Could Gamification Designs Enhance Online Learning Through Personalization? Lessons from a Field Experiment
Information Systems
Leung, Alvin Chung Man; Santhanam, Radhika; Kwok, Ron Chi-Wai; Yue, Wei Thoo
Published in Information Systems Research, March 2023
In the world of online learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are like guiding lights, offering a flexible and affordable way for everyone to learn new things. These courses have changed how higher education works, giving learners a wide range of educational options at their fingertips.
But there's a challenge: how can online learners do well without a physical teacher around? This is where gamification comes in. It's a fun way to help students learn better on their own in online classes.
The Gamification Effect: A Deeper Dive
Professor Alvin Leung Chung-man from the Department of Information Systems and his team are looking into how gamification can make online learning more engaging. Their research shows that gamification works best when it's tailored to each learner's unique traits.
“Some learners prefer to quietly earn rewards,” Professor Leung says. “They tend to shy away from public failure or peer comparisons. For them, getting virtual badges or awards can be a big motivation to succeed.”
On the other hand, other learners are focused on mastering subjects and only care a little about these rewards. They prefer setting their own high standards. Therefore, a personalised approach is critical, making sure the learning experience matches what drives them.
The Future of Personalised Learning
In a world where no single solution can fit all, personalised gamification is like a light at the end of the tunnel.
Using a simple learning goal orientation test can be an inexpensive but valuable tool to determine the goal orientations of students in their learning process, says Professor Leung. “Gamification is cost-effective to implement, with many online platforms offering tools to create badges and virtual points. The crucial aspect is aligning these gamified elements with students’ learning goal orientations.
By using it thoughtfully, education can become more engaging and even inspire learners who might have lost interest.
As online education grows, blending gamification with personalised learning could unlock its full potential. This fusion could create a future where learners are motivated and eager to learn, blending their drive for success with a love for knowledge.
Professor Alvin Leung Chung-man
Prof. Alvin Leung Chung-man is Associate Professor at the Department of Information Systems, College of Business, City University of Hong Kong. His research interests lie at the intersection of IS and Finance. His current research primarily focuses on IT business value, business analytics and information security. His teaching objective is to bring his research into class. He is interested in teaching business strategies and introducing new information technologies to enhance corporate competitive advantages. His works have been published in various leading IS journals and international conference proceedings. He currently serves as Associate Editor for Decision Support Systems and the Communications of the AIS.
Professor Ron Kwok Chi-wai
Prof. Ron Kwok Chi-wai is Associate Professor in the Department of Information Systems of the City University of Hong Kong, and was Assistant Professor in the School of Management at the State University of New York at Binghamton (US) before joining the City University of Hong Kong in 2002. He received the University Grants Committee (UGC) Teaching Award (Team award) in Sept 2017, two Teaching Excellence Awards (2005-06, 2012-13), and Innovative CityU-Learning Awards (2020/21), etc., from the City University of Hong Kong. Also, Prof. Kwok received the Best Paper Awards in the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (2000) and Outstanding Paper Award in the ED-MEDIA World Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (2007 and 2011).
Professor Wei-thoo Yue
Prof. Wei-thoo Yue is Professor of Management Information Systems in the Department of Information Systems at City University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining City University of Hong Kong, he was a faculty member at the University of Texas, Dallas. His research interests focus on the economic and operational aspects of information security and information systems. His work has appeared in Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, and other journals. He currently serves as Senior Editor for Production and Operations Management.
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