Book Image

Gamification with Moodle

By : Natalie Denmeade
Book Image

Gamification with Moodle

By: Natalie Denmeade

Overview of this book

This book describes how teachers can use Gamification design within the Moodle Learning Management System. Game elements can be included in course design by using, badges, rubrics, custom grading scales, forums, and conditional activities. Moodle courses do not have to be solo-learning experiences that replicate Distance Education models. The Gamification design process starts by profiling players and creating levels of achievement towards meeting learning outcomes. Each task is defined, valued, and sequenced. Motivation loops are devised to keep the momentum going. In a gaming studio, this approach would require a team of specialists with a large budget and time frames. Preparing for a class rarely has these optimal conditions. The approach used in this book is to introduce game elements into the course design gradually. First, apply gamification to just one lesson and then build up to gamifying a series of lessons over a term. Each example will indicate the difficulty level and time investment. Try it out to see what is most effective with your learners and choose wisely in your use of technology. By the end of this book, you will be able to create Moodle courses that incorporate choice, communication, challenge, and creativity.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Gamification with Moodle
Credits
Foreword
About the Author
Acknowledgement
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
6
Mastery Achieved (Badges and Motivation)
8
Completing the Quest (Reporting Activities)
Index

Profiles and avatars


Select the name Jeffrey Sanders (in the top-right corner) and view My profile. Imagine this from a new learner's point of view. First impressions are very strong. Do you feel that you know Jeffrey Sanders from the image he chose? What information is missing from this page? The profile page in Moodle is an important way for learners to get to know each other and find out how to contact each other.

Select Edit profile from the administration block to make changes. The first activity that a new person needs to do, when they start a Moodle course, is to update their profile. It is not necessary to explain everything to the learners, but here are a few important things to demonstrate:

  • Make sure that their e-mail addresses are current, so that they receive notifications of new messages.

  • Explain the privacy options to show or hide their e-mail addresses, and use nicknames for their online personas rather than real names. The city can be entered as Anonymous where appropriate.

  • Explain...