The Effects of Gamified Components on Learning Motivation, Engagement, and Teamwork in an Online University Course

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.1072

Keywords:

Gamification, Game mechanics, Reward, Role-play, Competition

Abstract

The incorporation of gamification into online courses has become an increasingly popular approach to enhance students' learning experience, as it has the potential to increase their engagement, motivation, and interest. In this study, we examined the impact of three gamified components—rewards, role-playing, and competition—on students' learning motivation, engagement, and teamwork in an eight-week online university course. The study surveyed 60 undergraduates from a public university in East China, who completed an eight-week online course and responded to a questionnaire survey, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that rewards had a positive effect on students' teamwork, while role-playing significantly impacted learner engagement and teamwork, but had a limited influence on learning motivation. Competition had a positive impact on learning motivation, but did not significantly affect engagement or teamwork. The implications of these findings for gamification design in teaching practice are discussed.

Author Biographies

Chien-Yuan Su, ''National University of Tainan''

Department of Education, College of Education

Yuqing Guo, ''Zhejiang University''

Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, College of Education

References

Su, C.Y., Guo, Y., & Shen, J. (2025). The effects of gamified components on learning motivation, engagement, and teamwork in an online university course. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), 8(2), 467-481. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.1072

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Published

2025-04-30

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Section

Articles