Gamification
Also known as التلعيب
Definition
Gamification applies game mechanics (points, levels, badges, leaderboards, streaks and challenges) to activities that are not themselves games, in order to increase participation and persistence. In learning it is layered over existing content to motivate completion and repeat practice rather than to teach the content itself.
Gamification is frequently confused with game-based learning. Gamification adds a reward layer around content; game-based learning teaches through the act of play itself. In practice, gamification can be added to a finished course, whereas game-based learning has to be designed in from the start.
Leaderboards motivate the people near the top and can discourage everyone else. Extrinsic rewards can also crowd out interest in the subject when they dominate. Mechanics tied to personal progress, mastery and streaks tend to travel better across cultures and roles than public competition does.