Introduction to a class-based online writing environment: Gwrit (Game of Writing)

Abstract

The Game of Writing (GWrit) is an online writing environment where students can comment on each other's writing and where they get rewards for on task activity (gamification). This paper brings together research on GWrit from the following perspectives: Gamification, analytic tools, user habits, evaluation and task completion structures. First we introduce the way the system was designed to support experimenting with gamification and show the gamification rule editing environment we are developing. Second, we discuss the ways we are evaluating the interface of GWrit using Cognitive Walkthrough and Heuristic evaluation approaches. Third, we look at user behavior based on Google Analytics and compare this to the behavior expected and desired. Finally, we discuss the role task completion structures play in motivating learning. Compared with traditional ways of providing peer review, GWrit offers a different way of teaching writing. Our research shows that the major features of GWrit-including the gamification components, mutual study environment-have been recognized by users. We found that features tied to grades were used more frequently than those not tied to grades. Assignment deadlines, one of the task completion structures applied in GWrit, play an effective role in motivating learning. We end by describing potential improvements for the system from both programming and design perspectives.