ELEMENTS OF

GAMIFICATION
Gamification refers to the “introduction of design elements and gameful experiences in the design of
learning processes”.
(Dichev & Dicheva, 2017; p. 2)

These elements are the Game Elements

‘construction blocks’ used according to Werbach and Hunter (2012)
‘to build’ gamified learning
experiences.
Dynamics
aspects of the gamified system which have to be considered, but never directly enter
into the games

constrains emotions narrative progression relationships

Mechanics
basic processes that drive the action forward

resource
challenge chance cooperation feedback rewards turns transactions win states
acquisition

PBL Components
most popular ones the specific instantiations of mechanics and dynamics

Points Badges Leaderboards collections combat gifting achievements

content
avatars levels social graph teams virtual goods boss fights
unlocking

MDA Framework
by Hunicke, Leblanc and Zubek (2004)
To be defined when designing activity loops and games:

Game Mechanics Game Dynamics Aesthetics

the basic rules of the game, accepted the system of the game, what players the pleasing aspects of the game such
and respected by all players can do within the game boundaries as graphics, music or narrative

Types of Gamification
according to Kapp (2012)

Structure-Enhanced
Learning activities are gamified without
modifying the content. Playful elements,
usually PBL are separated form the T-L
process.
Content-Enhanced
Learning content is altered to mimic video
games. Elements are embedded and
developed in the T-L processes.

PBL is not enough to keep motivation and engagement up in a constant and sustained way
beyond a specific gamified proposal (Chou, 2015; Kapp, 2012; Marczewski, 2013) since it
just targets learners’ extrinsic motivation.

Motivational Gamification Elements

SOCIAL RELATEDNESS
AUTONOMY VALUE COMPETENCE

Definition of objectives and target behaviours

Common Elements in
Activity Loop Design adding MDA elements
Gamification

Evaluation and Refinement Frameworks

Player Description

Deployment

Created by Marina Boix | Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com | References:

Damevska L., (2021) Gamifying Online Language Teaching.
Pujolà, J. T., & Appel, C. (2020). Gamification for technology-enhanced language teaching and learning. In New Technological Applications for Foreign
and Second Language Learning and Teaching (pp. 93-111). IGI Global.