Education Strikes Back: Gamification, Generative AI, and XR as the New Force Shaping the Future of MOOCs

The integration of Gamification, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and Extended Reality (XR) offers a concrete strategy to address major issues in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), such as low engagement, high dropout rates, and limited interactivity. This research examines whether the combined use of these technologies can generate a scalable and replicable model for more effective online learning. The work is structured in three experimental phases. The first focuses on theoretical foundations and the redesign of course materials through GenAI in the “Star Words Re-Generated” project, demonstrating how prompt-based generation of multimedia content can enhance teaching practices and streamline the creation of high-quality educational resources. The second investigates XR through the “Comunicazione Digitale XR” course, developed with 360° images and 3D models, evaluating its impact on understanding and learner satisfaction. The third presents “Alice in Codeland,” a gamified programming course using a card-based system to assign challenges in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and prompt engineering, fostering teamwork and continuous feedback. Data analysis shows improvements in student motivation, autonomy, creativity, and conceptual understanding. Results indicate that integrating GenAI, XR, and Gamification can transform MOOCs into more engaging, interactive, and inclusive experiences, offering a viable direction for the future of digital education.