Optimizing Participation with Helpers to Enhance Interaction in a Blended Learning Environment

Abstract

This paper aims to design and develop a working prototype of an online platform for blended learning. This platform focuses on enhancing students’ online participation through prosocial behaviour elements, specifically 'helping'. This study follows the design and developmental research struc-ture, with an innovative take on the design approach. This study utilises the concept of Helpers found in an organic online community of practice to en-hance participation between students in the blended learning environment. Results showed that the combination of social elements embedded in the platform's design and the concept of Helpers helps increase participation among students in a blended learning environment. Furthermore, an inter-esting observation when the non-Helpers began to take up the role and help others signalled that the concept is fluid rather than strict. This observation potentially opens more opportunities for further discussions and explora-tion of Helpers' role in a formal online learning environment.