An Integrated Trust–Motivation–Value Framework for Blockchain-Enabled AI-Based Gamification Adoption in Education

Abstract The rapid digital transformation of education has intensified the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), gamification, and blockchain to address challenges related to learner engagement, transparency, data security, and sustainable educational governance. While AI-based gamification enhances personalization, feedback, and motivation, concerns surrounding trust, data integrity, and the credibility of digital rewards continue to hinder large-scale adoption. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and transparent infrastructure capable of strengthening trust and ensuring the reliability of AI-driven gamified learning environments. However, empirical research examining the combined effects of blockchain, AI, and gamification on adoption behavior remains limited. Addressing this gap, this study proposes an Integrated Trust–Motivation–Value (TMV) framework to explain users’ adoption of blockchain-enabled AI-based gamification in education. Grounded in trust theory, self-determination theory, and perceived value theory, the proposed model conceptualizes blockchain features (security, transparency, decentralization, and data integrity) as antecedents of trust, and gamification elements (points, badges, leaderboards, rewards, collaboration, and enjoyment) as drivers of learner motivation. Trust and motivation are theorized to influence users’ perceived value, which subsequently determines adoption intention. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from learners with experience using AI-based digital learning platforms. The proposed model was empirically tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reveal that blockchain features significantly enhance trust, while gamification elements strongly promote motivation. Both trust and motivation positively influence perceived value, which emerges as a key predictor of adoption intention. The study contributes theoretically by integrating trust and motivation into a unified value-based adoption framework for blockchain-enabled AI-based gamification. Practically, the findings offer guidance for educators, policymakers, and system designers to develop secure, transparent, and motivating digital learning ecosystems that support sustainable educational transformation.