Content area
Full Text
Abstract: This paper aims to illustrate the concept of gamification and the way it can be integrated in the learning process. For this purpose, two main questions are addressed: (1) what is gamification as opposed to educational games? and (2) what is the importance of gamification and of educational games? Farther on, the paper illustrates how INSOFT Development and Consulting implements gamification and educational games to create engaging and highly motivating learning objects. Limitations of gamification and educational games are also discussed.
Keywords: gamification, educational games, engagement, motivation
I. DEFINITION OF GAMIFICATION
Gamification is defined as using the mechanics of games to make learning more engaging. However, this definition is somewhat ambiguous as it lets room for interpretation and debate. There are three questions that need to be answered in order to get an in-depth understanding of the concept of gamification: what are the features of a game, which and how many of them need to be used in order to gamify learning and last, but not least, what is the difference between gamification of learning and an educational game? Through a review of the literature each of these questions will be answered.
1.1 What are the features of a game?
The definition above stated that gamification implies using the features of a game to the learning process. Therefore, the first step for defining the gamification process is identifying the characteristics of a game. This is rather difficult, as there is a wide range of games and finding a common denominator may lead to missing some insight to the core of the game mechanics. However, eight features seem to be recurrently listed in the literature on gaming and gamification.
a. Rules. One of the main characteristic of a game is that its rules are clearly stated from the beginning. The players know what is expected from them, what they are allowed and what they are not allowed to do. Rules create a logically structured context for the activity to take place.
b. Goals and clear outcome. Every game provides the player with a mission so that he or she knows what needs to be accomplished. This allows them to set strategies, and to monitor their progress, therefore allowing them to develop autonomy in...