“What Do You Mean, Gamification Doesn’t Work?”
03.10.2025 | Written by Jessi Watson
Over the past decade, gamification has become a buzzword in education. Professors and instructional designers alike have embraced game-inspired elements to boost engagement, creativity, and motivation in the classroom. But does gamification actually work? Some critics would have you believe that it is a senseless fad.
The truth is, just like with most things in life and science, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no —it depends on how you use it!
Gamification has the potential to transform learning experiences, making them more engaging and effective. However, poorly executed gamification can be ineffective, and even cause stress and disrupt learning. It doesn’t matter that it is gamified if it doesn’t work!
If gamification is not working for you or your students, you might be doing it wrong. While the science is still somewhat limited, there are a few common threads that are supported by existing literature:
Why Amazon Can Read Your Mind but Your Students are Still Falling Asleep in Class
10.14.2024
Imagine that you just finished binge-watching the season finale of that exciting new show on Netflix. You reach for the remote in disappointment, but a banner pops up at the bottom of the screen that says “suggested for you.” You may have turned off the TV or switched to another streaming service, but now you’ve been given another option: the option to stay and continue consuming entertainment that is tailored specifically for you. This is the future of not only our entertainment industry, but our online shopping experiences, our fast-food dining, and most importantly to me, the future of education.
So, how does Netflix know what you want to watch? How does Amazon know that you are out of dog food? How can an online learning platform keep a student’s attention and provide a personalized experience?
A Quick Guide to Building Case Study Exam Questions Using ChatGPT
10.25.24
Case studies are a powerful tool in training and education, particularly for clinical and process-based fields. Scenario-based questions allow learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, fostering engagement and the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for professional success. Traditionally, case studies have been created manually by educators and trainers, requiring a significant investment of time. While effective, this method can limit the variety of scenarios available and may not be easily adaptable to different learning needs. With the right human influence, AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline this process, making case study development an efficient alternative.