Designing a GenAI Chatbot-Enhanced Blended Synchronous Learning Environment to Improve Online Learners' Emotional Engagement

Abstract

Blended synchronous learning (BSL) combines in-person and online instruction in real-time, enabling remote learners to join classroom activities. While BSL offers flexibility and merges the benefits of both modalities, online learners often lack emotional engagement due to limited social interaction and personalized support. To address this, this study proposes designing a GenAI chatbot using ChatGPT to enhance online learners' emotional engagement by providing social interaction and personalized support. This proposed research will follow the educational design research approach, and progress through 3-4 iterative rounds of design, implementation, and formative evaluation to gradually optimize the design of the chatbot. This study aims to fill gaps in research on generative AI for emotional engagement in BSL.