Digital Learning Tools Research Articles

Health consequences and control of the use of information and communication technologies by children and adolescents: literature review

The review reflects publications in the field of medicine, psychology and sociology, covering: the negative impact of the uncontrolled use of information and communication technologies on the health of the child and adolescent population in the broad sense of the term health, covering not only physical, but also psychological, and social well-being. The results of medical observations and psychological research indicate that digital technologies have become a significant factor affecting the health of children and adolescents, the development of their cognitive functions, emotional and social development. Mass surveys have revealed an increase in the duration of daily use of digital devices and the Internet by the younger generation, a significant part of the surveyed adolescents are now classified as abusers of computer games and the Internet, there is also a category of users with signs of forming or developing dependence on computer games and the Internet. Considering that communication in social networks takes a significant share of the younger generations time, influencing the user, the review reflects studies of the peculiarities of communication between adolescents and young people in social networks. Taking into account that the use of electronic learning tools creates a burden on students, studies are highlighted that raise the issue of comparing the effectiveness of using digital learning tools relative to traditional forms of learning. It is well known that parental control of the use of communication technologies by children is a condition for preserving their health. Surveys show insufficient competence of parents in this matter. There is a need for sociological research of parents ideas about the specifics of the risks of using digital technologies for the health of children and adolescents of different ages, educating the population about these risks, especially the risks to the health of children of early and preschool age.

Digital transformation in creating employee learning environments

The use of digital solutions in creating learning environments for employees is becoming a strategic process from the perspective of the company functioning. The implementation of mobile, cognitive or artificial intelligence technologies allows for the creation of virtual and extended environments that provide opportunities for various forms of learning. This determines the position on the market and the competitiveness of the company. Digital Learning tools are becoming increasingly important. Through them, it is possible to create conditions for a permanent learning process. A research problem was identified in the field of selected forms of digital transformation in creating learning environments for employees. The aim of the article is to analyse the ability of enterprises to create learning environments for employees in the digital transformation. In order to solve the research problem, quantitative research was carried out on a specific sample of respondents. The results of the study show that, depending on the job title taken and the size of the company, perceptions can vary greatly. It is important to create environments and the impact of technology on their creation. The dependencies between Digital Learning tools and the creation of learning environments are very strongly correlated.

The Effects of Learning Method, Motivation, and Self-Discipline on Students’ Retrospective Perceptions of Online Learning

This article examines, for the first time, the relationship between learning style, motivation, and self-discipline, as factors that affect tertiary students’ perceptions of online learning, from a retrospective perspective. The period between 2019 and 2022 was and remains one in which students are rethinking the components of teaching and learning. In addition, from the learners’ perspective, social, cultural, and technological changes to which they were subject, including substantial changes to learning environments and learning methods, heightened learners’ need to reconsider time planning. This study is based on 1,928 students enrolled in several academic institutions. We used a mixed-methods design for this exploratory research, incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis, to develop the proposed Online Teaching Recommendations (SOTR) model. We used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for goodness-of-fit. Findings indicate that with respect to self-discipline, distractions and interruptions at home hinder students’ online learning, but they do not lower students’ assessments of the quality of online teaching. We may assume that students learn how to integrate online teaching in their everyday lives, and the short-term disadvantage may become a positive experience as students persist in their academic studies. Moreover, online teaching demands students’ self-discipline, which also has no effect on perceived teaching quality. However, students’ motivation declines following online teaching, s does self-discipline, which lowers perceived teaching quality. Students are concerned by the decline in social interactions with their class mates, caused by online learning, but this decline does not adversely affect their learning process. Findings of this study may contribute to improving teaching and learning for students who use digital tools for learning, especially in academic institutions where frontal instruction remains relevant and significant. Findings support the importance of the relationship between students’ learning methods, motivation, and self-discipline, which are factors that affect students’ perceptions of online learning. The question is whether academic instructors should enhance students’ motivation to improve their self-discipline skills or whether these factors are related exclusively to students.

ОПЫТ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СРЕДСТВ ЦИФРОВОЙ ДИДАКТИКИ В ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ МЕДИЦИНСКОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА

The article describes the experience of using digital didactics in the educational process of Samara State Medical University. The authors reveal the concept of «learning tools», considering them as means of managing the educational process. The degree of study of the issue of digitalization and learning tools in the digital educational space is revealed. At the same time, the authors note that the identified issues are sufficiently developed, but there are gaps in the projection of the allocated training funds on the educational processes of universities, taking into account their specifics. Based on the principles of learning revealed within the framework of personality-oriented, personality-developing, personalized learning technologies, as well as focusing on the conclusions drawn within the framework of the anthropological approach, the authors prove the feasibility of using simulation technologies and educational tracks in the educational process of a medical university as digital learning tools. A brief, but rather deep retrospective analysis of the work on the topic of simulation technologies is given by the authors in the section «background». As a result, concluding that there are a number of unresolved problems related to the integrity and consistency of the acquired knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as the costs in the formation of competencies. The main part of the article describes the experience of using simulation technologies in the educational process of the university, as well as to assess the level of conflict between future doctors and current nurses. The reasonableness of the conclusions is given by the positive results of the study conducted by the authors on the diagnosis of anticipatory abilities, empathic skills, and the motivational sphere. The authors also note the versatility of the VR simulator and describe the practice of its use at the Samara Medical University to determine the personality characteristics of future managers (personnel reserve) in order to assist them in the future in correcting existing behaviors, not corresponding to the role of the head. The authors also note the expediency of using educational tracks in teaching as a means to develop systemic thinking and ensure the integrity of knowledge in future doctors.

A study on students’ satisfaction in remote learning behaviour using digital platforms in Indian higher education institutions

Students are impacted by new developments in digital learning tools in various ways, enhancing their learning experience. The transition of the education system towards online education requires scrutiny of the satisfaction of the students with remote learning through the digital platform. This study intends to examine the level of satisfaction of undergraduate and postgraduate students through their experience with online learning. The present study took a sample of 147 students from higher education institutions and the data was collected through a questionnaire based on simple random sampling methods. The present study’s result shows a significant and positive relationship between students’ satisfaction and remote learning. The findings will aid educators and academics in identifying elements that can improve the level of students’ satisfaction with remote learning.

Serial-iously?: Using a narrative podcast as a shared learning experience to facilitate engagement and critical thinking

The transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic cast a spotlight on online courses and their lack of high-impact practices that encourage active learning. One high-impact practice that can facilitate active learning in an online course is a shared experience. Providing mutual access to a common course resource in an online course generates opportunities for students to not only engage with each other and the content but also to develop their critical thinking skills. Narrative podcasts work well to fill this role because they are story-driven and call on listeners to use their imagination and sensory and perceptual skills to process and visualise information. Therefore, as a digital learning tool, a podcast can support course design principles that promote engagement and skill development, since this strategy lends itself to creating a collaborative space where students create knowledge through engagement and reflection. Although literature exists on the value of using lecture podcasts or student-generated podcasts, little scholarship investigates using a narrative podcast as a shared experience. Employing a constructivist lens, this qualitative study examined student perceptions in an asynchronous online English undergraduate critical writing course about their experiences. Findings suggested that using a narrative podcast as a shared learning experience enhanced levels of engagement and fostered better efficacy in critical thinking. Therefore, this study adds to the knowledge base about narrative podcasts as pedagogical tools to create a high-impact practice in an online course.

Trends of Digitalization in the Training of Teachers in the Republic of Poland

The article defines the trends of digitalization in the training of teachers in the Republic of Poland. It concludes that modern education must keep up with the changing world by focusing on shaping teachers' digital competencies, personalizing teaching, using digital technologies and learning tools, actively implementing blended learning, lifelong learning, and project-based learning. By integrating and adopting these trends into the educational process in higher education institutions, future teachers will be better prepared for their future professional careers and will be able to respond to the challenges of the modern job market. Digital tools that influence the new role of the university include platforms and applications that facilitate distance learning and contribute to a paradigm shift in teaching and learning at higher education institutions. The article also explores the active use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Republic of Poland. To achieve the research goals and objectives a combination of general scientific methods are used in the study, including theoretical methods such as analysis and synthesis to determine the main directions of research on the peculiarities of digitalization of teachers' training in Poland; empirical methods to study the regulatory and legal framework of the digitalization, the works of domestic and foreign researchers regarding the digitalization of teachers' training and education in general; and statistical processing of research results to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. Since the issue of digitalization trends in the training of teachers in the Republic of Poland is insufficiently studied, further research on the chosen problem is relevant and timely. It will contribute to adopting all the current positive trends in the educational space of Ukraine.

Usefulness and satisfaction of a digital learning tool for caries detection using ICDAS

Usefulness and satisfaction of a digital learning tool for caries detection using ICDAS

Financial literacy in the digital age—A research agenda

AbstractDigital innovations are transforming financial services and resulting changes in consumer behavior and personal money management. Diffusion of pervasive digital technologies offers individuals quick and easy access to various digital services bringing opportunities and challenges into their personal money management. The study aimed to explore how digitalization affects individuals' financial literacy and financial capability. As a result, we identified three main themes in the intersection of finance and digitalization: Fintech, Financial behavior in digital environments, and Behavioral interventions. We propose directions for measuring digital financial literacy, updates to the financial literacy curriculum, and developments of digital learning tools. Further, we highlight collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a fairer and more inclusive economic landscape. Our study contributes to existing research by proposing a framework for digital financial literacy and financial capability and a research agenda for future studies.

Создание системы упражнений обучения иностранному языку с применением ИКТ

Importance. Modern educational tools bring changes to the structure of the foreign language course, revealing in a different way the ways of creating educational tasks and monitoring their implementation. However, the list of information and communication technologies is difficult to define because of the diversity. The purpose of the study is to identify the interdependence between information and communication technologies teaching tools and the system of exercises for teaching a foreign language. Materials and methods. The object of the study was the use of information and communication technologies for the design of the educational process. The research methods used were the analysis of the relevant methodological literature and the generalization of pedagogical experience in the use of information and communication technologies for teaching foreign languages. The proposed typology includes three main classes of exercises, which, in turn, are further divided into types: a class of language exercises (phonetic, lexical, grammatical), a class of conditional speech (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and a class of speech (cognitive, communicative, cultural). Each of these types was considered from the standpoint of the possibility of integrating digital learning tools. Results and Discussion. The way of presentation of educational materials introduces new qualities of the educational process. Among them are: more opportunities for the organization of phonetic tasks due to the availability of multimedia files, synchronous moderation of the process of creating a written text, an increase in the ways of contextualization of conditional speech and speech activity, increased ergonomics of the coordination of learning subjects. Conclusion. The results obtained can be used to create a system of exercises in a digital environment. Further research can be directed to the development of specific typologies, differentiated by the information and communication technologies means used in them.

Strengthening Student Engagement in Learning Through Use of Digital Tools

This paper analyzes teaching and learning in the context of the implementation of digital technology in educational practices. On the basis of the data obtained from focus group discussions and creative workshops with primary school teachers, ways are identified to recognize and strengthen student engagement in learning through the use of digital tools, based on artificial intelligence and integrating learning analytics. As evidenced by the analysis of the research data, students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement in learning increases due to the use of digital learning tools. To support and strengthen student engagement, teachers need to rethink their habitual educational practices, anticipate the barriers to engagement caused by digital technologies and the ways of coping with them, make use of digital tools for personalized and in-depth learning, and apply effective means to manage classrooms and interactions between students.

Formation of information and digital competence of science teachers: activity component

Information and digital competence covers a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes such as problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and digital literacy. It also includes an understanding of the ethical and legal aspects of using digital technologies. Information and digital competence is becoming an important part of the competence set of the 21st century and is gaining increasing importance in many areas of life and activity. The optimal model of using information and digital technologies is considered to be their combination with traditional technologies, since such a symbiosis helps to expand the possibilities of traditional forms of education. Their use allows: editing the created content, constantly supplementing it, modeling it in audiovisual form, which allows better visualization and assimilation of educational material; collecting and analyzing student data; improving the quality of learning by supplementing classical teaching tools, textbook content, tests; adapting to society in accordance with the urgent need; better interaction. The study shows that digital learning tools are regularly used in the learning process. This can be realized through: understanding the nature of information, mastering learning tools, and not just acquiring structured knowledge; developing a set of skills for the types of work that are needed now and will be needed in future teaching activities. It is proved that the training of science teachers should consist of two stages. The first stage is initial training: it involves familiarizing future science teachers with the recognition and basic handling of various technological devices that will be in the classroom,studying their basic tools and identifying digital learning materials. The second stage is ongoing training: future science teachers have a variety of training offers that will allow them to think about the use of ICT in education, to use resources developed for science subjects in primary and basic school in a creative way.

Improving Student Knowledge on Selected History Topics through Tiktok Platform as Digital Learning Tool

According to several studies, many students perceive History as rigid, static, and boring because of its reliance on narration pedagogy, limiting their ability to develop critical-thinking abilities. To address the issue, the researchers applied utilization of Self-made mini-lecture Tiktok videos as intervention to enhance the knowledge of thirty-three (33) second year Education students in selected topics in their history course subject. After 5 weeks duration of implementation phase, results unveiled that students’ knowledge in selected history topics were improved as data showed that the knowledge gained by students were analysed as comprehensive and reflective, compared to their knowledge in pre-intervention that were categorized as general and lack of knowledge. In this regard, students demonstrated that using self-made mini-lecture Tiktok video has positive influence on students' learning behavior by triggering their desire to learn in order to gain confidence in educating their audience while making learning history fun and entertaining.

A gut microbiome tactile teaching tool and guided-inquiry activity promotes student learning.

The gut microbiome and its physiological impacts on human and animal health is an area of research emphasis. Microbes themselves are invisible and may therefore be abstract and challenging to understand. It is therefore important to infuse this topic into undergraduate curricula, including Anatomy and Physiology courses, ideally through an active learning approach. To accomplish this, we developed a novel tactile teaching tool with guided-inquiry (TTT-GI) activity where students explored how the gut microbiome ferments carbohydrates to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This activity was implemented in two sections of a large-enrollment Human Anatomy and Physiology course at a research intensive (R1) university in the Spring of 2022 that was taught using a hyflex format. Students who attended class in person used commonly available building toys to assemble representative carbohydrates of varying structural complexity, whereas students who attended class virtually made these carbohydrate structures using a digital learning tool. Students then predicted how microbes within the gut would ferment different carbohydrates into SCFAs, as well as the physiological implications of the SCFAs. We assessed this activity to address three research questions, with 182 students comprising our sample. First, we evaluated if the activity learning objectives were achieved through implementation of a pre-and post-assessment schema. Our results revealed that all three learning objectives of this activity were attained. Next, we evaluated if the format in which this TTT-GI activity was implemented impacted student learning. While we found minimal and nonsignificant differences in student learning between those who attended in-person and those who attended remotely, we did find significant differences between the two course sections, which differed in length and spacing of the activity. Finally, we evaluated if this TTT-GI approach was impactful for diverse students. We observed modest and nonsignificant positive learning gains for some populations of students traditionally underrepresented in STEM (first-generation students and students with one or more disabilities). That said, we found that the greatest learning gains associated with this TTT-GI activity were observed in students who had taken previous upper-level biology coursework.

Sustainable Practices in Pattern-Making at Local Fashion Institutions: A Qualitative Study

Pattern making is one of the most important skill-based courses in fashion education, where students learn clothing construction through drafting, draping, and creating basic patterns for garment productions. Issues in fashion sustainability, such as textile waste and fast fashion, lead to this research. However, practices of sustainable innovation in local higher education institutions are still low compared to other countries. The objective of this research paper is to explore the current sustainable practices in teaching and learning pattern-making skills. A qualitative approach has been adopted to explore the current practices of teaching and learning in some local fashion institutions, and 21 fashion educators participated in semi-structured interview sessions. The results from the thematic analyses show six elements of sustainable innovation which currently being practised: minimization technique, pattern manipulation, upcycling, draping, digital learning, and innovative tools are part of the sustainable innovation practices.
 Keywords: Higher Education Research, Education for Sustainable Development, Innovation

It Can Be Done: Engaging and Powerful Social Studies Education Using Technology

My biggest fear about teaching a social studies methods class with COVID restrictions was talking at my teacher candidates and not modeling interactive and engaging social studies education. Social studies education should be engaging and student-centered. In this article, I offer technological adaptations to lessons that center around three main ideas of history/social studies teaching: Promoting Historical Inquiry, Facilitating Discussions, and Supporting Civic Engagement. With advances in technology and digital learning tools, challenging and active social studies instruction can be achieved in a virtual or hybrid learning environment.

Digital Transformation of the Russian Historical Education

The modern Russian education system is on the path of digital modernization, which is accompanied by a paradigm shift in the choice of models of educational institutions, approaches to the management of the educational process, modification of learning conditions, innovations within the methodological arsenal of teachers, modern digital technologies are being introduced. Digital transformation or digitalization of education, along with computerization, individualization, etc., is one of the key trends in the development of the education sector. Undoubtedly, for the successful digital transformation of the educational system Russia needs to solve many tasks, both global (logistics, upgrading professional competencies, stimulating the development of educational IT technologies, etc.) and local. Among the local, but no less significant, tasks is the search for digital learning tools that can improve the effectiveness of the educational environment. It is necessary to answer the question: how is it possible to train qualified specialists basing on digital educational tools? In this article, the authors consider the use of machine learning technology in successful educational practices, as well as highlight “digital products” tested by teachers of the Department of History of Astrakhan State University. Digital transformation of education is considered by the authors of the article in relation to the economic development of the country, The Caspian region and the Astrakhan region, which characterizes the features of the “state order” in the educational sphere.

Screen-based digital learning methods in radiation oncology and medical education.

The field of radiation oncology is rapidly advancing through technological and biomedical innovation backed by robust research evidence. In addition, cancer professionals are notoriously time-poor, meaning there is a need for high quality, accessible and tailored oncological education programs. Digital learning (DL) is well-placed to cater to these needs, as it provides teaching options that can be delivered flexibly and on-demand from anywhere in the world. The evidence for usage of these techniques in medical education has expanded rapidly in recent years. However, there remains many reservations in the oncological community to adopting and developing DL, largely due to a poor familiarity with the pedagogical evidence base. This article will review the application of the screen-based DL tools that are at educators' disposal. It will summarize best-practice in developing tailored, made-for-screen videos, gamification, and infographics. It also reviews data behind the following practical tips of 1) strategically combining text with graphics to decrease cognitive load, 2) engaging users through use of interactive elements in digital content, and 3) maximizing impact through thoughtful organization of animations/images. Overall, the digital space evolving is well placed to cater to the evolving educational needs of oncology learners. This review and its practical tips aim to inspire further development in this arena, production of high-yield educational products, use of engaging delivery methods and programs that are tailored to individual learning needs.

Digitalization of physical education and its impact on academic performance among secondary school students in Aktobe and Orenburg

ABSTRACT This study aims to generate instructions for physical education teachers on how to improve physical fitness of students and enhance their physical development using digital applications. For this, the physical development levels of middle school students were analyzed. The secondary goal is to determine how effective the digital learning tools are in enhancing the quality of physical education in the university setting. The present empirical study focuses on evaluating physical readiness of 172 seventh grade students in cities of Aktobe and Orenburg. Pearson correlation was used to establish a connection between the mentioned indicators. Digital technologies have proven effective in enhancing student motivation for sports participation. Specifically, 69% of the respondents said they would be more motivated to participate in sports if there were digital apps or social networks used in the learning process. The results of the study show direct and inverse correlations between test results and physical markers of fitness. Based on the correlations established, the current study also provides physical training guidelines for physical education teachers and middle school students.

Digital tools for distance learning in the system of corporate training and personnel development

The need to choose the best ways to implement corporate training processes in extreme conditions determines the relevance of research. The adaptation of traditional learning tools to distance learning using various methods and training programs is relevant. The aim is to determine the optimal digital tools (software and online platforms) for the successful implementation of the corporate training process in a remote format in the conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and martial law in Ukraine. The main approaches to the implementation and conduct of distance corporate training are considered and the need for its proactive management is highlighted. The study summarizes the types of training, vocational training methods, the main factors influencing distance learning, and online training platforms. The survey highlighted current trends in the use of distance learning in Ukrainian business practice and its effectiveness. The survey results made it possible to draw a conclusion about the current role of distance personnel learning in business practices, as well as to determine the priority of forms of training and means of its implementation. The data obtained confirm that most companies in modern world are focused on retaining staff and maintaining their high skills to improve efficiency and conserve human resources even during a pandemic and war. Digital distance learning tools should be increasingly used in the corporate training and development system.