Date of Award

Fall 12-2016

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Chair

Shuyan Wang

Committee Chair Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Member 2

Lilian Hill

Committee Member 2 Department

Educational Research and Administration

Committee Member 3

Taralynn Hartsell

Committee Member 3 Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Member 4

Eric Platt

Committee Member 4 Department

Educational Research and Administration

Abstract

This study investigates Gameful Design as a method to improve the development and implementation of Asynchronous Online Discussions in online learning environments. A qualitative methodology, an instrumental case study design, was used to examine the effectiveness of this design method by exploring the experiences of the participants and the meaning they gave to those experiences. Data was collected through observation, discussion transcript analysis, and pre/post-course interviews. Validity was strengthened by triangulation of these sources.

The findings showed that gameful design was an effective method to encourage the development of a connected and engaged learning community within an online class and promoted social knowledge construction among the students. Students participated not because they had to get a grade, but because they enjoyed the activity and sharing with their classmates.

Implications and recommendations are discussed as well as other uses for gameful design and further research possibilities.

ORCID ID

0000-0002-8427-568X

Previous Versions

Jan 5 2017
Jan 5 2017 (withdrawn)

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