EVALUATING THE USE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF BITMOJI CLASSROOMS WITHIN ONLINE ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS

Abstract

The concept of Bitmoji classrooms was developed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, so teachers could deliver content in a fun and engaging way within their online classrooms. Since Bitmoji classrooms are a new idea, there is little known about them. It is important to learn more about Bitmoji classrooms due to the surge of their popularity at the time. Within a matter of months, more than 500,000 members joined a Bitmoji classroom Facebook group that shared ideas, images, and completed Bitmoji classrooms. This research found that most teachers used Bitmoji classrooms for three main purposes: to provide social/emotional support in the form of calming rooms; to promote one-time events particularly cultural holidays, and to support mandated curriculum. Students also found them fun and engaging. Bitmoji classrooms are easily reusable in future years, and they can be used as an assignment option for older students. As shown in the present study, Bitmoji classrooms are a way to engage students in learning during the pandemic; such a finding has potentially huge implications for school curriculum plans and emergency preparedness.