Gamification: Cognitive impact and creating a meaningful experience in learning

Evolution in technology has ushered in games consoles, android devices and computer games into our daily lives. The applications has contributed to the rise of interaction with games; making it an addictive part of people's lives. By using the game design elements in non-game contexts, gamification is created. Although gamification has been surging in many fields, due to its effectiveness in engaging and attracting the users, it remains unclear whether a meaningful gamification able to influence the users' cognitive processing capabilities, especially in the field of education. Therefore this paper looks into several studies carried out in games, gamification in cognitive element, and discuss about improving students' cognition and creating a meaningful gamification in learning science and mathematics.

I. Introduction

Gamification is a term that was first brought up by Nick Pelling back in 2004 [1]. He tried to use game-like enhanced interface to make electronic transactions such as using the Automated Teller Machine (A.T.M) or in-flight entertainment; making it more attractive and engaging. Having a background as a game designer, Pelling (1981–1999) wanted to make the transaction feel like playing a game, with the element of fun. Unfortunately, he was into infusing gamification into a physical device and at that time he was not interested in making use of gamification in the internet. Thus, the idea faded into the dark until 2010, where it was reintroduced through the World Wide Web and later on into the android and apple devices.