Educational Tool Research Articles

Wordwall Application in Improving Numeracy Ability SDN RENDA

Education plays a crucial role in developing individual potential and enhancing quality of life, with numeracy skills being a key aspect of this process. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of using the Wordwall application in mathematics learning to improve numeracy skills among students at SDN Renda. A qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design was employed. Data were collected through observations, interviews with teachers and students, and documentation. The results indicate that the use of Wordwall significantly increased student engagement and motivation, with an average posttest score improvement of 20.4 points compared to the pretest. The application offers various quiz and game templates that make learning more interactive and engaging. However, challenges related to technology access limited the full implementation of the application. The discussion highlights that Wordwall is effective in enhancing mathematics understanding and numeracy skills, as well as increasing student interest in learning. In conclusion, Wordwall is a highly beneficial tool in mathematics education, and schools should provide technological support and training for teachers to maximize its benefits. The study recommends broader implementation of the Wordwall application to improve the quality of mathematics education in elementary schools.

SỬ DỤNG CÂY QUYẾT ĐỊNH ĐỂ XÂY DỰNG CÔNG CỤ ĐÁNH GIÁ KẾ HOẠCH BÀI DẠY NHẰM PHÁT TRIỂN NĂNG LỰC HỌC SINH

This study explores the application of decision trees - a machine learning technique in the development of a tool for evaluating lesson plans. This is a new approach to conducting educational evaluation tools. The goal is to enhance the lesson design skills of student teachers and instructors through self-assessment and adjustment of their lesson plans. Decision trees are used to simulate the decision-making process, providing accurate and consistent evaluations of the descriptions of appropriate teaching aids and materials in line with educational objectives. The paper describes the construction of a teacher's lesson plan evaluation tool with six criteria, and the initial use of this tool to improve the quality of lesson plans for teachers and student teachers. Initial results indicate that the ability of student teachers and instructors to construct application activities and articulate objectives has been enhanced.

Analysis of ChatGPT-3.5’s Potential in Generating NBME-Standard Pharmacology Questions: What Can Be Improved?

ChatGPT by OpenAI is an AI model designed to generate human-like responses based on diverse datasets. Our study evaluated ChatGPT-3.5’s capability to generate pharmacology multiple-choice questions adhering to the NBME guidelines for USMLE Step exams. The initial findings show ChatGPT’s rapid adoption and potential in healthcare education and practice. However, concerns about its accuracy and depth of understanding prompted this evaluation. Using a structured prompt engineering process, ChatGPT was tasked to generate questions across various organ systems, which were then reviewed by pharmacology experts. ChatGPT consistently met the NBME criteria, achieving an average score of 13.7 out of 16 (85.6%) from expert 1 and 14.5 out of 16 (90.6%) from expert 2, with a combined average of 14.1 out of 16 (88.1%) (Kappa coefficient = 0.76). Despite these high scores, challenges in medical accuracy and depth were noted, often producing “pseudo vignettes” instead of in-depth clinical questions. ChatGPT-3.5 shows potential for generating NBME-style questions, but improvements in medical accuracy and understanding are crucial for its reliable use in medical education. This study underscores the need for AI models tailored to the medical domain to enhance educational tools for medical students.

An Investigation of Students’ Perspectives on the Application of Chat GPT as an Academic Tool: A Case Study at HIUC

This research dedicates to investigate students' perspectives on the application of ChatGPT as an educational tool. This investigation employs a quantitative methodology using a descriptive study design. The research was conducted on a representative sample of 100 undergraduate students registered at HIUC. This sample included 50 female students and 50 male students. The findings derived from the descriptive statistics analysis suggest a significant degree of favorable disposition towards using ChatGPT as an educational instrument. The present study proposed instructions to promote the adoption of the ChatGPT model among instructors in Iraqi universities.

VIRTUAL LABORATORIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: UNVEILING TRAJECTORIES, THEMES, AND EMERGING PARADIGMS (2013-2023)

Virtual laboratories are transformative tools in science education, yet comprehensive reviews of their prospects are limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 218 articles published between 2013 and 2023. Key findings included: (1) research has evolved from initial exploration to rapid expansion; (2) virtual labs have demonstrated adaptability across various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and medicine; (3) five research trajectories focus on virtual labs, science education, and computer-based learning; and (4) eight research topics, such as comparisons with physical labs and student performance, have gained prominence. These findings had implications for educational practices, research methodologies, and policy considerations. For educational practices, virtual laboratories offer benefits by removing the need for physical resources, providing flexible delivery, enabling safe exploration, fostering engagement through hands-on experimentation, and enhancing understanding with immersive experiences. For research, virtual labs improve learning and analytical skills, generate detailed data on student behaviors and learning patterns, and lead to innovations in teaching methods and curriculum design. For policymakers, strategic planning is needed to create supportive policies for the effective adoption of virtual labs, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and curriculum integration, making science education more accessible and equitable for all students. Keywords: bibliometrics analysis, science education, research trends, virtual laboratory

A Pathway to “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)” through Library-Driven Initiatives

The foundational years of education play a critical role in building basic literacy and numeracy skills, known as Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). This paper delves into the strategic use of libraries within schools to support FLN, presenting libraries as essential educational resources that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction and explores the role of school libraries as strategic educational tools in supporting FLN through accessible, sustainable, community-engaged initiatives. Drawing on successful district-level projects in India, the research investigates the potential of library-driven initiatives to enhance FLN through curricular integration, community involvement, and sustainable resource allocation. With an emphasis on overcoming implementation challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive model for implementing library-driven initiatives proposed, providing a roadmap for enhancing FLN and promoting a culture of reading and learning among students.

Construction of a Curriculum System for University Physics Experiment Courses Integrating Knowledge Graphs

With the continuous development of physics and advancements in educational technology, traditional teaching models for university physics experiment courses have gradually revealed issues such as fragmented knowledge points and disconnection between theory and practice. To enhance students' systematic understanding and comprehensive application of knowledge, knowledge graphs have been introduced as an emerging educational tool within the physics experiment curriculum system. This paper analyzes the current application of knowledge graphs in physics experiment teaching, proposes new pathways for constructing experimental courses based on knowledge graphs, and designs a systematic knowledge graph curriculum system in response to the needs of student autonomous learning and teaching assessment. The study shows that knowledge graphs significantly enhance the integration of physics experiment knowledge, improve students' self-directed learning abilities, and increase teaching effectiveness. Future developments will further promote innovation and advancement in physics experiment teaching through the integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies.

Hand Gesture Recognition for Interactive On-Screen Drawing with Real-Time Subtitling for Teaching

This research presents the development of an innovative educational tool leveraging hand gesture recognition for interactive on-screen drawing with real-time subtitling. Built on OpenCV and Python, the platform enables educators to draw and manipulate digital content through intuitive hand gestures, enhancing classroom engagement. Additionally, real-time subtitle generation offers accessibility for hearing-impaired students by converting drawn content into text notes. This system addresses key challenges in traditional digital drawing tools, such as limited interaction methods and accessibility, aiming to deliver a more inclusive learning environment. Preliminary results indicate high recognition accuracy, smooth interaction, and potential for broader educational applications. Future improvements will involve expanding the gesture set and refining accuracy for complex gestures. Keywords: Hand Gesture Recognition, Interactive Learning, Real-Time Subtitling, Educational Technology, OpenCV

Drama as an Aid in Academic Learning and Creative Writing: The CBS Radio Mystery Theater

A comprehensive radio series of 1,399 episodes which originally ran seven nights a week from January 1974 to December 1982. The series dealt with a very large expanse of subject matter, not only in classic and modern literature and history, but also at times featured basic facts in the areas of the sciences including chemistry, medicine, astronomy and physics. As a result, the series served, and continues to serve as an effective educational tool in addition to being a source of entertainment very similar in style to the audiobook. It also serves as a virtual template for the study of the art of storytelling and creative writing.

Integrating mathematical modeling into synthetic biology education: a comprehensive approach through webinars and syllabus development

Mathematical modeling is a fundamental aspect of synthetic biology, enabling precise design and analysis of biological systems. To enhance students' understanding of this critical topic, we developed a series of webinars aimed at teaching mathematical modeling to iGEM teams. These webinars were initially created to maintain student engagement during a period of restricted lab access but quickly demonstrated their value as an effective educational tool. The success of these webinars highlighted the suitability of mathematical modeling as a topic well-suited to both onsite and online learning environments. Recognizing this, we expanded the content into a comprehensive syllabus for undergraduate courses in synthetic biology at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia in Spain and Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas—ESPE in Ecuador. The course now serves as a core component of synthetic biology education, offering students a robust framework for understanding and applying mathematical models. It includes a series of lectures, practical exercises, and case studies, all designed to deepen students' knowledge and skills in this essential area. To support educators and students, we have also developed a deck of slides and example scripts that provide practical examples and reinforce the concepts taught in the course. This manuscript presents the development, implementation, and impact of these educational initiatives, demonstrating how mathematical modeling can be effectively integrated into synthetic biology curricula to prepare students for real-world challenges in the field.

Supplementing provider counseling with an educational video prior to scheduled induction of labor

BackgroundInduction of labor (IOL) is common with one in four labors being induced in the United States (US). IOL has been associated with lower birth satisfaction. Video education can address gaps in education and promote anticipatory guidance. Prior studies in obstetrics have focused on randomized designs in English-speaking patients, leaving opportunities to explore how these tools perform in a pragmatic fashion with diverse patient populations. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a video education tool on patient satisfaction and knowledge of IOL experience in English and Spanish-speaking patients scheduled for IOL at a tertiary care hospital.MethodsThis was a single site pragmatic implementation of a quality improvement measure at an academic hospital. A bilingual survey was developed to evaluate the impact of an educational video on birth satisfaction and knowledge of IOL procedures. The video is freely available in English and Spanish. Baseline postpartum surveys were collected from June to July 2021. The video was subsequently recommended by providers when scheduling IOLs. Post-intervention surveys were collected from September to November 2021 after an implementation period. Groups were compared using t-tests for satisfaction scores and chi-square analyses for categorical variables.ResultsThirty-two participants completed the baseline survey and 72 completed the post-implementation survey with response rates of 88.9% and 91.1%, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes between mean total satisfaction scores (26.9 vs 28.0 out of 40.0, p = 0.290). 61 participants were English speaking (58%) and 43 Spanish (42%). Thirty (42%) patients reported watching the video.Correct identification of amniotomy use improved in the post-intervention group (p = 0.002). No changes were seen in anticipated duration of labor nor in whether patients would choose to be induced again.ConclusionsRecommendation of video education before scheduled IOL was associated with little improvement in knowledge about IOL, but no significant improvement in patient satisfaction. While video education has improved these measures in randomized trials, our study demonstrated that real-world implementation and patient uptake may be initially difficult. This study may help providers emphasize direct education and counseling and promote optimal implementation of innovative educational media.

Examining the Respondability of the English Course Curriculum (2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade) to the Needs of the Digitalized Age, According to the Opinions of English Teachers

In this research, the responsiveness of the English course curriculum (2nd, 3rd and 4th grade) to the needs of the digital age was examined, according to the opinions of English teachers. The research was conducted using the phenomenology design, which is one of the descriptive research designs. The study group of the research consisted of English teachers teaching English in primary schools in Sakarya province, affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. In the research, a semi-structured interview form was applied to determine teachers' opinions on the responsiveness of the English Language Teaching Program to the needs of the digital age. Content analysis was used to analyze the data in the research. As a result of the analysis, teachers' opinions about the responsiveness of the primary school English course curriculum to the needs of the digital age, how often digital education tools are used, whether the program improves students' English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and whether it provides the skills needed in the digital age; opinions have been reached. According to the opinions of the teachers, it was learned that the English language teaching program has improved compared to the previous programs, but it is not yet sufficient for the current era. In addition, it is among the information obtained that the treatment of the subjects has become easier with the inclusion of developing technology in the program

The Role of Folklore in Building Character and Early Childhood Language Skills

This study explores the role of folklore in shaping the character and language skills of early childhood learners. Folklore, rich in cultural values and moral lessons, serves as an effective medium for instilling virtues such as empathy, respect, and responsibility in young children. Through storytelling, children not only engage with the narratives but also enhance their linguistic abilities, including vocabulary acquisition, comprehension, and narrative skills. The research employs a qualitative approach, gathering data through observations, interviews with educators, and analyses of children's responses during storytelling sessions. The findings indicate that incorporating folklore into early education significantly promotes moral development and language proficiency among children. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of integrating cultural narratives into educational practices to foster a holistic learning environment. The study underscores the importance of folklore as a vital tool for educators in nurturing the character and language skills of young learners, ultimately contributing to their overall development

Effectiveness of gamification-based teaching in approach to eye trauma: a randomized educational intervention trial

IntroductionOphthalmology education is evolving with the use of new teaching approaches. Teaching based on gamification is one of the new developments in health professions education. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of gamification-based virtual reality on the learning outcome of students regarding the highly important topic of approach to eye trauma.Materials and methodsThis randomized educational intervention trial with a control group was conducted at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS). A total of 10 ophthalmology residents and 60 medical students were recruited in this study (each group comprised 5 residents and 30 medical students). Individuals were randomly divided into two teaching groups gamification method (intervention group) and lecture-based method (Control group). Data were collected through questionnaires and tests and analyzed by SPSS-26 software using descriptive and analytical statistics.ResultsResidents and medical students evaluated the usability of this method to be favorable (132.72 ± 10.17). In resident students (16.80 ± 2.58, 13.60 ± 1.14, P ≤ 0.05) and medicine students (17.27 ± 4.50, 15.20 ± 0.71, P ≤ 0.05), the mean score of learning outcome score in the intervention group was higher than the control group.ConclusionGamification-based teaching is an effective educational strategy that can be used as a complementary educational tool for teaching ophthalmology residents and medical students.

A Rubik’s Cube-Inspired Pedagogical Tool for Teaching and Learning Engineering Ethics

To facilitate engineering students’ understanding of engineering ethics and support instructors in developing course content, this study introduces an innovative educational tool drawing inspiration from the Rubik’s Cube metaphor. This Engineering Ethics Knowledge Rubik’s Cube (EEKRC) integrates six key aspects—ethical theories, codes of ethics, ethical issues, engineering disciplines, stakeholders, and life cycle—identified through an analysis of engineering ethics textbooks and courses across the United States, Singapore, and China. This analysis underpins the selection of the six aspects, reflecting the shared and unique elements of engineering ethics education in these regions. In an engineering ethics course, the EEKRC serves multiple functions: it provides visual support for grasping engineering ethics concepts, acts as a pedagogical guide for both experienced and inexperienced educators in course design, offers a complementary assessment method for evaluating students learning outcomes, and assists as a reference for students engaging in ethical analysis.

SNMMI Procedure Standard/EANM Practice Guideline for Brain [18F]FDG PET Imaging, Version 2.0.

PREAMBLEThe Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and professional organization founded in 1954 to promote the science, technology, and practical application of nuclear medicine. The European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) is a professional nonprofit medical association that facilitates communication worldwide between individuals pursuing clinical and research excellence in nuclear medicine. The EANM was founded in 1985. The EANM was founded in 1985. SNMMI and EANM members are physicians, technologists, and scientists specializing in the research and practice of nuclear medicine.The SNMMI and EANM will periodically define new guidelines for nuclear medicine practice to help advance the science of nuclear medicine and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the world. Existing practice guidelines will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated.Each practice guideline, representing a policy statement by the SNMMI/EANM, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review. The SNMMI and EANM recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging requires specific training, skills, and techniques, as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice guideline by those entities not providing these services is not authorized.These guidelines are an educational tool designed to assist practitioners in providing appropriate care for patients. They are not inflexible rules or requirements of practice and are not intended, nor should they be used, to establish a legal standard of care. For these reasons and those set forth below, both the SNMMI and the EANM caution against the use of these guidelines in litigation in which the clinical decisions of a practitioner are called into question.The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure or course of action must be made by the physician or medical physicist in light of all the circumstances presented. Thus, there is no implication that an approach differing from the guidelines, standing alone, is below the standard of care. To the contrary, a conscientious practitioner may responsibly adopt a course of action different from that set forth in the guidelines when, in the reasonable judgment of the practitioner, such course of action is indicated by the condition of the patient, limitations of available resources, or advances in knowledge or technology subsequent to publication of the guidelines.The practice of medicine includes both the art and the science of the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation, and treatment of disease. The variety and complexity of human conditions make it impossible to always reach the most appropriate diagnosis or to predict with certainty a particular response to treatment.Therefore, it should be recognized that adherence to these guidelines will not ensure an accurate diagnosis or a successful outcome. All that should be expected is that the practitioner will follow a reasonable course of action based on current knowledge, available resources, and the needs of the patient to deliver effective and safe medical care. The sole purpose of these guidelines is to assist practitioners in achieving this objective.

Implementation and Evaluation of Entrustable Professional Activities for a Pharmacy Intern Training Program in Australia

The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation and evaluation of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for a pharmacy Intern Training Program in Australia. Surveys and focus groups were used to evaluate the perceptions and experiences of provisionally registered pharmacists and pharmacists using the EPAs as an assessment tool in the workplace. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the focus group data. Surveys compared the frequency and median responses to the Likert scale items. Entrustment levels at six, 13, 26 and 44 weeks were reported for each EPA. Pharmacist (n=6) and provisionally registered pharmacist (n=8) focus groups identified the following themes: use of EPAs in the workplace, benefits and challenges of using EPAs and future direction and recommendations for using EPAs in the workplace. Feasibility measures in the pharmacist survey suggested that pharmacists were satisfied with using EPAs in the workplace. The provisionally registered pharmacist survey showed that they valued feedback given by pharmacists and that they engaged with the EPAs in the workplace. Provisionally registered pharmacists enrolled in the study (n=40) showed progression in entrustment levels at each reporting period. Pharmacists and provisionally registered pharmacists reported that EPAs were feasible and could be utilised in the workplace as an educative tool, however highlighted the importance of education as an important factor for successful implementation. At each milestone, provisionally registered pharmacists showed progression of entrustment level.

Investigation on Understanding the Numeracy Capacity of Intellectual Disabled Students using Enabling Technology Tools: Web Application, AR and UI/UX

The population of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is increasing, necessitating assistance with a wide range of daily activities. Acquiring and assessing numeracy and communication skills are critical for this demographic, requiring tools and techniques tailored to their specific needs. Effective educational tools must employ multi-modal and multi-sensory approaches to cater to diverse learning styles and incorporate assistive technological solutions. Despite the availability of numerous tools, there is a need to enhance their utility and effectiveness. This study aims to identify and refine the requirements for an innovative educational tool that employs Two-dimensional (2D) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. To achieve this, we conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys with teachers working with students with ID, gaining insights into the current solutions, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, we used physical props as design probes in a co-design methodology to better understand and elicit the true needs of individuals with ID. The findings from this research will inform the development of a 2D/AR tool designed to make learning mathematics more engaging and effective for individuals with ID, contributing to the advancement of inclusive education practices. Enabling Technology plays a significant role in the numeracy ability among people with ID. Generative AI and Explainable AI shall further improve learning ability in the years to come.

An Equitable Communication and Dissemination Model for Linking Culturally Diverse Communities to COVID-19 Services.

In 2020, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) funded the establishment of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) to engage priority communities that included African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons to aggregate culturally relevant messages, education tools, and national data sources. A mobile application and Web site supported a culturally sensitive, equity-focused communication and dissemination initiative to link communities to COVID-19 clinical, social, and behavioral health services to address health determinants. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 16, 2024:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307813).

Current Applications of the Three-Dimensional Printing Technology in Neurosurgery: A Review.

In the recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has emerged as a transformative tool, particularly in health care, offering unprecedented possibilities in neurosurgery. This review explores the diverse applications of 3D printing in neurosurgery, assessing its impact on precision, customization, surgical planning, and education. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, identifying 84 relevant articles. These were categorized into spine applications, neurovascular applications, neuro-oncology applications, neuroendoscopy applications, cranioplasty applications, and modulation/stimulation applications. 3D printing applications in spine surgery showcased advancements in guide devices, prosthetics, and neurosurgical planning, with patient-specific models enhancing precision and minimizing complications. Neurovascular applications demonstrated the utility of 3D-printed guide devices in intracranial hemorrhage and enhanced surgical planning for cerebrovascular diseases. Neuro-oncology applications highlighted the role of 3D printing in guide devices for tumor surgery and improved surgical planning through realistic models. Neuroendoscopy applications emphasized the benefits of 3D-printed guide devices, anatomical models, and educational tools. Cranioplasty applications showed promising outcomes in patient-specific implants, addressing biomechanical considerations. The integration of 3D printing into neurosurgery has significantly advanced precision, customization, and surgical planning. Challenges include standardization, material considerations, and ethical issues. Future directions involve integrating artificial intelligence, multimodal imaging fusion, biofabrication, and global collaboration. 3D printing has revolutionized neurosurgery, offering tailored solutions, enhanced surgical planning, and invaluable educational tools. Addressing challenges and exploring future innovations will further solidify the transformative impact of 3D printing in neurosurgical care. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers navigating the dynamic landscape of 3D printing in neurosurgery.