Digital Learning Tools Research Articles

The Pedagogical Significance of Biblical Languages in African Theological Education

This study discusses The Pedagogical Significance of Biblical Languages in African Theological Education, focusing on the declining proficiency in biblical languages such as Hebrew and Greek within African theological institutions, using the Baptist College of Theology, Obinze. The problem identified was the increasing marginalisation of these languages, often substituted by more practical or contemporary subjects, resulting in a weakening of biblical exegesis and diminished theological depth in academic and pastoral contexts. The study’s primary objective was to assess biblical languages’ role in enhancing theological education, particularly in African contexts. It investigated how mastery of Hebrew and Greek could significantly improve scriptural interpretation, homiletics, and doctrinal accuracy among African theologians and pastors. The research aimed to demonstrate that proficiency in these languages offers essential insights into the original meaning of biblical texts and a greater connection to their cultural and historical contexts. Methodologically, the study employed discourse analysis and case studies, examining curricula from various African theological institutions and surveying educators and students. It also reviewed theological literature to evaluate biblical languages’ historical and contemporary significance in Christian education. The findings revealed that institutions prioritising biblical language instruction produce graduates with more vital exegetical skills, better equipped for accurate scriptural interpretation and culturally sensitive theological reflection. Based on these findings, the study recommends that African theological institutions reinstate the teaching of biblical languages as a core part of their curricula. These recommendations include creating more accessible language courses, integrating digital learning tools, and emphasising biblical language proficiency’s long-term academic and pastoral benefits. The study advocates for a balanced approach to theological education incorporating biblical languages as a vital component of developing sound theological scholarship and effective ministry in Africa.

Force and motion misconceptions in Moroccan high school science majors: insights from video game activity

ABSTRACT This study delves into the misconceptions about force and motion prevalent among Moroccan high school science major students. It meticulously analyzes the impact of videogame activity on the formation and persistence of these misconceptions. A cohort of 234 students, who underwent remote introductory mechanics courses, were involved in the study. Alongside the use of the revised Force Concept Inventory for investigating misconceptions, we employed cluster sampling and a descriptive survey to concurrently explore students’ year-long experiences with various videogames. The findings indicate that a substantial part students exhibit non-Newtonian conceptual understanding of force and motion. Interestingly, highly engaged videogame players consistently demonstrated a shift in their misconceptions’ nature. No statistically significant correlations were found with grade, age, or gender, except for videogame spending time frequency. This research underscores the importance of mechanics reasoning, especially among digital natives and avid gamers. These insights not only pave the way for robust Digital Game-Based Learning tools to identify and rectify misconceptions, but also provide a catalyst for further exploration in this field and its broader implications.

The Digital School - Can Everyone Participate on Equal Terms?

This paper examines the accessibility of digital learning tools in Norwegian schools, highlighting significant deficiencies that hinder equitable participation, especially for students with disabilities. Through inspections, surveys, and stakeholder consultations, critical gaps in compliance and competence are identified. Recommendations are provided to strengthen regulatory enforcement, enhance teacher training, and support the procurement of accessible learning resources, aiming to ensure all students can equally benefit from digital advancements in education.

Unveiling Community Needs and Aspirations: Card Sorting as a Research Method for Developing Digital Learning Spaces

<p style="text-align:justify">This pilot study is part of a larger “Decolonization of Digital Learning Spaces” project, which aims to develop research tools for communities that are remote and/or excluded geographically, politically, economically, socially, culturally, and linguistically. The project’s ultimate goal is to work alongside these communities to design their own digital learning tools, networks, and online educational environments by accessing and leveraging their knowledge and skills. Testing the single-criterion card sorting method is the first step toward this goal. Card sorting is an easy, enjoyable, and cost-effective method for data collection and analysis, particularly for researchers working in remote areas with limited access to electricity or the Internet. The pilot explored single-criterion card sorting as a method to elicit knowledge from two diverse cultural and linguistic groups engaged in learning activities within their communities. These groups were from a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community in Canada (engaged in a bow-making workshop) and a rural Kabyle community in Algeria (engaged in a traditional cooking lesson). Despite low participant numbers, distinct patterns emerged, indicating the method's effectiveness. The results, though anticipated, were non-random, demonstrating the potential of card sorting in producing patterns indicative of how individuals and/or communities categorize their world(s). Kabyle sortings focused on ingredients, highlighting older individuals as teachers passing along knowledge, while the DHH sortings emphasized face-to-face contact and hand movements in communication. The findings, though modest, established relationships, provided insights into the research context and offered logistical understanding, paving the way for further work with DHH and Kabyle communities towards the design of digital learning spaces.</p>

Assessing the post-pandemic socioeconomic and health impacts on daily wage and private sector workers in India: a cross-sectional analysis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health and socioeconomic crisis, has severely impacted various demographics, with daily wage and private sector workers in India among the hardest hit. Lockdown measures, aimed at curbing the virus's spread, resulted in widespread job losses, financial instability, educational challenges, and mental health issues, leading to a critical examination of the post-pandemic effects on these vulnerable populations. This study aims to assess the socioeconomic and psychological impacts of COVID-19 on daily wage and private sector workers. Specifically, it examines employment and income loss, access to basic needs, educational disruptions, lifestyle changes, and mental health effects post-lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 100 participants selected through simple random sampling. Data collection spanned from October to December 2023, utilizing a structured questionnaire to capture sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, and psychological information. The depression, anxiety and stress scale-21 items (DASS-21) scale was employed to measure depression, anxiety, and stress levels among respondents. Results: Results show that 42% of participants experienced job losses, predominantly among daily wage workers, with many respondents also reporting decreased financial stability. Educational impacts were notable, with limited access to digital learning tools exacerbating the digital divide. Significant lifestyle changes included shifts towards healthier habits and increased compulsive behaviours, such as handwashing. Mental health assessments indicated that 30% of participants had mild depression, while moderate levels of stress and anxiety were common. Conclusions: The findings highlight the pandemic's lasting socioeconomic and mental health toll on daily wage and private sector workers in India. Immediate policy interventions are needed to strengthen social support systems, ensure access to mental health care, and facilitate economic recovery for these communities.

The future of language education: Integrating smartphones into the curriculum

As digital technology increasingly integrates into learning environments, smartphones' potential to facilitate language learning has become a significant area of interest. This study explores students' perceptions of smartphone use in education, particularly in their respective languages, based on a survey of 540 participants from Azerbaijan. The research identifies how smartphones are used in language learning and students' perceptions regarding changes in engagement, accessibility, and overall effectiveness. Results indicate that most students recognize the value of smartphones in enhancing language learning, especially through resources or practice outside the classroom. However, the study also highlights issues related to distraction and technology equity, which could exacerbate educational inequalities. Furthermore, it identifies a critical gap in understanding effective smartphone integration into the curriculum, emphasizing the need for targeted training and clear usage guidelines. These findings suggest that while smartphones could revolutionize language education, their successful integration requires careful planning and institutional support. The study contributes to the broader debate on digital learning tools, stressing the importance of well-planned integration strategies to maximize the benefits of language education.

The Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Student Motivation in High School

This study explores the relationship between the use of digital learning platforms and student motivation in high school settings. With the increasing integration of technology in education, understanding its influence on student engagement and motivation is critical. This research employs a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 200 high school students from New York City. Using a questionnaire based on the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), the study examines whether students who regularly use digital platforms demonstrate higher motivation levels than their peers who do not. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, reveals a significant positive relationship between digital platform usage and student motivation. The findings suggest that digital learning tools may enhance motivation, offering important implications for educators and policymakers. However, the study's cross-sectional nature and limited sample size present constraints, indicating the need for further research.

The Impact of Digital Technology on Learning and Teaching: A Case Study of Schools in Durrës, Albania

The incorporation of digital technology in education has become more widespread, offering the potential to transform conventional teaching methods and improve student learning experiences. This study investigates the influence of digital technology on the process of learning and teaching in Albanian schools. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the benefits, difficulties, and overall efficacy of digital tools in educational environments. This paper provides a comprehensive literature analysis to examine the global trends and issues related to digital technology in education, with a specific focus on developing nations. It emphasizes the distinct socio-economic and infrastructural difficulties encountered by Albania, a developing country endeavoring to improve its educational system. Survey responses from a diverse selection of 10 educational institutions in Durrës, Albania provided numerical data. Quantitative data collection involved conducting questionnaires with students of different ages, which allowed for a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and perspectives. The results demonstrate that the use of digital technology greatly improves student engagement and academic achievement. Schools that integrated digital technology into their curriculum achieved higher exam scores than schools that did not. Nevertheless, the research also highlights notable obstacles such as limited infrastructure, unstable internet access, and inadequate teacher preparation that impede the efficient utilization of digital resources. It is necessary for teachers a significant inclination for additional training and assistance, while students demonstrated a preference for digital learning tools over conventional techniques, citing heightened enthusiasm and involvement. This study provides policy proposals to effectively solve the highlighted difficulties and improve the incorporation of digital technology in Albanian schools. These include increased financial resources for improving infrastructure, comprehensive programs for educating teachers, and the establishment of a supportive framework to maintain digital integration endeavors. In summary, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of digital technology on educational achievements in Albania, making a significant contribution to the wider discussion on digital education in developing nations. The results emphasize the revolutionary capacity of digital tools in education while emphasizing the critical necessity of resolving structural obstacles in order to fully achieve this promise. Received: 14 July 2024 / Accepted: 2 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Enhancing Learning Management Systems (LMS) Through Kano Analysis

Abstract This article explores the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern educational settings and emphasizes the importance of understanding stakeholders’ needs in the development of digital learning tools, particularly Learning Management Systems (LMS). Drawing from the Kano Model of Satisfaction, the study examines how stakeholders evaluate digital learning products and proposes a new LMS design tailored to their preferences. The paper provides insights into the acceptance and utilization of digital learning tools by stakeholders in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting the challenges and opportunities in incorporating LMS into educational organizations. Additionally, it presents new functional factors for newly designed LMS and discusses the implications of digital learning systems in the context of modern education. Finally, the article addresses the limitations of current LMSs and underscores the importance of stakeholder acceptance for successful implementation in educational institutions.

A Blended Learning Course to Support Innovative Online Teaching in Higher Education

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the challenge of improving the effectiveness and innovativeness of online teaching in higher education. It presents a blended learning course designed for faculty development and discusses the findings of surveying the opinions of participants. The course integrates synchronous sessions with digital learning tools and platforms to equip educators with essential skills for online teaching. A mixed‐methods design has been applied for evaluating the educational activity, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection. The course had a completion rate of 91.13%. The opinions of 72 higher education members have been surveyed, and the findings revealed that the blended learning course enhanced instructors' ability to design and deliver online content that is both pedagogically sound and engaging. The necessity for such learning activities is strongly emphasised. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for future course design and faculty development programs in higher education.

The development of elema 2.0 for the invertebrate zoology course on the phylum arthropoda topic

Currently, technology has become an inseparable part of education and learning. Various digital learning tools have been developed and widely used in the classroom. eLEMA (electronic learning materials) was developed as a mobile application that supports learning in the Invertebrate Zoology courses at the Biology Education Program, University of Palangka Raya. At that time, eLEMA was developed to meet the need for electronic learning materials for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the rapid development of technology in recent years, eLEMA needs to be developed further for updates. This research aims to develop eLEMA 2.0 for the Invertebrate Zoology course. This study is a research and development (R & D) using Hannafin & Peck development model to develop eLEMA 2.0 for the Invertebrate Zoology course on the Phylum Arthropoda topic. The development product is the eLEMA 2.0 application for lectures on the Phylum Arthropoda topic in the Invertebrate Zoology course with improvements to the user interface and additional features that support participatory learning and student-centered learning. The results of trials and validation show that all pages and content in this application were successfully opened without any disturbing errors. These results indicate that the development product is feasible to be implemented in the classroom.

Digital Skills’ Impact on the Use of Digital Learning Tools

Innovations and developments in the ICT sector drive significant changes in how higher education institutions (HEIs) execute their teaching and learning processes. HEIs have always succeeded in the implementation of ICT tools for the facilitation of the process of teaching and learning. However, they have faced many challenges related to using these tools. Various tools have been introduced, not only for teaching and learning but also for socialisation. These tools include social media tools that are used to achieve different activities in response to the demands of society. Social media, however, is more utilised than digital learning tools, causing major concerns because users appear more interested in social media tools to perform academic activities than in digital learning tools. Students entering the university spaces are often comfortable using their phones but less comfortable using laptops or PCs. These, however, are the primary devices used in digital classrooms at institutions of higher learning. The basic ability to use them is crucial in succeeding in today’s digitised e-learning classrooms. This study investigates the impact digital literacy could have on using digital learning tools in HEIs. The study employed quantitative research methods using a survey developed and distributed to university alums to assess their digital skills upon entering their studies and how this impacted their learning experience. The participants were recruited from two public universities and one private university in the Eastern Cape. The purpose of the study was to formulate a checklist, based on the analysis of the data collected, that will inform the digital literacy factors impacting the use of digital learning in HEIs. While the study acknowledges that different students have different learning needs, it was still possible to create a solution through the suggested checklist consisting of eight (8) interventions developed to guide universities in improving the use of digital learning tools in their institutions.

PERCEPTIONS OF SMK PEREMPUAN LIKAS STUDENTS ON THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

The study investigates the perceptions of SMK Perempuan Likas students on the impact of social media on their language learning and the challenges they encounter when using social media as a tool for language learning. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, where 100 Form 4 students were involved in completing the questionnaires and a total of 5 students participating in focus group discussion. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to provide descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Quantitative results indicated majority of students (56%) have a positive perception of the impact of social media on their English language skills, with another 42% acknowledging some beneficial effects, and only 1% reporting a negative impact. Students reported the most enhanced skills through social media as speaking (25%) and reading (20%), followed by pronunciation and communication (15% each), listening and spelling (9% each), and writing (7%). Qualitative findings reveal several challenges, including difficulties understanding abbreviations, pronunciation, and complex phrases. Participants also highlighted negative aspects of social media such as distractions, exposure to inappropriate content, and the potential for bullying.The findings suggest that educators should develop strategies to leverage social media’s benefits and mitigate its challenges. Policymakers are encouraged to implement digital literacy programs to help students navigate social media effectively. This balanced approach aims to maximise the positive impacts of social media on language learning while minimising its challenges. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital learning tools and provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers.

Online teaching and Learning post-Covid: An Analysis of LMS Usage and Student Outcomes Following the Pandemic

In 2020, the global higher education sector plunged into online teaching and learning within a very short timeframe with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sri Lankan state higher education system was no exception. While the initial readiness of both students and teachers for this switch varied or, in many cases, was low, online instruction was the predominant form of teaching and learning for most of the subsequent two years. The Sri Lankan university sector resumed face-to-face teaching for undergraduates in mid-2022 but aspects of online teaching and learning remain, providing a valuable opportunity to take stock of the experiences gathered during the pandemic. This study aims to use data on undergraduate courses offered both during and after the pandemic period at the Faculty of Business in the University of Moratuwa in order to identify online teaching practices that persisted beyond the COVID-19 period and relate student interactions with these activities with academic outcomes. The dataset spans 473 students in five cohorts across six undergraduate courses and includes Moodle (the LMS used by the university) logs, data on academic outcomes, and features of the online course pages. The student level data for the selected courses are augmented with interviews with the corresponding lecturers to gain further insights into why certain learning activities were considered successful and others not. By doing so, the paper aims to identify effective learning tools and best practices that arose during the unplanned transition to online teaching from both lecturer and student perspectives. The results show that there is a continuity in the tools between the online mode during the pandemic and the post-pandemic return to face-to-face teaching with tools such as quizzes, assignment submissions, and videos/lecture recordings used noticeably more than in the pre-Covid period. The use of interactive tools increase the student engagement with the course Moodle pages, which in turn are positively associated with learning outcomes. The paper thus highlights some positive consequences of the pandemic period on education in terms of enhancing the adoption of digital tools for learning among both staff and students.

A critical analysis of pupils' use of the CLC digital explorer tool at Key Stage 3

Abstract The study concerns the use made by Year 8 pupils of Latin using the ‘Explorer’ digital learning tool (part of the digital learning resources of the Cambridge Latin Course). Through close attention to transcripts of students working in pairs using the tool, which provides vocabulary and language analysis of continuous Latin prose narratives, the author notes its value in promoting inter-pupil discussion and collaborative learning. Recommendations include that teachers should consider the positive value of the tool as a means to promote discussion, but that pupils also need to be taught how to use the language analyser.

Cultural Adaptation of Digital Learning Tools in Israeli Higher Education: A Case Study of Lecturer Perceptions and Practices

This qualitative case study examines the cultural adaptation of digital learning tools in Israeli higher education. We explored three questions: (1) How do lecturers experience and implement digital learning tools? (2) What unique challenges and opportunities arise in this cultural context? (3) What strategies do educators employ for culturally sensitive adaptation? Through semi-structured interviews with 15 lecturers, we identified four key themes: balancing traditional and digital pedagogies, cultivating cultural resonance, addressing integration challenges, and developing innovative strategies. These findings informed the Cultural-Adaptation Digital Learning Integration (CADLI) Framework, which extends existing models by centralizing cultural dimensions. Our study reveals that effective cultural adaptation involves 'cultural-technological co-evolution', fundamentally reimagining educational practices. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners navigating technological advancement and cultural preservation in higher education.

Digital Learning Inquality: The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Access to Online Education Resources

The rise of digital learning has transformed education, but it has also exposed significant inequalities, particularly in access to online education resources. This study examines the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in shaping digital learning opportunities and outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, this research adopts a literature review method, analyzing existing studies on digital learning inequality, SES, and online education access. Findings indicate that lower SES is strongly associated with reduced access to essential resources, such as high-speed internet, digital devices, and quality educational content. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to have conducive home environments for learning, leading to a widening gap in educational achievement between high- and low-SES groups. The literature further highlights that, despite the increasing availability of online learning platforms, these resources are not equally accessible to all, exacerbating pre-existing educational disparities. Additionally, the digital divide is shown to have broader implications, affecting not only academic performance but also long-term economic and social mobility. This study emphasizes the urgent need for policies that address these inequalities by ensuring equitable access to digital learning tools and fostering digital literacy among underserved populations. By synthesizing existing research, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between SES and digital education access and offers insights for policymakers and educators working to bridge the digital divide.

Determining the needs of teachers for teaching geometry education activities to children with visual impairments in early childhood using digital learning tools

The purpose of this research is to determine the needs of teachers for teaching geometry education activities to early childhood children with visual impairments using digital learning tools. The data for the study was collected during the fall semester of 2024-2025 through need analysis forms filled out by a total of 9 preschool and special education teachers working in state schools for the visually impaired located in Turkey's three largest cities: İzmir, Istanbul, and Ankara. The study is designed as a case study, one of the qualitative research designs. A single embedded case design was used in the study. In a single embedded case design, there are often multiple sub-units or layers within a single case (Yıldırım and Şimşek, 2018). The data collected in this study was analyzed using the content analysis method. When the results obtained from this research are generally examined, it was determined that the needs of teachers regarding the process of teaching and learning geometry to early childhood children with visual impairments are composed of the sub-themes of achievements, activities, and materials under the theme of the geometry teaching and learning process, and the sub-themes of learning and teaching under the theme of difficulties experienced in the geometry teaching and learning process. Additionally, the needs of teachers concerning the use of digital tools and technology in the geometry teaching and learning process were identified under the sub-themes of benefits, in-service training, and recommendations.

Improving Elementary Students’ Computational Thinking Skills through an Educational Robot Intervention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Globally, many educational institutions recognize the importance of computational thinking and have begun incorporating it into primary education. Educators cultivate students’ computational thinking skills through block-based programming; however, a lack of digital learning tools that offer real interaction may negatively impact students’ computational thinking learning performances. This study proposes a cost-effective, block-based, programmable computational thinking educational robot developed using the open-source Arduino platform, combined with Android application development. This robot is specifically designed for use in elementary computational thinking education. To assess the impact of the proposed approach on elementary students’ learning achievement, motivation, and attitudes towards computational thinking education, a quasi-experimental design with control and experimental groups was implemented in the computational thinking curriculum at an elementary school. The experiment was conducted over a period of three weeks and involved two classes of students and one teacher. The control group engaged in computational thinking learning activities using computers, while the experimental group completed computational thinking learning activities using the computational thinking educational robot and application developed in this study. Data were collected through prior knowledge tests of computational thinking, learning motivation and attitude questionnaires, and computational thinking achievement tests completed by the students. The results indicate that the experimental group outperformed the control group in learning achievement, motivation, and attitudes, demonstrating that physical interaction in learning can effectively enhance learning performances.

Sociology Students' Perspectives on Quizizz Implementation in Formative Assessment for English Language Learning

In the educational sphere, technology has brought about significant changes, prompting English teachers to adopt innovative digital solutions to enhance their teaching practices. Quizizz, a dynamic and engaging platform, is one such tool that has gained considerable attention in educational settings. This study explores students' perceptions of Quizizz at Islamic University Balitar, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a framework. Researchers gather insights through customized interviews and observations, derived from previous research interviews. This tailored approach allows for a more relevant investigation into students' experiences with Quizizz. Once the data collection process is completed, the researcher analyzes the data using methods such as data condensation, data display, and coding. The findings suggest that students generally hold a positive attitude towards Quizizz. They recognize its capacity to augment their learning experiences, making studying more interactive and enjoyable. However, the investigation also reveals several challenges. For instance, unreliable internet connectivity and insufficient technological resources emerge as significant issues. These challenges can hinder the effective use of Quizizz and other digital learning tools. The study recommends that further research in different ESP contexts, such as management studies, could provide a deeper understanding of Quizizz among students. By conducting similar studies in various educational settings, researchers can gain a more comprehensive insight into the impact and effectiveness of Quizizz.