their Project requirements. But when I broke down their tasks into smaller manageable goals and projected it on the screen it felt less threatening. As they completed the small tasks of simply creating their teams, choosing topics, writing a description and purpose statement I kept updating the spreadsheet. I could see that they were excited to reach the next level. Feedback at every level made them feel comfortable and the whole project now seemed more manageable. I then asked then to continue updating the sheet when they finished parts of the project. This way they could also see other teams progress as well.

Additionally, I could make sure I encourgage the students and provide regular feedbacks in the form of check drafts of their work. Moreover, i could also incoroporate ways to reward effort rather than the

I think that the principle of gamification is simple yet effective. Many of us as educators may use it within our teaching and learning unknowingly like breaking down topics in small topics that students can master before proceeding to the next topic. However conciously understanding the effect of these mechanics and applying it in any learning activity can enhance the learning experience.