Professor Karl Kapp, a leading voice around the adoption of gamification in learning, has partnered with Near-Life to support the delivery of his pioneering class on gamification. This collaboration with Near-Life will help students to push the boundaries of traditional learning design.
Focussed on utilising the principles of game design in the creation of instructional content, Professor Kapp’s course challenges students to harness the power of gamification to create immersive learning experiences.
Given the exponential rise in remote learning over recent years – the challenge of making digital content as engaging and effective as possible has never been more pertinent.
Students will design their own game-based projects

The partnership with Near-Life will see students tasked with designing their own game-based projects, built using the content platform. These could range from branching scenarios and learning simulations, through to point and click adventures, digital escape rooms and more.
The work delivered by the students will be judged by the Near-Life team, with the leading projects set to be showcased internationally by the software company. The judging criteria will be based around which educational games are deemed best able to engage learners on multiple levels.
Gamification enhances student engagement
According to recent studies, gamification in education has shown remarkable efficacy in enhancing student engagement and knowledge retention. Research by the University of Colorado found that gamified learning environments led to a 40% increase in student engagement and a 30% improvement in knowledge retention compared to traditional methods.
Professor Kapp explains:
“Gamification is not merely about adding game elements to learning; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the learning experience to align with how our brains naturally process information.”
“Through the type of immersive learning experiences gamification can provide, students are empowered beyond passive consumption to actively participate in their own education, driving deeper understanding and long-term retention.
“The increasing recognition of gamification’s value to learning means its adoption will only continue to grow. We want our students to be equipped with the right skills and tools to meet the employment opportunities this will generate.”
Mike Todd, CEO of Near-Life, emphasises a shared belief in the transformative potential of gamification in education:
“Our partnership with Professor Kapp underlines our commitment to revolutionising learning through technology. By providing content creators with an easy means of producing dynamic, gamified learning experiences, we are committed to helping improve the way people learn. Karl and his students are very much part of the future.”
Adding: “We can’t wait to see the creative and innovative work the students create.”
New era of digital learning

This educational collaboration is indicative of a new era in digital learning: one focussed on active learning that fosters engagement and effectiveness through harnessing the power of technology.
By pushing the boundaries of gamification in instructional design, students will not only be navigating their own academic paths. They will also be participants in a movement that will influence the future of learning for generations to come.