Gamification design framework based on SDT for student motivation

Gamification is a new technique in instructional design that gains more and more attention in the elearning field. The implementation of gamification systems varies on different fields, such as sales, web design, marketing, education etc. There are many examples of applied gamification, such as international companies that use game elements in their applications in order to increase the users´ motivation through a gamified process. In this paper we outline the design of a gamified scenario with the use of structural and content gamification to increase student intrinsic motivation based on the Self-Determination Theory. Besides, the use of game elements, thus game-design techniques, make the learning process more “fun” and maintain the realistic purpose of its situation. However, the process of increasing motivation has a level of complexity, since rewards and other game elements trigger extrinsic motivation. As such this study investigates students´ intrinsic motivation by designing and implementing an eClass through practical usage of gamification based on the core components of Self Determination Theory (SDT), so as to improve student engagement in class. According to the findings the use of gamification in learning and instructional design can improve student motivation. This gamified elearning course can be used as an instructional tool to increase the levels of motivation and achieve all the learning outcomes and goals with the higher success rate in online education. Further research is required to confirm these theoretical findings.