Gamification is the usage of game mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics and game thinking in non-game systems. Its main objective is to increase user's motivation, experience and engagement. For the same reason, it has started to penetrate in e-learning systems. However, when using gamified design elements in e-learning, we must consider various types of learners. In the phases of analysis and design of such elements, the cooperation of education, technology, pedagogy, design and finance experts is required. This paper discusses the development phases of introducing gamification into e-learning systems, various gamification design elements and their suitability for usage in e-learning systems. Several gamified design elements are found suited for e-learning (including points, badges, trophies, customization, leader boards, levels, progress tracking, challenges, feedback, social engagement loops and the freedom to fail). Advices for the usage of each of those elements in e-learning systems are also provided in this study. Based on those advises and the identified phases of introducing gamification info e-learning systems, we conducted an experimental study to investigate the effectiveness of gamification of an informatics online course. Results showed that students enrolled in the gamified version of the online module achieved greater learning success. Positive results encourage us to investigate the gamification of online learning content for other topics and courses. We also encourage more research on the influence of specific gamified design elements on learner's motivation and engagement.

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The authors' research activities connected information and communication technologies affecting teaching methods in higher education. A total of 201 respondents studying Programming 2 participated in this research. Two hypotheses were created, as well as a pre-test (ensuring that the initial condition of equality among the group members was met) and a post-test (measuring the shift of knowledge among the respondents of the same group). An analysis based on the t-test showed the presence of a statistically significant difference among the male respondents with regard to the test results. H1 hypothesis was accepted. No statistically significant difference was detected among the female respondents, so the H2 hypothesis was rejected. Our results showed that major difference have been found only in male population, which is interesting since female respondents tend to use LMS systems more often and since male respondents are more frequently in computer games activities.

The paper examines literature on the subject of instructional design and game based learning with the aim of identifying its positive effects and impact on users. Special attention was given to learning, encouragement and development of skills acquired through the use of game based learning. Game based learning is considered to be a complex system that requires instructional support geared towards stimulating cognitive processes. Several empirical research papers which provide insight into this field of interest have been chosen. The second set of papers provides confirmation accompanied with an analysis of instructional support as a function of the learning support. Also included were recent works which indicated the need for further research and the heterogeneity of the existing research. Other works complemented the unit and are mutually interconnected by a methodological approach providing insight into the issues that should be investigated in the future.

This paper explains the concept of gamification, lists the current models according to which educational e-courses can be designed, and proposes a conceptual eRIOOS model aimed at higher education. The aim of the research as well as the purpose of creating a conceptual model of gamification is to standardize the elements of computer games that can be used in educational e-courses at higher education institutions. In the preparation of this research, the emphasis was placed on the invention and analysis of professional and scientific literature for creating a conceptual model. The model contains a logical representation of two levels of complexity. Three separate e-courses have been created in different courses within the two University institutions, which serve as a tool to check the correctness of the conceptual eRIOOS model. The result of the research is a confirmed conceptual model that is suitable for creating Moodle e-courses of IT teaching orientation in higher education institutions.

This paper explores the benefits of using Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in higher education. The theoretical part investigates the classical education system and its features in order to compare advantages of using VR systems in education. VR technologies and its current state in industry and in education were explored in addition to which branches of higher education use these systems. A survey was conducted through an online questionnaire where respondents (N = 55) gave their opinion on VR and the implementation of VR technologies in education. Three hypotheses related to the use of VR technology, student interest, and learning outcomes as well as the effectiveness, immersiveness and the effect of VR systems on the users were tested through 27 questions.

The term gamification is used to describe the implementation of computer game elements into non-game-based systems. We have expended our previous research and in this article we've introduced new concept model for comprehensive gamified approach based on literature findings. Next, we empirically tested two hypotheses regarding the learning achievement in specific topics of online university courses "3D Modeling" and "Programming II". These hypotheses were: H1-an online course designed with the use of computer game elements enables better learning achievement in comparison to traditional non-gamified e-learning and H2an online course designed with the use of computer game elements positively influences the frequency of use of the learning material. Both hypotheses were confirmed, based on which final conclusions were drawn regarding the use of gamification in computer science hybrid courses.