Evaluating the utilisation of gamification as a learning methodamong nursing students in selected nursing education institutions in Gauteng Province

Abstract

Introduction: Gamification is a technique employed by utilising game-based mechanic to motivate, promote engagement, and develop skills in learning. This involves adapting an educational activity presented in electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets to improve experiences and engagement. There is an increasing interest in the application of gamification recently especially with the development of technological innovations. The acceptance of technology is becoming more prevalent in South African Universities. Gamification has been utilised to enhance students’ learning process. The importance of gamification in educational sector such as nursing colleges indicates its crucial role in increasing and changing the learning experiences, teaching complex subjects, and systems thinking. However, many nursing education institutions does not acknowledge the utilisation of gamification as an additional method of teaching and learning. Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the utilisation of gamification as a learning method among nursing students in selected Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Method: In this study, a quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey design was followed. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and an online survey. The total population of nursing students were 1220 from the two selected NEIs (C1 and C2) of all levels of study (1-4). The C1 has 609 nursing students and 611 in C2 NEI. A stratified proportional sampling method was used, and the sample size (n) was 301 nursing students’ (respondents). This enabled the respondents to have equal probability of being selected and chance in participation. The data collected was analysed using statistical software SAS and reported upon. Ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy was ensured throughout the study. Result and conclusion: The result revealed a positive findings on utilisation of gamification and confirmed to be relevant, contributes towards learning, helps with understanding, motivation and considered to be an important additional learning tool. Keywords: Gamification, Evaluation, nursing students, Learning, Learning method, Education, Online nursing games.