Research

Data-Informed Design for Motivation and Learning

My research examines how the design of online learning environments shapes learners' motivation, participation, and learning.

I

Learning analytics and self-regulated learning

I identify patterns in students' online learning behaviors and design actionable dashboards that help them monitor their progress, reflect on their learning, and regulate their learning strategies.

II

Gamification, simulation, and immersive learning

I investigate how gamified and simulated learning environments, including leaderboards and virtual reality, influence students' motivation, engagement, participation, and learning outcomes.

III

Motivation and emotion in online learning

I examine how motivational beliefs and emotional experiences shape students' engagement, participation, persistence, learning strategies, and academic outcomes in online environments.

IV

Artificial intelligence in education

I investigate how students and instructors perceive, adopt, and use artificial intelligence in educational settings, with attention to variation across learner and instructor populations.

Publications

Selected work

  1. 2026

    Examining the role of personality traits and perceived need satisfaction in gamified learning

    Gao, F., Liu, J., Rogers, K., Li, L., & Liu, R. · Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 18(2) · DOI

  2. 2025

    Towards tailored online learning: Predicting students' online learning patterns with perceived needs satisfaction

    Gao, F., & Liu, R. · Educational Technology and Society, 28(2), 1–14 · JSTOR

  3. 2024

    Advancing gamification research and practice with three underexplored ideas in self-determination theory

    Gao, F. · TechTrends, 68, 661–671 · DOI

  4. 2023

    Effects of virtual reality simulation on medical students' learning and motivation in human parasitology instruction

    Gao, F., Qiu, J., Chen, L., Li, L., Ji, M., & Zhang, R. · BMC Medical Education, 23, 630 · DOI

  5. 2020

    A systematic review of mobile game-based learning in STEM education

    Gao, F., Li, L., & Sun, Y. · Educational Technology Research & Development, 68, 1791–1827

A full list is available on Google Scholar.