Senior School

Embracing Digital Normalisation and Gamification in Middle and Senior School Classrooms

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, digital normalisation and the gamification of student learning are quickly transforming the way students learn and engage with their studies. It is vital that teachers and parents develop a clear understanding of these concepts so that we can support each student’s educational journey.

Digital Normalisation in the Classroom

Digital normalisation refers to the seamless integration of digital technologies into everyday classroom activities. This shift in pedagogy focuses on more than using computers, smart hubs or tablets; it’s about creating an environment where technology is used to equip and enhance learning as it becomes a natural part of the educational process.

Mal Lee, a prominent Australian educational consultant, has extensively discussed the concept of digital normalisation. According to Lee, digital normalisation occurs when the use of digital technology is so natural and accepted that it appears almost invisible across all facets of school operations. This means that technology is not seen as a mere add-on, but as an integral part of the learning environment.

Digital normalisation is an imperative and schools such as Oxley need to meet the expectations of a digitally empowered student cohort. While many young people and their families have seamlessly integrated digital technologies into their daily lives, schools often lag behind. To bridge this gap, schools must strive to create an environment where digital tools are used naturally and effectively to enhance learning.

Currently, our Senior School is in the midst of the Digital stage of this journey. This stage is characterised by the widespread use of digital devices in everyday teaching, with a significant shift from print to digital resources. Pen and paper will always have a firm place in the classroom, but digital technologies are not limited to the four walls of the conventional classroom. As impressive as our new Middle School facilities are, there is still progress to be made towards fully integrating these tools into all aspects of the learning process in the Senior School.

Over the years, significant investment has been made to reach this stage. This includes substantial time and resources dedicated to training and professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped to effectively use digital tools in their teaching. The College has also invested in a state-of-the-art STEM Lab, which looks to provide students with hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Additionally, the continued rollout of Surface Pro devices has dispensed with the need for dedicated (and dated) computer labs, and has ensured that students have access to personal digital tools that support their learning both in and out of the classroom.

The journey to this stage has been marked by several key milestones. Initially, the College operated in a traditional paper-based environment, where digital technologies were seen as peripheral tools. Gradually, the school moved into the Early Digital stage, where digital tools began to be implemented but were not fully utilised. As teachers and students became more comfortable with these technologies, the College transitioned into the Digital stage, where digital devices became a central part of everyday teaching and learning.

Looking forward, the goal is to move towards the Early Networked and Networked stages, where digital technologies are used not only within the school but also to connect with the broader Oxley community. This will involve further investment in digital infrastructure and advanced networking tools, to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. Additionally, there will be a focus on developing digital literacy skills among students, ensuring they can navigate and utilise digital tools effectively and responsibly.

Ultimately, the aim is to achieve full digital normalisation, where digital technologies are seamlessly integrated into all aspects of school operations and learning. This will create a dynamic and flexible learning environment that prepares students for the digital world they will navigate in their future careers.

Technology as a Shared Language

In contemporary classrooms, there is an implicit expectation from technology-adept students that these technologies will be incorporated into the learning process. For many students, technology is like a shared language. They use it to think, engage, and process information in ways that are natural and intuitive to them.

Students today are digital natives, having grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives. They use smartphones, tablets, and computers not just for entertainment but also for communication, social interaction, and learning. This familiarity with technology means that they expect their educational experiences to reflect the digital world they inhabit.

For example, students often use social media platforms to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and seek feedback from their peers. They might use apps like Microsoft Teams to work on group assignments in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This kind of collaboration is second nature to them and aligns with the way they interact with technology outside the classroom.

Moreover, technology enables students to access information quickly and efficiently. They are accustomed to using search engines to find answers to their questions, watching tutorial videos to learn new skills, and participating in online forums to discuss topics of interest. This instant access to information supports a more self-directed and inquiry-based approach to learning.

Incorporating technology into the classroom also allows for more interactive and engaging learning experiences. For instance, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can transport students to different historical periods, scientific environments, or geographical locations, providing immersive learning experiences that traditional methods cannot match. Educational games and simulations can make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable, helping students to grasp complex ideas through hands-on practice.

By integrating these technologies into the learning process, educators can create a more dynamic and relevant educational experience that resonates with students. This approach not only enhances engagement and motivation but also prepares students for the digital world they will navigate in their future careers.

Gamification of Learning

Gamification involves incorporating game elements into educational activities to motivate and engage students. This approach leverages competition, achievement, and recognition to enhance the learning experience.

One of the key elements of gamification is the use of points and badges. Students earn points and badges for completing tasks, which can motivate them to participate and strive for excellence. This system of rewards provides students with a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to set and achieve goals. For example, a student might earn a badge for mastering a particular topic or for demonstrating exceptional effort in their studies.

Leaderboards are another common feature of gamification. Displaying student progress on leaderboards can foster a healthy sense of competition and encourage students to improve their performance. Seeing their name on a leaderboard can motivate students to work harder and achieve higher scores. However, it’s important to ensure that this competition remains positive and that all students feel valued and supported, regardless of their position on the leaderboard.

Challenges and quests are also integral to gamified learning. Framing assignments as challenges or quests can make learning more exciting and adventurous. For instance, a history lesson might be presented as a quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilisation, or a maths problem might be framed as a challenge to solve a mystery. This approach can make learning more engaging and help students see the relevance of their studies to real-world scenarios.

Immediate feedback is another crucial aspect of gamification and is currently a core element of Oxley’s assessment and feedback process. Gamified learning often provides immediate feedback, helping students understand their progress and areas for improvement. This near-instant feedback can be more effective than traditional methods, as it allows students to correct mistakes and reinforce learning in real-time. For example, a formative learning task might provide instant feedback on a student’s answers, helping them to learn from their mistakes and improve their understanding of the subject matter.

Enhanced retention is another benefit of gamification. The interactive and repetitive nature of gamified activities can help reinforce learning and improve retention of information. A student who regularly plays an educational game that reinforces vocabulary words is likely to remember those words better than a student who only reads them in a textbook. This improved retention can lead to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material.

Supporting Your Child

As parents, you can support your child’s learning by embracing these innovative approaches. Encourage your child to explore educational apps and games that complement their schoolwork. Discuss their digital learning experiences and celebrate their achievements, whether it's earning a new badge or mastering a challenging concept.

It’s also important to create a balanced approach to technology use at home. While digital tools can enhance learning, it’s essential to ensure that your child also has opportunities for offline activities, such as reading books, playing outside, and engaging in creative projects. This balance will help your child develop a well-rounded set of skills and maintain a healthy relationship with technology.

By understanding and supporting digital normalisation and gamification, you can help your child thrive in a modern educational environment that prepares them for the future. Embrace these changes and work together with teachers to ensure that your child receives the best possible education in this digital age.

We are excited to share some insights from recent research on gamification in education and how it aligns with our college's innovative use of technology to enhance student learning experiences.

Recent studies have shown that direct technology integration and learning gamification significantly boost student motivation, engagement, and social interaction. By integrating these elements into learning, students are more likely to stay motivated, collaborate with peers, and enjoy the learning process.

As we continue to explore the potential of technology in education, Oxley is committed to providing our students with the best possible learning experiences. We believe that these innovative approaches will not only enhance their academic performance but also prepare them for the future.

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School