Designing gamified assistive apps: A novel approach to motivating and supporting students with learning disabilities

Abstract

The present research endeavor delves into the profound effects of gamified assistive applications on the levels of user engagement, motivation, and academic attainment within the population of students grappling with learning disabilities in the esteemed nation of Jordan. The study involved individuals who actively interacted with a gamified assistive application that was specifically developed to offer tailored educational opportunities and enhance their scholarly advancement. The analysis of descriptive statistics unveiled a noteworthy degree of app engagement, signifying the app's proficiency in captivating and maintaining students' focus. The utilization of paired-samples t-tests revealed noteworthy enhancements in both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation subsequent to the utilization of the application, thereby underscoring the favorable impact of gamified components on student motivation. Furthermore, a notable enhancement in scholastic attainment was noted, underscoring the application's influence on augmenting students' educational results. The findings of the correlational analysis unveiled a noteworthy association between the utilization of mobile applications, the presence of intrinsic motivation, and the attainment of academic success. This implies that heightened levels of engagement and motivation are linked to enhanced academic performance. The results of this study highlight the considerable promise of gamified assistive applications in fostering motivation and providing support to students who face challenges associated with learning disabilities. The incorporation of gamification into educational technologies presents educators with a promising strategy to cultivate active participation and elevate scholarly accomplishments within this demographic, ultimately advancing inclusivity and fostering educational triumph.