Gamification in Moodle guide

Gamification is the application of concepts and designs from games to make learning more motivating and engaging. Kapp et al. (2014, p.55) explain structural gamification as:

"[...]the application of game elements to propel a learner through content with no alternation or changes to the content." 

This guide explores how you can use use Moodle features to apply structural gamification principles to your module. 

Kapp et al. (2014) suggest using structural gamification when you want to:

• Motivate students through the module.
• Encourage students to return to the module on a regular basis.
• Encourage students to innovate.
• Encourage independent study.

Dickey (2005, cited in Glover, 2013a, p.2000)  outlines three components of games:

"goal-focused activity, reward mechanism and progress tracking".

The remainder of the guide provides an overview of the Moodle toolkit that you can use to support structural gamification.

• Deterding, S. (2011) Meaningful Play Getting Gamification Right [online] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZGCPap7GkY (Accessed: 03.02.16)
• Glover, I (2013a) 'Play as you learn: gamification as a technique for motivating learners. In: Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2013. AACE , Chesapeake, VA, 1999-2008 .
• Glover, I. (2013b) Play as You Learn: Gamification as a Technique for Motivating Learners [online] Available from: http://www.slideshare.net/IanGlover2/112246-24296067 (Accessed: 21.5.15)
• Havergal C.(2015) 'Lego: the building blocks of university teaching?' in Times Higher Education 16-22 July 2015, no 2,12
• Kapp, K.M, Blair, L & Mesch, R (2014) The Gamification of learning and instruction fieldbook. San Franciso: Wiley
• Kapp, K. (2014) 'Show the Learner Visible Signs of Their Learning' in Faculty Focus [online] available from: http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/gamification-shows-learner-visible-signs-learning/ (Accessed 03.02.16)