Designing and Evaluating Conative Game-Based Learning Scenarios

It is an essential prerequisite to design for motivation in game-based learning applications, tools and activities. However, how is it possible to design and evaluate motivational game-based learning scenarios in a systematic process-oriented manner based on conation and player engagement?
While conation is related to the perseverance, determination and tenacity players exhibit when playing an interesting game, player engagement describes in detail what it is that causes a player to keep playing - Not only through fun and gamification drivers such as points and levels, but by utilizing triggers of ‘continuation desire’ such as interfacing with the scenario, exploration and socialising. This paper aims to combine the concepts of Player Engagement, Conation and Continuation Desire by focusing on the conative aspects which are the essential drivers for the desire to continue any learning activity. These concepts will then be utilized to introduce the foundation of a framework consisting of three stages: initiation, exploration and captivation. The stages are intended to sustain the learners’ conation beyond gamification and the framework may thus be helpful in the design and evaluation of conative game-based learning scenarios.