seminar
Using Active Learning strategies and Gamification in Moodle
Effective use of technologies has the potential of enriching the educational environment and enhance student support by providing a richer and more diverse learning experience through a virtual learning environment. In this seminar, we will discuss the principles of integrating active learning strategies and gamification strategies in e-Learning courses, and how these principles were used in guiding the design of a graduate level and an undergraduate level course on Moodle. For example, we will describe how, in a graduate level course, educational videos and out-of-class learning activities were provided on the Moodle platform. Gamification strategies such as points, badges, and leaderboard, were employed in this course to motivate learners in participating such out-of-class learning activities. The empirical data indicated that under gamified condition learners were motivated to participate more activities and produce higher quality artifacts. Survey questionnaire was used in this case to collect learners’ feedback on the design of active learning strategies and gamification strategies. The implication for this study and practical tips for designing e-learning courses on Moodle will also be discussed.
Dr. Timothy Hew is an Associate Professor at the Division of Information and Technology Studies of the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong. He earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and his PhD from Indiana University, Bloomington in the USA. His research primarily focuses on blended learning strategies, computer-supported interaction, and technology-mediated learning. He has won several awards including the 2006 Educational Technology Research & Development Young Scholar Award, the 2011 IGI Global 4th Annual Excellence in Research Journal Award, a Best Paper Award at the 2012 International Conference on ICT in Teaching and Learning, and a Best Presentation Award at the 2013 International Conference on Knowledge and Education Technology. Dr. Hew has more than 10 years teaching experience involving e-learning environments in Hong Kong, Singapore and the USA.
Ms. Biyun HUANG is a PhD candidate at the Division of Information and Technology Studies at the Faculty of Education, at the University of Hong Kong. She received her M.S. degree at the University of Hong Kong. Her research interests are students’ motivation and engagement in e-learning, and e-learning design. The topic of her PhD study is on the impact of gamification on learners’ learning, participation and motivation.