Digital Technology for Natyashastra’s "Rasa" Measurement to Interpret Online Learning Engagement

Determining learners' engagement has become challenging as virtual learning platforms' rapid adaptation for training has increased. Face-to-face learning was believed to be an effective way to understand learners' participation, emotions, behavior, and transfer of knowledge, concepts, innovation, etc. as a mindful engagement; however, now virtual technologies have been shown to be fast and effective in context, transforming our world into an excellent learning resource. This paper introduces the My Learning Engagement Assessment Framework (My-LEAF), a digital tool based on the Rasa theory of Indian Natyashastra (Theatrical Science). This digital tool measures Rasas prescribed in Natyashastra and interprets learner learning engagement (LLE) in online learning platforms with an emphasis on learner ownership to enhance mindful engagement. The latest technology-enabled My-LEAF tool can support the learning and development (L&D) domain for LLE. The aim of the study is to explore the digital application of an ancient Vedic expression-based emotions capturing scientific theory to interpret and measure engagement as a moderator for learner ownership. The mixed research method involved 25 learners for My-LEAF tool experimentation. The results revealed that My LEAF, a Rasa-based LLE measurement digital tool score, has a significant correlation with assessment-based learning engagement scores. Thus, digital technology-enabled Rasa measurement can support the virtual learning platforms to improve LLE and learning ownership, thereby contributing to the L&D domain by enhancing knowledge management and innovation.