Teaching Platform Research Articles

Didactic possibilities of scientific and educational LabXchange online platforms for genetics learning in the pedagogical ZVO

Aim. Highlight the possibilities of the scientific and educational platform LabXchange for distance learning of genetics for students of higher education in the specialties 014 Secondary Education (Biology and Human Health) and 091 Biology. Methods. Content analysis, survey, generalization. Results. LabXchange, an online educational platform created by scientists, provides users with free access to high-quality scientific education through a variety of online tools. LabXchange's Comprehensive General Genetics Curriculum for Higher Education Students includes content types that transform standard science material into engaging interactive visualizations that promote better understanding of complex concepts, provide the opportunity to conduct genetic experiments in virtual laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, help personalize the learning process, making it interesting and accessible opens up new opportunities for developing critical thinking skills, creativity and independence. Conclusions. The LabXchange online scientific and educational platform is an innovative resource for the study of genetics for students of higher education, as it performs important didactic functions. The experience of its use by students of a pedagogical university is useful for the formation of their professional competences.

Information Technology Assisting Ideological and Political Education for Exchange Students

In the context of globalization and informatization, how to enhance ideological and political education for exchange students abroad through modern information technology has become a significant issue. This study aims to explore effective informatization methods for the ideological and political education of exchange students. A questionnaire survey found that online learning platforms for ideological and political education are popular among exchange students. Using Chang’an University’s Dublin College exchange students as a case study, an online platform for ideological and political education was designed and tested. The platform provides flexible and convenient learning methods, rich resources, personalized content, and strong interactivity, achieving efficient, extensive, and low-cost ideological and political education. The results show that informatization tools have great potential in ideological and political education for exchange students.

Content quality and reliablity of YouTube™ videos as a source of information about good oral hygiene practices in adults.

Good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. However, proper and regular application of oral hygiene practices requires adequate knowledge. In recent years, the internet has become one of the most popular places to find health-related information, necessitating studies that analyze the quality of the content available online. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the content quality and reliability of YouTube™ videos on the topic of adult oral hygiene practices and to guide oral health care professionals who use this platform for patient education. A YouTube™ search was performed of the most frequent search term, 'dental hygiene'. A total of 150 videos were screened, and 51 were included in the final study. The characteristics, sources, and content of the videos were analyzed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and DISCERN reliability indices. The IBM SPSS 25 program was used for statistical analyses. Most of the included videos were uploaded by oral health care professionals (63%). GQS revealed only 17.6% of the videos were excellent quality whereas 23.5% of them were poor quality. In the content analysis, 62.7% of the videos were deemed moderately useful. Video duration, total content score, and interaction indices were all significantly higher in the useful and very useful groups compared to the slightly useful group (p = 0.020, p < 0.001, p = 0.040). GQS had a positive, low-medium statistically significant correlation with both video duration and total content scores (r = 0.235, r = 0.517; p < 0.05). DISCERN score also had a positive, low-medium statistically significant correlation with total content score (r = 0.500; p < 0.05). The study concluded that most YouTube™ videos on oral hygiene practices for adults are moderately useful. When using YouTube™ for patient education, oral health care professionals and organizations should be aware of low-quality videos and seek out accurate, useful videos. There is also a need for quality videos with expanded oral health content.

A Bi-LSTM and Attention Based Approach for Developing an Assamese AI Chatbot

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to develop, evaluate, and analyses a Bi-LSTM and attention-based model and decide whether it is the best deep learning hybrid model for developing the Assamese AI Conversational Agent. Methods: A dataset for the Assamese language was created for this research. A bi-LSTM and attention-based model was developed and trained with the dataset. We have compared the accuracy and performance of the proposed model with those of other deep learning models. The bag of words technique was used for feature extraction of text. For natural language processing, a custom stemmer, stop word functions and root word and stop word database were developed. The performance of the model is measured using metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score. Findings: From the research study, we have found that the bi-LSTM and attention-based model performed better in terms of all the metrics compared to other models. This model was able to attain an accuracy of 89.99%. Novelty: This research is novel as it is the first attempt to develop an AI chatbot in Assamese based on a deep learning model. Assamese is a language that has not received much attention in the field of AI chatbots. This research has great significance for the society where Assamese is spoken, as it can provide a platform for communication, information, and education in their native language. The Assamese language is in its beginning stages on the digital platform and has limited research done in the field of AI chatbots. This research will contribute a lot to this research area and open a new door for researchers who are interested in this topic. It will also allow them to further explore, improve, and develop new ideas. Keywords: Deep Learning, Natural language processing, Chatbot, Assamese

Assessing the impact of teacher characteristics, learner methods, and self-guided learning on technology adoption in mathematics instruction

This study explores the complex interplay between teacher attributes, learner instructional approaches, and the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in mathematics education, highlighting their collective impact on educational outcomes. Through a comprehensive survey of 196 teachers and 315 learners, the research delves into the relationships between teacher experience, educational qualifications, and the frequency and manner of technology use in the classroom. The analysis reveals that younger educators and those possessing advanced academic credentials are more inclined to actively incorporate ICTs into their teaching practices, demonstrating a higher level of comfort and enthusiasm for leveraging these tools to enhance student learning. Conversely, the study finds that more experienced teachers, particularly those with lower qualifications, tend to utilize technology less frequently, possibly due to a preference for traditional teaching methods or a lack of confidence in their ability to effectively integrate new technologies. Additionally, the study investigates the strategies employed by learners, with a particular focus on web-based self-learning approaches, such as the use of online educational videos and interactive platforms. The data indicates a significant positive correlation between these strategies and improved academic performance in mathematics, suggesting that learner-centered approaches that emphasize self-directed, technology-mediated learning can lead to better educational outcomes. These findings underscore the critical importance of considering both teacher characteristics and learner-centered instructional methods when developing strategies for the effective integration of technology in mathematics education. By tailoring these strategies to meet the diverse needs and preferences of educators, while simultaneously promoting effective self-learning techniques among students, educational institutions can better harness the potential of ICTs to improve learning outcomes in mathematics and beyond.

"Curriculum-project-supervisor" interactively enhance the innovation capability of postgraduates majoring in bioengineering

According to the Bio-economy Development Plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, biotechnology has become an effective force to promote future development. More than 220 universities and research institutes in China have got the right to confer master's degrees in bioengineering. Great attention has been paid to the cultivation of top innovative talents that can serve the innovation-driven development of the national bio-economy. In the last 15 years, the Research Center of Microbial-Manufacturing Engineering in Jiangnan University has built a diversified education platform, recruited high-level faculty members, and innovated the scientific research management. The new concept and method for cultivating the innovation capabilities of postgraduates in a multi-dimension and whole-process manner have been formed, which involved building a curriculum, focusing on major projects, and establishing a supervisor team. This cultivation mode has comprehensively improved the engineering and academic innovation capabilities of postgraduates majoring in bioengineering.

Design and Development of Virtual Reality Application Implementing Age-Friendly Care and the 4Ms: A Quality Improvement Project.

With an increase in the aging population, the application of evidence-based practice in geriatric education can strengthen knowledge, skills, and clinical experience for healthcare students caring for older adults. The Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) is one of the frameworks founded on providing evidence-based and low-risk care centered on what matters most to older adults, their families, and caregivers. Virtual reality (VR) platforms are gaining popularity due to their ability to provide an immersive, hands-on learning experience resembling an actual medical practice or care setting. Immersive learning enhances students' sensory perceptions, promoting an innovative and engaging way of acquiring concepts that are difficult to teach in real life. This study aimed to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a case-based training module highlighting AFHS and educating medical students on the 4Ms approach in geriatric care (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). The project was a feasibility study completed in two phases. Phase one included planning and developing a case-based scenario incorporating the 4Ms of AFHS. Phase two included implementing and evaluating the VR training module into the geriatric curriculum for medical students. The final VR case displays a hospital and post-acute setting where an elderly patient is admitted for a hip fracture. Students learn how to triage and treat patients from admission to discharge while demonstrating their knowledge of AFHSs. Approximately 10% of students completed the evaluation survey, and preliminary results indicate significant knowledge change in pre-post scenario-based training on an AFHS. The VR education platform and embedded scenario promise an innovative adaptation of technology in learning the concepts of the 4Ms of AFHSs. However, future studies should explore VR education with clinical assessment evaluation to ensure competence in providing age-friendly care.

Pendidikan Anti Kekerasan Seksual dalam Mengeskalasi Hukum Berkeadilan Bagi Generasi Muda Desa Gogik Kabupaten Ungaran Barat

Acts of sexual violence have now become a crucial issue regarding the moral decline in society. Sexual violence is a situation where a person experiences harassment in the form of inappropriate words and physical contact without mutual consent, resulting in discomfort for the victim.In fact, Article 28B Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution states, 'Every child has the right to survive, grow, and develop, and has the right to protection from violence and discrimination.' However, in reality, many communities that still uphold patriarchal values often offer socially manipulative solutions, such as asking the victim to marry the perpetrator. Reflecting on this article, every human being has the right to be protected from acts of violence. However, the widespread sexual crimes against teenagers and the failure and injustice in handling such cases have become serious issues. Motivated by the spirit to prevent and address the problem of sexual violence, the service team implements sexual violence prevention education for the younger generation. This program is a child-friendly initiative that not only addresses sexual crimes but also serves as an educational platform. It is not limited to handling victims but also aims to break the vicious cycle involving teenagers as perpetrators of sexual violence. Therefore, this program is expected to answer, assist, and raise public awareness about the critical issue of sexual crimes in Indonesia.

Analyzing factors influencing student engagement in an educative social media platform

ABSTRACT In the context of Social Media literacy, the success of educational interventions relies on designing motivational learning environments that seek students’ engagement. Despite existing achievements in social media education to include more appealing resources (e.g. gamification, authentic learning, interactive simulations), limited research has explored the factors that influence students’ engagement. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence engagement in an educational social media platform. Specifically, the factors that shape interest and enjoyment in Instareal, an educational tool that combines narrative scripts and collaborative learning flow patterns to educate teenagers about social media risks and challenges. To answer our research questions, we analyze the log data generated by high school students (N = 100) who tested a Social Media Literacy training with the support of Instareal. A factor analysis and a backward stepwise regression is performed over a dataset containing students’ traces of online activities and social interactions. The results show that factors such as the social participation of the students (comments, likes), curiosity (opening profiles, following others), and the quality of their answers influence interest and enjoyment within the platform. The results of this study offer new insights into measuring and enhancing student engagement when using educational social media environments.

Fostering student competencies and perceptions through artificial intelligence of things educational platform

The growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills across various sectors has enhanced AI-focused careers and shaped academic exploration in educational institutions. These institutions have been actively developing teaching methods that enhance practical AI applications, particularly through integrating AI with the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to the emergence of the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). This convergence promises significant advancements in AI education, addressing gaps in structured learning methods for AIoT. This study explored AIoT's application in Smart Farming (SF) and its potential to enrich AI education and sectoral advancements. The AIoT platform was designed for SF simulations, integrating environmental sensing, AI processing, and user-friendly outputs. This platform was implemented with 40 first-year computer science university students in Thailand using a one-group pre-posttest design. This approach transformed theoretical AI concepts into experiential learning through interactive activities, demonstrating AIoT's capability to increase AI conceptual understanding, trigger AI competencies, and promote positive learning perceptions. Therefore, this study presented the results as indicative of the AIoT platform's potential benefits, emphasizing the need for further robust experimental research. This study contributes to educational technology discussions by suggesting improvements in AIoT platform effectiveness and highlighting areas for future investigation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Gamified Traffic Safety Education Platform for Adolescent Motorcyclists in Pakistan

This study explores the potential of online traffic safety education for adolescent motorcyclists in Pakistan. An e-learning platform, “Route 2 School” (R2S), was developed focusing on traffic knowledge, situation awareness, risk detection, and risk management. Male students (14–18 years) who commute to school by motorcycle were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), both completing pre- and post-measurement questionnaires. The EG showed significant improvement in knowledge, risk detection, and risk management compared to the CG, but not in situation awareness. Participants reported increased traffic safety awareness and suggested adding more interactive elements. The R2S platform’s scores revealed better performance in risk detection and risk management modules than situation awareness. Time spent on modules varied, with situation awareness requiring the most time. Adolescents expressed satisfaction with the platform, acknowledging its role in increasing traffic awareness. This study provides initial insights into the effectiveness of online traffic safety education in Pakistan, highlighting the potential to address the lack of comprehensive traffic safety education in schools. Further research and stakeholder engagement are recommended to integrate such platforms into formal education, potentially reducing traffic-related injuries among adolescent motorcyclists in developing countries.

Approaches to inclusive foreign language instruction in higher education

Introduction: The rapid development trend in innovative technological solutions significantly impacts societal activities, stimulating global digital transformation processes in the educational environment. Objectives: The article analyses innovative tools within the concept of inclusive technologies for teaching foreign languages in higher education in the digital age. Methods: Several general scientific research methods were used to achieve the research objectives, including abstraction, analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction. Results: Attention is focused on exploring the potential of audio-lingual and audiovisual methods, didactic game solutions, case methods, reproductive methods, thematic studies, linguistic and sociocultural, and project methodologies. It has been proven that using digital educational platforms in educational programmes allows teaching foreign languages to be carried out at a high professional level, stimulating aspects of motivation and effectiveness. The study identifies that implementing innovative approaches in inclusive strategies for teaching foreign languages enables students to gain practical skills through active interaction with various non-standard methods and forms of work. Such methods include brainstorming, project work, role-playing, group work, and several others. It has been found that specific innovative approaches, such as random and cross-learning, learning through argumentation, or embodied learning, form a solid practical basis for the successful future application of acquired knowledge. Conclusions: The article proves that innovative methods of teaching foreign languages within the framework of inclusive educational technology programmes have the potential to create an effective learning environment, ensuring a significant improvement in the quality of higher education

Research on College Students&amp;apos; Attitudes Towards Online Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Learning Engagement: A Case Study of the &amp;quot;Cloud Classroom&amp;quot; Teaching Platform

With the continuous advancement of information technology and its deepening integration with educational teaching, online learning has developed rapidly. Online learning platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, and many universities choose Yun Class as the platform to provide diverse teaching interactions for teachers and students. To understand students&amp;apos; attitudes towards using the Yun Class platform for professional courses and its impact on student engagement, a survey was conducted among 80 junior college students majoring in Finance at the College of Applied Sciences, Beijing Union University, from the class of 2022. The collected data were organized and analyzed using software such as SPSS26, Amos22, and Graphpad7.0. Research findings show that students&amp;apos; attitudes towards using Yun Class significantly influence two sub-dimensions of learning engagement—emotional engagement and behavioral engagement. This indicates that students generally support the use of the Yun Class platform for professional courses, and this supportive attitude positively affects their learning engagement. The study concludes that Yun Class, as an aid to teaching, embodies the student-centered teaching philosophy and provides a convenient and powerful learning platform for independent student learning, which is worth promoting. It also points out that the implementation of teaching using the Yun Class platform must highlight the crucial role of teachers, strengthen supervision and guidance, focus on cultivating students&amp;apos; ability for independent learning, and improve the learning outcomes based on the Yun Class platform.

Novel adaptive fuzzy control for pendubot with actuator faults and uncertainties: Design and experiments

Pendubot has been widely applied as a benchmark platform for control research and education. In this paper, a novel adaptive fuzzy hierarchical sliding mode controller (AFHSMC) is proposed for the pendubot under actuator faults and uncertainties. The proposed controller is designed by combining hierarchical sliding mode control (HSMC), fuzzy logic control (FLC), and balancing composite motion optimization. The proposed controller preserves many advantages such as having a straightforward structure, simple implementation, chattering reduction, and high precision and robustness. The stability of the proposed controller is ensured by using the Lyapunov approach. To verify the control performance, various numerical simulations and experiments are conducted on a pendubot under conditions that involve actuator faults and uncertainties. Compared to the conventional HSMC and FHSMC controllers, the proposed AFHSMC improves by 0.43% and 0.38% for tracking precision of the first link's angle estimate, 3.26% and 0.08% for the second link's angle estimate when influenced by uncertainties, as well as 65.23% and 12.24% for the first link, 83.95% and 16.15% for the second link when influenced by faults.

Role of Web-Based Learning in Teaching English: Pathway to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Context: The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the global educational landscape, necessitating a rapid shift from traditional face-to-face learning to virtual environments. This transition has highlighted the essential role of digital platforms in modern education, making e-learning and e-resources crucial components of curricula. As education becomes increasingly digitalized, it presents new opportunities for reaching a broader audience and enhancing the learning experience. Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of web-based learning on English education during the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to explore how digital tools and platforms enhance content development and course design, thereby enriching the overall learning experience. Additionally, the paper seeks to evaluate the alignment of these digital advancements with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on promoting inclusive and equitable quality education. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in the constructivist learning theory, which posits that learners construct knowledge through experiences and interactions. This framework supports the integration of digital tools in education, suggesting that these tools facilitate active learning and knowledge construction. The paper also considers the principles of digital pedagogy and e-learning frameworks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how web-based learning complements traditional teaching methods. Methodology: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Surveys and interviews with educators and students provide insights into their experiences and perceptions of web-based learning. Additionally, an analysis of digital course materials and e-resources used in English education during the pandemic offers empirical data on the effectiveness and challenges of digital learning tools. Case studies of specific educational institutions implementing web-based learning are also included to illustrate practical applications and outcomes. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that web-based learning has significantly transformed English education by making it more accessible and flexible. Digital tools have enhanced content development and course design, allowing for more interactive and engaging learning experiences. However, the transition to virtual learning also presents challenges, such as digital divide issues, varying levels of digital literacy among educators and students, and the need for effective digital pedagogy training. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to maximize the benefits of web-based learning. Originality and Value: This paper contributes to the growing body of research on digital education by specifically focusing on English education during the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides original insights into how digital tools can be integrated within the constructivist learning theory framework to enhance educational outcomes. The study's emphasis on aligning digital advancements with the SDGs adds value by connecting educational innovations to global development goals. Implications and Conclusions: The research underscores the potential of web-based learning to transform traditional educational practices and promote inclusive and equitable quality education. The implications for educators and policymakers include the need for ongoing professional development in digital pedagogy, investment in digital infrastructure, and the creation of policies that support equitable access to digital learning resources. The paper concludes that while web-based learning presents numerous opportunities, addressing the accompanying challenges is crucial for achieving sustainable and impactful educational transformations.

Ten Years of the Synthetic Biology Summer Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Summer Course on Synthetic Biology, established in 2013, has emerged as a premier platform for immersive education and research in this dynamic field. Rooted in CSHL's rich legacy of biological discovery, the course offers a comprehensive exploration of synthetic biology's fundamentals and applications. Led by a consortium of faculty from diverse institutions, the course structure seamlessly integrates practical laboratory sessions, exploratory research rotations, and enriching seminars by leaders in the field. Over the years, the curriculum has evolved to cover essential topics such as cell-free transcription-translation, DNA construction, computational modeling of gene circuits, engineered gene regulation, and CRISPR technologies. In this review, we describe the history, development, and structure of the course, and discuss how elements of the course might inform the development of other short courses in synthetic biology. We also demonstrate the course's impact beyond the lab with a summary of alumni contributions to research, education, and entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, the CSHL Summer Course on Synthetic Biology remains at the forefront of shaping the next generation of synthetic biologists.

Translanguaging pedagogy on the digital stage: exploring Chinese undergraduates’ English grammar learning through DingTalk platform

The internet sphere has become a disruptive platform for education, leading to a reworking of the language instruction scene. This research investigates the intersection of Translanguaging Pedagogy with the dynamic digital platform DingTalk, with the objective of enhancing the English grammar learning experience for Chinese undergraduate students. The goal of this study, which is multilingual context-based, is to investigate the as-yet-unexplored field of using students’ linguistic repertoires in virtual environments. Utilising a mixed-methods methodology, this work incorporates a quasi-experimental design and qualitative investigation to elucidate the complex interaction between Translanguaging Pedagogy and the immersive potential of DingTalk. The study involved a population of 58 Chinese undergraduate students, with qualitative insights further enriched through interviews with 4 participants. The results reveal notable enhancements in English grammatical skills among individuals who participated in the Translanguaging method using DingTalk. These findings underscore the effectiveness of incorporating Mandarin as a cognitive bridge. Qualitative observations shed light on the cognitive and emotional aspects of this new method, unveiling its profound influence on the acquisition of language. The present study aims to alter educational paradigms by illustrating the mutually beneficial connection between pedagogy and technology in the context of improving language acquisition. In light of the global shift towards remote education, this research presents a groundbreaking approach that paves the way for a future characterised by comprehensive and skill-oriented language instruction, fostering inclusivity.

Looking Back and Looking Forward: Reflections on 20 Years of the Journal of Political Science Education

The 20th Anniversary Special Issue of the Journal of Political Science Education reflects on the achievements of the journal and its emergence as a vital platform for political science educators to share innovative teaching practices, discuss views on the profession's changing nature, and underscore the essentiality and vitality of teaching and learning to the profession.

Modelling chronologically ordered radiocarbon dates in R

Abstract Studies with multiple radiocarbon dates often contain useful information on the relative locations of the dated levels. Such information can be used to obtain robust, integrated site chronologies, with at times more precise ages than those of the individual dates, where outliers can be identified and downweighted, and where the ages of any undated levels can also be estimated. Examples include trees with radiocarbon dates separated by exactly known amounts of yearly tree-rings, or sedimentary sites where ages further down the stratigraphy can be assumed to be older than ages further up. Here we present coffee, an R package for Bayesian models that apply chronological ordering for fossils and environmental events. Coffee runs natively within the popular and versatile R environment, with no need for importing or exporting data or code from other programs, and works with plain-text input files that are relatively easy to read and write. It thus provides a new, transparent and adaptable educational and research platform designed to make chronology building more accessible.

Investigating the impact of virtual simulation experiment and massive open online course (MOOC) on medical students’ wound debridement training: a quasi-experimental study

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the impact of virtual simulation experiment teaching model and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching model on the teaching effect in debridement teaching.MethodsThe study adopted a quasi-experimental design and used virtual simulation technology to construct a virtual simulation experimental teaching platform for debridement. This study was conducted at the Second Clinical College of Wuhan University. The experimental group was composed of 135 third-year clinical medicine students in the 2020 grade, who received the virtual simulation experimental teaching model; the control group was 122 third-year students in the same major in the 2019 grade, who used the MOOC teaching model. The performance of the two groups of students was evaluated through theoretical tests and animal experiment operation. In addition, the effectiveness of the experimental teaching model and student satisfaction were evaluated through questionnaire surveys.ResultsThe theoretical test scores and animal experiment report scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the debridement animal experiment operation time of the experimental group was shorter than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The post-class questionnaire survey of the experimental group showed that most students were satisfied with the virtual simulation experimental teaching model and believed that it represented the future teaching trend.ConclusionsIn the teaching of debridement, virtual simulation experiment is an effective t teaching model, which not only helps to improve student performance, but also significantly reduces skill operation time and is recognized by students.