Does gamification in education work? : experimental evidence from Chile

Gamification, or the introduction of game elements to non-game contexts, has the potential to improve learning by increasing student motivation. The paper evaluates an innovative technology program that uses gamification to increase math learning in low-performing primary schools in Chile. The program employs an array of gamification strategies to promote intensive use of the learning platform. Results show the program increased students’ preference towards using technology for math learning and promoted the idea among students that study effort can raise intelligence. On the other hand, the program increased math anxiety and reduced students’ preference towards teamwork.Inter-American Development BankPIA-CONICYT BasalCorporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO)Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Tecnológico y Productivo (FONTEC