Gameful Design in the Development of Asynchronous Online Discussion Activities: A Case Study

This study investigates Gameful Design as a method to improve the development and implementation of Asynchronous Online Discussions in online learning environments. A qualitative methodology, an instrumental case study design, was used to examine the effectiveness of this design method by exploring the experiences of the participants and the meaning they gave to those experiences. Data was collected through observation, discussion transcript analysis, and pre/post-course interviews. Validity was strengthened by triangulation of these sources. The findings showed that gameful design was an effective method to encourage the development of a connected and engaged learning community within an online class and promoted social knowledge construction among the students. Students participated not because they had to get a grade, but because they enjoyed the activity and sharing with their classmates. Implications and recommendations are discussed as well as other uses for gameful design and further research possibilities