Title: Learning English as a foreign language through technology-mediated gamification in a rural setting

Authors: Na Meng; Shum Yi Cameron Lee; Wan Yee Winsy Lai; Samuel Kai Wah Chu

Addresses: School of Foreign Studies, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China ' Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China ' Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China ' Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China

Abstract: With educational disparities between urban and rural learning environments around the world, some students, for whom English is a Foreign Language (EFL), in rural areas might require a higher degree of motivation to improve their English literacy abilities. This study seeks to bridge the urban-rural gap in English learning motivation by introducing a gamified e-learning platform to English lessons for rural school children. A qualitative approach incorporating numeric reporting was used with questionnaires and interviews designed based on self-determination theory. Students aged 10 to 12, their parents and teachers were invited to the study. Results showed that the gamified e-learning platform has significantly motivated rural students to learn English by appealing to their curiosity and interests, strengthening the parent-child bond and fostering parent-child co-playing. For future EFL class designs for rural students, teachers can integrate gamification into their lessons to enhance students' learning engagement and motivation when teaching English.

Keywords: English learning; gamification; motivation; self-determination theory; rural setting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2023.136911

International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 2023 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.226 - 249

Received: 28 Jan 2023
Accepted: 28 Mar 2023
Published online: 28 Feb 2024 *

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