Using blockchain and social networking to improve the effectiveness of a stock simulation trading course—A Taiwanese study

This study applied a blockchain-based platform to restructure a private online course on stock simulation trading using a social network system to track students’ learning activities. Using a pre–post experimental design, college students (N = 142) were classified into traditional and experimental groups for data collection and comparison of learning behaviours and outcomes. The students’ ability to team up with teaching assistants across LINE groups motivated them to share opinions and hold discussions. Student groups were rewarded with virtual token rewards. The improvements in learning and teaching skills indicated that blockchain, as an innovative framework when combining social networking with specific online courses, was an effective and easy technique to integrate into the curriculum. Students seemed more motivated and could better relate the course to their career goals.

本研究采用基于区块链的平台，通过社交网络系统重构了一门关于股票模拟交易的私有在线课程，用以追踪学生的学习活动。采用前后实验设计，将142名大学生分为传统组和实验组进行数据收集和学习行为及成果的比较。学生通过在LINE群组中与教学助理团队协作的能力，激发了他们分享观点和进行讨论的积极性。学生小组通过虚拟代币奖励得到激励。学习与教学技能的提升表明，区块链作为将社交网络与特定在线课程相结合的创新框架，是一种有效且易于融入课程体系的技术。学生们显得更加积极，并能更好地将课程与他们的职业目标相结合。