Augmenting Open and Distance Learning Through Gamification

Open and distance learning as an alternate mode of education has benefited millions of learners. The unique pedagogy, self-learning materials, and flexibility in study and assessment break the feeling of isolation in the learners. Gamification has been used in the industry for enhancing productivity and acquiring skills. The instructional approach and nature of open and distance education study materials serve the independent learner. To augment the learning of such self-learners, gamification in the form of rewards, feedback, competition, collaboration, and interactions helps enhance extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. This chapter delves into gamification pedagogy and how the gamification design framework can support active learning, performance monitoring, and instant feedback. The chapter will further explore the challenges of integration of game mechanisms in open and distance learning and offer suggestions.