Gamification and Education: Achievements, Cognitive Loads, and Views of Students

Authors

  • Zeynep Turan Ataturk University
  • Zeynep Avinc Ataturk University
  • Kadir Kara Ataturk University
  • Yuksel Goktas Ataturk University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v11i07.5455

Keywords:

Gamification, Cognitive Load, Games, Game Based Learning, Gamifying

Abstract


In this mixed method research study, the effect of gamification strategies on students’ cognitive load levels and achievements was examined along with student opinions about gamification. The topic of spreadsheets was covered for six weeks in a sixth grade information technologies and software course. The sample consisted of a control group of 48 students who were trained via traditional procedures and an experimental group of 46 students who were trained using gamification strategies. Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and descriptive analysis were applied to the data. A significant difference was found between the two groups that indicated higher achievement in the experimental group. When comparing cognitive load levels, the experimental group also scored higher than the control group. Interviews indicated that the students had positive views about gamification strategies.

Author Biographies

Zeynep Turan, Ataturk University

Zeynep Turan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Education & Instructional Technology at Ataturk University. Her research interests are in the computer-based instruction, social media, instructional design, and research methods.

Zeynep Avinc, Ataturk University

Zeynep Avinc is a Master of Science student at the department of Computer Education & Instructional Technology at Ataturk University.

Kadir Kara, Ataturk University

Kadir Kara is a Master of Science student at the department of Computer Education & Instructional Technology at Ataturk University.

Yuksel Goktas, Ataturk University

Yuksel Goktas is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Education & Instructional Technology. He has completed his B.S. degree in Department of Computer Education from Gazi University. He also received a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology from Middle East Technical University in Turkey.He was a visiting scholar at Purdue University's Educational Technology Program during 2005-2006. His research interests include Web 2.0, technology integration and usage, instructional design, problem-based learning, and research methods.

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Published

2016-07-21

How to Cite

Turan, Z., Avinc, Z., Kara, K., & Goktas, Y. (2016). Gamification and Education: Achievements, Cognitive Loads, and Views of Students. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 11(07), pp. 64–69. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v11i07.5455

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 07 (2016)

Section

Papers