When Course Hero integrated gamification from Bunchball into a series of its online courses, it hoped to make learning more exciting. Now that the approach has been assessed, the data seems to suggest that users are enjoying the new features.
Course Hero added the game features to increase user involvement by fostering a more engaging learning experience. The firm was responding to research suggesting that game-like tactics could be used to enhance the learning process, not only making it more fun, but also more effective. CEO Andrew Grauer believes that rewards such as badges and points provide immediate, positive reinforcement for a student’s efforts. These incentives can make the process of learning fun and can encourage a struggling student to spend more time studying.
Grauer’s theories seem to be confirmed by member behavior. Since the site added the gamified features, community engagement has increased and users are spending more time on the site. In addition, students are sharing their achievements on social networking sites at a much higher rate, demonstrating pride in their own achievements while providing a valuable source of viral marketing to Course Hero.
Course Hero added the game features to increase user involvement by fostering a more engaging learning experience. The firm was responding to research suggesting that game-like tactics could be used to enhance the learning process, not only making it more fun, but also more effective. CEO Andrew Grauer believes that rewards such as badges and points provide immediate, positive reinforcement for a student’s efforts. These incentives can make the process of learning fun and can encourage a struggling student to spend more time studying.
Grauer’s theories seem to be confirmed by member behavior. Since the site added the gamified features, community engagement has increased and users are spending more time on the site. In addition, students are sharing their achievements on social networking sites at a much higher rate, demonstrating pride in their own achievements while providing a valuable source of viral marketing to Course Hero.
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