The influence of gamification in e-learning based on perceptions of brazilian researchers

Gamification, use of game elements and strategies in educational contexts, is a recent approach which can be utilized in the teaching-learning process at distance. In this case study, we aimed to analyze the perceptions of researchers registered in the Brazilian National Scientific and Technological Development Council on the possible motivations, benefits and difficulties of using gamification in e-learning. For researchers, the frequent motivations for an instructor using gamification would be boost learning and attract and retain the attention of the student. The most common benefits of this approach would be motivate the student, instigate participation, and incorporate entertainment to learning. Some important difficulties were training the instructor to apply gamification in the teaching-learning and combining game elements with communication and information technologies available in virtual learning environments. Gamification can influence the teaching-learning at distance, but the effects of using this approach are still poorly understood.