ICT mediated gamification in education degrees: A commitment to sustainability

Abstract

This research explores the perception of university students of Degrees in Education towards gamification mediated by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as an innovative teaching strategy, aligned with the principles of educational quality of the UN Agenda 2030. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and inferential research has been carried out, based on the survey technique. The research was carried out using the population of students in the first year of the Degrees in Early Childhood, Primary and Social Education at the University of Jaén during the 2022-23 academic year (n=521). A questionnaire was used as a research tool. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS programme, carrying out descriptive statistical analysis, comparison of means and regression analysis. The results reflect a positive receptiveness on the part of the students towards ICT-supported gamification, considering it fun and dynamic. This strategy is widely known by students, which favors its implementation in the university environment. Specifically, quiz games and classroom management games stand out as the best-known ICT-supported gamification strategies. However, students of the Degree in Primary Education show greater knowledge compared to those of Pre-school Education; likewise, those who plan to use gamification in their future professional practice express more favourable evaluations. Gamification is considered an active and innovative methodology being a key element for quality improvement in Higher Education.