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Level Up! Gamification in Action: A Recap and Next Steps
Following the success of our April workshop Gamified Learning: A New Approach to Student Engagement, we’re thrilled to share resources, real faculty examples, and next steps to help you bring gamification into your teaching practice.
Watch the recording
In our April session, Kristen Treglia (Senior Instructional Technologist, Educational Technologies), Chris Vicari (Educational Technologist, Department of Media and Communication), and Jordan Burkland (Instructional Designer, Gabelli Learn) introduced faculty to the principles of gamified learning and showcased real classroom examples. Faculty discovered how adding game elements such as points, leaderboards, and challenges can turn any course into a more engaging, student-centered experience.
Gamification in Action: Faculty Examples
Jordan shared innovative ways instructors can embed gamification into their courses. Here are a few highlights:
- Team Quests: Instructors can organize students into teams to complete missions (assignments), earning XP (experience points) and progressing through “levels” as the semester unfolds. Progress can be tracked on a shared leaderboard.
- Achievement Badges: Faculty can award digital badges for key milestones such as completing a draft early, helping a peer, or demonstrating leadership during group work. These badges aren’t just fun—they build intrinsic motivation and signal soft skills to future employers.
- Narrative-Driven Syllabi: Courses can be reimagined with themes—like a startup simulation or global mission—transforming assessments into “boss battles” and final projects into “epic quests.”
These examples show that gamification doesn’t just mean adding a leaderboard; it involves embedding story, structure, and motivation into the learning experience.
Getting Started: How-To Tips for Gamifying Your Course
Chris broke down the steps to begin implementing gamified strategies, even if you’re new to game-based learning:
- Start Simple: You don’t need a full game. Begin with one element—like offering badges for class participation or setting up a simple leaderboard with Google Sheets or Blackboard Grade Center.
- Use Familiar Tools: Platforms like Kahoot, Quizizz, and Classcraft make it easy to layer in quizzes, competitions, and rewards. Blackboard also supports achievements and progress tracking.
- Align with Your Goals: Gamification works best when the game mechanics support course objectives. For example, a “quest” could be a scaffolded research project, while a badge might recognize consistent engagement in discussion boards.
- Design for Inclusion: Make sure your gamified elements don’t unintentionally discourage students. Offer multiple ways to earn rewards and emphasize cooperation as much as competition.
By starting small and staying aligned with your learning goals, you can create a gamified experience that motivates students and enhances their learning without overwhelming your course design.
Coming Soon: Hands-On Gamification in Action
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, don’t miss our follow-up session at Faculty Technology Day with a hands-on session to help you gamify your class.
Level Up! Hands-On Gamification in Action
Wednesday, May 21st at Lincoln Center
This session builds on our April workshop. We’ll recap core concepts, then dive into hands-on design using real tools and game mechanics. You’ll leave with a draft plan for gamifying part of your course. (Watching the recording in advance is recommended!)
Join the Gamification Special Interest Group (SIG)
Fordham’s Gamification SIG is a supportive community for faculty exploring game-based learning. Meet colleagues, share ideas, and get ongoing support to build your gamified course.
Meets biweekly on Wednesdays at 2:30 PM
RSVP
Ready to Transform Your Teaching?
Gamification is more than points and prizes—it’s about sparking curiosity, building motivation, and creating a more dynamic learning experience. Whether you’re adding a single game element or redesigning your entire syllabus, we’re here to help you level up.
Have questions? Reach out to us at edtech@fordham.edu.
Looking for assistance in integrating educational technology into your classroom? Visit the EdTech website for resources or reach out to our team!
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