Does gamification in MOOC discussion forums work?

Abstract

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a new form of learning environment aimed towards accessibility and openness using contemporary technologies. One of the MOOC’s key features is the social interaction which usually takes place in discussion forums. This article focuses on reworking and analyzing the existing iMooX forum by enriching the new design with gamification elements. The intended objectives aim at refreshing the current style and improving its handling and usability. This article provides our experience of this implementation as well as examining whether or not the gamification elements can help increase the participation rate and the teacher-to-student and student-tostudent communication exchange. Results of the new design showed a good user satisfaction and a slight positive impact.