Educational Applications Research Articles

Artificial intelligence and pharmacy education: a survey to assess the knowledge, application, and perspective of B. Pharm. students from India

This study aimed to understand the knowledge, application, and perspective of B. Pharm students regarding artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional observational design, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed among B. Pharm students in India, and 305 participants were included in the study. The results of the study showed that the majority of participants were female, and the mean age of the participants was 20.51 years. The study also found that the participants had limited knowledge of AI and its applications in pharmacy education. Only 34.6% of participants attempted to integrate AI tools into their academic activities. The most commonly used integrated tools were ChatGPT (42.2%) and Google Bard (Gemini) (30.8%). The survey strongly indicated the inclination of the pharmacy student community towards generative AI tools for academic purposes. However, the participants showed positive attitudes towards the use of AI in pharmacy education and believed that it would improve the quality of their education. A significant majority (82.3%) of respondents express interest in attending workshops or training sessions to enhance their knowledge about AI, The study concluded that there is a need for educators and technology creators to develop strategies to integrate AI into pharmacy education to improve the learning experience of students.

Metaverse Applications in Education 4.0: A Decade of Systematic Literature Review

The advent of Education 4.0, which aligns with the fourth industrial revolution, has been significantly influenced by advancements in digital technologies. Central to this evolution is the metaverse, a virtual shared space that merges augmented reality, virtual reality, and physical reality. This paper delves into the metaverse's applications within Education 4.0, highlighting its potential to revolutionize learning experiences, enhance collaboration, and improve access to quality education. By reviewing current literature and case studies, we identify the primary benefits, such as increased engagement, personalized learning, and broader accessibility. Additionally, we address the challenges associated with metaverse integration, including technical limitations, privacy concerns, and the need for new pedagogical approaches. Through a mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data along with expert interviews, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the metaverse's role in future education. The findings suggest that while significant hurdles remain, the metaverse offers a promising avenue for transforming educational practices to meet the demands of the digital age, ultimately fostering more dynamic, inclusive, and effective learning environments. Future research should focus on evaluating long-term impacts and developing standards for metaverse applications in education.

Assessing Cognitive and Perceptual Abilities in Imaginative and Mainstream Elementary Schools: A Case Comparison

This study investigates the impact of imaginative pedagogy on the cognitive and perceptual abilities of elementary school students aged 7-8, using a case comparison approach. Focusing on a Waldorf school as a case for imaginative education and a mainstream Greek school, the research examines abilities including Spatial, Linguistic, Kinesthetic, Naturalistic, Mathematical and Musical. The study utilized a mixed method consisting of playful assessment activities and classroom observations to evaluate these abilities comprehensively. The findings reveal that students in the Waldorf school demonstrate significant advantages in the Spatial, Linguistic, Kinesthetic and Naturalistic areas, attributed to the school's imaginative teaching methods. More specifically, imaginative pedagogy is shown to resonate well with competences related to physical activities, language processing, understanding of the natural world, and visual-spatial reasoning. In contrast, there are no significant differences in Math-Logic and Musical abilities between the two school types, despite the traditional emphasis on language and mathematics in mainstream Greek schools. The study highlights the potential benefits of imaginative pedagogy for holistic cognitive development, suggesting its applicability in mainstream education.

Paramedicine educators’ identity needs and impediments to professional emergence: A multiphase mixed-methods participatory approach

This research delves into how identity-needs and philosophies of paramedicine educators influence theoretical advancement and praxis in higher education. It examines the perceptions of paramedicine academics, their roles and the transitional challenges when moving from clinical practice to academia. It explores the potential of transformative pedagogy in fostering social consciousness, justice, and innovation. Challenges and benefits of a constructivist approach to paramedicine education and future-orientation is assessed. Employing a multiphase mixed-methods participatory approach, researchers reached consensus on the guided themes (Phase 1) for staff collaborative engagement (Phase 2) during the inaugural ‘Paramedicine Educators Forum’, which featured participation of academic leaders and staff from four universities and one jurisdictional ambulance service. The study unveils the intricate tapestry of paramedicine educators' identities and philosophies and their impact on theoretical advancements and practical applications in higher education. Conversations revolved around defining the role of paramedics in academia, the potential of transformative pedagogy, and the balance between producing competent paramedics whilst nurturing criticality. Discussions also addressed the shortcomings of current undergraduate degrees in preparing students for technological advancements and the potential for extended degree programs. The findings underscore the need to adapt paramedicine education to meet the evolving demands of the profession, with paramedicine educators playing a leading role in this transformation. These insights may be instructive in providing guidance for educational policies and practices that shape the future of paramedicine education and may have transferability for other allied health professions.

Supporting equitable access to learning via SMS in Kenya: Impact on engagement and learning outcomes

AbstractThe use of SMS messaging for education has grown in recent years, with particular attention recently during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Mobile phones often have high levels of ownership in low‐income contexts compared to computers, and lower connectivity requirements, which arguably make this a more equitable medium than data‐heavy online instruction, for example. However, given that gender can be a factor to influence mobile device access and use, it is also important to consider educational applications through a gender lens, to avoid further exacerbating digital divides. In this paper, we present an analysis of server log and evaluation data in relation to a literacy‐focused initiative for primary‐aged learners carried out in Kenya as part of the Tusome programme and through the SMS‐based M‐Shule education platform, which does not require an Internet connection or smartphone to run. The extent of engagement with the platform varies according to gender and location within the country. The data also demonstrate a positive impact on learning outcomes regardless of learners' gender and location. Furthermore, the learning gains are shown to be relatively cost‐effective in comparison with educational technology interventions in similar contexts. The findings show that this low‐connectivity adaptive model has a positive impact on learning outcomes. It is a scalable approach to support a range of learners in Kenya, providing more support to learners who need it, and leading to increased foundational learning outcomes overall. As such, the findings will also be of highly relevant to other low‐connectivity contexts. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Mobile phones can be used as a means to support learning, through mobile learning and SMS, particularly in low‐connectivity contexts, although there is a lack of rigorous evidence of impact upon learning outcomes. Mobile phone device ownership tends to be higher than computer or wired Internet connections in many low‐income contexts. Software applications which adapt to the learners' level have shown good potential for gender‐equitable learning outcomes in low‐income contexts; however, these often require an Internet connection in addition to computers or tablets to be run on. What this paper adds There is a lack of contextually relevant evidence of the impact of SMS‐based mobile learning applications in low‐resource and low‐connectivity contexts upon learning outcomes. Through analysis of data generated via an experimental design, this study provides evidence that literacy materials delivered through an SMS‐based educational platform—M‐Shule—can have a positive impact upon learning outcomes. Furthermore, gains are equitable in terms of learners' gender, and location, within Kenya. Implications for practice and/or policy Mobile phones can be an effective way of reaching learners to provide additional educational support as part of existing education programmes in low‐connectivity environments. Learning gains using M‐Shule are evidenced as significant and relatively cost‐effective. Existing high‐quality learning materials developed in other media can be effectively adapted to SMS to reach learners particularly who are out‐of‐school or during periods of educational disruption.

Integration of Gamification and Mobile Applications to Promote Inclusive Education: a Techno Pedagogical Approach

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze, through a document-based synthesis of existing literature, the integration of gamification and mobile applications in inclusive education, focusing on their potential to support the academic development of students. Theoretical Framework: The research presents key concepts and theories that underpin the implementation of gamification and mobile applications in the context of inclusive education, providing a solid theoretical framework that aids in understanding the study's context. Method: Through the review of 20 scientific articles, several effective strategies for implementing various technological tools (mobile applications) in the teaching-learning process are identified, with a special focus on inclusive education. Results and Discussion: It was shown that the use of playful elements and technological resources enhances active student participation, particularly for those with special educational needs, facilitating the development of soft skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and self-efficacy. Research Implications: The implications of this research span various areas of education, highlighting the need to integrate innovative pedagogical approaches that promote equitable access and inclusion. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by analyzing innovative approaches to the integration of gamification and mobile applications in emerging educational models. Its value lies in the need to develop projects that break educational monotony, promoting interactive experiences that empower both learners and educators.

The open corpus of the Vepsian and Karelian languages

In order to preserve and systematically study the Vepsian and Karelian languages, the staff of the Institute of Language, Literature and History and the Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the KarSC RAS have created and continue to improve the VepKar language corpus. The project is aimed at preserving and accumulating written texts in Karelian and Vepsian languages, fixing and preserving oral speech, researching the Baltic-Finnish languages of Karelia, editing the norms of newly written versions of Karelian and Vepsian languages, and creating educational applications. Anyone can use VepKar as an electronic library and a full-fledged electronic dictionary, which makes this resource very popular.

Penerapan Pendidikan Akhlak Santriwati dalam Kitab Akhlak lil Banat: Studi Pondok Pesantren Salaf Al-Mardliyah Tambak Beras Jombang

Moral education is a very important thing to do, this is based on the phenomenon that occurs in the era of society 5.0 which is very fast in anything. Character education can be said to be successful if it can be applied and carried out in everyday life, this is the result of learning formed slowly through knowledge and then carried out. The character education that will be studied by the researcher is moral education resulting from teaching and examples of a book of morals lil banat which is one of the bases in learning carried out at the Al Mardliyyah Islamic boarding school. This study aims to examine the application of moral education of female students based on the Book of Akhlakul Lil Banat at the Al-Mardliyah Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang. The research method used is the analytical descriptive method with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of moral education for female students at the Al-Mardliyah Tambakberas Jombang Islamic Boarding School is carried out systematically and in a planned manner through direct teaching from the Akhlakul Lil Banat book delivered by the kyai and ustadzah with various relevant learning methods. The implication of this study is the importance of developing a more integrated and contextual curriculum for female students' moral education in accordance with the development of the times.

Promoting Nursing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Virtual Reality Learning.

Nurse leaders are foundational to the success of creating an inclusive culture and climate and responding to situations of discrimination, racism, microaggressions, and bias in healthcare settings. This article describes a leadership education initiative using virtual reality to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for nurse leaders. Immersion in a lived experience provides a safe and effective learning environment to promote, improve, and exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and should be explored for other educational applications.

Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence

This work reviews the concept of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), its main characteristics, and its classification inside the Artificial Intelligence (AI) field. In this way, the main GAI foundational algorithmic architectures for data generation are presented; each considers a previously gathered data set and generates novel and synthetic data. Subsequently, use cases for generative models reported in the literature are presented, ranging from applications in healthcare, education, and customer experiences. The deployment of GAI models still needs to overcome a series of challenges inspected in this document, considering the presence of bias, lack of transparency, and hallucinations presented by the models. Finally, the risks and misuse of GAI are reviewed since widespread use of this type of technology is expected in society.

Integrating Youth Perspectives into the Design of AI-Supported Collaborative Learning Environments

This study highlights how middle schoolers discuss the benefits and drawbacks of AI-driven conversational agents in learning. Using thematic analysis of focus groups, we identified five themes in students’ views of AI applications in education. Students recognized the benefits of AI in making learning more engaging and providing personalized, adaptable scaffolding. They emphasized that AI use in education needs to be safe and equitable. Students identified the potential of AI in supporting teachers and noted that AI educational agents fall short when compared to emotionally and intellectually complex humans. Overall, we argue that even without technical expertise, middle schoolers can articulate deep, multifaceted understandings of the possibilities and pitfalls of AI in education. Centering student voices in AI design can also provide learners with much-desired agency over their future learning experiences.

Strategies for the Effective Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Colleges of Education, Enugu State

The purpose of this was to identify the effective strategies for implementing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Enugu State Colleges of Education. It assessed ICT implementation strategies in three colleges of education in Enugu State, concentrating on their scope, gender disparities, and techniques used across federal, state, and private colleges in the state. The study aimed to identify research variables based on behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist theories and their application in ICT and teacher education. The target population consisted of 2,500 100-level pre-service teachers from the three colleges of education. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the three colleges of education in the state. 125 pre-service teachers participated in the study. The study used a descriptive survey research design, and pilot testing was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results showed that ICT implementation in colleges of education is not fully utilized, resulting in low educational objectives. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the government, curriculum planners, in-service and pre-service teachers, and educational institutions be more proactive in adopting strategies that enhance the effective implementation of ICT in colleges of education.

The Role of Music Education in Activating the Theory of Multiple Intelligences in Our Educational Curriculum

Despite the acknowledgement of most researchers and those concerned with education and training issues regarding the importance of Gardner's theory in multiple intelligences, its implementation and application in education and training systems still face significant challenges and there is barely any noticeable impact of this theory. In terms of curriculum development there remains a lack of focus on fostering different types of intelligences and interdisciplinary educational projects that cater to the aspirations of all learners regardless of their talents—be it kinesthetic musical visual-spatial interpersonal intrapersonal etc. This goal remains out of reach. The same observation applies to educational activities in our classrooms, which are still far from embracing the spirit and philosophy of this theory. They neither acknowledge the various forms of intelligences nor aim to create any interaction between them. Furthermore, they fail to focus on enabling all learners to excel in the areas where they are naturally gifted. In this context, this study aims to emphasize the importance of the theory of multiple intelligences in improving our educational systems by examining the potential interactions between musical intelligence and other forms of intelligences based on scientific research findings. Additionally, it seeks to clarify how these interactions occur during an activity within the components of music education. Keywords: Intelligence, Multiple Intelligences, Musical Intelligence, Educational Activities, Music Education

Incidencia de la educación ambiental en el pensamiento ambiental en contexto de explotación minera del carbón

The article presents the result of research on environmental education as a determining strategy for reducing environmental impacts derived from mining practices. The objective was to analyze the effect of environmental education on the environmental thinking of high school students in the context of mining exploitation, which takes place in an educational institution. The qualitative methodology was developed taking into account three phases: the first, descriptive, dealt with the purposes of environmental education; the second, explanatory, on teaching practices for the application of environmental education; and the third one is comprehensive and sought to reveal the rationality that underlies the students' thinking and practices. The results show the existence of a dominated environmental thought based on instrumental rationality and weak sustainability. It is made evident by the naturalization of concepts and habits that ignore the reality of the environment in the mining context. It also reveals critical thinking in students that emerges as a reflection in favor of socio-environmental change in the territory based on participation and training in values.

Understanding AI's Role in Endometriosis Patient Education and Evaluating Its Information and Accuracy: Systematic Review.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age, leading to debilitating symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite advancements in diagnosis and management, patient education remains a critical challenge. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential tool to enhance patient education and access to information. This systematic review aims to explore the role of AI in facilitating education and improving information accessibility for individuals with endometriosis. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure rigorous and transparent reporting. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed; Embase; the Regional Online Information System for Scientific Journals of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal (LATINDEX); Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using the terms "endometriosis" and "artificial intelligence." Studies were selected based on their focus on AI applications in patient education or information dissemination regarding endometriosis. We included studies that evaluated AI-driven tools for assessing patient knowledge and addressed frequently asked questions related to endometriosis. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by 2 authors, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. Out of 400 initial search results, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. We ultimately included 3 studies, 1 of which was an abstract. The studies examined the use of AI models, such as ChatGPT (OpenAI), machine learning, and natural language processing, in providing educational resources and answering common questions about endometriosis. The findings indicated that AI tools, particularly large language models, offer accurate responses to frequently asked questions with varying degrees of sufficiency across different categories. AI's integration with social media platforms also highlights its potential to identify patients' needs and enhance information dissemination. AI holds promise in advancing patient education and information access for endometriosis, providing accurate and comprehensive answers to common queries, and facilitating a better understanding of the condition. However, challenges remain in ensuring ethical use, equitable access, and maintaining accuracy across diverse patient populations. Future research should focus on developing standardized approaches for evaluating AI's impact on patient education and exploring its integration into clinical practice to enhance support for individuals with endometriosis.

Mapping the Frontier: A Bibliometric Analysis of AI in Tertiary Education

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of research on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in higher education over the past decade. Through computer-assisted analysis of 412 documents from the Web of Science core collection, we shed light on publication trends, productivity patterns, and conceptual development. Despite this exponential growth in research output, there remains significant uncertainty about the long-term impact of AI on pedagogical practices, learning outcomes, and the overall structure of higher education systems. The results show an annual production increase of 31.8% in research publications on AI in higher education, signaling scientific recognition of the disruptive potential. The concentration in renowned specialist journals on the topic of technology-supported learning is offset by the distribution of these journals across 206 multidisciplinary sources. With 10 publications, the Chinese University of Hong Kong is the leading contributing institution. China leads in the number of publications on AI in higher education, with 62 articles, followed by the United States with 45 and the United Kingdom with 29. These regional anchors are driving progress in the field. Although there is strong collaboration, the research output remains spread across 1,182 scientists without established leaders, reflecting the diverse and emerging nature of the field. Topic modeling and keyword analysis mean an increasing examination of the connections to education systems, training, labor markets, and learning analyses. This highlights the tensions surrounding data ethics, academic integrity, and the disruption of the workforce as algorithms permeate admissions, advising, and teaching. Our examination of the anatomy of this rapidly growing field provides indispensable perspectives for guiding innovation. As techniques advance from theory to reality, continued empirical research to explore risks and opportunities will be critical to upholding humanistic educational values.

Building An Android-Based Application For Teenage Women's Reproductive Health Education

Background: Improper nutritional intake during adolescence can cause health problems, such as: impaired physical growth, increased risk of iron deficiency (Iron Deficiency Anemia), decreased intellectual capacity, impaired bone health, impaired sexual organ function, impaired concentration and performance at school, eating disorders and obesity, as well as malnutrition, but teenagers' knowledge about nutrition is very limited. Teenagers easily adapt to digital literacy. Providing digital interventions can have a positive impact on various aspects of health so that efforts to empower teenagers through increasing health promotion and early detection of adolescent health problems digitally are growing rapidly. Aim: The aim of this research is to explore the needs of young women for Android-based nutritional and reproductive health educational applications. Method: The qualitative research method is in-depth interviews via the Zoom application, WhatsApp video call, or WhatsApp voice call. Result: The results of qualitative research show that young women prefer educational media that is easy and fast in providing health information so that educational efforts via smartphones, namely Android-based applications, are an effective solution in providing precise and accurate information about nutritional intake and reproductive health. Keywords: Reproductive Health, Young Women, Application

The use of artificial intelligence in the education of people with visual impairment

Over the past decades, technological advances have led to the development of assistive technologies in the field of education. Specifically, in special education, access for people with a disability may require adaptations to educational programs and technological applications to enhance their independence and participation in society. One of these innovative educational technologies is artificial intelligence. Research has shown that the effective application of artificial intelligence is an important aid in the education of students with special educational needs, such as those with visual impairments. This article presents a brief review of recent studies on the application of AI in the education of people with visual impairments and whether it can contribute to improving their quality of life and their equal access to all levels of education. It also provides a case study, the "PeopleLens" system, for an in-depth analysis of the use of AI as an assistive technology.

TEACHING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN SAUDI ARABIAN SCHOOLS USING SMARTPHONE APPS

This study investigates the efficacy of smartphone applications in teaching computational thinking to students in Saudi Arabian primary and secondary schools. Computational thinking, encompassing problem-solving, computational logic, and algorithmic thinking, is an essential skill in the modern world. The research assesses various educational apps that support the development of computational thinking and examines their integration into the Saudi curriculum. This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide an inclusive perspective. Participants included primary and secondary school students from various schools in Saudi Arabia. The research employed pre- and post-tests for quantitative analysis and interviews and questionnaires for qualitative data. Quantitative results include pre- and post-tests of the students in computational thinking with the aid of co-varying with Computational thinking, while interviews and questionnaires with teachers and students offer qualitative data. Best-selling educational applications for ScratchJr, Lightbot, Cargo-Bot, and Kodable are compared concerning how efficiently they introduce programming ideas and encourage rational thinking. Results have suggested that smartphone applications have a positive influence on students’ computational skills. An enhanced standard is also noticed regarding the students’ aspects that involve problem analysis, identification of pattern, and formation of algorithm. The use of applications such as ScratchJr and Lightbot is justified regarding an application’s capacity to improve students’ motivation and willingness to learn computational concepts. Teachers indicate that their students have shown more concern and engagement mainly when the teacher integrates these apps. Hence, based on the findings of the study, it is evident that incorporating Smartphone applications into the curriculum will lead to a reforming change in the teaching approaches towards efficiency as well as feasibility of the learners. These findings are valuable for the Saudi context for policy and teaching enhancement, signaling the need to provide more resources in digital tools and invest in the professional development of teachers to capture the virtues of advanced technology in improving learners’ performance.

Building an Accessible and Flexible Multi-User Robotic Simulation Framework with Unity-MATLAB Bridge

Multi-user collaborative robotic simulation has great potential for applications in industry and education. Unity is a powerful software for simulation and online multi-user experience, which can be enhanced with third-party mathematical analysis and multiplayer servers. Unity can become a much more capable and user-friendly robotic simulation package through integration with other software. These include MATLAB for computations and the Photon Unity Engine (PUN) for online multi-user capabilities. This study developed a flexible robotic simulation framework that can be adapted to different scenarios for industrial and educational applications. Several simulation scenarios were developed to identify the most efficient data communication methods between MATLAB and Unity. TCP/IP, Shared Memory, Firebase, and MQTT, were selected to assess their performance and interaction with data in Unity and MATLAB. Next, an independent PUN application was created. Both components were integrated into the simulator for evaluation and performance optimization. The performance of this simulation framework was assessed through two case studies. The results demonstrated that the integrated framework is viable, efficient, and flexible for robotic simulation and digital twins. Future research will expand the framework by adding diverse functionalities to provide users with a better interface, enhancing its performance, and integrating additional software packages.