Game mechanics for classroom engagement

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gamification, the integration of game mechanics to influence behavior and engagement, is a much-touted method of improving participant action. Characteristics of online video games (e.g., World of Warcraft, Farmville, The Sims) have been shown to improve motivation, sustain learner engagement, and increase satisfaction. Gamification is used in websites, businesses, medicine, law enforcement, and increasingly in education. However, gamification is only beneficial to an activity if the relationship between the activity and the final goal are understood. This chapter looks at the gamification in education, in particular second language acquisition, and examines seven basic game mechanics: achievement, appointment, rewards, leaderboards, privacy, social engagement loops (or viral mechanics), and modifiers. The discussion describes implementation of game mechanics and potential pitfalls of gamification.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIncreasing Student Engagement and Retention Using Immersive Interfaces
Subtitle of host publicationVirtual Worlds, Gaming, and Simulation
EditorsCharles Wankel, Patrick Blessinger
Pages67-94
Number of pages28
EditionPARTC
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameCutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education
NumberPARTC
Volume6
ISSN (Print)2044-9968
ISSN (Electronic)2044-9976

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Communication

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