Unit 1: Why Gamify?
Unit Objectives
After completing this unit the participant will able to...
- Identify the four gamer-types and what motivates each.
- Develop familiarity with the Bartle Test and utilize it to determine their own gamer-type.
- Review research on Self-Determination Theory.
- Utilize information from the unit to reflect on their own gamer-type, motivation, and teaching style.
Learner Activities
- Take the Bartle Test.
- Add your results and blog link to the learner profile page.
- Review your gamertype course responsibilities.
- Read the article and watch the video on Self Determination Theory.
- Complete initial discussion board post and reply to at least one classmates.
- Complete your gamertype course responsibilities.
- Write a unit reflection post on your blog.
Introduction
Videogames were once thought of as the niche interest, however in more recent years videogames pervaded into popular culture. At its height in 2012, World of Warcraft has 9.6 million active subscribers, a testament to engagement potential of this interactive medium. With this many people engaging with one another in the same experience, it was only a matter or time before research could be conducted on human behavior while within the game. The Bartle Test is an assessment that helps to determine player preferences while gaming (or more specifically in massive multiplayer online role playing games [mmorpgs]). What is interesting about the Bartle Test is its concern with the motivation of different types of players, valuable insight for captivating the attention of different types of players (students for our purposes). This information will prove valuable when creating assignments and learning activities that cater to different kinds of learners. While the Bartle Test certainly lends itself well to gamified experiences, Self Determination Theory has many elements that do as well. Using these two theories as a framework, we will begin to examine gamified learning through a psycho-social lens.
As a further introduction to the concept of using gamified practices in education, be sure to check out this excellent video overview of gamifying in the classroom:
Extra Credits: Gamification - How principles of play apply to real life
The Bartle Test
0. To start, take the Bartle Test here: http://www.4you2learn.com/bartle
1. Add your results and a link to your blog to the learner profile page.
2. Learn more about your type here by exploring Douglas Kiang's Gaming Styles and the Classroom page
3. Every student needs to earn a specific amount of point per unit (6 points). Your gamertype will dictate which responsibilities you will have for each unit to earn your points and concern the discussion board for each unit but also the Gamifying Courses Wiki Page:
Killers - earn points by completing quizzes. Each quiz is worth a total of 3 points which is dictated by the percentage of questions you get correct (you can thereby earn 9 points per unit potentially). The Killer with the most points at the end of the unit gets to choose which of the provided discussion prompts other users will be asked. Unit 1 Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3.
Achievers - While everyone has to post in the discussion boards each unit, achievers earn their class points by posting additional time with outside sources (1 point per source for a maximum of 10 per unit). You have to incorporate and engage with these outside sources in your post (if you just list them you will not get credit).
Explorers - You are responsible for searching through all of the discussion post threads and gathering the citation data for resources shared into a course wiki. You earn points for every 2 sources you glean from the posts onto our course wiki space (a maximum of 10 points per unit).
Socializers - You are responsible for moderating/facilitating discussion boards. You will be asking follow-up question to spur discussion, clarify viewpoints, or summarize information shared during discussion. You receive one point for each follow up post (for a maximum of 10 points per unit).
Self Determination Theory
1. Read to following article Nicholson, S. (2012). A user-centered theoretical framework for meaningful gamification. Games+Learning+Society, 8(1).
2. Watch the following video Self Determination Theory's Three Psychological Needs
Discussion and Reflection
1a. Use the following rubric and discuss the following prompt in our Gamify Course Design Group Discussion Area: Reflect on your gamer type. Do you feel that it fits you? Why or Why not? How might Self Determination Theory help aid you in your progress within this course? How might it impact your design of your own gamified course?
1b. Complete Self Assessment of your discussion board activity using this template and then turn the information into a blog post.
2. Create a blog post for your reflections this week on your personal blog (as shared on the learner profile page).
Extended Resources
Kiang, D. (2015). Use the Four Gamer Types to Help Your Students Collaborate
Bartle, Richard. HEARTS, CLUBS, DIAMONDS, SPADES: PLAYERS WHO SUIT MUDS
Next Steps
Continue on to Unit 2: What is Gamifying?
Back to Gamifying Course Design