The Effects of Gamification on Learning Outcomes in a Web Programming Course

The integration of game design elements into formative assessments, known as Gamified Formative Assessment (GFA), is a promising approach to enhance student engagement and motivation in web programming courses. However, the tangible impact of GFA on learning outcomes remains to be fully explored. This action research study investigates the effects of GFA on learning outcomes in a web programming course, using two specific GFA tools, QRdice and Quizizz, and contrasting their effectiveness with traditional non-gamified formative assessments (NGFA). The study involved 42 ICT Diploma students and employed a mixed-methods approach, with both quantitative and qualitative data derived from assessment scores, surveys, and interviews. The data analysis, conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data, revealed no significant improvement in learning outcomes due to GFA. However, both the survey and interview data indicated a positive influence of GFA on students’ perceptions and experiences. This study offers valuable insights for educators and researchers aiming to effectively incorporate GFA in web programming courses.