An Assessment of Game Elements in Language-Learning Platform Duolingo

Abstract

This paper explores a way to assess the effects of game elements in the domain of education. Educational gamified language-learning platform ‘Duolingo’ is chosen as a testbed, whereas game refinement measure is employed as an assessment tool. Two game elements ‘Badge’ and ‘Winning Streak’ with respect to the course structure of three language courses in Duolingo are analyzed in this study. The results from the analysis with about 1000 users show that Winning Streak successfully helps users enhance their regular learning activity into serious gaming activity. Moreover, Winning Streak increases the motivation of advanced users when the attractiveness of Badge decreases. Thus this study confirmed the effectiveness of game refinement measure to identify the merit of the appropriate division of learning process to maintain the attractiveness of learning activity.