Gamification in Learning
“Gamification is a strategy that has the potential to modernize educational settings and promote engagement and motivation in students in the same ways that games do. Numerous game elements and characteristics can be used to engage sudents in learning. However, gamification can also effect students’ motivation due to the use of extrinsic rewards, for example. Furthermore, students tend to react better to gamification when the process is new, whereas following a longer period of exposure, it can become less influential and even boring. For this reason, gamification needs to be explored further in education, but with caution.” [2]
Benefits of gamification in learning
1. Increases student interest
2. More commitment in class
3. Awaken the student’s curiositty
4. Stimulates healthy competition
5. Overcome objections
6. Useful for all ages
7. Helps increase students’ attention span [1]
What is Octalysis?
Octalysis is a framework that emphasizes “Human-Focused Design” instead of mere functionality, optimizing human motivation and engagement within a system. [5]
Principles of Octalysis framework in Duolingo
Duolingo’s language app soars with gamification, driving high user retention and rapid growth to 19M daily active users by 2023. [3] Let’s look at Duolingo’s way of implementing the principles of Octalysis framework.
1. Meaning and Calling
- notifications
2. Empowerment
- constant feedback
- wrong answers considered as an opportunity to learn and grow
3. Social Influence
- connecting with friends, friend invites
- sharing on Instagram
4. Unpredictability and curiosity
- locked levels
5. Avoidance
- “streak” feature
6. Scarcity and impatience
- desire to obtain more XP
7. Ownership
- profile picture
- XP
- Gems
8. Accomplishment
- challenges broken into stages
- points, leagues and streaks
- bright colours and positive playfull illustrations [4]
Gamification holds immense promise as a transformative tool in learning outcomes. Through the Octalysis framework, exemplified by Duolingo’s remarkable success, we’ve seen how strategic implementation of gamified elements can captivate learners and sustain their enthusiasm over time. It offers a pathway toward more dynamic and effective learning experiences for students of all ages.
[1] (2023) How to use gamification in eLearning for maximum engagement and effectiveness [online]. [cit. 2024–03–12]. From: https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-gamification-in-elearning-for-maximum-engagement-and-effectiveness
[2] Ratinho, E. (2023) The role of gamified learning strategies in student’s motivation in high school and higher education: A systematic review. From: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023062412
[3] Scacchi, M. (2023) Duolingo’s gamified success: A language learning triumph. From: https://sensortower.com/blog/duolingos-gamified-success-a-language-learning-triumph
[4] Bilham, J. (2021) Case study: How Duolingo utilises gamification to increase user interest. From: https://raw.studio/blog/how-duolingo-utilises-gamification/
[5] Chou, Y. The Octalysis Framework for Gamification and Behavioral Design. From: https://yukaichou.com/gamification-examples/octalysis-complete-gamification-framework/
