A nudge for positive behaviours: digital nudging in higher education

Authors

  • Adam Tate Nottingham Trent University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi28.1026

Keywords:

digital nudging, nudging, online learning design, virtual learning environment

Abstract

In 2018, embarking upon my PhD in Education, I conducted a literature review. My preliminary findings came to a determination of three key points, as presented below. However, during the Covid-19 context, 2020-22, there was a rapid shift in the sector to teaching online and a consequent shift in the literature. I believe it noteworthy to present this piece to the academic community to highlight what I perceive as a move in the literature findings. Now, in 2023, there is clear evidence that Higher Education is moving towards digital nudging (Brown et al., 2023; Plak et al., 2023). It is important for Learning Development professionals to consider the ethical implications of this change and how nudging might be used in virtual learning environments, especially given the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, which is likely to be deployed alongside learning analytics to shape students' learning behaviours.

Author Biography

Adam Tate, Nottingham Trent University

Adam Tate is a Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice in the Centre for Academic Development and Quality at Nottingham Trent University, adam.tate@ntu.ac.uk .

References

Acquisti, A., Adjerid, I., Balebako, R., Brandimarte, L., Cranor, L., Komanduri, S., Leon, P., Sadeh, N., Schaub, F., Sleeper, M., Wang, Y. and Wilson, S. (2017). ‘Nudges for privacy and security: Understanding and assisting users’ choices online’, ACM Computing Surveys, 50, (3). Available at: doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3054926

Brown, A., Basson, M., Axelsen, M., Redmond, P. and Lawrence, J. (2023) ‘Empirical Evidence to Support a Nudge Intervention for Increasing Online Engagement in Higher Education’, Education Sciences, 13, pp. 145. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020145

Castmo, M. and Perrson, R. (2018) ‘The Alliance of Digital Nudging & Persuasive Design: The Complementary Nature of the Design Strategies’, MSc Thesis. Lund University. Available at: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/lup/publication/8950219

Mik, E. (2016) ‘The erosion of autonomy in online consumer transactions’, Law, Innovation and Technology, 8(1), pp. 1-38, Available at: doi:10.1080/17579961.2016.1161893

Motz, B., Mallon, M. and Quick, J (2022) ‘Automated Educative Nudges to Reduce Missed Assignments in College’, IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 14(2), pp. 189-200, Available at: doi: 10.1109/TLT.2021.3064613.

Plak, S., Klaveren, C. and Cornelisz, I. (2023) ‘Raising student engagement using digital nudges tailored to students' motivation and perceived ability levels’, British Journal of Educational Technology, 54, pp.554– 580. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13261

Rodríguez, M., Guerrero-Roldán, A., Baneres, D. and Karadeniz, A. (2022) ‘An Intelligent Nudging System to Guide Online Learners’, International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 23(1), pp. 41–62. Available at: https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i4.5407

Thaler, R. and Sunstein, C. (2009) Nudge: Improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness. London: Penguin Books

Thistoll, T. and Yates, A. (2016) ‘Improving course completions in distance education: an institutional case study’, Distance Education, 37(2), pp. 180-195, Available at: doi:10.1080/01587919.2016.1184398

Weinmann, M., Schneider, C. and vom Brocke, J. (2016) ‘Digital Nudging’, Business Information System Engineering 58(6), pp 433–436. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2708250

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Published

24-09-2023

How to Cite

Tate, A. (2023) “A nudge for positive behaviours: digital nudging in higher education”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (28). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi28.1026.

Issue

Section

Brief Communications