IBANIFY: A Gamified Digital Learning Environment for Iban Language and Cultural Literacy

Abstract

This article presents a study on the design and evaluation of IBANIFY, a gamified digital learning environment developed to support beginner learners of the Iban language. Grounded in the ADDIE instructional design framework, the project aims to create an engaging, accessible, and culturally enriched language learning experience through the integration of interactive and game-based learning components. The platform incorporates key features such as digital dictionaries, interactive quizzes, structured grammar activities, and embedded cultural content, all designed to enhance learner engagement, motivation, and cross-cultural understanding. The study involved 20 Iban Language majors from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and employed a quantitative research approach to examine learners’ perceptions of the platform and its influence on their learning experience. Data were collected using survey instruments with Likert-scale items focusing on usability, engagement, perceived learning support, and overall effectiveness of the gamified elements. The findings provide insights into how game-informed design features contribute to learner motivation and perceived learning value, while also identifying areas for further refinement. By addressing limitations found in existing Iban language learning resources, IBANIFY offers a more tailored and interactive solution for minority language education. This research contributes to the field of games and gamification in education by demonstrating how culturally grounded content and gamified learning mechanics can be meaningfully integrated into digital language learning platforms, providing a practical design reference for future game-based language learning initiatives.