The three human needs that must be fulfilled by the task, in order for it to be internally motivating are: autonomy, mastery and connectedness. So let’s see how gamification (overlaying game-like elements to a task that is not a game) in lessons and education can enhance, and fulfill these needs, leading to improved motivation.

I’ve started a bit of series on the “why” of good digital learning; we’ve explored why VBL (Video Based Learning) works, and last week I pulled out a few examples of good and bad infographics, to understand why the good work, and the bad fail. Building on my curiosity about the way games like Candy Crush affect our minds, I thought we’d take a closer look at how gamification impacts student motivation and why it works.

After exploring why educators should include gamification techniques in their classrooms and a few principles of gamification they can follow in order to do that, I promised a few tips on how to do it exactly. Doing it for the right reasons, starting slow, projecting it on standards, using technology and knowing how much gamification is enough are all part of the best advice for gamifying a classroom.

Gamification is a tried and tested technique that can have a positive impact on students’ learning. Most educators that adopt gamification in learning activities witness two things: students get a better attitude towards learning and they are more motivated to move along their learning path to get the final reward: recognition for their mastery of skills.

Teachers have many options of creating gamified learning environments for their students if they keep in mind principles like including rewards, crafting levels of progress and offering instant feedback to kids when they learn by playing. Gamification can really benefit the primary school classroom. Mary Poppins would surely agree about that.

From individualized learning to hand eye coordination, the vast number of skills students learn through the use of technology will be invaluable for their future. It is easy to see why applications for computer based subject courses are on the rise. Introducing game design into the classroom can encapsulate all the benefits of working with technology, while preparing students for a future in an industry that is fast growing.