The Effectiveness of Self-Paced Online Language Courses With Gamification Elements in the University Setting

Abstract

<p>Self-paced learning is a crucial approach for fostering students' intrinsic motivation to delve deep into understanding a given subject. However, motivating students to learn through self-access online courses outside the classroom is not an easy task. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of two self-paced online language courses offered to all undergraduate students at the University of Hong Kong. The first course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to create effective digital CVs and write compelling cover letters. The second course offers an engaging approach to teach students Chinese idioms, fostering their language proficiency and cultural understanding. The online courses are designed using Open EdX as the learning platform and students enroll in the courses voluntarily. Both courses incorporate a variety of materials and online exercises to enhance the learning experience. Notably, gamification elements are strategically integrated into several exercises to enhance students’ engagement and motivation. Qualitative and quantitative feedback are collected through online questionnaires and interviews to gather learners’ experiences and perceptions of the gamified self-paced online courses. The response to both online courses has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 400 student enrollments in each course after the launch of the courses for eight months. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of research on effective online language learning methodologies and provide insights for future course design, particularly regarding gamification in the design and implementation of self-paced online courses.<br></p>