Lexia Learning Releases White Paper on Choosing Educational Technology That Helps, Rather than Hinders, Students’ Intrinsic...
March 16 2017 - 9:00AM
While student motivation in traditional classroom settings is well
researched, materials on how digital tools are enhancing or
undermining this essential factor for academic performance are
harder to find. Lexia Learning, a Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST)
Company, has released a white paper titled, “The Importance of
Intrinsic Student Motivation When Selecting Educational
Technologies,” which not only focuses on well-researched methods of
supporting students’ intrinsic motivation but also applies that
research to educational technologies.
The white paper, written by Dr. Elizabeth R. Kazakoff, senior
researcher at Lexia, highlights the three characteristics
identified in Self Determination Theory that are critical to spark
intrinsic motivation in learners:
- Autonomy
- Competence
- Relatedness to the contexts of a student’s community, personal
goals, interests, or knowledge base
Dr. Kazakoff points out that instead of cultivating these three
pillars of motivation, many people, including some educators and
makers of educational technologies, opt for external motivators,
such as rewards and punishments, to drive desired behaviors.
“Although these solutions may be effective in the short-term, they
often undermine students’ long-term intrinsic motivation for
learning,” she writes. That is especially problematic since
intrinsic motivation supports lifelong learning, a vital competency
in the 21st century workplace.
To help educators ensure that intrinsic motivation is supported
by the educational technology solutions they choose, the white
paper shares questions—based on the three characteristics
identified in Self Determination Theory of autonomy, competence and
relatedness/meaning—that educators can ask themselves. For example,
Dr. Kazakoff recommends that educators ask, “Is it clear to the
student that their work online relates to their world offline?”
because students’ perception of the value that a digital program’s
goal will add to their lives can greatly influence the degree to
which those students will be motivated.
“Educational technology products should be rich in elements that
support intrinsic motivation, rather than ‘chocolate covered
broccoli’ which simply sweetens the learning with a sugar coating
of badges and stickers,” said Dr. Kazakoff. “Remembering the
questions shared, as well as the tenets from Self Determination
Theory of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, can help parents
and educators navigate the digital landscape to find educational
technology tools that are engaging and effective in generating
authentic learning, not just providing edutainment.”
A complimentary copy of “The Importance of Intrinsic Student
Motivation When Selecting Educational Technologies” can be
downloaded at http://www.lexialearning.com/download-motivation-wp.
About Lexia LearningLexia Learning, a division of
Rosetta Stone, empowers educators through adaptive assessment and
personalized instruction. For more than 30 years, the company has
been on the leading edge of research and product development as it
relates to student reading skills. With a robust offering that
includes solutions for differentiated instruction, personalized
learning and assessment, Lexia Learning provides educators with the
tools to intensify and accelerate literacy skills development for
students of all abilities. For more information, visit
www.lexialearning.com.
About Rosetta StoneRosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE:
RST) is dedicated to changing people’s lives through the power of
language and literacy education. The company’s innovative digital
solutions drive positive learning outcomes for the inspired learner
at home or in schools and workplaces around the world. Founded in
1992, Rosetta Stone’s language division uses cloud-based solutions
to help all types of learners read, write, and speak more than 30
languages. Lexia Learning, Rosetta Stone's literacy
education division, was founded more than 30 years ago and is
a leader in the literacy education space. Today, Lexia helps
students build fundamental reading skills through its rigorously
researched, independently evaluated, and widely respected
instruction and assessment programs. For more information,
visit www.rosettastone.com. “Rosetta Stone” is a
registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the
United States and other countries.
Charlotte Andrist | Nickel Communications
candrist@nickelcommpr.com | 770-578-8007
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