Abstract:

Success of online learning experiences in the area of lifelong learning such as MOOCs relies heavily on students’ motivation. It is often stated that adult learners who have enrolled in self-paced, online courses, drop out before the official conclusion of the studies. To ameliorate this, researchers have focused on designing compelling courses, deploying techniques and approaches such as Gamification, in an attempt to increase learners’ engagement and participation. Despite the extended utilization of gamified activities, aiming at delivering positive experiences, it is not widely researched whether Gamification could be used in accordance with a motivational design model. Thus, in this paper, we propose an instructional design model using John Keller’s ARCS model of motivation along with gamification elements. The chosen elements support the strategies indicated by the motivational model, to stimulate learners’ Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction and, therefore sustain their motivation. For this purpose, a MOOC for teachers of English as a foreign language was designed and developed using the Moodle LMS, offering an example of practical application. The aforementioned course was focused on improving teachers' skills in designing, developing and delivering online lessons, responding to their current needs. The model suggested could provide instructional designers with insights about the way gamified systems can be properly formed, to maintain online learners’ motivation.

Keywords:

Online learning, MOOCs, Gamification, ARCS motivational model, instructional design, LMS.