Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers

Kevin Fuchs

doi:10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

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Kevin Fuchs ¹ ^*

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¹ Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This narrative review critically examines the application of gamification in higher education. Gamification, the integration of game elements into learning, is increasingly used to enhance student engagement and motivation. However, the effectiveness of gamification depends on its alignment with learning objectives. Superficial use of game elements, such as irrelevant badges, can hinder meaningful learning outcomes. Moreover, over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to short-term motivation but may compromise deep learning. Additionally, a competitive culture fostered by gamification might hinder collaboration and stress individual achievement. To harness gamification’s benefits, educators must carefully design game mechanics to promote collaboration, select suitable activities, and consider diverse learning styles. This review underscores the need for thoughtful integration of gamification and the importance of evaluating its impact on pedagogical goals in higher education. The article concludes by providing implications for research and practice.

Keywords

higher education
game-based learning
gamification
classroom technology
pedagogy
motivation
challenges

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Review

International Journal of Changes in Education, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2024, 51-56

https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

Publication date: 29 Feb 2024

Article Views: 4

Article Downloads: 3

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How to cite this article

APA

Fuchs, K. (2024). Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers. International Journal of Changes in Education, 1(1), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

Vancouver

Fuchs K. Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2024;1(1):51-6. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

AMA

Fuchs K. Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2024;1(1), 51-56. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

Chicago

Fuchs, Kevin. "Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers". International Journal of Changes in Education 2024 1 no. 1 (2024): 51-56. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

Harvard

Fuchs, K. (2024). Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers. International Journal of Changes in Education, 1(1), pp. 51-56. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604

MLA

Fuchs, Kevin "Challenges with Gamification in Higher Education: A Narrative Review with Implications for Educators and Policymakers". International Journal of Changes in Education, vol. 1, no. 1, 2024, pp. 51-56. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE32021604