How Do Students Interact in Online Discussion Forums in a PENS-Based Gamified Course?
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| Title: | How Do Students Interact in Online Discussion Forums in a PENS-Based Gamified Course? |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Cheng, Jiaming, Lei, Jing, Zhang, Lili |
| Source: | International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning. 2020-2021 16(2):61-77. |
| Availability: | International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning. Web site: https://sicet.org/main/journals/ijttl/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Discussion, Teaching Methods, Game Based Learning, Graduate Students, Peer Relationship, Need Gratification |
| ISSN: | 1551-2576 |
| Abstract: | This study explored how to effectively apply gamification design principles to improve the quantity and quality of online discussions. Based on a game design framework: Playing Experience of Needs Satisfaction (PENS), two specific gamification design principles: (1) aligning gamification awards with specific performance expectations; and (2) weighing gamification awards based on task challenging levels, were applied in online discussion forums of a graduate level online course. Data on student activities in online discussion were collected from the baseline (non-gamified) version of the course and the gamified version. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine how students interacted with each other in the gamified environment compared to non-gamified environment. Results suggested that the gamification design features promoted knowledge-building in online discussions, encouraged more decentralized and diverse interactions among students, and motivated a higher level engagement in student facilitators. Implications for further research and practices were also discussed. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2022 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1332320 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study explored how to effectively apply gamification design principles to improve the quantity and quality of online discussions. Based on a game design framework: Playing Experience of Needs Satisfaction (PENS), two specific gamification design principles: (1) aligning gamification awards with specific performance expectations; and (2) weighing gamification awards based on task challenging levels, were applied in online discussion forums of a graduate level online course. Data on student activities in online discussion were collected from the baseline (non-gamified) version of the course and the gamified version. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine how students interacted with each other in the gamified environment compared to non-gamified environment. Results suggested that the gamification design features promoted knowledge-building in online discussions, encouraged more decentralized and diverse interactions among students, and motivated a higher level engagement in student facilitators. Implications for further research and practices were also discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 1551-2576 |
