An Innovative Multi-Layer Gamification Framework for Improved STEM Learning Experience

• Published in: IEEE access Vol. 10; pp. 3879 - 3889
• Main Authors: Zhao, Dan, Playfoot, Jim, De Nicola, Carmine, Guarino, Giuseppe, Bratu, Marilena, Di Salvadore, Fabio, Muntean, Gabriel-Miro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 2022; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Application programming interfaces; Communication; Communications systems; Education; Game theory; Games; Gamification; Learning; learning management system; Learning systems; Media; Multilayers; STEM; STEM education; Technical education; TinCan API; Urban areas; User experience
• ISSN: 2169-3536; 2169-3536
• DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3139729

Lately, gamification (i.e., employing game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts) has gained massive popularity and widespread usage in various areas, including education. However, gamification deployment in education in general and remote education in particular still faces many challenges that mainly influence user quality of experience. These challenges include lack of dedicated communication-based systems, potential additional load on teachers, absence of customization and personalization for users, and no support for advanced technology-enhanced learning (TEL). This paper investigates the use of gamification for networked delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It proposes an innovative gamification framework, the NEWTON-enhanced gamification model (N-EGM), which was designed as part of the European Horizon 2020 project NEWTON. The paper also describes the proposed N-EGM model deployment in the gamification engine of a real learning management system and its associated communication and networking solution. The communication support provides easy-to-use gamification configuration functionality and efficient data collection and processing in a heterogeneous technology context. Finally, the paper evaluates the proposed N-EGM model as part of a NEWTON project pilot deployed in a Romanian school. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed gamification solution in improving both students' learning experience and their engagement, while also increasing student knowledge gain.