Gamification Methods in Higher Education.

Gamification impacts the classroom through the integration of personal and social elements, creating an immersive learning environment. Rooted in the motivational framework of flow experiences, gamification is a contemporary educational approach that leverages the characteristics of gaming culture. This study examined how gamification techniques were operationalized by eight professors and one director of instructional technology. The results of interviews among a purposive sample show that gamification improves learning outcomes. Subjects ranging from computer science and technology to languages and multimedia journalism are taught in classrooms on campus, online, and in hybrid settings. Game design mechanics such as points, challenges, and collaboration rank as the top three elements of gamification. Professors noted increases in student coursework completion and discussion participation; students were exposed to real life situations and had fun learning. This study addresses the gap in educational perspectives through gamification to encourage desirable behavior for the benefit of the learner community.