And this approach has already proven to be effective as gamification raises student productivity to 89.45%.
There are many tools on the market that allow you to incorporate gamification elements into the learning process. And our task is to tell you about the best of them, thereby simplifying your search for an open-source gamification tool. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Why Open-Source software?
Let’s talk about open-source software to explain why we picked this type for our topic. Open-source software is software in which the source code is released under a specific copyright license. This licensed software owner grants users the rights to use, study, modify and distribute the software for anyone and any purpose.
Open-Source software has several undeniable advantages:
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It is often distributed free of charge or at a low cost, which is one of the most well-known benefits that speaks for itself. In our case, with open-source gamification tools, you will most often find low-cost options, which is excellent for businesses that can’t yet devote enormous resources to the training course development.
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Limitless customizations. You can tweak your open-source gamification tool to comply with your specific goals and needs. However, this requires decent technical knowledge or hiring a team of professionals to help you with this task.
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Ongoing support from the community. Good open-source software will inevitably gather a dedicated community around itself that will modify and improve the software. As a result, you get constant support for the product you are using, and you can always ask for help if you have any platform-related questions and more.
As you can see, open-source software is an excellent choice if you want to get an ever-living platform at a low-cost price tag. Now, let’s proceed to our main topic.
The List of 5 Best Open-Source Gamification Tools
We have conducted our market research to draw up a list of the best eLearning gamification tools. Our study also included several vital aspects like pricing policy, user reviews, and gamification capabilities.
#1. Open edX
Open edX is an open source learning platform with more than 55 million learners worldwide. This platform was developed and implemented by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.
Open edX allows users to adapt the platform’s appearance, language, create courses and implement gamification elements like badges, levels, and more. A wide variety of features makes this tool the most convenient and influential globally, both in user experience and for teachers working on online course development.
Thanks to the open-source nature, educators can modify this platform, creating new tools and modules to meet specific eLearning goals and needs.
Strengths:
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Ease of use. This open-source gamification tool was made with one idea: simplify communication between course provider and learner.
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Scalability. With the Open Edx platform, you can teach both ten students or ten thousand students.
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Completely free. Open edX is free for use and integration in your servers.
Weaknesses:
- The setup and configuration process can be complicated and time-consuming for non-technical users.
It is worth noting that the Open edX implementation is a complex process that requires hiring an Open Edx service provider. Here at Raccoon Gang, we have long-term experience working with the Open edX platform. We provide custom eLearning development services to help businesses build unique eLearning experiences.
One of our recent cases was a Gamma Project, a gamification tool made for a famous US equipment, services, and software provider for the production of semiconductor chips in the electronics field — Applied Materials.
We were challenged to build a system of training engagement for employees, which will smoothly introduce new material and reward employees for taking various courses. In addition, we had to create a data processing system to accurately track the learning progress through user-friendly tools for presenting statistical information. Check out our gamification case studies here.
#2. Docebo
Docebo is a modular LMS and an open-source gamification tool that combines formal, social, and experiential learning with skills management. This platform is used by more than 1400 companies and is included in the Top-20 best LMS.
This platform allows users to flexibly customize the educational process’s motivational elements, which significantly increases student engagement. Course developers can fine-tune the pace of the training “competition” and keep track of the top performers through the leaderboard and the number of award badges.
Tool strengths:
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Rewarding learning. The Super Admin can reward the most productive and successful students with various in-platform awards displayed to all students.
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Flexible tweaking. This open-source gamification tool allows users to tune the rewards for each branch of study to spur students to new achievements constantly.
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Notifications. Thanks to a convenient notification system, students will always be aware of new achievements in the learning process.
Weaknesses:
- The pricing can be relatively high compared to some other LMS platforms, which could be a barrier for smaller organizations or those on a tight budget.
- Some users have reported issues with the reliability and stability of the platform, which could be a concern for organizations that require a high level of uptime and reliability.
- The user interface may not be as intuitive or customizable as some other platforms, which could limit its appeal for certain types of users.
Pricing for Docebo LMS
Plan | Price |
14-days trial | Free |
50 active learners | $230/month, $2300/year |
100 active learners | $390/month, $3900/year |
250 active learners | $530/month, $5300/year |
350+ active learners | $600/month, $6000/year |
#3. Talent LMS
TalentLMS is a course creation system with a simple and straightforward interface. All the necessary functions are available, such as creating presentations and documents, assessments and questionnaires, course sharing for unregistered users, and much more. This open-source gamification tool is on our list for its powerful abilities that help educators make online learning fun and engaging.
When creating courses, developers can add different game features, quizzes, tests, different levels, and rewards. LMS features like these make learning an unforgettable experience.
Tool strengths:
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The automated rewarding system. This open-source gamification tool has an advanced system that tracks student performance along the course and automatically rewards the most diligent ones.
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The new level of engagement. TalentLMS has many valuable tools for increasing student engagement. For example, various badges, awards, and levels students can track on leaderboards built into the platform.
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Сonvenient knowledge assessment. Knowledge is checked using various quizzes and tests that automatically show results upon completion.
Weaknesses:
- Some users have reported issues with the platform’s reporting and analytics capabilities, which could limit its usefulness for organizations that require detailed insights into learner progress and engagement.
- The gamification features may not be as robust or fully featured as some other platforms, which could limit its effectiveness in motivating learners.
- Customer support may not be as responsive or helpful as some other platforms, which could be a concern for organizations that require timely assistance.
Pricing for Talent LMS
Plan | Price |
Free (up to 5 learners and 10 courses) | Free |
Starter (up to 40 learners and unlimited courses) | $59/month |
Basic (up to 100 learners) | $129/month |
Plus (up to 500 learners) | $249/month |
Premium (up to 1000 learners) | $429/month |
#4. Chamilo
Chamilo is an open-source gamified microlearning tool supported by Chamilo Association. The Chamilo project aims to provide accessibility and quality learning at a reduced cost through free software distribution, improving the interface for device portability in third world countries and making the public e-learning campus open to the public.
Chamilo can accommodate more than 3000 students at the same time while providing a wide range of features for free. Teachers can easily create training courses, gamify them with digital badges, points, leaderboards, and rewards systems, communicate via synchronous and asynchronous channels, and much more.
Tool strengths:
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Free for use. Thanks to the association’s central idea of learning accessibility, this open-source gamification tool is entirely free.
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Ease of access. This platform is cloud-based, making it accessible from any device connected to the Internet.
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Powerful creation tools. Chamilo has a convenient online editing tool that allows teachers to develop various courses, tests, questionnaires, and much more.
Weaknesses:
- The user interface may not be as modern or visually appealing as other platforms, which could be a turn-off for some users.
- The platform may not be as well-known or widely-used as other LMS options, which could limit the availability of resources and support.
- The gamification features may not be as advanced or customizable as some other platforms, which could limit its effectiveness in engaging learners.
#5. eThink LMS
eThink LMS is a powerful open-source gamification tool from eThink Education. This company’s primary goal is to provide a dynamic and customizable platform that meets various industries’ specific learning needs.
eThink LMS has broad functionality and supports such training formats as documentation, live online, online tutorials, and webinars. Besides, users will appreciate the vast number of integrations with valuable tools such as Dropbox, G Suite, Google Calendar, Office 365, and more. The platform fully supports ample opportunities for course gamification with features like levels, points, rewards, and various game mechanics.
Tool strengths:
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Highly customizable. eThink LMS supports an unlimited number of modules and comprehensive customization, which allows you to create a unique eLearning experience for specific needs.
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Over-the-top customer support. Support responds within 24 hours by providing a personal support manager to resolve all platform-related issues.
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Wide range of integrations. This open-source gamification tool supports many different integrations with third-party services, making this platform very flexible for personal process implementation.
Weaknesses:
- The pricing can be relatively high compared to some other LMS platforms, which could be a barrier for smaller organizations or those on a tight budget.
- The user interface may not be as intuitive or user-friendly as some other platforms, which could lead to a steeper learning curve for some users.
- The platform may not be as customizable or flexible as some other options, which could limit its suitability for organizations with unique or specific requirements.
Pricing
The pricing policy of eThink LMS has no plans and is based on the number of active students per year and its specific use. Each case’s prices are individual, set during negotiations, and are not disclosed.
Raccoon Gang Experience
At Raccoon Gang, we pride ourselves on being a trusted leader in providing top-notch eLearning solutions for businesses across diverse industries. With our extensive expertise in gamification, we have crafted a product: RG Gamification.
RG Gamification is a powerful open-source tool that revolutionizes the way we motivate and engage. With its extensive feature set, RG Gamification empowers organizations to boost employee productivity, enhance learning outcomes, and drive customer loyalty. From leaderboards and badges to challenges and rewards, this tool creates a dynamic and interactive environment that fuels motivation and unlocks the full potential of individuals and teams.
Explore our gamification case studies and see firsthand how RG Gamification has transformed businesses like yours.
Want to implement gamification elements into your learning? Leave a message, and our manager will contact you as soon as possible to learn more about your project.
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4632 15/Feb/2024
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15199 06/Jan/2024