Developing a Gamification System for Supporting Online Learning: a Case Study of 10152 Thai and the World Community

Abstract

This research and development study aimed to 1) develop a gamification system to support online learning, 2) examine the effects of using the gamification system to support online learning, and 3) disseminate and implement the gamification system for online learning. The study followed a six-step R&D process consisting of literature and related research review, conceptual framework development, needs assessment, prototype development, implementation, and data analysis. The research instruments consisted of 1) a student needs assessment questionnaire on the gamification system, administered to 302 undergraduate students at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University who enrolled in the course 10152 Thai and the World Community in the second semester of the 2024 academic year and were selected through voluntary sampling; 2) a semi-structured interview protocol for five experts; 3) a prototype appropriateness evaluation form completed by five experts; and 4) a student satisfaction questionnaire administered after system implementation to 334 undergraduate students who enrolled in the same course and participated in gamification activities, selected through voluntary sampling. The instruments were validated by three experts, yielding IOC values between 0.67 and 1.00. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

The results showed that 1) the developed gamification system comprised four main components: game mechanics, learning activity design, technology support, and assessment, using the Level Up! XP, Badges, and Stash plugins on Moodle. Expert evaluation indicated a highest level of appropriateness (M = 4.55, SD = 0.51). 2) After implementation with 334 students, overall satisfaction was at a high level (M = 4.18, SD = 0.72), with interaction showing the highest mean (M = 4.21, SD = 0.73), followed by feedback (M = 4.20, SD = 0.69) and the system dimension (M = 4.19, SD = 0.68). 3) The system was disseminated through user manuals, demonstration videos, online support, and short-, medium-, and long-term development plans. These findings indicate that the developed system is appropriate and can be expanded to other online courses.