Gamification Local Training in Kosovo

Gamification for Youth Workers (5–11 July, 2023)

As part of the GROW project, which stands for: Gamify Your Youth Work, local trainings have been planned to take place in each of the implementing countries of the project, namely in: Kosovo, Italy, Greece, Albania, Spain, and Montenegro.

The goal of this training was to further inform and equip the youth workers and other related stakeholders in each of the countries with the concepts and practices of gamification.

The local training in Kosovo took place during the dates of: 5 to 11 July, 2023. The training was planned to be conducted within five days and its format has been blended with the online and offline elements. Therefore, two (2) days of the training were held in person (offline); and the remaining three (3) days online.

The agenda of the training consisted of the following topics:

• Introduction to Gamification — Theory of gamification;
• Introducing gamification planning;
• Gamification planning in youth work and non-formal education;
• Exploring practical tools for the creation of gamification activities;
• Gamification assessment and evaluation methods.

As can be understood from the topics, the aim of the training was to closely inform and discuss with the target audience (youth workers, and beyond) on the concepts of gamification, and a considerate part of the training consisted on the practical tools of the gamification which were presented and discussed. The latter was explored in depth with the participants, based on their experiences and their work backgrounds. Metri-metri, Kahoot, and other platforms were utilised during the training.

While 26 applicants expressed their interest to follow the local training in Kosovo, eventually 16 participants managed to follow the training closely. From this number of participants, seven (7) of them were female, and nine (9) of them male. In terms of other demographics, these participants came from different parts of the country: Prishtina (capital), Gjakova, Vushtrri, Drenas, and Fushe-Kosovë. Age-wise, the participants were between the ages of 25–18 years old. As a few of the participants were new graduates, or currently working as interns, the rest showcased their experience as youth workers or young professionals.

As an outcome from the active participation in the training, 11 individuals have been awarded with the attendance certificate. The main evaluation criteria was based on the consecutive engagement throughout the days of the training.

Another significant outcome from this training has been the positive feedback from the participants, which highly valued the topic as such, noting that training on this topic isn’t as common in Kosovo. While for all the participants of this training this was the first training of its kind, they appreciated the practical tools in terms of gamification which were discussed and explored with them. Another general feedback that was noted by the participants was the adaptation of the training to their own professional experiences/backgrounds. Since some of them worked on local NGOs targeting youth work in the country, the rest worked in public institutions, or private companies which share their focus towards the youth.

The participants of the local training in Kosovo were optimistic about the potential of gamification in aspects beyond the youth work. However, the greatest impact that gamification might have is among the youth activities, which ultimately and positively changes the learning experience for the youngsters. Participants of the training in Kosovo are keen to be a part of similar training in the future, and they emphasised that more training like this should take place, so that as many young professionals can benefit and enrich their experiences.