Measuring Students’ Flow Experience in a Multimodal Learning Environment: A Case Study

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the relationship between flow experience and multimodal learning environments. Flow experience has been defined as the state in which an individual feels completely absorbed and fully engaged in an activity. This concentration and complete engagement can lead to optimal learning. Several scholars in the areas of distance learning [2] and game-based learning [3] highlighted the relationship between high levels of flow experience and the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning environments. Yet, this theory has not been applied in the area of multimodal learning environments, were multiple forms of technologies are provided to collocated learners. The purpose of the present study was, by studying an HCI course, to explore learners’ flow experience and to understand the affordances of that promote flow experience. Findings suggest that flow experience does exist in collaborative activities within a multimodal learning environments and that it offers a useful construct to understand the affordances of technology in similar learning environments.