Effect of gamification on participation and academic performance in an online engineering course

Emmanuel Lopez Gomez H.; Carlos Davila Moran R.; Luz Aparicio Salas V.; Loaiza Ortiz Z.; Manuel Sanchez Soto J.; Marleni Martin Marcelo J.; Zoila Alfaro Quezada D. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.1324

Resumen

Persistently low participation levels and high failure rates in online engineering courses have motivated the search for pedagogical strategies that increase engagement and academic achievement without reducing disciplinary rigor. This study analyzes the association between a gamified intervention integrated into the Learning Management System (LMS) and participation and academic performance in an online engineering course, using a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent comparison group. Two cohorts were compared: one in which the course was delivered in a traditional format (control group, n=102) and one in which gamification was implemented (experimental group, n=108). The intervention incorporated experience points, badges, levels, weekly challenges, leaderboards, and immediate feedback, while maintaining the same course content and formal assessment structure in both groups. Objective indicators of participation and performance were analyzed using chi-square tests, ANCOVA, and regression models. The results indicate that the experimental group showed significantly higher participation levels and an increase in the pass rate from 62.7% to 78.7%. In addition, within the gamified group, participation indicators and interaction with game elements were positively associated with final grades. These findings suggest that, in this context, a gamified strategy aligned with course objectives and integrated into the LMS may support higher participation and moderate improvements in academic performance in online engineering courses. However, the results should be interpreted with caution given the quasi-experimental design and the fact that the study was conducted in a single course and institution.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Continental; Universidad Peruana Los Andes; Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista