The term ‘gamification’ can be described as a means of making tasks and processes more engaging and fun. It is a rapidly growing field that has become recognized by many industries as a method for encouraging customer loyalty, employee engagement, and innovation among a wide array of stakeholders. As such, many universities have begun to offer courses specifically focused on this topic. This paper examines the contents of such a course, outlining the core topics, the structure of the course, the types of assessment methods used, and finally, the expected student outcomes.
The topics covered in a gamification course will vary depending on the specific institution, however, it is likely that any course on the subject will contain most of the following core topics. First, the basic principles and concepts of game design, such as motivation, reward systems, and engagement, will be studied. These are the building blocks of successful gamification and are necessary for a student to understand the subsequent topics. Next, the students will learn about the benefits and applications of gamification, as well as the risks associated with using it. The course will also cover the technical aspects of gamification, such as its implementation with digital tools. Furthermore, the students will be educated about the end user experience, as well as ethical considerations.
The structure of the course will generally involve theoretical presentations, interactive class discussions and exercises, and a range of assessment tasks. Class participation is encouraged to ensure that each student can actively engage in the material while also gaining an understanding of the global trends and applications of gamification. In addition, case studies may be used to provide real-world examples that allow students to apply the principles they have learnt in the course.
The range of assessment tasks used in a gamification course will depend on the particular institution and its expectations. Generally, the methods will be a mixture of written tasks, such as essays and reports, and practical tasks, such as online quizzes and hands-on design projects. To ensure that each student has acquired the necessary knowledge, a final exam is typically included to assess their understanding of the material.
Finally, the team of educators in charge of the course will have clear expectations for the students at the end of the program. Upon completing the gamification course, the students should possess an understanding of the fundamental concepts of game design, the benefits and risks of gamification, and how it can be applied to various contexts. In addition, they should be able to create and design their own gamified activities to provoke meaningful learning.