Enhancing online student connection and engagement through narrative gamification in a Grade 6 Humanities course
Subject
Abstract
Fully online Elementary learners face significant challenges in connecting and engaging meaningfully with other learners, their teachers, and with digitally presented and asynchronous content and instructional materials. Even though they often come to Distributed Learning (DL) programs in order to address specific and highly individual learning needs that are not being met in traditional group school settings, online students still desire and benefit from opportunities to participate and share in synchronous learning opportunities which motivate and engage in meaningful and personalized ways. The current COVID-19 situation as well as parent and student experiences with Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) have only heightened the need to find more connecting and supportive learning environments. This Process Paper utilizes current research and technologies to address the Critical Challenge Question, “How can a synchronous, gamified, and narrative-based Humanities course be designed to promote meaningful connection and engagement for fully online Grade 6 students?” A comprehensive Literature Review and application of Connectivist and Constructivist learning theory has contributed to the creation of a student website which blends synchronous and asynchronous elements. Through a narrative and gamified structure encompassing the use of points trackers, badges, and student-choice experiences, this Major Project is designed to meaningfully connect learners to their teacher and each other. Students engaging in personalized and interest-based learning opportunities while working together with their peers will experience a greater sense of connection, motivating and helping them to feel personally invested in their learning community.