Research Article
Jhon Holguin-Alvarez, Juan Apaza-Quispe
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep524
ABSTRACT
Digital competences develop professional profiles that are more and more attainable for labor communities in constant transformation. The aim is to verify the impact of dances performed in virtual environments on the digital skills of university students affected by coronavirus. An experimental design of two groups of subjects with sequel due to COVID-19 was developed. The total number of participants was 106 students of the Professional Career of Primary Education of a university in Lima. A rubric to measure skills and a self-report questionnaire were used. The experiment was carried out through the execution of a dance competition in the professional practice, which was part of the curricular program. The results showed that the gamified dances in their virtual format developed better digital competencies than the dancers in the face-to-face format. Digital dances had a positive impact on digital competences in their procedural component, and evidence on perceived self-efficacy received insufficient impact. The study contributes has reported digital competence with variable characteristics in subjects with severe and mild sequel, considering that their perceived self-efficacy develops to a lesser extent than their skills.
Keywords: virtual art, digital competence, dance, virtual teaching, group teaching
Research Article
Marta Montenegro Rueda, José Fernández Cerero, Daniel Fernández Cerero, Eloy López Meneses
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep525
ABSTRACT
Online learning in higher education has established itself as a key educational strategy that transforms the teaching and learning process in universities. In this context, it is crucial to examine the different effects that this method can generate in order to identify both the opportunities and challenges that teachers face when adopting this modality. The aim of this research is to analyse the perspectives of online learning, focusing on the advantages and challenges it presents in higher education. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews with 47 teachers from the University of Cadiz and the University of Seville. The analysis of the data obtained highlights the benefits that online learning offers, such as flexibility and accessibility, as well as the difficulties related to technical problems and access to technology. The results underline the significant opportunities that online learning offers to improve the educational process, provided that the necessary teacher support and training is available. This study also provides valuable recommendations to guide future teachers and researchers in the effective integration of this method in higher education.
Keywords: online learning, higher education, digital learning, impact, educational innovation
Review Article
Liu Dan, Hasnah Binti Mohamed
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep526
ABSTRACT
The widespread use of contemporary flipped classrooms for teaching, especially in language learning, provides new insights. Flipped classrooms are two important aspects of language learning that produce impactful outcomes and understanding. It is essential that these processes be used to strengthen the system of language learning. We used PRISMA statement templates for bibliometric analysis. The analysis is based on publications from 2014 to 2023. We examined and analyzed 309 databases from Scopus to gain insights into flipped classrooms and language learning. Concurrently, distinct inclusion and exclusion standards were applied for the screening process. Through a bibliometric analysis, we have determined the distribution of publications on the impact of flipped classrooms on language learning between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, we have identified the most significant journals and authors, the prominent countries engaged, the primary research keywords, and the key subject areas explored. This study illustrates trends and suggestions for flipped classroom and language learning. Suggestions are also made to improve students’ academic performance by making full use of the effects of flipped classroom on language learning.
Keywords: flipped classroom, flipped learning, language learning, bibliometric analysis
Research Article
Burhan Ozfidan, Dina Abdel Salam El-Dakhs, Lama Adel Alsalim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep527
ABSTRACT
This study explores Saudi undergraduate students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic writing. Despite extensive research on AI in higher education, there is limited focus on academic writing, especially in the Saudi context. A survey of 189 students, proficient in English and enrolled in freshmen academic writing courses, was conducted. The students frequently used ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Google Translate. Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors: “instructional support of AI tools” and “instructional practices of AI tools,” explaining 55.302% of the variance. Descriptive analysis revealed strong student agreement on AI tools’ benefits, including idea generation, outline preparation, grammar and spell-check improvements, and time-saving. However, concerns about reliability, contextual accuracy, and ethical implications were noted. The study indicates the need for proper training and clear guidelines to make the most of AI in academic writing. The participants, in various responses, indicated how AI helps develop their writing accuracy and come up with new ideas although some participants worry about relying too much on technology. The study recommends that AI tools can be very helpful, but we need to use them thoughtfully to cater to different student experiences and concerns.
Keywords: AI tools, academic writing, undergraduate students
Research Article
Carmen Köhler, Johannes Hartig
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep528
ABSTRACT
Since ChatGPT-3.5 has been available to the public, the potentials and challenges regarding chatbot usage in education have been widely discussed. However, little evidence exists whether and for which purposes students even apply generative AI tools. The first main purpose of the present study was to develop and test scales that assess students’ (1) knowledge about ChatGPT, (2) actual ChatGPT usage and perceived value of use, and (3) attitude towards ChatGPT. Our second aim was to examine the intercorrelations between these scales, and to investigate differences (a) across five academic fields (i.e., human sciences, social sciences, teaching profession, health sciences, and law and economics) and (b) between stages of education (i.e., number of semesters). N = 693 students from various German universities participated in our online survey. Quality checks (Cronbach’s alpha, MacDonald’s omega, and confirmatory factor analyses) show satisfactory results for all scales. The scales all positively relate to each other, except for the knowledge and attitude scales. This means that more knowledge about ChatGPT is connected to a less favorable attitude regarding the generative AI tool. Lastly, MANOVA and subsequent Bonferroni corrected ANOVA tests show that ChatGPT is mostly used by law and economics students, and most frequently by students in the third year of higher education.
Keywords: ChatGPT in higher education, student knowledge, student use, student attitude, scale development, assessment, large language models (LLMs)
Review Article
Pan Qi, Nurul Farhana Binti Jumaat, Hassan Abuhassna, Li Ting
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep529
ABSTRACT
This systematic literature review aims to offer an in-depth analysis of the existing research landscape regarding the application of the flipped classroom approach within the domain of language learning. The investigators methodically selected and analyzed 57 papers from 656 documents using a systematic and rigorous approach to literature selection. Our findings demonstrate the significant international impact of this field, with contributions from many countries and districts as well as globally excellent academic institutions. This review examines multiple areas of research, including improving students’ perceptions and attitudes in flipped classrooms, language proficiency, motivational factors, etc. In addition, the research methods employed were evaluated, with a particular emphasis on mixed methods which combined the quantitative method with the qualitative method. Even though the application of flipped classrooms in language learning has achieved some achievements, some limitations are obvious. The most notable are the problem of sample size, the difficulty of technology integration, the lack of teacher training, the singularity of language research, etc. The research gaps revealed in this literature review, indicate interesting possibilities for future research. The diversity of research languages, the multiplicity of research methods, the integration of advanced technologies, and intensive teacher training will be significant of the area focus. This systematic literature review not only enriches the existing knowledge system but also has the potential to the direction of the development of flipped classrooms in language learning.
Keywords: flipped classroom, language learning, systematic literature review, SLR
Research Article
Rosita Rahma, Andayani, Atikah Anindyarini
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep530
ABSTRACT
This illustrative case study investigation was conducted to learn how Indonesian in-service teachers perceived teaching reading in a digital era and the challenges they encountered. The data were submitted by a total of 30 teachers who participated in the subject post for Indonesian junior high schools. Data collection strategies include participatory classroom observation, interviews, and guided written reflection. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The study’s findings highlight issues concerning teachers’ perceptions and teachers’ challenges while teaching reading in a digital setting. As many as 63% of teachers believe that the proportion of time teachers spend to practice reading skills from online sources is 40%–50% of total teaching hours at school. Furthermore, 40% of them believe that the criteria for teacher success in reading is when pupils improve their reading comprehension skills. The analysis also revealed that teachers encountered a number of challenges: (1) lack of knowledge about models and media for learning to read in a digital context, (2) lack of students’ ability to read multi-text sources, and (3) lack of motivation and awareness among students in reading. The findings of this study impact the understanding and training requirements of junior high school teachers concerning reading instruction methods in a digital context. Future studies should focus on innovation and the development of learning models to improve the quality of reading comprehension in a digital environment.
Keywords: digital era, Indonesian in-service teachers, teaching reading, teachers’ challenges, teachers’ perceptions
Research Article
Nur Nabihah Mohamad Nizar, Hutkemri Zulnaidi, Annisaa Basar, Siti Zuraida Maaruf
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep531
ABSTRACT
The increasing prevalence of mobile augmented reality (MAR) has garnered attention in contemporary times. However, its application within educational settings remains largely untapped, primarily due to its predominant utilization in entertainment domains. MAR presents opportunities for augmenting learning experiences, fostering enhanced adaptability in educational methodologies, and enriching students’ academic endeavors. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the use of MAR and formulates a model of MAR usage for pre-service teachers. In the context of this study, MAR learning cardiovascular (MARLCardio) serves as an experimental tool for exemplifying the features of MAR. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) as underpinning theories. This study was undertaken to determine factors that influence pre-service teachers’ attitude, acceptance, and their intention to continue using MAR in the learning process. Responses from 456 pre-service teachers through a survey were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings in this study found that pre-service teachers agree that facilitating condition play a crucial role in shaping pre-service teachers’ positive attitude and influencing their intention to continue using MAR. Meanwhile, performance expectancy plays a major role in ensuring pre-service teachers’ acceptance of using MAR in their learning process. It was anticipated that the formulated MAR structural model would offer insights and support forthcoming research endeavors aimed at fostering the sustainability of MAR utilization.
Keywords: mobile augmented reality, structural equation modelling, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, technology acceptance model, expectation confirmation model
Research Article
Stefania Cataudella, Maria Lidia Mascia, Mirian Agus, Dirk Ifenthaler, Łukasz Tomczyk, Maria Pietronilla Penna
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep532
ABSTRACT
The process of school digitalisation has been on the rise in recent years, but the relationship between technology and teachers has had a strong acceleration during the global pandemic due to the coronavirus disease 2019. 198 teachers from primary to high school fill a questionnaire about demographic variables (age, gender, education level, school level in which they teach and years of seniority at work), perceptions of using some digital tools and specific platforms before and during the pandemic (after the first lockdown), self-esteem, self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, and burnout perceptions. A non-parametric analysis was first conducted with the application of the Wilcoxon test for paired measures. Subsequently, a MANOVA was applied to verify any differences between teachers belonging to different school levels and having different levels of seniority. According to literature we found that self-efficacy, self-esteem, cognitive flexibility, burnout and service seniority are influential factors for teachers’ perceived digitalisation level.
Keywords: school digitalisation, teachers, self-esteem, self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, burnout, seniority service
Research Article
Yong Jik Lee, Robert O. Davis
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep533
ABSTRACT
This research investigated the effects of generative AI on affective factors (motivation, interest, and confidence) of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners enrolled in Korean university-level general English courses. During the Spring 2024 semester, this study involved 89 participants exposed to a generative AI-based instruction model. Compared to traditional methodologies, these results highlight the potential effectiveness of generative AI-based English instruction for writing and speaking in supporting linguistic proficiency and positive affective attitudes toward language learning among EFL learners.
Keywords: general English courses, English writing and speaking, generative AI, university students, EFL
Research Article
Omaymah E. AlSuwaihel
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep534
ABSTRACT
Background: Augmented reality is among the emerging technologies that hold greater potential in the context of foreign language learning. No research has been done to date to investigate pre-service teachers’ competencies in augmented reality and their association with quality of teaching English and technological and pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model components in the state of Kuwait.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the utility of using augmented reality competencies and English as a foreign language (EFL) TPACK model components to predict the quality of English language teaching of pre-service undergraduates.
Method: A total of 317 students enrolled in college of education at Kuwait university were recruited and responded to three online questionnaires measuring EFL TPACK, teachers’ augmented reality competencies, and quality of teaching English skills (QELT).
Results: Results indicated a significant positive association among all variables at 0.01 level. Teacher’s augmented reality competencies (TARC), TPACK, technological knowledge (TK), and technological content knowledge (TCK) were significant predictors of QELT. One-way ANOVA revealed that there was no significant effect of gender on the TARC, TPACK, TK, TCK, and QELT. The cut-off-criteria of the mean scores indicated that all participants strongly believe that they acquire the essential competencies of augmented reality in EFL classrooms and possess a high level of proficiency in TPACK. Descriptive statistics showed that more than (70%) of pre-service teachers selected “strongly agree” and “agree”, 13% or less selected “strongly disagree” and “disagree” while 26% or less selected “neutral” response. Linear regression analysis revealed that TARC, TPACK, TK, and TCK were significant predictors of QELT.
Keywords: augmented reality, quality of English language teaching, TPACK model, Kuwaiti students, pre-service teachers
Research Article
Ioannis Rizos, Evaggelos Foykas, Spiros V. Georgakopoulos
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep535
ABSTRACT
The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have a profound impact on various aspects of human society, including mathematics education. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable lack of research, particularly in Greece, that focuses on the development and assessment of lesson plans and math worksheets tailored for students with special educational needs. To address this research gap, we designed and conducted a nine-hour teaching intervention in a general mathematics classroom in Greece, involving two 8th grade students with special educational needs as the subjects of the study. The intervention utilized worksheets generated by the ChatGPT 3.5 application, which were customized based on the current curriculum, as well as the special educational needs and interests of the two participating students. The data were collected through interviews, tasks, and e-questionnaires, and analyzed using a new theoretical framework based on the concept of mathematical familiarity. The results indicated that students were actively engaged in the educational process, felt safe and confident, satisfactorily met the learning objectives, and developed positive attitudes towards the mathematics course. The paper concludes with a list of good practices, teaching suggestions and restrictions that could be useful to teachers and education policy makers. The target audience for the current study is, mainly, mathematics teachers who serve at all levels of education and have students with special educational needs in their classrooms. Furthermore, the article may also prove of interest to students, parents and teachers who are interested in the interaction between mathematics education and generative AI.
Keywords: special educational needs, mathematical familiarity, math worksheets, ChatGPT, qualitative research