Abstract
Gamification has emerged as a promising approach to enhance motivation and engagement in educational contexts, including computer science education. While anecdotal evidence and case studies suggest its potential benefits, empirical investigation within higher education settings is necessary to ascertain its effectiveness. Of particular importance is the impact of gamification on intrinsic motivation, which plays a crucial role in fostering enduring interest and satisfaction in learning. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the effects of gamification on learner motivation in higher education. To achieve this objective, a gamified learning intervention was developed and implemented among computer science students in higher education. A total of 127 participants enrolled in the computer science bachelor's program were involved in the study. Through rigorous analysis of student data, the study seeks to provide credible evidence regarding the influence of gamification on learner motivation, with a specific focus on intrinsic motivation. Findings suggest that gamification holds promise in enhancing motivation among students, thereby fostering a positive learning experience in computer science education. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on gamification in education and offers insights into its potential to drive meaningful motivation and engagement among learners in higher education settings.