A Meta-Synthesis On The Application Of Gamification In The Higher Education Co-Curricular Environment

Abstract

This study sought to examine the existing research on gamification to see whether or not there was the potential for application in the higher education co-curricular environment. This study also aimed to explore the current best practices of gamification in order to define a consistent structure to create a gamified initiative. This meta-synthesis concluded that, due to the lack of consistent gamification structures and the large range of game mechanics and dynamics being utilized in various studies, it is difficult to determine whether gamification has been successful or not in the current educational climates where it has been tested. Through the creation of a recommended structure of gamification to be applied in a volunteer co-curricular environment, future testing can be applied to validate approaches.