Network Education Research Articles

Leveraging OpenSimMPLS: A simulation platform for GoS/MPLS networks in research and education

Leveraging OpenSimMPLS: A simulation platform for GoS/MPLS networks in research and education

‘We all have the same goals’? Goal diversity in cross-sector collaborations of cultural education

Following the current rise of cross-sector networks in education, we take a closer look at the supply side in the field of cultural education in Germany. We consider goal diversity in cross-sector collaborations and aim to provide insights into the group-specific goals of actors in the initial phase of collaborations. Using the lens of collaborative governance, collaborative engagement, and goal diversity research, we conducted 24 semi-structured interviews which we analyzed using thematic qualitative content analysis. We identified distinct goals for each of the five participating groups. These goals can be assigned to the macro, meso, and micro levels of the network, providing information about the direction of the goals and emphasizing the dynamic interplay of goals and their implications for collaborative dynamics. Future research could determine whether the results can be found in other contexts.

Reconstructing professional identity through collaboration in pluralistic approaches

ABSTRACT This study investigates the reconstruction of professional identity among three experienced language teacher educators through collaboration in pluralistic approaches. Framing identity within a narrative-based understanding and exploring the interactional aspects of collaboration through the Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) lens, the study moves beyond traditional narrative inquiries in teacher education. Employing an autobiographical narrative approach, the study metaphorically represents professional identity reconstruction as complex dynamic systems. Grounded in autobiographical accounts from a year-long international collaboration on developing teacher competencies for pluralistic approaches, the study identifies emerging themes such as the role of peer collaboration, digital tools, and contextual influences in identity transformation. Findings suggest implications for professional development through collaborative and international networks in language education. The study contributes to understanding language educator identity as a dynamic, ongoing interpretive process in collaborative settings, offering insights for teacher education.

Multi-stakeholder networks in the higher education context: a configurative literature review of university-community interactions

ABSTRACT Driven by the demand to address complex societal issues, stakeholders from higher education and society increasingly form multi-stakeholder networks. Despite their potential, realising such networks proves complex, often yielding elusive outcomes. To explore how multi-stakeholder networks navigate these complexities, this configurative literature review analyses 17 cases, revealing patterns in university-community interactions across network formation, implementation, and outcomes. Two primary modes emerged: the Centralised (or University-Centred) mode, characterised by university dominance, and the Polycentric (or Collaborative) mode, emphasising cooperative relationships. Existing on a continuum rather than as distinct categories, these modes provide a framework to interpret collaborative- and decision-making processes that occur within multi-stakeholder networks, shaping what is recognised as knowledge, and identifying who benefits most. This modal awareness enhances the potential of multi-stakeholder networks in higher education. Future research could explore the multiplicity of community perspectives. Our study serves as a stepping stone for advancing multi-stakeholder network theory and practice.

The analysis of generative adversarial network in sports education based on deep learning

The importance of mental health is increasingly emphasized in modern society. The assessment of mental health qualities among college and university students as the future workforce holds significant significance. Therefore, this study, aiming to streamline the process of writing quality evaluations and enhance the fairness of assessment comments, explores the use of Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) technology in deep learning to evaluate the mental health qualities of college and university students through the unique avenue of sports. Firstly, GAN and Sequence Generative Adversarial Network (SeqGAN) models are introduced. Secondly, GAN is employed to construct a model for generating evaluation texts, encompassing the construction of a generator and discriminator, along with the introduction of a reward function. Finally, the constructed model is utilized to train on evaluation texts related to the mental health qualities of college and university students engaged in sports, validating the effectiveness of the model. The results indicate: (1) The pre-training of the generator in the constructed text generation model stabilizes after the 10th epoch. In contrast, the pre-training of the discriminator gradually stabilizes after the 35th epoch, demonstrating overall good training effectiveness. (2) When the generator’s update speed surpasses that of the discriminator, the model’s loss does not converge. However, with a reduction in the ratio of rounds between the two, there is a noticeable improvement in the convergence of the model. (3) The mean score of adaptability quality is the highest among the four indicators, suggesting a strong correlation between comment generation and adaptability quality. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed text generation model in semantic control. This study aims to advance the level of mental health education among college and university students in the sports domain, providing theoretical references for enhancing the effectiveness of quality education assessments in other subjects as well.

Exploring the Contribution of Disruptive Technologies to Innovation in University Education: A Prevalence Study in Pre- and Post-Pandemic Contexts

The adoption of disruptive technologies in higher education has transformed the teaching-learning process, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the real impact of these technologies on educational innovation and their variation between different contexts and areas of knowledge are not yet fully understood. It is essential to carry out studies that explore the trends and areas where these technologies have had the greatest impact, as well as to identify the less studied fields that require greater attention. By employing a quantitative approach and exploratory-descriptive scope, this study reviewed 88 studies, extracted from the Scopus database. The results show a growing and sustained trend, especially in the post-pandemic period, in the scientific production of research on technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, big data, and gamification. Therefore, it is concluded that disruptive technologies have taken on a central role in the innovation of university education, in which gamification—a disruptive technology already consolidated as an effective tool to promote student motivation and commitment, even in pre-pandemic contexts—has proven to be key to transforming teaching-learning processes. However, significant gaps were identified in topics such as adaptive learning, the application of big data and fuzzy neural networks in higher education, which, although promising, have been scarcely explored. Future research could focus on determining the factors that influence the effective implementation of disruptive technologies in higher education as well as identifying good practices and ethical principles in the implementation of disruptive technologies in higher education.

The relationship between interschool social networks and student achievement

ABSTRACT Various forms of networks in education have been proposed by scholars, policymakers, and educational administrators as a strategy for school improvement. However, there are few empirical studies on the effect of interschool networks. We analyzed data from 76 elementary schools in a Midwestern state to examine the association between interschool relationships and student achievement by employing social network analysis and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). After controlling for school and district demographic characteristics, we found that (a) schools that reported to have a stronger relationship with other schools had better math achievement, and more growth in reading achievement; (b) schools with reciprocal relationships had better math and reading achievement, and more growth in reading achievement; and (c) schools that connected to more influential schools in the network had better math and reading achievement, and more growth in reading achievement. We discussed the implications for research, policy, and practice.

Social Media as a Learning Tool in Moroccan Higher Education from Students’ Perspectives

This study is important because it addresses the global shift toward digital education and emphasizes the need to examine the role of social networks in education. By shedding light on this issue, this study aims to address the challenges facing the Moroccan educational system and provide recommendations for improving educational standards and pedagogical approaches considering the country’s technological advancements. The research also seeks to answer two key questions: How do Moroccan undergraduate and graduate students view the integration of social media into education? What insights do Moroccan students offer to guide the development of innovative teaching and learning methods using social media platforms?

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Application of Optoelectronic Sensor Devices Based on Dynamic Adaptive Caching and Wireless Network in Physical Education in Universities

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Application of Optoelectronic Sensor Devices Based on Dynamic Adaptive Caching and Wireless Network in Physical Education in Universities

Collaborative research networks in Higher Education An integrative review

This study investigates the determining factors for the success of collaborative research networks in higher education, focusing on the formation, development, and operation of these networks. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of collaborative networks, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively identify the critical factors for their success. Utilizing an integrative literature review, the research was conducted in the ERIC, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. The main research question is: what factors influence the success of collaborative research networks in higher education? The findings indicate that the effectiveness of these networks is influenced by structural, functional, and evaluative factors. The integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) is essential for effective collaboration, allowing geographically dispersed teams to work together efficiently. The study concludes that public policies that value collaborative networks are necessary to promote an environment conducive to integration and scientific collaboration. This study contributes to the understanding of the elements that influence the success of collaborative research networks, highlighting the importance of integration, diversity, funding, and knowledge sharing, with significant implications for the formulation of policies and practices in higher education.

Analysis of The Efficiency of Public Expenditure on Education in Elementary Education in The State of Alagoas

Objective: This article analyzes the efficiency of public spending on education in the municipal public network in elementary education, in all cities in Alagoas, using the data envelopment analysis method, DEA. Theoretical Framework: The present work used the variable return to scale (BCC) model, since we would be dealing with municipalities with varied realities. There are two basic ways for a unit that is inefficient to become efficient. The first would be to reduce resources (inputs) and keep products constant, which would be an input-oriented orientation; the second would be doing the opposite, increasing the result (products) from the same amount of inputs, an orientation focused on outputs. Method: The data envelopment analysis method - DEA is used to estimate efficiency with traditional inputs such as school infrastructure, capital, labor and municipal wealth. As output, the Portuguese and mathematics grades in the 9th grade, in the Saeb 2019 test, are considered, multiplied by the students enrolled in this year of education; as well as the inverse of per capita expenditure on elementary education. Results and Discussion: It was concluded that most of the benchmarkings are represented by municipalities with smaller inhabitants, indicating that the population increase in municipalities increases the demand for education. Research Implications: Thus, based on technical efficiency analyses, public policies can be proposed that mitigate the deficiencies presented in elementary education. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by estimating the efficiency of municipalities in terms of public spending on education and the efficiency results are the grades of public school students. The research introduces a new output to measure efficiency, and points to new evidence for public educational policies.

Feasibility Study of Visual Teaching Materials in Flipped Classroom Based on Network in Clinical Medicine Internal Medicine Education

In order to meet the needs of talent cultivation and education informatization in colleges in the era of Internet + , this study takes the visual teaching materials Clinical Thinking of Internal Medicine and Nephrology , based on the network flipped classroom as examples to explores the construction and application mode of new form teaching materials from the characteristics of undergraduate teaching in clinical internal medicine. This web-based visual teaching material for the flipped classroom fully integrates the basic knowledge of internal medicine with clinical applications, forming a new form of teaching materials with rich teaching content and flexible teaching methods.

Bringing Researchers and Practitioners Together: On the Aims of a Research Network in Organic Chemistry Education

Bringing Researchers and Practitioners Together: On the Aims of a Research Network in Organic Chemistry Education

Pemanfaatan Jaringan Internet pada Learning Management System dalam Pendidikan Islam

The ability to use devices connected to the internet is now an obligation for all educational practitioners. The internet is used, one of the ways, in a learning management system to support synchronous and asynchronous learning. This paper uses a qualitative approach with a literature review type of research. The research focus discusses the use of internet networks in learning; benefits of internet networks in education; learning management system; and efforts to maximize the use of the internet in education. The research results show that the internet can be a source as well as a learning medium; the internet has positive and negative impacts on education; advantages and disadvantages of learning management systems; and to optimize internet use requires involvement from all parties and stakeholders.

Gauging Acceptance: A Multifaceted Examination of Physical Ability and Its Role for Peer Networks in Adolescent Physical Education

This study examines the role of perceptions of physical ability on collaboration networks in physical education through three distinct lenses: self-concept, peer assessments, and teacher ratings. The interplay of these perspectives on team partner nominations is analyzed using exponential random graph models, while taking into account variables such as liking networks and gender associations. Drawing upon a sample of 302 adolescents across 14 high-school classes, the results reveal that physical ability is significantly linked with choices for team partners, indicating that high and similar performing peers are more likely to be chosen as team partners. Furthermore, only peer perceived ability was found to be predictive of social relationships in physical education, while the self and teacher perspectives show no significant effects on collaboration choices in sports games. These findings highlight the important role of academic norms, such as physical ability, for peer relations in physical education.

Opportunities and risks of using neural networks in education

The innovative development of modern education continues to move towards the adoption of information technologies. However, there is no significant increase in the quality of education due to their implementation; the process is much slower than expected. We face a problem of integration of educational information technologies and pedagogical technologies. It has become especially relevant in connection with the rapidly developing practice of using neural networks and the scientific and methodological substantiation of their effectiveness at different levels and stages of learning. In this regard, the purpose of the present study is to identify the potential opportunities and risks of using neural networks in education.The practical part of the work consists of an analysis and synthesis of both foreign and domestic statistical studies regarding existing trends in the implementation of AI in the field of education. The article presents the results of a survey, conducted among university students, to identify the advantages and limitations of using generative artificial intelligence in learning. Based on the SWOT analysis, the article provides generalized conclusions regarding the strengths and weaknesses, risks and threats of using neural networks in education.The data obtained can be used to organize further research and more effective use of the neural network technology in educational practices for both teachers and students.

The Structures of World Society: Geography, Discourse, and Interorganizational Networks in Global Education, 1900–2018

The Structures of World Society: Geography, Discourse, and Interorganizational Networks in Global Education, 1900–2018

Oddness of the number of Nash equilibria: The case of polynomial payoff functions

In 1971, Wilson (1971) proved that “almost all” finite games have an odd number of mixed Nash equilibria. Since then, several other proofs have been given, but always for mixed extensions of finite games. In this paper, we present a new oddness theorem for large classes of polynomial payoff functions and semi-algebraic sets of strategies. Additionally, we provide some applications to recent models of games on networks such that Patacchini-Zenou's model about juvenile delinquency and conformism (Patacchini and Zenou, 2012), Calvó-Armengol-Patacchini-Zenou's model about social networks in education (Calvó-Armengol et al., 2009), Konig-Liu-Zenou's model about R&D networks (König et al., 2019), Helsley-Zenou's model about social networks and interactions in cities (Helsley and Zenou, 2014).

Application of IoT Android voice assistant based on sensor networks in higher education network mode

In order to make full use of the potential of wireless sensor networks in higher education, this study aims to provide convenient intelligent learning and management functions by constructing an iot Android voice assistant based on wireless sensor networks. The system structure of Android voice assistant based on wireless sensor network is researched, designed and implemented. Through the integration of wireless sensor network and school network platform, the data collection, transmission and analysis functions are realized. The results show that the Android voice assistant based on wireless sensor network effectively provides intelligent learning and management functions in the network mode of higher education. Students and teachers can realize course inquiry, resource acquisition, teaching evaluation and other operations through voice commands to improve learning and teaching efficiency. By combining the data acquisition capabilities of sensors and wireless transmission capabilities, the system provides students, teachers and school administrators with intelligent learning and management functions, which is expected to promote the further development of higher education network environment.

Learning how to mean in a second language: uses of system networks in L2 education

Abstract While approaches informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) have been widely applied to the field of language education since the 1960s, the idea of the system embodying the meaning potential of language in context, represented as a system network, could be used to make a much more significant contribution to second language (L2) or foreign language education, where despite pioneering efforts the uptake of SFL has been less than in L1 education. In this paper, we will take stock of the ways system networks have been used in studies concerned with L2 education and at the same time we will highlight new opportunities to empower new studies and applications based on system networks as a way of engaging with the central notion of learning how to mean in a second/foreign language. We argue that system networks can make a very significant contribution to L2 education if they are given more attention and their deployment is highlighted. The uses considered in this paper include the following: Tracking language development systemically; diagnosing problems in L2 student texts; supporting sequencing in the curriculum of the learning of the L2 meaning potential; designing exercises based on options in system networks; guiding L2 learners by means of system networks as cartographic tools; contrasting L1 and L2 resources based on multilingual system networks; and supporting advanced L2 learners expanding their L2 uses by adding translation skills drawing on multilingual system networks. We will touch on these uses, highlighting those that have perhaps given the least attention in L2 education drawing on SFL, but which look very promising as we move ahead in the next couple of decades.