Share Paper: Badges and Leaderboards: Understanding Their Effectiveness on Academic Performance and Motivation of Online Students

  1. Sebiha Balci, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA, United States
  2. Jonathan M. Secaur, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA, United States
  3. Bradley J. Morris, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA, United States
Tuesday, June 25 3:30-3:50 PM Oost

Abstract: Implementing game design elements into learning contexts, or gamification, has become popular in online education as a means to enhance student success and motivation. Badges (digital credentials) and leaderboards (digital rankings) are the most commonly used gamification elements. However, the findings on the effectiveness of badges and leaderboards are mixed. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of badges and leaderboards on student motivation and academic performance. Participants (N=88) from an online course were randomly assigned into four groups: badges-only, leaderboards-only, badges with leaderboards, and a control (no badges or leaderboards). Academic performance of students was measured ...