Distance Learning Platform Research Articles

Evaluation of a Workplace Diabetes Prevention Program Delivered via Distance Learning: A Qualitative Study.

Little is known about how distance learning impacts delivery of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) despite a rapid shift to this platform during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. We explored how a workplace DPP, delivered via distance learning, impacted knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills of participants throughout the program. We conducted repeated qualitative interviews with distance learning participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months from September 2020 to July 2022. Three study team members coded interview data using individual responses as the unit of analysis. We used a thematic approach, using the information-motivation-behavioral skills framework, to analyze responses and generate understanding of the program's impact. The 27 individuals who participated in the interviews (89% women, mean age 56 years) reported the distance learning platform was effective in changing their behavior. The program's focus on food logging and setting limits on specific types of caloric intake was perceived as essential. Education on ideal levels of fat and sugar consumption, lessons on how to read food labels, and dissemination of recipes with healthy food substitutions allowed participants to initiate and sustain healthy decision-making. Strategies to increase physical activity, including breaking up exercise throughout the day, made reaching their goals more feasible. Participants reported food logging and weight reporting, as well as group support during sessions, either sustained or increased their motivation to adhere to the program over time. A workplace DPP delivered via distance learning successfully prompted improvements in the knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills necessary to increase healthy eating and physical activity among participants.

The impact of educational and training programs on disaster awareness and preparedness among health sciences students: A quasi-experimental study

Disaster preparedness among health sciences students is critical but often insufficient. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a disaster awareness and impact reduction educational intervention in enhancing disaster preparedness. A quasi-experimental single-group pretest-posttest design was employed, with the intervention consisting of 16 h of education delivered over four weeks via a distance learning platform. The study involved 599 students from the faculties of health sciences, who were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results indicated that students’ baseline disaster preparedness levels were low, with no significant correlations found between demographic characteristics, previous disaster experiences, or prior disaster preparedness training and baseline preparedness levels. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance confirmed a significant impact of the intervention after controlling for baseline preparedness levels. Significant improvements were observed post-intervention across all preparedness dimensions: disaster physical protection, disaster planning, disaster assistance, disaster warning systems, and total preparedness levels (p < .001). The most substantial gains were noted among students with initially low preparedness levels. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating disaster preparedness education into health sciences curricula to better equip future healthcare professionals for effective disaster response.

FOREIGN EXPERIENCE IN USING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN MUSIC EDUCATION

This article analyzes the necessity and benefits of using innovative technologies in music education. On the basis of foreign experiences, issues of modernization of music education, introduction of new pedagogical approaches and use of interactive tools are considered. The article also demonstrates how innovative technologies can be used to develop students' creativity, musical skills and knowledge. Examples will be given to improve the effectiveness of music education through innovative pedagogical methods, distance learning platforms and digital tools. This research provides useful resources for teachers and educational institutions in shaping the modern music education system.

Impact of Digital Empowerment on University Performance: Evidence from Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia

The COVID-19 pandemic, known as Covid-19, has caused unprecedented disruption in global education systems, impacting approximately 1.6 billion students across over 190 countries and affecting universities and other educational institutions profoundly. In response to this crisis, educational institutions have increasingly turned to technological advancements and the implementation of distance learning and e-learning platforms as viable alternatives to traditional educational methods. This shift has necessitated faculty members to assume new roles, managing educational processes through virtual classrooms, taking part in remote collaboration in interdisciplinary teams and making decisions pertaining to distance education. The implementation of digital empowerment in educational settings is contingent upon these endeavors. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of digital empowerment on institutional performance at universities. In order to do this, 320 people, or 23% of the study population, responded to a questionnaire that was issued to 1,358 faculty members in order to test a number of hypotheses. Multiple regression analysis results show that 40.2% of the variance in institutional performance may be explained by digital empowerment and the five sub-variables it was explored in this study. This emphasizes how important digital empowerment is for improving university operations, especially at Northern Border University. Keywords: Remote learning, digital learning platforms, and academic institutions

An innovative distance learning platform for mathematics education in secondary schools: Design, development and preliminary studies

AbstractThis study addresses the emerging challenges in mathematics education, emphasizing the integration of innovative teaching strategies and tools amidst the evolving educational landscape. The study begins with an analysis of prevalent e-learning and communication systems in distance education, pinpointing their limitations and identifying the gaps in effective remote mathematics instruction. In response, we introduce a novel educational platform designed to facilitate real-time mathematics teaching over the Internet, aiming to replicate the interactive essence of traditional classroom settings within a digital domain. The system features a suite of tools including a mathematical editor, a virtual whiteboard, audio-video communication capabilities, a virtual library, and an evaluation support module, all accessible via a standard web browser. The platform’s effectiveness was assessed through its application in regular mathematics classes at two secondary schools in Romania, as well as in a private tutoring scenario. The paper presents the findings of these preliminary studies, offering insights into the usefulness and usability of the platform and its potential to seamlessly integrate into existing educational frameworks without compromising the quality of instruction.

Experience in Developing a Distance Learning Platform in The University System of Education

Experience in Developing a Distance Learning Platform in The University System of Education

Empowering little learners: revolutionizing distance learning DL for Tabuk Region kindergarten students with disabilities

ABSTRACT The sudden shutdown of schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented considerable difficulties for students with disabilities and their mothers. In response to this issue, countries such as Saudi Arabia took measures to develop remote learning platforms aimed at providing support specifically tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a distance learning platform in the Tabuk Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically focusing on its impact on kindergarten students with disabilities. This research employed semi-structured, virtual interviews. By conducting a comprehensive thematic analysis, two main themes were identified: challenges of accessibility and adaptability, and increasing the accessibility of distance learning. The findings indicated various challenges, including mothers struggling to manage their children’s behavior during online lectures. Participants unanimously expressed the necessity for a support system that could assist parents in navigating distance learning. They emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between teachers and parents, as well as the provision of support and guidance from educators through the distance learning platform.

Improving the training on creating a distance learning platform in higher education: evaluating their results

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, and one of the many changes it has brought about is the shift to distance learning in Kazakhstan’s universities. However, both teachers and students were ill-prepared for this sudden change. In some remote villages, lack of internet access meant that students had no access to online classes at all. To address this issue, universities had to rent foreign platforms, but these platforms had inadequate information security measures in place. To address these challenges, it is necessary to create a robust and secure independent platform for distance learning. This platform will be particularly important for training teachers of “Informatics” in the context of distance learning. This article presents methods and schemes for creating a distance learning platform specifically for training computer science teachers. The introduction of the “Education-Online Platform” discipline at the university has yielded promising results. As a result, a distance learning platform has been created, and this new discipline has been introduced and tested in the educational program of a particular university in the training of future specialists.

Era Baru Pendidikan: Pemanfaatan Teknologi Dalam Mencapai Tujuan Pendidikan Indonesia

This article discusses the important role of technology in expanding access to education, improving the quality of learning, and strengthening teacher performance in the digital era. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The sources of research data are scientific journals, research reports, articles, and official government websites. Data were obtained and selected based on their suitability with the focus of the research, the credibility of the data source, and the accuracy of the research method. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of the data analysis show that technology facilitates distance learning and digital platforms, providing access to education for students in remote areas and those with limitations. Adaptive learning platforms and technology-based learning media provide personalized and effective learning experiences, while online training platforms and digital resources help teachers improve their abilities and knowledge. With the wise and optimal use of technology, we can build an inclusive, high-quality, and adaptive learning ecosystem, producing the next generation of the nation that is superior and ready to advance the Indonesian state

Exploring the Nexus of Distance Learning Satisfaction: Perspectives from Accounting Students in Serbian Public Universities During the Pandemic

AbstractAmid the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers globally transitioned to distance learning, presenting significant challenges, particularly in developing countries. In that sense, the study investigates the usefulness and satisfaction (US) of distance learning (DL) among accounting students in Serbian public universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focuses on three key factors affecting perceived US derived from existing literature, including teaching process quality (TPQ), technical qualities of distance learning platforms (TQ), and compatibility with social and pandemic conditions (CSPC). The developed theoretical model is predominantly based on the user satisfaction model. Data from 373 surveyed students, gathered through a validated questionnaire, underwent analysis using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Results reveal that CSPC and TPQ significantly impact the US, whereas TQ has a minor and statistically insignificant effect. The R2 value indicates these three constructs explain a significant portion of the variance for the US, with moderate effects of CSPC and TPQ and a small effect of TQ, indicated by f2 values. Moreover, the model is found to be significantly predictive, according to the Q2 value. Besides theoretical implications, the study suggests important practical implications for university management, emphasizing regular student surveys, continuous improvement of DL systems, and effective and continuous teacher training as the vital measures for enhancing teaching quality. Improving TPQ and TQ also impacts the Serbian economy by fostering workforce development, enhancing digital transformation, stimulating telecommunication industry growth, driving digital information sector development, attracting investment and innovation, boosting global competitiveness, and promoting lifelong learning.

Virtual reality classrooms vs. video conferencing platform, initial design and evaluation study for collaborative distance learning

Virtual reality classrooms vs. video conferencing platform, initial design and evaluation study for collaborative distance learning

Development and assessment of a virtual escape-room game for teaching industrial bioprocesses.

This article presents a study on the implementation of a virtual escape-room game as a novel teaching methodology in biochemistry education. The game aimed to engage students in producing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 while reinforcing theoretical concepts and fostering teamwork. Three versions of the game were tested, incorporating modifications to address student feedback on and improve the overall experience. The study employed a satisfaction survey to gather insights from students regarding their perception of the game. Results showed that the implementation of answer flexibility using RegEx had a significant positive impact on student satisfaction and motivation. The introduction of RegEx allowed for a more realistic and immersive gaming experience, as students could provide varied answers while still being evaluated correctly. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of the game's design, the suitability of the Google Forms platform for distance learning, and the importance of incorporating answer flexibility through RegEx. These results provide valuable guidance for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and satisfaction through the use of escape-room games in biochemistry education.

EL Greco Platform: A novel Python programming learning platform that uses a real robot

AbstractThis paper introduces the El Greco Platform, a Python programming platform for distance learning that employs an educational robot. This website allows prospective learners to remotely control Greco, a social humanoid robot designed to be cost‐effective, simple to construct, and appropriate for use in education. El Greco is capable of performing multiple tasks, including combined movements. These Robot capabilities can be programmed using either Python code or the Blockly library, which adds an editor to an application that visualizes coding concepts as interlocking blocks. Programming a robot appears to be a significantly more effective and creative method for students to learn a programming language. This educational tool was designed primarily for use by students and allows anyone to learn Python while controlling a robot for free. El Greco Platform features gamification elements that increase the enjoyment and engagement of the learning experience while reinforcing the concepts taught. The survey results on students aged 13–18 revealed that the El Greco Platform captivated the study participants and positively affected their attitudes toward programming and robotics. In addition, it significantly impacted their comprehension of programming and motivated them to seek additional opportunities to expand their knowledge of robotics and programming.

RESEARCH OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISTANCE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES USE IN THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF THE MILITARY STAFF

In the article the use of distance learning technologies in the professional training and advanced training of personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is substantiated. It is proposed to conduct a survey among teachers on a certain list of questions. Each issue of the effectiveness of distance learning technologies is fundamentally described and analyzed. The survey was conducted among the academic staff of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (then – SBGSU) and the teachers of Major General Igor Momot Central Training Centre of the SBGSU. The results of the survey are presented in the form of tables and diagrams. It is noted that due to distance learning, the teaching staff mainly uses Zoom, Viber, and Google Meet applications. It was found that foreign distance learning platforms are used by teachers mainly for professional self-development, as well as for additional tasks for cadets, research projects and assignments.Based on these results, the advantages and disadvantages of using distance learning technologies for border guard training were identified. A third of the teachers chose distance education, as it provides training in conditions of forced dispersion and distance, thanks to Internet access. The practical use of technical devices among teaching staff is considered and a comparison with the use of the same means by cadets is proposed. As for the quality of assessment of cadets by teachers when using distance learning technologies, the reasons for its bias are stated, which is related to the difficulty of monitoring the actions and integrity of cadets.

Application of Online Education and Distance Learning in the Teaching of Traffic Engineering Specialty

The application of online education and distance learning in the teaching of traffic engineering provides flexible learning methods and rich educational resources for traffic engineering students. Through online courses and distance learning platforms, students can study fl exibly according to their own schedule and location. Teachers can help students understand and apply traffic engineering knowledge and skills through online lectures and interactive discussions. At the same time, online education can also provide real-time case studies, simulation experiments and virtual learning environments to help students better understand and apply theoretical knowledge. In short, online education and distance learning bring convenience and innovation to the teaching of traffic engineering, improve the learning effect and students learning experience.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ОЦИФРОВКЕ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОГО ПРОЦЕССА В РАМКАХ ПОДГОТОВКИ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ СПЕЦИАЛЬНОСТЕЙ

The article examines modern methods and approaches to digitization of the educational process in the context of training specialists in the field of economics. The paper analyzes various aspects of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education, such as online courses, webinars, electronic textbooks and distance learning platforms. The advantages and challenges associated with the introduction of digital technologies into the educational process are also discussed, as well as practical recommendations for their effective use are offered. The author also examines examples of successful practice of digitization of education in economic fields and conclusions about the prospects for the development of this area.

The use of Class Dojo in the preparation of future primary school teachers for the organization of distance learning

The urgent transition to distance learning has necessitated the preparation of teachers to organize the educational process based on the use of information and communication technologies in emergency situations. Therefore, research on the process of preparing future elementary school teachers for distance learning in higher education institutions using learning management systems, particularly ClassDojo, is relevant. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of implementing the ClassDojo platform in preparing teachers to organize distance learning in elementary schools. The methodological basis of the research consisted of basic theoretical (analysis, synthesis, comparison, abstraction, and specification), empirical (observation, surveys, diagnostic practical work methods, pedagogical experiment), and statistical methods (variation characteristics, Student's t-test, Pearson's criterion). The article describes the main characteristics, functions, interface features, and advantages of using ClassDojo in the educational process of elementary school, namely: its positive impact on shaping behaviour, learning motivation, value orientations, character, and emotional intelligence of younger school students. The main ways of preparing future elementary school teachers to use distance learning platforms in their professional activities in higher education pedagogical institutions are presented. Examples of preparing students specializing in “Elementary Education” for organizing distance learning through practical work using the ClassDojo learning management system are described. The results of the research on the effectiveness of using the ClassDojo learning management system in preparing students specializing in “Elementary Education” at the Communal Higher Education Institution “Barsky Humanities and Pedagogical College named after Mykhailo Hrushevsky” are presented, analysed, and summarized. The effectiveness of the teaching methods used by education seekers is statistically verified. The research results demonstrate the effectiveness of the forms, methods, and techniques used in preparing teachers to organize distance learning in elementary school. The practical significance of the research results lies in their applicability by higher education institutions in the professional training of future teachers to organize distance learning and by practising teachers of elementary school classes

The Effects of Online Learning Platforms on Student Engagement and Academic Performance

The rapid proliferation of Online Distance Learning (ODL) platforms, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the educational landscape, necessitating a revaluation of their impacts on student engagement and academic performance. This study aims to explore the nuanced effects of ODL on undergraduate students, specifically focusing on the challenges and benefits associated with its use. Employing a quantitative research design, this research utilized an online survey modified from existing instruments to suit the study's objectives. The survey, comprising both Likert scale and open-ended questions, was designed to capture students' experiences, engagement levels, and academic outcomes related to ODL. The target population included final-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang, with purposive sampling ensuring a focused examination of the impacts of ODL within this specific academic context. Data were collected from 36 participants via Google Forms and analysed using IBM SPSS, revealing significant correlations between the use of digital tools, student engagement, and perceived academic performance. Key findings indicate that while digital tools are integral to ODL, their usage is associated with increased feelings of isolation, distraction, and negative impacts on sleep patterns. However, students also recognized the benefits of digital learning, such as flexibility and accessibility. The study concludes that the effectiveness of ODL platforms is contingent upon balancing digital tool usage with strategies to mitigate their potential drawbacks, emphasizing the need for interactive elements that mimic face-to-face interactions and support services to address students' psychological well-being. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of online learning, offering insights into optimizing ODL environments to enhance student engagement and performance while ensuring their mental and social well-being.

Teaching strategy adaptations in undergraduate dental education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental institutions were challenged to rapidly adapt to the inability of teaching in-person lectures and pre-clinical simulations. Strategies had to be quickly developed to guarantee the safety of faculty and students, while also adhering to national guidelines to ensure that educational standards were met and students' graduations and entrance into residency programs were notdelayed. This literature review assesses the novel strategies that dental schools created and implemented to teach in a distance-learning platform and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. In addition, this review talks about the lessons learned during the pandemic and the incorporation of successful strategies after the pandemic ended. This review evaluated the literature using PubMed and ScienceDirect with the following keywords: "teaching strategies," "dental education," and "COVID-19." The search strategy yielded 15 articles that assessed relevant teaching strategies that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature described the swift response of dental institutions in implementing teaching strategies in response to the inability of continuing in-person teaching. An overwhelming majority of institutions moved their didactic lectures to online platforms. Several institutions implemented online simulations with virtual reality models, videos and discussion boards, standardized patient actors, and case-based discussions. Many of the teaching strategies that were implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were highly effective. Dental schools were able to satisfy Commission on Dental Accreditation standards and meet students' requirements for graduation during the pandemic despite the rapid and unplanned shift away from in-person instruction and simulation secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic.

STATION ROTATION MODEL OF BLENDED LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The purpose of the article is to empirically test the effectiveness of the model of teaching with rotating stations in a mixed format on the basis of a survey conducted among teachers of higher education institutions in Ukraine. The study uses a mixed-methodology approach to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 65 teachers during the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The main instruments are questionnaires and interviews among teachers who have used the Station Rotation Model. The responses were processed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis to identify any significant differences in the results. The results emphasise the need for careful selection of a platform for distance learning and the acquisition of skills in creating e-resources. The results of the study provide practical recommendations for the implementation of the model in the Ukrainian higher education context. This is important for Ukrainian higher education institutions looking for optimal methods of blended learning. The findings of the study highlight the positive attitude of teachers to the proposed model, which promotes the individualisation of learning and development of digital competence. However, implementation requires additional time and advanced digital skills of teachers. The average score of the model's effectiveness (approximately 4.046) and the percentage distribution in scores 4 (47.69%) and 5 (30.77%) indicate a high level of acceptance of this approach by modern teachers. The recommendations are based on the individual experience of teachers, indicating the variability in the choice of the optimal means of communication with students. The study contributes to the understanding of the effectiveness of the blended learning model and will help to optimise its wider implementation.