Gamification and player profiles among faculty in Mexico

Abstract

Objectives: Analysis of the player profiles of professors is a fruitful line of research because player profiles may influence the design of gamified situations. We studied a sample of 243 university professors in Mexico to analyze the player profiles with which they identify and those they consider most effective didactically in gamified situations. Method: Descriptive quantitative research was used to analyze the distributions of the responses to a questionnaire given to a group of 243 professors from different Mexican universities. These responses have been statistically analyzed by computing the proportions of player profile choices and applying Pearson’s chi-square test of independence to identify significant differences in these choices. Results: 42.4% of the participants identify as Explorers, the most frequent player profile among the participants. However, about 15.6% of them consider that their player profile is not the most suitable for learning. Player profiles chosen by the Mexican professors diverge from the player profiles of the students described in previous studies. Significant differences by gender, area of knowledge, and previous training in gamification are also identified. Conclusion: There is a strong gap between the player profiles of the participating professors and the profile that, in their opinion, is most suitable for learning. In addition, it has been identified that gender, area of knowledge, and previous experience in the use of gamification are influential factors in the player profiles of the professors. Implication for Practice: The training of professors in gamification should be adapted to the specificities of each area of knowledge. This will allow professors to develop pedagogical skills in gamification that will help them adapt gamified didactic situations to the needs of students.