Research Article
Karim Ragab, Enrique Martínez-Jiménez, Elvira Fernandez-Ahumada
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 17, Issue 4, Article No: ep602
ABSTRACT
This study explores students’ perceptions of their engagement with interactive technologies in STEM classes at an applied technology school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Specifically, the interactive technology (IT) involves artificial intelligence and virtual reality, along with collaborative digital platforms that incorporate AI elements such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Nearpod. The focus is on understanding how students perceive changes in cognitive, social, reflective, and goal-oriented engagement after using these technologies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 126 male students from grades 9-12. The quantitative phase employed a pre-post survey with paired sample t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance to assess changes in engagement. In contrast, the qualitative phase included focus group discussions to explore student perceptions. The results revealed that students perceived a significant improvement in various dimensions of engagement, including cognitive, social, reflective, and goal-oriented engagement, post-intervention following the use of IT. The findings suggest that interactive technologies can positively shape students’ learning experiences, as these technologies cater to diverse student needs, improving academic outcomes and providing a more fulfilling educational experience. The results align with the UAE’s educational goals of fostering a knowledge-based economy through innovative practices.
Keywords: interactive technology, student engagement, stem education, artificial intelligence, virtual reality
Research Article
Samer Skaik, Roksana Jahan Tumpa
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep335
ABSTRACT
Many educators struggle to engage or stimulate students to actively engage in classes. International students, in particular, are more vulnerable to the risk of disengagement due to their competing priorities and social barriers. The use of interactive technology can promote active learning and facilitate better student experience and inclusion. This case study aims to examine the practical implication of one of the popular interactive technologies on the learning experience of international students. The study revealed that adopting the interactive technology in lectures had an obvious positive impact on student learning experience, attainment of learning outcomes, and motivation levels. It helped students engage genuinely in the assessment tasks and have their voice heard without fear or influence by faculty or peer pressure. The study also identified some challenges including the lead time required for training both faculty and students on using the technology more effectively. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing evidence-based implications of using interactive technology in higher education.
Keywords: active learning, interactive technology, international students, Mentimeter