Internet Learning Volume 4, Number 2, Fall 2015 | Page 85

Internet Learning Volume 4 Number 2 - Fall 2015
Gamification Challenges and a Case Study in Online
Learning
Darren Wilson, A Cynthia Calongne, B and Brook Henderson C
Two design models are introduced to feature the game-design elements and
relationships that are critical for successful gamification. In online education,
gamification employs game mechanics and incentives to encourage positive
outcomes. Making good design decisions and offering a strong implementation
are critical elements in the success of gamification. The study concludes by reviewing
the results from a gamification case study and offers recommendations
for future research.
Keywords: Social, analytics, knowledge, networks, visualization
A
Darren Wilson is a researcher in gamification and is conducting dissertation research for a Doctor of Computer
Science in Emerging Media at Colorado Technical University. He served as an Assistant Professor of
Electrical and Computer Engineering at the US Air Force Academy from 2008-2011 and currently teaches
high school physics, robotics, and statistics in Colorado Springs. His team won the 2005 Air Force Modeling
and Simulation Award for Analysis.
B
Dr. Cynthia Calongne is a researcher in virtual reality, game design and simulation. She joined Colorado
Technical University’s faculty as a Professor of Computer Science in 1996 and today teaches for CTU as an
Adjunct Professor. Prior to teaching, she worked as a software engineer with Air Force Space Command. In
2010, her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize in the Federal Virtual World Challenge for The Mars Expedition
Strategy Challenge.
C
Dr. S. Brook Henderson worked for 15 years as a project manager for information technology. She was
awarded the PMP (Project Management Professional) in 2002 by the Project Management Institute and is
considered to be an expert on Project and Earned Value Management. Having achieved her doctorate in
management with emphasis in organization development and project management from Colorado Technical
University, she has left her former profession to join the faculty at American Public University System. Dr.
Henderson has presented several papers at conferences and is a published author in her field. Most recently,
in 2015, she is being included in a textbook for a review she wrote on Managing Complex Projects and Programs:
How to Improve Leadership of Complex Initiatives Using a Third-Generation Approach by Richard
Heaslip (2014) and a chapter on the History of Management Thought as well as two articles for a new book
on global leadership set to be published in 2016. Brook lives in Colorado Springs, CO and can be reached on
LinkedIn, Facebook, and email.
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