Teaching Platform Research Articles

Integration of an Open Source Identity Management System in Educational Platforms

Making research advances available to the community in the shape of open source software has the potential to introduce cutting-edge innovations from early on, foster collaborative development, and revolutionize industrial applications. However, including open source software resulting from a research project as part of a production system poses some risks and must be evaluated in detail, considering all pros and cons. This is especially delicate when that piece of software is in charge of authentication and authorization. This article reports on an experience of integrating open source identity and access management (IAM) software that is the result of multiple research projects, the FIWARE Keyrock IAM, into three educational web-based platforms: two learning object repositories and a course management platform. We intend to draw the lessons learned from this experience so they can guide software practitioners when deciding if they should integrate open source software developed in research projects.

Adapting and extending multimodal (inter)action analysis to investigate synchronous multimodal online language teaching

Abstract Multimodal (inter)action analysis offers a powerful and robust methodology for the study of action and interaction between social actors, their environment, and the objects and tools within. Yet its implementation in the analysis of synchronous multimodal online data sets, e.g. (inter)actions via videoconferencing, is limited. Drawing on our research in understanding teacher-learner (inter)actions in instruction-giving fragments in synchronous multimodal online language lessons, we describe and illustrate the ways in which we adapted and extended some of the methodological and analytical tools. These include (1) the use of a grounded theory approach in delineating and identifying higher-level actions, (2) the embodiment and disembodiment of frozen actions, (3) electronic print mode, (4) semiotic lag, (5) semiotic (mis)alignment, (6) modal density (mis)alignment, and (7) how modal density can be achieved by brisk modal shifts in addition to through modal intensity and complexity. We conclude by a call for further educational research in online teaching platforms using the framework to have richer understandings of the (inter)actions between social actors with particular roles and identities (teachers-learners), their environment, and the objects and tools within, which bring their “own material properties, feel and techniques of use, affordances and limitations” (Chun, Dorothy, Richard Kern & Bryan Smith. 2016. Technology in language use, language teaching, and language learning. The Modern Language Journal 100. 64–80: 65).

TikTok is an effective platform for bicycle safety injury prevention education

Social media is an efficient way to spread information, given its widespread daily use by the general population. While it has been shown that public health information can be rapidly disseminated, whether the newer social media platform, TikTok, is effective for this purpose has yet to be explored. The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of TikTok for the public health topic of injury prevention, specifically with regards to bicycling-related safety education. The TikTok account “iBikeSafe” was created to disseminate injury prevention information related to bicycle safety. Data collected was both qualitative (video classification, comment categorization) and quantitative (likes, views, comments). Performance data was compared between TikTok and another video-sharing social media platform (YouTube). Posts that were didactic (or educational) in nature yielded more views, likes, and comments than posts that were fun or casual in nature. Almost half (46%) of comments made by users on iBikeSafe’s TikTok videos were made to constructively further the discussion and to educate others with accurate injury prevention information. Five of the six videos that were adapted from the iBikeSafe YouTube channel for use on TikTok garnered exponentially more views on TikTok (from 118% to 2057%) than on YouTube, despite having less followers/subscribers (759 TikTok vs 977 YouTube) and being in existence for less time (11 months vs 8 years). TikTok is an effective platform for injury prevention education. Didactic posts best provide users with the ability to engage with content and to discuss takeaways, while fun posts keep users active within the platform. Both educational and fun types of videos play an integral role in the effective use of this platform for bicycle safety education. Consideration should be taken into account for the appropriate ratio of didactic versus fun posts for information dissemination in any public health educational campaign making use of this platform.

DISTANCE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MODERN EDUCATIONAL SPACE OF UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The article examines distance education technologies in the modern educational space of Ukraine. The general features of case-based educational technologies, the WebQuest methodology as a method of project-based learning, Internet technologies, in particular online educational platforms, and telecommunication technologies are identified. The significance of artificial intelligence in the educational environment is emphasised.

MicroPublication Biology: An introduction to Publishing and Teaching with a Small-Format, Peer-Reviewed Journal.

microPublication Biology (micropublication.org) is a non-profit, community-focused, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing small (single-figure) reports of data, methods and software related to a variety of model organisms. A workshop on microPublications at the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) conference in Summer 2023 focused on 1) publishing data-especially student research experiences, and data gathered through course-based research, and 2) using the microPublication platform and article template in teaching and learning. In this article, we further describe the microPublication platform and workflow and how PI's can use this venue to publish student work. We also provide examples of how the microPublication format can be adapted and adopted as tools for undergraduate teaching and learning.

CHALLENGE OF EDUCATORS IN TIMES OF REMOTE TEACHING

The present work addresses the challenges faced by educators during the period of remote teaching, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid transition from the face-to-face to the virtual environment has brought numerous difficulties to education professionals. First, we discussed technological adaptation, since many educators needed to acquire new skills and competencies to use online teaching platforms and digital tools. Lack of proper training and familiarity with educational technologies were crucial issues in this shift. In addition, we address social inequalities and those aggravated by remote teaching. The lack of access to the internet and adequate devices in disadvantaged communities has resulted in an imbalance in access to education, creating a worrying scenario for educational inclusion. Another relevant point was the challenge of student engagement. The presence of face-to-face interaction and the difficulties in establishing a meaningful connection with students in the virtual environment impacted motivation and interest in educational activities. The work also highlights the increased workload for educators. The transition to remote learning follows extreme dedication and a work-life balance. The need to prepare classes adapted to the digital environment and constant communication with students and families have met additional challenges.

Determinants Influencing the Adoption of Metaverse-based Learning Platforms among University Students

Metaverse, an amalgamation of diverse information technologies, is seen as the future of the internet and holds promise for transforming education. Leveraging metaverse media for immersive learning has the potential to reshape education practices. Despite being a novel concept, metaverse-based education has the capacity to enrich online learning experiences. The study utilized the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model alongside the factor of personal innovativeness in IT, conducting a comprehensive survey involving 244 students from Federal University Wukari, Nigeria. Employing STATA 14, a popular variance-based structural equation modeling technique in social sciences and management, the study analyzed the structural model and conceptual measures, confirming the discriminant validity, dependability, and content of the data. The research findings highlight the importance of personal innovativeness in IT as a direct and indirect predictor of adoption intention among Generation Z students in making decisions about integrating metaverse technologies into higher education. Students demonstrating a high level of innovativeness in IT exhibit a greater willingness to engage with metaverse-based learning incorporating artificial intelligence. The results demonstrate a strong association between the identified characteristics and students' intentions to utilize educational platforms utilizing metaverse technology, contributing valuable insights to the use of technology in educational settings.

Virtual Gathering Platforms in Academic Teaching: Potential and Applications

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift towards online learning where educators and students had to quickly adapt to new digital formats. However, the core aspects of community building and social interaction that are essential to traditional classrooms became challenging to maintain. To address this issue, we were interested in testing Virtual Gathering Platforms (VGPs) Topia and WorkAdventure to see how effectively they could be adapted to various academic teaching and learning settings. These examples of Extended Realities (XR), adopted from the 2D metaverse, aim to improve communication and interactivity in a fun and engaging way, allowing users to create immersive worlds for socialising, and collaborating. Using Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Technological Self-Efficacy (TSE) and distributed scaffolding frameworks as a guide, we created adaptable templates of both platforms that not only introduced users to how they work, but also included features flexible enough to suit various academic disciplines and promote social engagement and collaborative learning. We then implemented a case study and invited university educators teaching international courses to adapt the templates and assess them within their own learning settings. In addition, it was important for us to use the on-boarding sessions as a focal point. Here, we introduced the templates through multiple resources and offered one-to-one support to develop their use within chosen learning scenarios which ranged from an icebreaker activity to an online student resource centre. Observations then documented the adapted templates being used with students in these settings, and feedback regarding user perceptions of the platforms and the support strategies used was gathered. The study reveals the complex interplay between user experiences, support strategies, and educational frameworks, emphasising the need for adaptable and collaborative approaches to optimise these platforms in higher education.

Evaluating the Impact of AI-Personalized Learning Systems in Higher Education; Examining how They Affect Academic Performance across Different Age Groups at Kumasi Technical University

Revolutionizing education by introducing innovative methods to enhance student experiences has birthed Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article provided an in-depth overview of AI's educative and transformative influence, particularly concentrating on learning outcomes for students of all ages at Kumasi Technical University. AI amalgamation in education has enabled modified learning experiences tailored towards each learner's unique needs. The purpose of this study sought to investigate the effects of AI-personalized learning systems on academic performance across different age groups in higher education institution. The researcher employed a quantitative research design, using a face-content verified structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents, with expert consultation. Forty-five students from Kumasi Technical University's engineering and procurement departments were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The findings provided valuable insights into the use of AI-driven personalized learning platforms in higher education. The data revealed higher adoption rates among undergraduates compared to postgraduates, and a greater likelihood of use among men than women, highlighting gender disparities and potential areas for targeted support. The predominant use of AI tools by younger students demonstrated their comfort with emerging technology, while the low participation of older students suggested potential adoption barriers. Statistical analyses (Pearson correlation; (r (43) = 0.166, p = 0.265) and linear regression; (R^2 of 0.03), (F (1, 45) = 1.25, p = 0.265) indicated that age did not significantly correlate with academic success in the context of AI use, despite extensive integration of AI learning systems in academic courses. Contrary to expectations that younger students' engagement with AI tailored learning systems would positively impact their academic performance compared to those over thirty, no significant correlation between age and academic achievement was found. These findings underscore the need for further research into other factors that may influence the effectiveness of AI learning systems.

Personalized Video-Based Educational Platform to Improve Stroke Knowledge: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Stroke knowledge is critical to treatment adherence and poststroke outcomes. Here, we aimed to quantify the impact of a personalized video-based educational platform to test the hypothesis that it improves patient satisfaction and stroke knowledge. In a single-center pilot randomized trial, all patients with stroke and caregivers received standard stroke education during the hospitalization, but half were randomized to receive access to MyStroke, a personalized educational platform that provided brief videos about their stroke, risk factors, medications, and poststroke lifestyle. Satisfaction, stroke knowledge, and quality of life were assessed 7, 30, and 90 days after discharge. A total of 120 subjects (96 patients and 24 caregivers) were randomized to standard education (n=59) or MyStroke. At 90 days post-stroke, those who received MyStroke were more likely to be satisfied with the stroke education the received (90% versus 73%, P=0.05) and more likely to correctly identify their stroke cause (67% versus 32%, P=0.003). However, MyStroke was not associated with a difference in self-reported quality of life (EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale: 80 versus 75, P=0.06) or general stroke knowledge (total Stroke Patient Education Retention: 5 versus 5, P=0.47). With respect to secondary end points, MyStroke increased risk factor awareness 7 and 30 days poststroke, but this difference was not significant at 90 days. The MyStroke personalized video-based education platform improved patient and caregiver satisfaction while improving some aspects of personalized stroke knowledge without improving general stroke knowledge. A multicenter trial is needed to confirm these results, clarify generalizability, and target clinically relevant metrics such as stroke recurrence or adherence. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05118503.

Beyond #MeToo in Iran: change through informal feminist educational leadership

ABSTRACT Women’s bodies in Iran have historically been used as a medium to operationalise social control and power. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, this social control has tightened, manifesting within a misogynistic regime and patriarchal society where lack of legal protection and the culture of shame and silence suppress conversations on sexual harassment, with lack of sexuality education exacerbating the situation. In this context, those involved in the #MeToo movement stepped into an educational vacuum, providing crucial informal leadership around sexuality education, adding to, and building up to, other movements for women in Iran. In this paper, we discuss how informal leaders have used social media platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to help raise awareness of sexual harassment in Iran, help women find solidarity rather than shame, and create an educational platform for sexuality education. #MeToo was an important stepping stone for #feminism that is continuing to date.

Data Privacy in Social Media: Awareness and Comfortability of Mathematical Computing Course Session I 2023/2024 Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Polytechnic’s Students

The increasing integration of social media into daily lives of individuals has raised significant concerns about data privacy. As users actively engage with various platforms, the extent to which they are aware of the privacy implications and their comfort levels with the use of personal data become vital issues. This study aimed to identify social media platforms that are often used by students, their level of awareness towards social media data privacy policy and their comfortability towards data privacy by social media companies. The respondents in this study comprises of 106 male and female students. The data are analyzed descriptively by mean, frequency and percentage. The level of awareness towards social media data privacy policy is high with average mean score 3.94, WhatsApp is the often-surfed social media platform by score of 89.62% and most students were highly comfortable with how educational social media platform used their data with mean 3.85. This study proposes the necessity of a diverse approach involving education, user empowerment, and technological advancements to enhance data privacy awareness and comfort levels among students in the realm of social media and prepare to a more secure and responsible online environment for the next generation users

Expanding the Plasmonic Color Palette: Enhancing Nanotechnology Education through a User-Friendly Teaching Platform

Expanding the Plasmonic Color Palette: Enhancing Nanotechnology Education through a User-Friendly Teaching Platform

Exploring the impact of the metaverse on English language teaching: Perspectives of students from the University of Boyacá

This study investigates the impact of the metaverse on English language teaching, focusing on the perspectives of students from the University of Boyacá. The use of the metaverse was compared with the Moodle platform in a virtual educational environment. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. The sample consisted of 30 university students enrolled in English courses, randomly assigned to two groups: one using the metaverse and the other using Moodle. Students’ grades on different activities and assessments throughout the course were collected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore students’ perceptions of the educational platforms. Results revealed that while students recognize the potential of the metaverse to enhance interactivity and learning experience, they also identified technical and accessibility challenges. Although no significant differences in grades were found between the groups, less variability in grades was observed in the metaverse group. The mixed design allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the metaverse on English language teaching, while providing a variety of student perspectives on their experience with educational technology. This research contributes to understanding the role of the metaverse in English language teaching and highlights key areas for future research and developments in the field of virtual education.

Sanggar Seni Matoh Mime as A Non-Formal Education Forum: Increasing Creativity and Developing Community Potential

This study addresses the challenges educational institutions face in fostering students' interest and skills, particularly in the field of pantomime. A major hurdle is the lack of structured extracurricular activities dedicated to this performance art. This research examines the innovative training techniques employed by Sanggar Seni Matoh Mime as a model of non-formal education aimed at enhancing creativity and developing community potential. The study's objective is to analyze the role of Sanggar Seni Matoh Mime as a non-formal educational platform, focusing on how its pantomime programs contribute to creativity and community development. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the findings demonstrate that Sanggar Seni Matoh Mime effectively enhances children's creativity and achievements in pantomime. Since 2019, the Sanggar has provided free pantomime training at Bojonegoro Regency's square, with 32 participants, including one kindergarten student, 28 elementary school students, and three junior high school students. Notably, eight participants won at the Bojonegoro Regency level of the National Student Art Competition Festival. These results highlight the significant contribution of Sanggar Seni Matoh Mime to fostering creativity and artistic potential in the community through non-formal education. In conclusion, this research provides new insights into non-formal education methods and their impact, while encouraging further investigation into the broader effects of non-formal education on community development.

Description and Utilization of an Educational Platform for Clean Production in Mechanical Engineering

This study introduces a novel educational mentoring platform that emphasises clean manufacturing techniques and is intended to support engineering education and mentorship. The mentoring platform provides practical, project-based learning opportunities in an educational environment. The platform's foundation lies in a mentoring approach through conducting sessions and defined projects. This paper will outline the primary components of a new educational mentoring platform and highlight some of its most important use cases. The mentoring platform enables the creation of programs like the Sustainable Manufacturing Innovation Program, which is showcased in this paper, equipping students with the knowledge to enhance sustainability in mechanical engineering and foster cleaner production startups. The paper briefly overviews the Novel Educational Methodology (NEM) integrated into an e-learning platform for personalized and adaptive learning materials and courses. The combined use of e-learning and mentoring platforms represents a comprehensive educational system, enhancing developmental outcomes while promoting and achieving clean production practices. Both platforms, e-learning and mentoring, are highly adaptable, facilitating the creation of diverse online course materials and mentoring programs across various scientific disciplines.

Reconfigurable and versatile augmented reality optical setup for tangible experimentations

HOBIT, which stands for "Hybrid Optical Bench for Innovative Teaching and learning" is an educational platform that leverages the combination of numerical simulation and physical manipulation to facilitate learning of complex phenomena and motivate users about wave optics in practical work. HOBIT operates in real time and is self-adaptive, providing realistic displays of optical phenomena with virtual augmentations designed to facilitate their understanding. HOBIT makes it quick and easy to build any reconfigurable optical experiment. Students can manipulate optical components and observe the changes induced on detectors and displays. We detail the technology, the simulation model and the initial teaching aids. Current and future enhancements should meet the needs of students at different levels, from high school to higher education degrees.

The Reach and Community Perspective of BT Radio Programs as Supplemental Teaching and Learning Platforms

The Reach and Community Perspective of BT Radio Programs as Supplemental Teaching and Learning Platforms

LEAN SIX SIGMA APPROACH FOR SIMULTANEOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The purpose of this study is to assess whether Lean Six Sigma can improve the quality of teaching-learning processes in higher educational institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The integration of e-learning technologies with lean six sigma (LSS). DMAIC stands for five phases of sig sigma project: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control was applied to implement quality assurance in the teaching-learning process. Action research was adopted in 30 courses of a particular engineering programme. The methodology was applied as a course improvement tool, and the challenges encountered during the implementation were also studied. The LSS DMAIC methodology could successfully improve the quality of various courses simultaneously through online mode during the Covid-19 pandemic. The adopted methodology could assist in effectively responding during the present stage of uncertainty and provide stakeholders with guidelines to deal with the post-pandemic era. In terms of practical implications, this study discusses a new approach to improving the quality of the teaching-learning process in higher educational institutions. The LSS DMAIC is applied with the help of online educational and social media platforms for the simultaneous improvement of courses in a particular engineering programme.

The Application of Multi-View Collaborative Filtering Model for Education Platform

The Application of Multi-View Collaborative Filtering Model for Education Platform