The Use of Gamification in Occupational Therapy Education

Credentials Display

Chris Mulligan, OTD, OTR/L, CHT; Leslie Bennett, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Donald Graves, Ph.D.

Abstract

Gamification is an approach to game-based learning, also called educational games. These fun supplemental tools are infused into K-12 and higher education curriculums. This study aimed to discover faculty and student perspectives and explore gamification or game-based learning in accredited occupational therapy graduate programs through the lens of faculty (n = 47) and students (n =54). The primary researcher distributed two anonymous surveys: Survey 1 to current faculty and Survey 2 to students in occupational therapy programs, examining their use of game-based learning tools. The findings revealed that most faculty (n = 38, 85%) and students (n = 48, 92%) use gamification, such as Kahoot!, Quizlet, and Jeopardy, in their accredited programs. Ninety-six percent of OT students and 98% of OT faculty in graduate programs found gamification beneficial in their courses, which enhances student engagement and learning; however, faculty noted that the time required to set up these supplemental educational tools is a limiting factor.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Recommended Citation

Mulligan, C., Bennett, L., & Graves, D. F. (2026). The Use of Gamification in Occupational Therapy Education. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2457