Using meaningful gamification to redesign simulation-labs for engaging learners in science inquiry practices

Abstract

Practical labs in science are expected to foster disciplinary practices of “doing science” in learners. Simulation-based labs which provide the convenience of conducting practical lab experiments online offer several technological affordances, however, come with their own set of challenges such as steep learning curves, working in isolation, lack of personalization which may adversely affect learner engagement and motivation. OLabs is a set of simulation-based labs for schools widely used in India. The main goal of this work is to re-design simulation-based labs like OLabs to engage learners in science practices and to motivate learners to engage in science practices using gamification. Gamification is known to have a positive impact on learner engagement and motivation. Meaningful gamification, a type of gamification approach focuses on intrinsically motivating learners to find meaning in the given learning context. We have designed a framework GaMINLab, which is the proposed redesign of OLabs and the preliminary design is informed by exploratory study findings and literature recommendations of disciplinary practices and simulation-based labs. Currently GaMINLab framework is built around 2 labs and study is planned to validate the design of GaMINLab.