I read the same kind of thoughts on gamification 18 years ago while doing graduate work. It's exciting to see the potential even still!

In the elementary school setting, we used adaptive learning quite a bit, as we do now in the high school. Motivation is a key area that affects the learner's success at both levels. This is where good relationships with teachers can come into play. When the technology is used as a supplement to and not in the place of solid instruction, student achievement can be augmented.