60 10.4 Key Challenges
Accessibility:
The issue is making sure students have equal access to these gamified tools. The trouble with gamification is that there is no single solution for all students to have access to digital devices. It may not always be easy to implement gamified learning experiences in schools without technological resources (Sanchez et al., 2020)
Teacher Training and Preparedness:
When educators are well versed in how to design game-based learning activities based on educational standards, then gamification becomes effective. However, teachers may not have enough training in gamification principles to create gamified learning successfully, and the gamified learning prediction may not be pragmatic. A spectrum (Dicheva et al., 2015) of implemented support for the instructors introducing gamification approaches in teaching frameworks should be identified, varying from no automated support at all to the use of standalone gamification platforms.
Curriculum Integration:
Gamified activities can be complex to align with curriculum standards and assessment requirements. Accordingly, teachers may not see value in gamified activities due to the difficulty of applying traditional assessment metrics to the systems.
Recommendations for the Future:
To advance the topic of gamification in primary education and address the challenges faced by various stakeholders, the following actionable strategies are recommended.
Enhance Collaboration Among Stakeholders:
To develop a sustainable digital education ecosystem, we should cherish collaboration amongst government agencies, that is, education institutions and technology companies. Collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders are essential for effective educational practices. (Dhasmana et al., 2024). Digital education initiatives should be equitable and impactful, and so resources and some insights should be shared among the stakeholders through partnerships. For example, the public sector could plan policies that encourage innovative technology in education, and the private sector could provide the necessary facilities and resources for the platform to conduct students’ learning (Dhasmana et al., 2024).
Integrate Gamification into Curriculum Design:
When educators incorporated gamification strategies into their method of teaching (Kenny et al., 2017), the learners became more engaged and effective. Through designing educational experiences that are game-like and fun, educators facilitate an interactive learning environment and motivate learners. One must note this approach is an informed pedagogy and to be adapted in various settings (Dhasmana et al., 2024), prepared to understand the learners and is meant to create a more purposeful and recreational learning environment.
Educator Support:
Educators understand that they need comprehensive training, accessible and practical design tools, and effective classroom strategies to introduce gamification into the classroom effectively. They commonly state that they need professional development to develop skills in gamification and other innovative teaching techniques. Educators mention, “We don’t have time to think,” “We don’t have the skills and time to create it [a design] ourselves, and “…I need to collaborate with someone”. (Mårell-Olsson., 2022) Highlight the need for structured training programs that help teachers understand and develop the skills needed to introduce gamification effectively.
Additionally, providing practical design tools can be instrumental to teachers in designing exciting lessons. Designing for gamification teaching activities and finding the pedagogical balance within this context is a complex process (Mårell-Olsson., 2022) and requires a mix of different knowledge and skills. Offering readily available templates and resources can make it possible for educators to develop their gamified activities, feeling unfounded without learning how to do it.
Furthermore, appropriate classroom strategies to promote the cooperation of the teachers are necessary. Highlighting the feelings of educators is important when attempting to introduce gamification, and “…if I have to do it just by myself, it will never happen, I’m afraid” (Mårell-Olsson., 2022). This highlights why it is important for schools to encourage their educators to collaborate and share their ideas and resources that will help carry out gamification teaching techniques within their classrooms. Addressing these areas can provide you with a comprehensive framework for supporting educators in their professional growth and increasing student engagement through gamification.
Reflection Questions:
- What role do you think teacher preparedness and training play in the success of gamification in the classroom?
- How do you view gamification’s impact on student motivation and engagement in our diverse classrooms?