THE EFFECT OF THE INTEGRATION OF ONLINE GAMIFIED MATHEMATICS PRACTICE ACTIVITIES ON LEARNERS’ ENGAGEMENT, MOTIVATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

ABSTRACT_ This is a mixed method concurrent research study set-out to explore the integration of online gamified activities, within the context of mathematics education, specifically focusing on lower primary grade level (Grade 2). The results indicated the integration of online gamified learning activities to practice mathematics contributed positively to learners’ engagement, motivation and to their academic performance. Moreover, it further found that gamification elements, including the award of points and certificates, along with provision of facilities that enabled learners to engage competitively, receive feedback and publicly share their achievements, had a direct effect on increasing engagement and motivation of learners in mathematics education. The research ended by developing a ‘bolt on’ model. The recommendations of the study included ascertain whether the ‘bolt-on’ online Mathematics Practice model used in this study could be up-scaled to increase transitions towards technology integration in mathematics education.