This is the third in a series of three asynchronous training courses for employees of a software consulting firm to demonstrate their ability to create a SQL database for future clients. Each course must be completed in two weeks with a passing grade of B or above. Successful completion of the series would make the employees eligible for a promotion with a 10% pay increase. Each course is comprised of increasingly difficult skill sets to master based on the learning principles that differ from each course and builds upon the previous.

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Course 1: SQL Basics

Course 2: Applying Methods to a Relational Database

Course 3: Building a Client Database System

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Course 3 is modelled using Gamification as the learning approach and builds upon the basic understanding of the SQL basics presented through a Behavioral learning method in Course 1 and Social Constructivism used in Course 2: Applying Methods to a Relational Database.

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The course allows collaboration with classmates from satellite offices enrolled in the same program. Students collaborate in groups against each other to build a prototype database for an existing client using Microsoft’s cloud-based Azure SQL Database program. Students progress through a series of problem-solving steps that culminate in the construction of a final master database. The group that finishes first wins an extra point on each student’s final grade.

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The final project will be the authentic assessment for the entire course series. The completed project will demonstrate the level of knowledge and skill obtained to create a real-time client database.  Students are assessed individually and are motivated extrinsically by a passing grade of B or above to receive the 10% increase in pay.

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In this scenario, gamification is most connected to behaviorism in that there is a direct reward for learning. Elements of social constructivism are also incorporated in that student collaboration is necessary to complete the final database.