Background: In recent years, the widespread use of technology in classrooms has encouraged the transition from traditional lecture methods to digital-based learning environments. Technological game-based learning platforms, such as Kahoot!, which are used to encourage students' active participation and interaction in learning environments, are…

We report on a large-scale, log-based study of the associations between persistence and success in an online game-based learning environment for elementary school mathematics. While working with applets, learners can rerun a task after completing it or can halt before completing and rerun it again; both of these mechanisms may improve the score.…

This paper describes a growth mind-set intervention with Junior Cycle Coding students in a disadvantaged school in Ireland. This intervention builds on the work of O'Rourke et al. (2016) and applies findings to a computer programming setting where gamification is used to incentivise growth mind-set behaviour in students learning to code. Data…

This article discusses the role of student motivation and learning experiences in online course environments at the post- secondary level. We offer guidance for instructors to design online experiences that encourage students to learn actively, allowing them to persist at academic goals and get the most out of the material. In discussing relevant…

There is growing support to the argument that effective use of technology in blended learning initiatives, such as gamification, can influence student retention and combat low levels of student engagement as well as improve academic performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a gamified mobile application (GMA)…

Background: Persisting after experiencing difficulty allows students to work in the upper ends of their zones of proximal development, where most learning occurs (Ventura et al., 2013; Vygotsky & Cole, 1978). Digital educational games promote productive persistence by allowing students to repeat the same or similar problems until they reach…

The role of gamification in Australian higher educational learning has gained increasing currency in recent years, with many proponents promoting its usefulness for improving the university student experience by increasing progression and lowering attrition, particularly among first year students (Charles, Charles, McNeill, Bustard, & Black,…

Recruitment, retention, and preparation of students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are critical to meeting the global challenges of the 21st century. Gamification--game playing concepts used in another activity--has been postulated as an active teaching strategy that engages students, encourages a sense of community,…

Scholars indicated that learners who are strategic with their language learning (e.g., selfregulated learning [SRL], cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies) tend to be more efficient, resourceful, and flexible, and thus have better language learning outcomes (Oxford, 2016; Heo et al., 2012; Plonsky, 2011). Besides focusing on the knowledge,…

Wheel-spinning refers to the failure to master a skill in a timely manner or after a considerable number of practice opportunities. Several past studies have developed wheel-spinning models in the areas of Mathematics and Physics. However, no models have been made for the context of novice programming. The purpose of this study was to develop…

Contribution: This research study deploys three serious games with various topics in an entry-level C Programming module and investigates students' learning outcomes. The study also explores whether learners belonging to different subgroups benefit more from the use of serious games than their peers. The subgroups are formed based on learner…

An ongoing concern at institutions of higher education is persistence among underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. This qualitative exploratory case study was designed to investigate whether combining two strategies, orientations and gamification, to provide more supports for…