Badging the Teacher. An Experimental Study about Gamification Effects on a Sharing Platform for Educational Resources

Abstract

Despite increasing needs for shared educational resources, only few users of digital sharing platforms such as Lehrermarktplatz.de (LMP) frequently upload own material. The implementation of gamification elements may increase users’ engagement and motivation to share. In this paper, we discuss the effects of a digital badge system on LMP. With the help of user tracking (N = 2083) and an online survey (n = 150), only few minor differences were detected between experimental (badge system) and control group (no badge system) regarding user engagement. There were no significant differences in motivations to share. Participants stated manifold reasons for sharing, especially intrinsic motivations and monetarisation, and have mixed opinions about the badge system and its usefulness as external motivator. This calls for a stronger focus on individual user differences.