SideQuest: How a Custom-Built Gamification Platform Can Improve Student Learning and Socialization
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Finaret, Chris
Allegheny College
Cirimele, Jesse
Date Issued
June 11, 2026
Abstract
Recognizing Generation Alpha’s affinity for gaming, the authors developed SideQuest, a digital platform that integrates video-game-style quests to improve course learning and foster socialization. Implemented across seven economics classes at Allegheny College, SideQuest assigned students to “guilds” and offered a diverse array of quests—ranging from in-class participation and out-of-class study activities to co-curricular involvement and intensive pre-exam “Battle Passes.” Analysis of usage data from 116 students revealed that most students engaged with the platform, with participation peaking just before midterms. A positive correlation was observed between quest completion and higher course grades, particularly when comparing Battle Pass questing to grades. Survey responses indicated that students perceived SideQuest to be beneficial for both academic achievement and socialization.
Journal
Applied Economics Education and Extension
Citation
Finaret, Chris and Jesse Cirimele. "SideQuest: How a Custom-Built Gamification Platform can Improve Student Learning and Socialization." Applied Economics Education & Extension. doi:10.71162/aeee.779141.
Publisher
Agricultural & Applied Economics Association
DOI
10.71162/aeee.779141
ISSN
3143-2905
2688-5999
Rights
©2026 All Authors. Copyright is governed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/). Articles may be reproduced or electronically distributed as long as attribution to the authors, Applied Economics Education & Extension and the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association is maintained.
Type of Publication
Journal Article
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Name
2026_FinaretChris_SideQuest.pdf
Size
1.19 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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