Title: Cultural difference of flow experience in the gamified online-learning platform: an explorative study

Authors: Yick Wah Leung; Theresa Kwong; Martin Lau; Lisa Law; Eva Y.W. Wong

Addresses: Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China ' Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China ' Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China ' Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China ' Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract: With the fast-paced technological advancement in recent years, different gamified learning platforms have been designed to facilitate cross-institutional collaborations worldwide. Although the multicultural background of students could offer different views and ideas, it is still unclear whether and how cultural difference affects students' flow experience on online platforms. Accordingly, this study explores the linkage between cultural differences and the flow experience of 118 students. After an international online competition on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). The findings reveal that students' flow experience is important for the improvement of SDG awareness and students' level of enjoyment, while their flow experience is affected by their cultural backgrounds, especially the dimensions 'uncertainty-avoidance' and 'indulgent-restraint'. Moreover, the frequency of gameplay attempts is dependent on the feedback design and personal variables related to flow experience (immersion and concentration). The implications for teaching and learning are discussed in detail.

Keywords: game-based learning; gamification; flow experience; cultural difference; online-learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2022.128048

International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 2022 Vol.3 No.1, pp.88 - 106

Received: 05 Mar 2022
Received in revised form: 27 Jul 2022
Accepted: 10 Aug 2022
Published online: 04 Jan 2023 *

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