Integrating Technology-Enhanced Collaborative Surfaces and Gamification for the Next Generation Classroom

Abstract

We place collaborative student engagement in a nontraditional perspective by considering a novel, more interactive educational environment and explaining how to employ it to enhance student learning. To this end, we explore modern technological classroom enhancements as well as novel pedagogical techniques which facilitate collaborative learning. In our setup, the traditional blackboard or table is replaced by a digitally enabled interactive surface such as a smart board or a tabletop computer. The information displayed on the digital surface can be further enhanced with augmented reality views through mobile apps on student smartphones. We also discuss ways to enhance the instructional process through elements of game mechanics and outline an experimental implementation. Finally, we discuss an application of the proposed technological and pedagogical methods to human anatomy training.

Are quiz‐games an effective revision tool in Anatomical Sciences for Higher Education and what do students think of them?

“…There is a trend towards more innovative uses of technology, such as augmented reality tools that are integrated to gamification practices. For example, Barneva, Kanev, Kapralos, Jenkin, and Brimkov () investigating “collaborative student engagement in a non‐traditional perspective by considering a novel, more interactive educational environment and explaining how to employ it to enhance student learning”.…”

Gamification for Education: Review of Current Publications

“…From these 25 publications about education, 9 articles were theoretical, reviewing other articles about current research and the application of gamification in the Chart 2 Publications since 2012: subject areas Chart 3 Publications about gamification in education since 2012 learning process (Barneva, Kanev, Kapralos, Jenkins, & Brimkov, 2017;Dichev & Dichev, 2017;Doherty et al, 2017;Harviainen, 2014;Karagiorgas and Niemann, 2017;Kim, 2015;Markopoulos, Fragkou, Kasidiaris, & Davim, 2015), offering datasets from research about experiments implementing gamification in online learning (Tenório et al, 2017) and on the learning performance of digital skill (De-Marcos et al, 2017).…”

Sustainable Engaged Accountable Learners

“…24 To facilitate student engagement, teachers use a wide variety of instructional methods, technological enhancements within the learning environment, and novel pedagogical approaches. 25 Such efforts to engage learners have clear benefits, including higher academic achievement and perceptions by students and faculty that advanced levels of learning are attained. 26 The Master Adaptive Learner framework is predicated on the principles of reflection and critical thinking, two processes that require active engagement in learning and the development of foundational knowledge.…”

“…Knowles 22 later theorized that adults are “self‐directed,” “active” learners who engage with learning resources based on need, meaning, and context 23 . Engaged learners exercise agency that reflects their personal epistemology and ability “to plan and manage their own learning.” 24 To facilitate student engagement, teachers use a wide variety of instructional methods, technological enhancements within the learning environment, and novel pedagogical approaches 25 . Such efforts to engage learners have clear benefits, including higher academic achievement and perceptions by students and faculty that advanced levels of learning are attained 26…”