Game Mechanic based E-Learning: A case study

Abstract

This thesis presents a case study of Game Mechanic based E-Learning. This is put forward as a new approach to E-Learning that tries to mimic games to harness some of their motivational properties. A prototype system was developed as a web application, using an Agile and Lean development approach.The system was evaluated with a class at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.This was done to give an indication of the system's ability to make work with exercises more engaging and fun. To give context in this thesis, the growing trend of Gamification is unveiled and explained in detail.The major technological delivery posited by this thesis was the prototype, implementedas a web application (dynamic webpage). The major research acheivement was evaluatingrespondents perception of the system. It was discovered that the chosen Game Mechanicwas indeed considered to make work with exercises more engaging, although this effect wasmarginal. The evaluation was also used to arrive at a general definition for games.This definition can be used to distinguish Game Mechanics basedsystems from games. It also serves as a much needed guide to designing games andnon-game systems that tries to acheive similar motivational benefits as games.