Continuance Use Intention of a Gamified Programming Learning System

Abstract

The gamification of education offers various advantages including increased engagement of students. Limited research is currently available that can shed light on the influence of various gamification elements in on-line learning environments on the engagement and continuance use intention of students. The objective of the study was therefore to investigate the influence of gamification elements in on-line learning environments on the engagement of students and consequently on the continuance use intention of students. The population of the study consisted of 192 second-year Information Technology students enrolled at the Central University of Technology (Free State). An on-line questionnaire was used to collect data from students. The results indicated that the rewards that students received, as well as their self-expression and status in a gamified programming learning environment are very important to enhance their engagement in these environments. Furthermore, the study revealed that meaningful experiences in on-line learning environments is the leading predictor of continuance use intention of students in gamified programming learning environments. The results of this study could assist instructors in information technology departments of higher education institutions to incorporate gamified programming learning environments into their learning offerings.