Emotions, Engagement, and Education: Drawing Insights from Cricket
Five insights I gained on how hobbies like sports can shape how we design learner experiences and question what we are doing.
Have you ever thought about how your experiences shape how you connect and learn? Or, how hobbies such as sports can impact how we learn about ourselves and what we do? Let me share a story from my summer that shares the synergy between cricket and learner experience design. As the festive season unfolded, filled with gatherings and endless activities, so too did my son’s love of cricket - so much so, that we invested in our first Big Bash League membership. Now, for parents of a five-year-old, attending a game that starts at 7:30 pm and ends well past 11, with an hour-plus long commute post-game is no small feat. Yet, since I committed, I was struck by the high level of engagement, and excited spectators united in their passion for cricket. It sparked a reflection on what truly engages people and why it bears such profound significance; and sparked the following insights.
Engagement
As I sat in Marvel Stadium, I couldn’t help but cast my attention to a dynamic duo that was acting as a ‘roaming mic. Their presence was more than just announcing; it was an art of engagement. Their quick wit, infectious energy, and storytelling created a narrative for us as spectators. From humorous encounters with the KFC bucket heads to comical interactions caught on the oblivious cam, they captured our attention.
It made me pause and wonder, what strategies do I use to engage learners in the digital learner experiences? In an era of constant content, what holds the key to sustained engagement? So, how can we draw inspiration from the strategies and techniques used at the cricket in LX Design?
Learning through Observation
As I mentioned earlier, my son loves cricket. He is always armed with his trusty bat, imitating his cricket heroes. He asked to watch them on YouTube so he could observe the player, pause, and replicate their moves. Witnessing this was a heartwarming reminder of learning in its most natural form.
This made me wonder, how can I harness the power of visual demonstration to create more impactful and immersive learner experiences. And, in what ways will this enhance understanding and retention?
Social Interaction
What caught my attention was a heartwarming sight: children running down the stairs to the boundary rather than in their assigned seats. Before we knew it there were a group of children, forming an impromptu gathering of young cricket enthusiasts. It was so lovely to see these children interacting, sharing their excitement and connecting over their love of a game.
The question that lingered for me was in a world where there is so much technology and constant distraction, how can we effectively nurture such genuine connections in learner experiences? Or, do we have to?
Emotion
The cricket matches were a rollercoaster of emotions, from the thunderous cheers for the players to the thrill of those sixes, and the spectacle of light-up bails signalling out. With each of these moments, there were reactions from the players but also, from the spectators. It highlighted for me the pivotal role of emotional engagement and something you enjoy.
This led me to ponder; about learner experiences, is it necessary to have an emotional connection to what you are studying, or is learning without an emotional connection sufficient? We know emotional engagement can be a powerful motivator for learners, so in what ways can I tap into learners’ emotions to drive motivation and persistence?
Shaping Goals
My son, a keen collector of BBL cricket cards, brought his Renegades cards and a Sharpie to each of the matches praying to get the signature of Will Sutherland. He observed the players’ signing patterns in previous matches, and in the final match, he rushed to the side of the ground that Will was on. With a sense of purpose, he waited, got the signature, and the result was nothing short of sheer delight - he proudly held his signed card.
The sight of his excitement of a ‘signed card’ triggered me to think about learning outcomes - should we have defined outcomes for learners, or should we empower learners to shape their own educational goals, allowing them to build upon their aspirations? Afterall, we know if learners set their own goals it can lead to increased motivation and self-directed learning but how can we facilitate this effectively?
Over the summer, I discovered many moments of insight and self-reflection that resonated deeply with my work and educational beliefs. Amidst the ever-evolving discourse surrounding technology, in particular AI’s transformative impact on education, I found myself pondering the intricacies of technology’s role in shaping learner experiences and couldn’t help but wonder: as an LX Designer, what do you do to ensure that the technology you integrate serves its intended purpose effectively?
