Web-based Course Research Articles

Exploring EFL Students' Creativity and Engagement with AI Chatbot in Web-Based English Course

This research explores the role of AI-based chatbot tools in promoting creativity and engagement among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in web-based English material development course. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews and observation checklists. The research was conducted at the English Education Faculty in Parangtambung of Universitas Negeri Makassar, with data collection spanning from May 12, 2024, to June 9, 2024. Participants included five undergraduate students from the 6th semester based on their familiarity with AI chatbots. The subjects of this research were undergraduate students enrolled in the English web-based material development course. Specifically, five students with prior experience or familiarity with AI chatbots were chosen to provide detailed insights through interviews and observations. The findings indicate that AI chatbots significantly encourage creativity among EFL students by providing a safe space for language experimentation and immediate feedback. Students reported increased engagement and enjoyment in their learning process. The research concludes that while AI chatbots can effectively foster creativity and engagement, careful integration and continuous monitoring are necessary to maximize their educational benefits.

Physician preferences for Online and In-person continuing medical education: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe worldwide market for continuing medical education (CME) was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which precipitated an increase in web-based CME course attendance. Virtual education methods may be effective for engaging learners and changing behaviors. However, more information is needed about physician preferences for in-person vs. livestreamed CME courses in the postpandemic era. Because of the paucity of data regarding this topic, the current study was designed to evaluate CME participant characteristics, preferences, engagement, and satisfaction with traditional in-person vs. virtual educational methods.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed of attendees of two large internal medicine CME courses held in 2021. Both CME courses were offered via in-person and livestream options, and were taught by Mayo Clinic content experts. Participants, who consisted of practicing physicians seeking CME, completed a 41-question survey after CME course completion. Statistical comparisons were performed by using Fisher exact tests for all survey items, except for those with ordinal response sets, which were compared with Cochran-Armitage trend tests.ResultsA total of 146 participants completed the survey (response rate, 30.2%). Among the 77 respondents who attended in-person courses, the most frequent reasons indicated were the opportunity to travel (66%) and collaboration/networking with others (25%). Among the 68 respondents who attended the livestream courses, the most frequent reasons indicated included COVID-19–related concerns (65%), convenience (46%), and travel costs (34%). The percentage of respondents who indicated that they would choose the same mode of attendance if given the option again was higher for those who attended in person than for those who attended via livestream (91% vs. 65%, P < .001).ConclusionsThese data suggest that in-person course offerings will continue to be a preferred learning method for some physicians. However, most respondents who attended virtually preferred that method. Therefore, hybrid CME models offering both in-person and virtual options may be most beneficial for meeting the needs of all CME learners.

Brain Training to Facilitate Labor and Birth: Impact of a Mobile Health Application

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cognitive training strategies, inclusive of mindfulness-based techniques and pain neuroscience education (PNE), during pregnancy. Using a pre–posttest design, primiparous women seeking a physiological birth used a novel mobile application (GentleBirth) and a web-based PNE course as a means of labor/birth preparation. Self-report questionnaires at baseline, prebirth, and postbirth assessed all studied outcomes (pain knowledge, pain and birth self-efficacy, and birth outcomes). Use of the GentleBirth app combined with PNE during pregnancy was associated with improved pain knowledge, χ2(2) = 95.9,p&lt; .001, and birth self-efficacy,F(2, 268) = 71.54,p&lt; .001; high rates of labor coping, 7.48 (standard deviation 2.29); and lower rates of cesarean births and epidural use.

Development of Promising Interventions to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in a School-Based Program in Quebec, Canada: Results From a Formative Evaluation Using a Mixed Methods Design.

Despite the availability of school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs, disparities in vaccine coverage persist. Barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake include parental attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and system-level barriers. A total of 3 interventions were developed to address these barriers: an in-person presentation by school nurses, an email reminder with a web-based information and decision aid tool, and a telephone reminder using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. Here we report on the development and formative evaluation of interventions to improve HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake among grade 4 students' parents in Quebec, Canada. In the summer of 2019, we conducted a formative evaluation of the interventions to assess the interventions' relevance, content, and format and to identify any unmet needs. We conducted 3 focus group discussions with parents of grade 3 students and nurses. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content using NVivo software (Lumivero). Nurses received training on MI techniques and we evaluated the effect on nurses' knowledge and skills using a pre-post questionnaire. Descriptive quantitative analyses were carried out on data from questionnaires relating to the training. Comparisons were made using the proportions of the results. Finally, we developed a patient decision aid using an iterative, user-centered design process. The iterative refinement process involved feedback from parents, nurses, and experts to ensure the tool's relevance and effectiveness. The evaluation protocol and data collection tools were approved by the CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de Québec Research Ethics Committee (MP-20-2019-4655, May 16, 2019). The data collection was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021. Following feedback (n=28) from the 3 focus group discussions in June 2019, several changes were made to the in-person presentation intervention. Experts (n=27) and school nurses (n=29) recruited for the project appreciated the visual and simplified information on vaccination in it. The results of the MI training for school nurses conducted in August 2019 demonstrated an increase in the skills and knowledge of nurses (n=29). School nurses who took the web-based course (n=24) filled out a pretest and posttest questionnaire to evaluate their learning. The rating increased by 19% between the pretest and posttest questionnaires. Several changes were made between the first draft of the web-based decision-aid tool and the final version during the summer of 2019 after an expert consultation of experts (n=3), focus group participants (n=28), and parents in the iterative process (n=5). More information about HPV and vaccines was added, and users could click if more detail is desired. We developed and pilot-tested 3 interventions using an iterative process. The interventions were perceived as potentially effective to increase parents' knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, and ultimately, vaccine acceptance. Future research will assess the effectiveness of these interventions on a larger scale.

Undergraduate Translation Courses: Students' Perceptions at Prince Sattam Universities

The primary goal of this research was to investigate students' perceptions of translation classes in the English language department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The obtained data underwent fundamental analysis to determine students' concerns and identify components needing alteration to align with their learning objectives. According to the study, students developed an intellectual inclination, focused on recent discoveries, and were motivated to learn more about translation. They comprehended the course's learning objectives, believed it enhanced their professional development, and found it to meet their expectations. Students gained knowledge of translation concerns and key concepts, along with proficiency in translation processes and problem-solving techniques. According to students, the course was thorough, with an appropriate workload, fair evaluation, clear test requirements, and valuable feedback. They appreciated open communication, interaction with tutors, and collaborative problem-solving in translation challenges. The study suggests investigating students' impressions of web-based distance learning courses and how these attitudes evolve during translation courses. Recommendations include faculty training and incentives to participate. This training would assist instructors in becoming more familiar with the material and building effective teaching strategies. It would also guide academics in applying their own research and/or clinical practice, serving as a model for students' reflective practice. It is recommended that students hear from graduates currently applying this knowledge. Finally, future research may focus on translation programs at other universities in Saudi Arabia.

An intelligent recommendation strategy for integrated online courses in vocational education based on short-term preferences

With the swift advancement of online teaching in vocational education, an increasing number of web-based course materials are being made available to students, granting them the freedom to select resources that suit their personal needs. To optimize the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-enabled smart vocational education, this study presents a course recommendation model centered on learning behaviors and interests. The model utilizes short-term preferences reconstruction behavior contribution to identify fluctuations in learners' interests in real-time. A model for recommending courses is proposed based on short-term preferences and enhancements to learning behavior. Its purpose is to tackle the issue of generalization arising from sparsity and weak correlation in learning behavior. The outcomes demonstrated the model put forth in the study achieved higher Hit Rate (HR) and Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) values in comparison experiments with multiple models. Hence, this suggested that creating a novel component of historical learning behavior, powered by dynamic interest factors, could resolve the issue of changing learning interests and enhance the efficacy of course recommendation models. Furthermore, the introduction of a correlation mapping network enables the forward mapping transformation from weak to strong learning behavior, thus improving and optimizing input for the agent strategy, reducing data sparsity, and enhancing the performance and generalization of the course recommendation model.

Web-based mindfulness course for staff working in care homes in Wales for older people with dementia

Web-based mindfulness course for staff working in care homes in Wales for older people with dementia

How Constructionist Perspectives on Learning Can Improve Learning and Prevent Accidents in High-Risk Industries

Management systems containing procedures, checklists, and descriptions for how various tasks should be conducted are often used in high-risk industries. Much has been written about the judicial and technological concerns of management systems, but less has been written on how to train staff in the use of them. Through a cognitive-constructionist perspective combined with social constructivism, this paper discusses how staff training can be designed to fit the characteristics of the workers. This paper focuses on how people learn in different ways, and how this is related to perspectives on knowledge. The method used is semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven workers in two different companies operating in the oil and gas-producing industry. The workers got only a short web-based theory course on the management system, with no practical exercises, repetitions, or other types of follow-ups. This is a signal that the management system is of less importance, and many of the workers thought they did not need it. Training must be designed to fit the workers, with practical exercises, repetition, and possibilities for on-the-job training. Accidents in this sector can cause human losses and great environmental harm, and this paper argues that better training of staff can prevent such accidents and reduce harm to the environment.

Clinical supervisors’ experience of a first-time application of entrustable professional activities in clinical supervision of medical students: findings from a Swedish pilot study

BackgroundRecently, all medical universities in Sweden jointly developed a framework for Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for work-based training and assessment. This framework is now being introduced nationally in the new 6-year undergraduate medical programme that directly lead to a licence to practise. When EPAs are introduced, it is of central importance to gain clinical supervisors’ acceptance to apply the framework in their supervision of students. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how clinical supervisors, not familiar with EPAs, experience clinical supervision using the framework for EPAs.MethodsWe used a purposive sampling to recruit clinical supervisors. They were given written information on EPAs with a selection of suitable EPAs and the Swedish observation rating scale for assessment of autonomy, and they were offered to attend a 30-minute introductory web course. The participants were informed that EPAs were to be tested, and the students were asked to participate. After the study period the clinical supervisors participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interviews.ResultsThree general themes emerged in the qualitative analysis: Promoting Feedback, Trusting Assessments and Engaging Stakeholders. The participants described benefits from using EPAs, but pointed out a need for preparation and adaptation to facilitate implementation. The structure was perceived to provide structured support for feedback, student involvement, entrustment decisions, enabling supervisors to allow the students to do more things independently, although some expressed caution to rely on others’ assessments. Another concern was whether assessments of EPAs would be perceived as a form of examination, steeling focus from formative feedback. To understand the concept of EPA, the short web-based course and written information was regarded as sufficient. However, concern was expressed whether EPA could be applied by all clinical supervisors. Involvement and adaption of the workplace was pointed out as important since more frequent observation and feedback, with documentation requirements, increase the time required for supervision.ConclusionsEPAs were accepted as beneficial, promoting structured feedback and assessments of the students’ autonomy. Preparation of supervisors and students as well as involvement and adaptation of the workplace was pointed out as important.

Using artificial intelligence to improve human performance: efficient retinal disease detection training with synthetic images

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging diagnostics has huge potential, but human judgement is still indispensable. We propose an AI-aided teaching method that leverages generative AI to train students on...

Web-Based Realtime Course Platform With Integrated Live Coding Interface

&lt;p&gt;This paper explores an innovative technological&lt;br /&gt;approach to a programming education platform. The platform&lt;br /&gt;aims to enhance the learning experience by integrating web-&lt;br /&gt;based resources with real-time video communication and live&lt;br /&gt;coding. Utilizing a peer-to-peer connection framework, this&lt;br /&gt;method facilitates efficient and direct communication between&lt;br /&gt;instructors and learners, optimizing performance and reducing&lt;br /&gt;latency. The primary goal is to create a dynamic and&lt;br /&gt;collaborative learning environment. Through the integration of&lt;br /&gt;peer-to-peer video chat and an Integrated Development&lt;br /&gt;Environment (IDE), the platform aims to improve real-time&lt;br /&gt;communication, code reviews, and interactive problem-solving,&lt;br /&gt;providing learners with a profound programming learning&lt;br /&gt;experience.&lt;/p&gt;

VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WITH REFERENCE TO THE PERCEIVED PREPAREDNESS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN MADURAI DISTRICT: A STUDY

This study examines college student’s readiness for a newly introduced virtual learning environment by analyzing factors influencing their skills and attitudes towards web-based courses. Grounded in the technology acceptance model, the research explores user acceptance and behavior among students in Madurai district, known for their regular internet and computer usage. Focusing on moderate to heavy technology users, the study aims to illuminate their readiness and willingness to adopt virtual learning platforms. Key findings indicate widespread engagement of undergraduate students with virtual learning environments, particularly through platforms like the National Digital Library of India (NDL) and Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM). Email emerges as the predominant internet activity, crucial for student communication. Moreover, a significant number of students demonstrate awareness and active use of NDL and other open education resources, underscoring their seamless integration into academic routines.

Effectiveness of A Web-Based Course on Vaccination Competence in Higher Education: The Eduvac Erasmus+ Project

Immunization is a highly cost-effective investment in health, proven to be an effective tool in controlling and eliminating dangerous infectious diseases. Health science students require evidence-based knowledge to tackle challenges in healthcare, particularly in the field of vaccination. &#x0D; &#x0D; The aim of the current study is to asses students&amp;rsquo; knowledge on vaccinations and further explore their feedback after attending Educating Vaccination Competence web-based course (EDUVAC web-based course). &#x0D; &#x0D; Students from five Higher Educational Institutes voluntarily participated in the EDUVAC web-based course. The course provided various study materials, including PowerPoint presentations, videos, quizzes, texts, and references to reputable websites. It also offered small assignments and self-tests for self-evaluation. An online questionnaire was available to students before and after they completed the EDUVAC web-based course. &#x0D; &#x0D; The mean knowledge score on vaccines increased significantly after the EDUVAC web-based course (p&amp;lt;0.001). The majority of the students (95%) felt that the web-based course has benefitted them for their future career and 96.4% would encourage other students to attend the EDUVAC web-based course. Overall, our findings suggest that EDUVAC is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding of vaccination.

Feasibility of the Autism Navigator® JumpStart to Coaching in Everyday Activities course in South Africa.

In low-resource settings, non-profit organisations play an essential role in providing services and support for families with young children with autism, including in Africa. However, non-profit organisation service providers may not have access to quality training in proven intervention methods. Web-based or online courses may help to meet this need. In this study, we invited a group of specialist (10) and non-specialist (16) non-profit organisation providers in South Africa to complete a web-based course, Autism Navigator® JumpStart to Coaching in Everyday Activities, a 20-h self-paced course that provides training in an evidence-based parent coaching intervention called Early Social Interaction. We evaluated acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the training. Of the 26 who enrolled, 16 completed the course (7 specialists and 9 non-specialists). All providers found it difficult to find time to do the course until the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19, when most completed the course. Those whose first language was not English experienced more difficulties with two of six learner assessments and those who were not clinical specialists had more difficulty with the coaching strategies learner assessment. Most providers rated the course highly feasible, acceptable, and appropriate stating that the course content was very valuable and helpful in equipping them to serve their families. They felt the extensive video clips and regular meetings with a local trainer helped them engage with and understand the material. They suggested that including South African video clips would make the course more relatable. The fact that the course was web-based was identified as a strong benefit, especially during COVID-19 restrictions.

Design and Implementation of a Brief, Self-Directed Course on Immunotherapy Best Practices for Neurology Trainees.

To create and implement a brief, self-directed course on immunotherapy (IT) best practices for trainees on a neuroimmunology elective rotation. A working group of neurology faculty developed a curriculum covering the mechanism of action, indications, and necessary monitoring for different IT used in neurology practice. The content was presented as a web-based course and hosted on local servers. Neurology residents and fellows participating in a neuroimmunology elective were given access to the curriculum over a 2-week period. A multiple-choice assessment and questionnaire assessing learner confidence with IT was administered prior to starting the course, and again upon course completion. Twelve months after implementation, the pretest and posttest were revised following an item analysis. Twenty-two neurology residents and fellows completed the course since July 2022. The average score on the first version of the pretest and posttest was 78% versus 92% (P = .02), and 51% versus 70% (P = .02) on the revised version. Trainee self-reported confidence with IT also improved, although only 59.1% of trainees completed the postcourse questionnaire. Respondents provided positive feedback on the format and content of the course and expressed a desire for a reference to the material for future use. In this pilot study, our course improved resident confidence and knowledge of IT best practices. The course was well-received, and our methods can be implemented in a variety of clinical environments to supplement trainee learning.

Evaluation Model for Online Nursing Education (EM-ONE): Update to the Billings' Framework.

Distance education has progressed and transformed significantly since Billings first created a framework to assess practices and outcomes in web-based courses 20 years ago. This article presents the Evaluation Model for Online Nursing Education (EM-ONE), designed to reflect current best practices and provide recommendations for online nursing education. Four databases were searched to source evidence for online educational practices that resulted in positive learner and programmatic outcomes. Essential components of modern distance education include: (1) curriculum and instruction tailored to the online community of learners; (2) preparation and support for both learners and faculty; and (3) effective user experiences in the online learning environment. Effective distance education practices ultimately prepare graduates who are competent for nursing practice. Retention and satisfaction of online learners are other key considerations for positive outcomes in distance-based programs. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(2):93-101.].

Development of a Web-based Course Timetabling System based on an Enhanced Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents the development of a web-based course timetabling system based on an enhanced genetic algorithm. The enhanced method utilizes a heuristic mutation which concentrates on mutating the infeasible genes to improve the algorithms' exploration and exploitation capability. The method was implemented using a free and open-source application and can be accessed online. Based on the actual datasets from Caraga State University, the enhanced method optimized the use of classroom resources by using a smaller number of rooms. The generated timetable is more efficient as it satisfies not just hard constraints, which are conflicting schedules, but also soft constraints.

Web 2.0 Activities in Web-Based Courses: Metacognitive Learning Strategies and Metacognitive Skills of Teacher Candidates

Web 2.0 Activities in Web-Based Courses: Metacognitive Learning Strategies and Metacognitive Skills of Teacher Candidates

Light, activity, and sleep: Design and usability evaluations of a web-based course supporting changes to routines and the home

While research indicates that indoor lighting, exposure to daylight, physical activity, and sleep interact to influence functioning, mood, and daily rhythm, strategies are needed to support behavioral changes among older adults who often spend more time at home after retirement. The objective was to design a web-based course to encourage behavior change related to light, activity, and sleep. Grounded in the information-motivation-behavioral skills model, the course aims to promote well-being and improve lighting and darkness conditions at home. The technology acceptance model was used as a framework for evaluating usability aspects of the course. Data were collected through video observations, interviews, and questionnaires. Three experts on pedagogy, design for older adults, and/or interaction design were invited to independently assess usability of the course content in a full-scale model of an apartment. Six adults (age 70 &amp;ndash; 79) participated in a similar usability evaluation in a second round in the apartment. A two-step usability evaluation by experts in the first round and target users in the second proved valuable. Findings enabled refinement of the course content and significantly reduced the number of identified usability issues in the second round. All six participants in the second round rated the overall user-friendliness as 6 out of 7. Changes to the content after the second round included, e.g., clarifying the different types of text links and considering issues with online enrolment in the course. The web-based course, supplemented with physical meetings, can benefit late-life learners because of the relevant easy-to-use content.

A Mobile Health App for Facilitating Disease Management in Children With Atopic Dermatitis: Feasibility and Impact Study.

Inadequate control of atopic dermatitis (AD) increases the frequency of exacerbations and reduces the quality of life. Mobile health apps provide information and communication technology and may increase treatment adherence and facilitate disease management at home. The mobile health app, Atopic App, designed for patients and their caregivers, and the associated web-based patient education program, Atopic School, provide an opportunity for improving patients' and caregivers' engagement and adherence to the management of AD. This noninterventional, observational study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential impact on the management of AD in children by caregivers using the Atopic App mobile health app. The patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM) and numerical rating scale for the grading of pruritus were used as severity scores (scale range: 0-28). The artificial intelligence model of the app was used to assess the severity of AD based on the eczema area and severity index approach. The deidentified data enabled the analysis of the severity of AD, treatment plan history, potential triggers of flare-ups, usage of available features of the app, and the impact of patient education. During a 12-month period, of the 1223 users who installed the app, 910 (74.4%) registered users were caregivers of children with AD. The web-based Atopic School course was accessed by 266 (29.2%) caregivers of children with AD, 134 (50.4%) of whom completed the course. Usage of the app was significantly more frequent among those who completed the Atopic School program than among those who did not access or did not complete the course (P<.001). Users who completed a second POEM 21 to 27 days apart exhibited a significant improvement of AD severity based on the POEM score (P<.001), with an average improvement of 3.86 (SD 6.85) points. The artificial intelligence severity score and itching score were highly correlated with the POEM score (r=0.35 and r=0.52, respectively). The Atopic App provides valuable real-world data on the epidemiology, severity dynamics, treatment patterns, and exacerbation-trigger correlations in patients with AD. The significant reduction in the POEM score among users of the Atopic App indicates a potential impact of this tool on health care engagement by caregivers of children with AD.