Learning Tool Research Articles

Machine Learning Visualization Tool for Exploring Parameterized Hydrodynamics

Abstract We are interested in the computational study of shock hydrodynamics, i.e. problems involving compressible solids, liquids, and gases that undergo large deformation. These problems are dynamic and nonlinear and can exhibit complex instabilities. Due to advances in high performance computing it is possible to parameterize a hydrodynamic problem and perform a computational study yielding Ο(TB) of simulation state data. We present an interactive machine learning tool that can be used to compress, browse, and interpolate these large simulation datasets. This tool allows computational scientists and researchers to quickly visualize "what-if" situations, perform sensitivity analyses, and optimize complex hydrodynamic experiments.

The Ether Concept from Spanish Physics Textbooks (1840–1950)

AbstractThe presence of the ether concept in the contents of 73 Spanish physics textbooks (secondary and first course university level) published in the period 1840–1950 is studied. The textbooks are a specially interesting learning tool in the Spanish society of this period, due to the rural character of the country, the capacity of the textbooks for frequent and repeated use as well as for dissemination over the entire state. Particularly, the content about heat, light and electricity is investigated. Whether the concept of ether appears in the general principles of the textbooks or not is also studied. Moreover, the work considers the evolution of the concept of ether by decades, showing different examples of how the ether was used to explain different physics phenomena. Furthermore, the social and historical context in which the textbooks were developed is discussed in detail. Outstanding amongst the different conclusions that are drawn is the disappearance of the concept of the ether during the third and fourth decades of the twentieth century.

Non-Linear Saturated Multi-Objective Pseudo-Screening Using Support Vector Machine Learning, Pareto Front, and Belief Functions: Improving Wastewater Recycling Quality

Increasing wastewater treatment efficiency is a primary aim in the circular economy. Wastewater physicochemical and biochemical processes are quite complex, often requiring a combination of statistical and machine learning tools to empirically model them. Since wastewater treatment plants are large-scale operations, the limited opportunities for extensive experimentation may be offset by miniaturizing experimental schemes through the use of fractional factorial designs (FFDs). A recycling quality improvement study that relies on non-linear multi-objective multi-parameter FFD (NMMFFD) datasets was reanalyzed. A published NMMFFD ultrafiltration screening/optimization case study was re-examined regarding how four controlling factors affected three paper mill recycling characteristic responses using a combination of statistical and machine learning methods. Comparative machine learning screening predictions were provided by (1) quadratic support vector regression and (2) optimizable support vector regression, in contrast to quadratic linear regression. NMMFFD optimization was performed by employing Pareto fronts. Pseudo-screening was applied by decomposing the replicated NMMFFD dataset to single replicates and then testing their replicate repeatability by introducing belief functions that sought to maximize credibility and plausibility estimates. Various versions of belief functions were considered, since the novel role of the three process characteristics, as independent sources, created a high level of conflict during the information fusion phase, due to the inherent divergent belief structures. Correlations between two characteristics, but with opposite goals, may also have contributed to the source conflict. The active effects for the NMMFFD dataset were found to be the transmembrane pressure and the molecular weight cut-off. The modified adjustment was pinpointed to the molecular weight cut-off at 50 kDa, while the optimal transmembrane pressure setting persisted at 2.0 bar. This mixed-methods approach may provide additional confidence in determining improved recycling process adjustments. It would be interesting to implement this approach in polyfactorial wastewater screenings with a greater number of process characteristics.

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 Impact of Social Networks on Language Learning: A Comprehensive Analysis

The ever-increasing pervasiveness of social networks has radically changed how language learning is conceptualized and practically experienced. This paper explores the role that popular social networking platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and some language-specific applications such as HelloTalk and Tandem, play in language acquisition. A comprehensive analysis has been done of the existing literature and is supplemented with empirical data gathered through surveys and interviews conducted with language learners themselves. Thus, the investigation aims at pointing out the opportunities created by social networks in respect of vocabulary and grammar acquisition and of intercultural understanding, as well as the critical challenges that come along with the observation of non-standard language forms and the tendency toward digital distractions. Conclusions are drawn that even though social networks offer deeply authentic input and social interaction contributing to the development of linguistic and cultural competence, they need to be carefully embedded within a structured language education in order to optimize the learning effect. Furthermore, the paper discusses implications for educators and recommendations for good practice in using social networks as supplementary language learning tools.

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.

Rancang Bangun Miniatur Plant Pusat Simulator Pompa Air Kotor Menggunakan Panel Kontrol Relay Kontaktor

Water pumps play an important role in the management of wastewater, particularly in maintaining environmental cleanliness and health. This research aims to design and create a miniature plant simulator for wastewater pumps using a relay contactor control panel. This miniature plant is designed to simulate the operation of the wastewater pump system automatically, replacing the often inefficient manual methods. The research process begins by determining the main components needed, such as a three-phase induction motor, contactors, thermal overload relays, and related sensors. Subsequently, the design and construction of the simulator and its control panel are carried out. Implementation includes testing the functionality of each component and the integrity of the overall system, including individual component testing and testing under system failure conditions. The research results show that the miniature plant simulator built functions well as expected. The automatic control system using relay contactors has proven effective in operating the water pump efficiently and safely. This miniature plant can be used not only as a learning tool but also as a prototype for developing larger and more complex wastewater pump control systems

The effectiveness of Google Forms in assessing and evaluating online learning outcomes: Meta-analysis study

The use of Google Forms as a learning tool in certain subjects is massively used in several schools because of its efficiency. This research aims to identify, classify, and observe literature, synthesize several studies that have been carried out, analyze the contributions that have been made, and propose related research updates. This study uses a methodology supported by a research approach, documentation, and procedural models from systematic literature review and data analysis using quantitative and qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The results of this study show the effectiveness of Google Forms on the assessment and eval_uation of student learning outcomes, which from the table has proven that there are 36 studies (90%) that agree that the use of Google Forms has a positive or effective influence on success in assessing and eval_uating learning outcomes. This conclusion underscores the importance of digital marketing in the modern technology era. Digital marketing allows businesses to effectively reach global audiences through social media, SEO, and content. In this study, it was seen that a good digital strategy can increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. By utilizing proper data analysis, companies can optimize their digital marketing campaigns for better results. In conclusion, digital marketing is the key to winning the competition in an increasingly competitive market.

Generative AI in higher education: Seeing ChatGPT through universities' policies, resources, and guidelines

The advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can provide opportunities for enriching educational experiences, but at the same time raise concerns regarding academic integrity. Many educators have expressed anxiety and hesitation when it comes to integrating GenAI in their teaching practices. Thus, recommendations and guidance from institutions are needed to support instructors in this new and emerging GenAI era. In response to this need, this study explores different U.S. universities' academic policies and guidelines regarding the use of GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for teaching and learning, and from there, gains understanding of how these universities respond and adapt to the development of GenAI in their academic contexts. Data sources include academic policies, statements, guidelines, and relevant resources provided by the top 100 universities in the U.S. Results show that the majority of these universities adopt an open but cautious approach towards GenAI. Primary concerns lie in ethical usage, accuracy, and data privacy. Most universities actively respond and provide diverse types of resources, such as syllabus templates, workshops, shared articles, and one-on-one consultations; focusing on a range of topics, namely general technical introduction, ethical concerns, pedagogical applications, preventive strategies, data privacy, limitations, and detective tools. The findings provide four practical pedagogical implications for educators when considering GenAI in teaching practices: 1) accepting GenAI presence, 2) aligning GenAI use with learning objectives, 3) evolving curriculum to prevent misuse of GenAI, and 4) adopting multifaceted evaluation strategies. For recommendations toward policy making, the article suggests two possible directions for the use of GenAI tools: 1) establishing discipline-specific policies and guidelines, and 2) managing students' sensitive information in a transparent and careful manner.

Teachers’ Perspectives Toward Smartphone Usage by Students and Resulting Classroom Policies

Currently, 95% of American teenagers own a smartphone device, and smartphone users spend on average about 5.4 hours a day on them. Smartphone ownership, usage, and dependency are higher among teens and young adults than in any other age group. This study addressed a gap in research by examining high school teachers’ perspectives on two topics: the impact of smartphone usage on students and classroom smartphone policies. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the social, psychological, and academic effects of smartphone use on students and of the impact of teachers’ beliefs surrounding smartphones on the classroom policies they set regarding those devices. In addition, this study aimed to shed light on the need to create effective and equitable smartphone policies and practices to help promote a classroom environment conducive to learning. Survey data from 248 teachers from six high schools in the Southern California region of the United States of America produced results indicating that teachers who have stronger negative beliefs concerning the social, psychological and academic effects of smartphones on students typically set a stricter classroom smartphone policy. Implications include helping students regulate their smartphone usage so that these devices can be effective tools for learning, not a distraction. Based on the findings from this study, an increase in face-to-face social interactions among students is recommended to increase academic achievement and decrease problematic smartphone use.

The Effect of Jigsaw Type Cooperative Learning Model on Students Learning Outcomes In Social Studies Subjects

This study aims to: (1) provide an overview of the results of the analysis of learning tools for Social Studies (IPS), (2) provide an overview of the analysis of the Jigsaw-type cooperative learning model, and (3) determine the effect of the Jigsaw-type cooperative learning model on social studies learning outcomes of class VIII students at SMP Reformasi Makassar. This research is descriptive quantitative in nature. The population consists of all class VIII students, totaling 30, with a saturated sampling technique, meaning that the population equals the sample size of 30 students. The research location is SMP Reformasi Makassar, and a quantitative approach was used. Data collection techniques include written tests in the form of essay questions, observation, and documentation. Data analysis involved descriptive analysis, hypothesis testing (paired sample test), and validity and correlation tests. The results of the analysis of learning tools in this study indicate that, in general, they are valid, practical, and effective. The analysis of the Jigsaw-type cooperative learning model shows that it can: (a) improve cognitive learning outcomes, (b) increase student interest in learning Social Studies, (c) help students understand the learning material more quickly, and (d) encourage cooperation among students in understanding the material. The use of the Jigsaw-type cooperative model can also increase the level of student achievement. The probability value of X is < 0.01. The calculated t-value of 6.313 is greater than the estimated t-value of 2.045 (n-1 = 29, alpha 5%). Thus, it can be concluded that the Jigsaw-type cooperative learning model has a significant effect on the learning outcomes of class VIII students at SMP Reformasi Makassar.

Tropopause Height Inferred from Twilight Photometry

Abstract The tropopause height has been measured by sounding balloons for more than 70 years. More recently, lidar has found the tropopause height by detecting aerosols or subvisible cirrus that accumulate at the tropopause. Here we present a twilight photometer technique to detect the tropopause height with results close to the traditional World Meteorological Organization (WMO) method from sounding balloon measurements. The twilight intensity (I), although radiometrically uncalibrated, can be normalized by the derivative of log(I) with respect to time (t), or I’(t)/I(t), to infer stratospheric aerosol layer properties using Earth’s shadow to orderly shield the sunlight below different altitudes. A conventional twilight photometer detects the twilight glow from atmospheric aerosol scattering with a photodiode detector equipped with a near-infrared optical filter. We have replaced the photodiode and optical filter with a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) that functions as a wavelength-dependent photodiode with a narrow-band response near 1050 nm. We found that the layer height from twilight photometer observations is highly correlated with the tropopause height. 76 twilight tropopause heights during the first six months of 2024 at Geronimo Creek Atmospheric Monitoring Station (GCAMS) in Central Texas agree well with those reported by sounding balloons launched from Corpus Christi, Texas, 207 km from GCAMS (standard deviation of 265 m). The twilight method is inexpensive, easily implemented, and has potential for use at remote sites with solar power and developing countries that lack resources for sounding balloons. It can also provide a learning tool for students of meteorology and the atmospheric sciences.

Sosialisasi Pemanfaatan Chatgpt Sebagai Pendukung Alat Pembelajaran Bagi Guru SMP PGRI 8 Sidoarjo

In the ever-evolving digital era, education faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Technology is now an integrated part of the learning process, providing various tools that can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of education. One technological innovation that has great potential to support educators is ChatGPT. This ability can be utilized by teachers for various purposes, including in making learning tools. With the help of ChatGPT, teachers can save time and energy in designing teaching materials, assignments and learning evaluations that suit students' needs (Kharis et al., 2024). The teachers at SMP PGRI 8 Sidoarjo have not made much use of technology that makes it easier for them to prepare learning tools. This can be seen from the results of initial observations which show that 71.4% of teachers have never used applications or technology that makes it easier to create learning tools. This Community Service implementation was carried out with the aim of introducing, socializing and assisting teachers in utilizing ChatGPT to develop learning tools more quickly, effectively and efficiently. The results of participant responses regarding the implementation of activities are measured by participant satisfaction, which is the average of participant satisfaction with the satisfaction indicator factors. In this activity, 84.46% of participants gave an average rating of very good to the statement items in the questionnaire, which can be interpreted as meaning that 84.46% of participants were very satisfied.

The Adaptation of Executive Education Programs in Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study explores the factors influencing the management of an executive education (EE) program in Thailand during COVID-19. The pandemic caused significant disruption, necessitating a rapid shift to online learning and curriculum reassessment. This case study focuses on the redesign of a Thai business school's EE program. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with participants and program managers. Key preliminary findings highlight the importance of C-level guest speakers, project-based learning, and a balance of practical and theoretical approaches. The study also underscores the value of online networking, strong alumni networks, and using COVID-19-related content as learning tools. The results suggest that business schools should integrate learning theories to foster innovation and adaptability, ensuring dynamic curricula and impactful research to meet the evolving global landscape.

The Effect of Learning Environment on Students' Motivation in Learning

This study investigates the relationship between the learning environment and students' motivation through qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups. Key themes emerged highlighting the influence of various environmental aspects on motivation. Participants emphasized the importance of supportive teacher relationships, noting that teachers who demonstrate genuine interest and provide constructive feedback foster higher motivation levels. A positive classroom climate characterized by respect, collaboration, and inclusivity was also identified as crucial for engagement. Peer interactions, particularly through collaborative learning experiences, enhanced motivation by creating a sense of belonging and accountability. Additionally, access to diverse resources and learning tools was vital for maintaining motivation, with students expressing a desire for engaging materials. The physical characteristics of learning spaces, such as seating arrangements and lighting, significantly impacted motivation, with flexible and organized environments contributing to comfort and engagement. While many students appreciated technology's role in facilitating interactive learning, concerns about distractions underscored the need for balanced integration. Overall, the findings align with existing literature, offering new insights into factors influencing motivation across educational levels. The study underscores the necessity for educators to foster supportive relationships, promote a positive classroom climate, provide diverse resources, and thoughtfully integrate technology, ultimately enhancing student engagement and success. Future research should further explore these dynamics, particularly in the context of evolving educational practices and technological advancements.

Comprehensive Approach to Training English Communicative Competence in Chemistry

Abstract The development of foreign language professional communicative competence (FLPCC) is crucial for professionals, considering communicative skills as an integral part of their competence. In Kazakhstan, acquiring a foreign language is a prerequisite for advancing chemistry education, enabling students to access global scientific advancements and exchange knowledge. Content and language-integrated learning (CLIL) stands out as an effective approach for cultivating FLPCC in future chemistry teachers. This study addresses the scarcity of theoretical and practical tools in content-language integrated learning in pedagogical universities. It aims to enhance the training quality for pedagogy bachelor’s degree students studying chemistry in a foreign language. By identifying active teaching forms, methodologies, and approaches in integrated learning, students’ foreign language competence can be successfully developed within the professional domain. A meticulously designed training model and exercises were developed to achieve these goals. The proposed modeling approach was evaluated using the Quasi research method, involving questionnaire data analysis. The results confirm that implementing this approach significantly improves future chemistry professionals’ training quality, enabling confident communication in English within their professional domains and demonstrating well-developed speaking skills. The practical value of this research extends to university educators implementing CLIL practices and researchers studying students’ FLPCC formation.

Development of a touchscreen-based nutrition learning tool to promote healthy eating practices among early elderly Thai people

Introduction: In Thailand, rapid demographic ageing is closely linked to an increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Effective nutritional management is essential to mitigate NCD risks and delay progression. Given the widespread use of touchscreen devices among older adults, this study focused on developing a nutrition app tailored to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy eating among Thai elderly people. Methods: The project consisted of two main phases, namely content preparation and application development. Initial drafts and storyboards were refined through consultations with experts and discussions. The use of healthy menus was approved by a professional chef and nutritionists. The app prototype underwent comprehensive evaluations in terms of content accuracy, design, usability, and acceptability by experts. It was also field tested by elderly volunteers for four weeks. Results: The developed “YoungYou” app features tools such as body mass index assessment, updates on elderly health, and dietary recommendations tailored to Thai elderly individuals based on the nutrition flag system. It includes 60 healthy recipes, 30 cooking tutorials, and an interactive community board. The app allows users to modify and recalibrate the nutritional content of recipes, which can then be saved or shared. Evaluations of the app showed high levels of agreement on its effectiveness across all metrics. The use of rice, vegetables, and meat by 41 elderly volunteers led to increased healthy eating behaviours. Conclusion: The “YoungYou” app has demonstrated potential as a viable tool for promoting healthier eating habits among Thai elderly people, thereby addressing critical public health issues related to ageing and disease prevention.

From research to resources: developing a case-based learning curriculum for navigating clinical uncertainty

Purpose This study aimed at rethinking ways in which educators from different fields can collaborate to respond to the rapidly evolving demands of health professions education (HPE). The goal was to investigate how a research-to-resources approach can be applied to engage in knowledge translation (KT) of research findings for the benefit of introducing medical students to uncertainty in the clinical learning environment. Design/methodology/approach An interdisciplinary team of medical educators, human resource development (HRD) scholars and emergency medicine fellows engaged in iterative cycles of action research (AR) to develop, pilot and refine case-based learning resources on clinical uncertainty. The team leveraged prior research on physicians’ decision-making during COVID-19, experimented with generative AI tools, and collected feedback from medical students to guide resource development. Findings The findings of this study are twofold. On the one hand, the authors reflect on the lessons learned of developing case-based learning with the help of generative AI. While student feedback indicated that the case helped normalize and process experiences with uncertainty, key challenges included adapting research data to create relevant, sustainable learning resources and designing effective discussion prompts. On the other hand, the authors provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of our interdisciplinary collaboration. The authors show that knowledge utilization is not simple, but complex, and that more work needs to be done to effectively disseminate resources as part of the desired uncertainty curriculum. Practical implications This study attempts to apply a KT framework for bridging the research-practice gap in HPE through interdisciplinary collaboration and AR. It provides lessons learned for developing case-based curricula on complex topics like uncertainty. The findings highlight the need for adaptive KT processes when dealing with rapidly evolving healthcare contexts. Originality/value This paper offers a novel example of research-to-resource KT in medical education, integrating perspectives from HRD and leveraging emerging technologies. It contributes to understanding how interdisciplinary teams can collaborate to create timely, evidence-based educational resources for navigating uncertainty in professional practice. The study also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of translating complex research findings into practical learning tools to tackle real-world challenges in HPE.

Designing an Effective Job Recommender System based on Embedded Machine Learning Models

The need to automate employment offers to qualify job searchers has gain attentions. For an automated recommendation systems to be used more frequently, a better user-friendly filtering techniques are required. This paper designs an automated process, referred to as “the job recommender”, which focuses on user-centric design and personalization for recommending and matching applicants with appropriate jobs. We use the bottom-up approach that uses dataset based on filtering algorithms to predict and make recommendations for job seekers. The algorithm helps the recruiters to produce the list of the résumé that best meets the job descriptions. In this context, the random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM) are adopted to train the data. They are supplied personalized information (qualifications, result of aptitude test, age, and work experience) reported on the résumés of individual candidates from the pool of submissions, and the system train data to learn the evolution of job selection by candidates based on these machine learning tools. The algorithm used would help the recruiters to produce the list of the résumé that best meets the job descriptions. The algorithms are designed to recommend personalized items tailored to each user's interests. Under the minimum hardware and software requirements, the job recommender system was implemented in streamlit - a python template, for designing the frontend.

The Impact of ICT on Fostering Creativity in Business Education Pre-service Teachers: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Creativity is a global issue in higher education in the 21st century since it has shifted teaching and learning into learner-centered approaches meant for skills development. Studies show that 21st century skills foster creativity through technology and change how teaching can be approached in higher education. Since the workforce demands that students be able to apply their creativity, higher education must recognize its critical role in helping students get ready for it. Despite the benefits of creativity to students, literature shows that there is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills that students learn in higher education and the knowledge and skills they need in 21st century community and workplaces. Hence, this study explores the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on fostering creativity in Business Education pre-service teachers as well as suggests the strategies that could assist students to develop creative skills. The study followed the systematic literature review method PRISMA in selecting studies to be included and excluded in the synthesis of the study. The process commenced by identifying the problem and screening studies to include and exclude in the study. Only 30 studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were screened for inclusion. Based on the literature and the two-tier model of creativity, it was identified that creativity empowers learning through interactive learning tools; can be used for personalized learning; can also be used for global collaboration; and cultivates innovative minds. The paper also suggests strategies that can effectively foster creativity, such as pedagogical training and support, professional development, mentorship programs, resource accessibility, an ICT-infused curriculum, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and technology-enhanced assessment.