Extended Abstract: The Role of Playfulness in Digital Collaboration—Practical Lessons for Educators

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a global catalyst, forcing an immediate transition to e-learning environments. As we navigate the post-lockdown era, the strategic imperative for educational institutions has shifted from mere technological adoption to the long-term sustainability of student engagement. In a saturated e-learning market, traditional metrics—which often emphasize functional utility—are no longer sufficient to predict student behavioral intentions. Understanding why a student chooses to return to a digital platform requires a deeper psychological lens than basic performance metrics can provide. This research investigates the causal relationships between the use of interactive smartboards, specifically Google Jamboard, and students’ willingness to continue utilizing these tools. By moving beyond the binary of "working" versus "not working," this study highlights "Playfulness" as the primary driver of digital engagement. The following analysis explores how interactive environments like virtual whiteboards, used for brainstorming and sketching, facilitate a shift from passive consumption to active, playful collaboration. We begin by detailing the empirical framework used to analyze these interactions within a contemporary classroom setting.