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（blockchain）的平台，结合社交网络系统重构了一门股票模拟交易私密在线课程，用于追踪学生的学习活动。本研究采用前后测实验设计，将142名大学生分为传统组与实验组，开展数据采集并对比两组的学习行为与学习成果。学生可跨LINE群组与教学助理组队协作，这一机制激发了他们分享观点、开展讨论的积极性。学生小组可获得虚拟Token奖励。学习与教学技能层面的提升表明，作为一种将社交网络与特定在线课程相结合的创新框架，区块链是一种高效且易于融入课程体系的教学技术。学生的学习积极性显著提升，且能够更好地将课程内容与自身职业发展目标相结合。