From Zero to Hero: When a Simple Line Can Make All the Difference The Case of Progress Bars in Educational Online Courses
摘要
Online platforms with automated feedback mechanisms offer a solution, ensuring all students receive timely and scalable feedback. Despite their potential, studies specifically assessing the impact of different feedback types in online learning environments are limited. This work-in-progress study addresses this gap by exploring the use of progress bars as a feedback tool in educational online courses. Through a pilot case-control study involving 21 students, we aim to evaluate the potential of progress bars to improve student motivation and engagement. Our findings indicate the potential of progress bars in educational online courses to enhance the learning experience by providing a clear visualization of progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and motivating students to complete tasks. These insights underscore the importance of integrating progress bars into online learning platforms, highlighting their untapped potential to enrich educational outcomes. By laying the groundwork for further exploration, this research advocates for the broader adoption of simple yet effective feedback mechanisms, ultimately aiming to enhance online education and benefit both students and educators.