Development of a gamified job-specific online learning environment and assessment of its impact for occupational health and safety training

The research's aim is developing a gamified online occupational health and safety learning environment. Design-based research method was followed. First, the online learning readiness and expectations of the train shunters were determined. 256 train shunters participated in the online readiness survey and 10 of them participated in semi-structured interviews. In the design and development phase, the content was designed considering vocational qualifications and 4C-ID model. Gamifying the learning environment and design sketches were done with a mockup program. Later, the train shunting videos were shot with an action camera under the supervision of experts. The videos were arranged related to the job to develop SCORM content. In the implementation and evaluation step, usability analysis for the train shunting learning environment (TSLE) was made and various usability problems were addressed. Pre-test post-test control group design was conducted to evaluate the TSLE. There were 78 participants in the experimental group and 87 participants in the control group. The learning performances in the TSLE were found to be significantly higher than the video-based learning environment (VBLE). In addition, the participants' satisfaction level in the three learning environments were compared. The general satisfaction level, the learning motivation and the online learning experience in the TSLE were found to be significantly higher than the PowerPoint-based learning environment (PPBLE) currently being used by the company. Participants' online learning experience in the VBLE is significantly higher than the PPBLE. Based on the findings and the experience gained from research, the gamified online instructional design model was proposed.