Journal of Learning for Development

Developments in TEL: Pushing the Boundaries of Open Education

Santosh Panda — 2024-11-19

BOOK REVIEW: Critical digital pedagogy in higher education

LeRoy Hill — 2024-11-19

“Critical Digital Pedagogy in Higher Education,” edited by Suzan Köseoğlu, George Veletsianos, and Chris Rowell, is a seminal work that addresses the pressing need for a pedagogical shift in higher education. Rooted in the digital landscape, the book critiques traditional power structures and advocates for a learner-centred approach that resonates with students’ socio-cultural contexts. Drawing inspiration from Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” the editors present a contemplative framework that challenges educational norms and promotes critical consciousness, shared learning experiences, and a nurturing online environment.

The volume stands out for its collaborative nature, incorporating diverse expert voices to explore themes like care ethics, Indigenous knowledge, and the pervasive influence of digital tools. This approach not only enriches the discourse on digital pedagogy but also encourages the practical application of theory in contemporary teaching and learning. The book is a valuable resource for a wide audience, seeking to foster meaningful engagement and transform higher education in the post-COVID-19 era.

Study on the Assessment of STEM Instructional Design Plan Based on Information Flows

Lanqin Zheng — 2024-11-19

In recent years, the growing incidence of blended and online learning has highlighted instructional design concerns, especially STEM instructional design. Existing studies have often adopted observations, questionnaires, or interviews to evaluate STEM instructional design plans. However, there is still a lack of quantitative, measurable, and objective assessment methods. To close this research gap, this study proposes an innovative method for assessing STEM instructional design plans based on information flows. In this study, 20 STEM instructional design plans were designed, analysed, and assessed using the proposed information flow-based assessment method. The results indicated that the proposed method is feasible and effective for assessing STEM instructional design plans. STEM instructional design plans could be significantly improved based on the proposed method. The results and implications for instructors and practitioners are discussed in depth.

Virtual Reality in Elementary Education: A Scientometric Review

Ika Maryani — 2024-11-19

In elementary education, virtual reality (VR) has been the subject of much-increased research over the last ten years, with developed and developing nations making significant contributions. This research used a bibliometric approach to examine all publications published between 1994 and 2023, depending on this information. This study uses the VOS viewer tool and the Scopus database to analyse 365 articles. The results show that developed nations significantly contributed to publications and citations, especially in research and development, whereas developing nations were more interested in using technology in education. Journals in computer science and education now receive the most citations, which indicates the current focus on Virtual Reality in Elementary Education. The trend of greater collaboration among authors may be attributed to several variables, including, but not limited to, enhanced financing, higher author competency, and the rise of transdisciplinary studies. This collaborative effort facilitates the exchange of many viewpoints, expands the scope of insights in articles, and improves the editing and revising process. The terms "child," "reality," "technology," "approach," "intervention," "teaching," "augmented reality," "difference," "patient," and "process" are the top 10 keywords linked to virtual reality in elementary school research. Research relevance, influence, and acknowledgment within the scientific community may be ensured by matching research to keyword trends. The findings of this study could help future investigators choose research topics and pinpoint areas of interest.

Perception about and Effect of Adaptive Educational Application on Electronics Topics on Students’ Virtual Spaces, Motivation, Satisfaction and Active Role

Ricardo-Adán Salas-Rueda — 2024-11-19

Currently, educators seek to offer personalised contents to facilitate autonomy during the educational process. The aim of this mixed study (quantitative and qualitative approach) was to build and analyse the effectiveness of the Adaptive Educational application on electronics topics (AEET) considering Data Science (machine learning algorithm on linear regression). In particular, AEET presents the content about logic gates, considering student learning style, through a web simulator, digital files, and YouTube videos. The participants were 41 students from the National School of Earth Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico. The results of the machine learning algorithm on linear regression indicated that the content of AEET positively affected the creation of virtual educational environments, motivation, satisfaction, and active role. At the National School of Earth Sciences, the use of AEET facilitated personalised learning at any time, autonomy, and flexibility of space during the educational process. In conclusion, it was found that AEET is a technological development that improved learning about logic gates through a web simulator, digital files, and YouTube videos.

Students’ Technological Readiness and Online Learning Self-Efficacy in Physical Education

Sherina Dimo — 2024-11-19

The study of ‘technological readiness and online learning self-efficacy’ has been thoroughly examined across multiple fields in recent years. Most investigations on this topic have consistently shown a contradictory relationship between the two factors. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies undertaken in the field of Physical Education within higher education, particularly in the setting of the Philippines. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between Technological Readiness (TR) and Online Learning Self Efficacy (OLSE) among a sample of 305 Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) students in a higher education institution in the Philippines. Correlational and predictive analyses, specifically Pearson-r and Multiple Regression, were employed to ascertain the association between the four aspects of TR (Optimism, Insecurity, Innovativeness, and Discomfort) and OLSE. The findings indicate a positive and direct correlation between TR and OLSE. Moreover, the four dimensions of TR, exhibit a positive correlation with OLSE. According to the results, PETE students’ inclination to utilise advanced tools through online learning platforms could greatly enhance their online learning self-efficacy. The following recommendations and prospective research initiatives are hereby provided.

Effectiveness of Web-supported Videos on Students’ Academic Achievement, Critical Thinking Skills and Three-dimensional Learning

Salih Gülen — 2024-11-19

While traditional teaching methods such as face-to-face lectures, training, and mentoring have been utilised in the educational process, the importance of web-supported materials was better underscored with the advent of the pandemic. Documentary videos, prepared with scientific data, serve as significant web-supported materials. The aim of this research was to find out the effectiveness of web-supported videos on associate degree school students' academic achievement, critical thinking skills, and three-dimensional learning in science. The study employed a pre-post-test design, a type of quasi-experimental research, involving 42 associate degree school students enrolled in a child development programme. Data were collected using academic achievement tests, critical thinking skill tests, and three-dimensional learning scales, and analysed using non-parametric techniques. The two-month training revealed that web-supported videos contributed to the academic achievement and three-dimensional learning skills of students in understanding the concepts of the moon, sun, earth, and planets, though they did not have a significant effect on students' critical thinking skills.

Study on School Students’ Blended Learning Experiences and Mathematical Self-Concept during Covid-19

Diana Rose Jasmin — 2024-11-19

The self-perception of one's mathematical abilities is a critical component that academics study to improve mathematics education. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of educational institutions used a blended learning method, specifically including both online and modular distance learning. This research investigated the contribution of blended learning experiences in mathematics to learners' self-perception of their mathematical abilities in the new learning environment. This research used deliberate sampling to select and conduct focus group conversations with ten (10) students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The data obtained underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students' experiences of the teacher’s mastery of the topic, observations about learner-learner relations, the importance of rereading transcripts, and utilisation of internet-based resources fostered their mathematics self-perception, while their experiences such as inadequate teacher-student connections, distracting educational settings, clashes with domestic obligations, and sensations of solitude hindered it. The findings show that comprehending these encounters in this demanding educational setting presents a constant prospect for students to enhance their mathematical learning and their perception of their own ability to excel in the topic.

Teachers’ Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills in Physical Education in an Online-Based Professional Teacher Education Programme

Sefri Hardiansyah — 2024-11-19

Teacher Professional Education (known as PPG) is an Indonesian government programme to produce professional teachers who can implement Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in learning so that students in Indonesia can be expected to have high HOTS. However, in reality, students' HOTS in Indonesia are still low, raising questions about the effectiveness of PPG in producing teachers who can implement HOTS. This study aimed at investigating the implementation of HOTS in physical education learning by teachers who participated in the online PPG programme based on gender and tenure, so that it can be a benchmark by the Indonesian government for the effectiveness of the PPG programme. This was a comparative study and the population was comprised of 35 physical education teachers who participated in the PPG programme online at Padang State University in 2022 Batch I. The research sample of 30 people was determined by the purposive sampling technique. HOTS implementation data was taken from video documentation of participants' teaching practice and then assessed using 19 items of the Teaching Performance Guidelines. Data were analysed with an independent sample t-test and ANOVA test. The results showed that physical education teachers who participated in the online-based PPG programme were able to implement HOTS into the learning process well, and the implementation of HOTS, based on gender and tenure, was not significantly different.

Leading Strategic Reset: A Framework for Revisioning University Strategic Priorities

Don Olcott, Jr. — 2024-11-19

Strategic reset is the process of reassessing an institution’s strategic priorities, making changes if warranted, and assessing whether the institution can effectively engage and respond to any zeitgeist in the future through agility, flexibility, innovation, and responsiveness to all key stakeholders. The prerequisite for strategic reset is, Why change? What forces are the catalyst for change? The author notes that stakeholder demands for change in education are not new and not all institutions necessarily have to engage in all priority strategic areas for strategic reset. Moreover, reframing strategic priorities must be phased-in based on priority synergy areas. Attempting to do everything fragments resources, increases negative public perceptions about mission ambiguity and diminished quality and leads to mediocrity. Competitors will reframe their institutions with new architectures and streamlined strategic priorities to ensure focus, agility, and responsiveness to highly complex market forces. Competition will drive your institution off the playing field unless the leaders step back, reset, engage and focus their leadership team on resetting strategic priorities and creating the university of the future.

Perception of Education and Industry Leaders on Micro-Credentials and their Potential in Higher Education

Mohammad Santally — 2024-11-19

Micro-credentials are certifications that evaluate knowledge and skills acquired through specific learning experiences. This research explores the perceptions of education and industry leaders in Mauritius regarding recognition, ease of application, and value of micro-credentials in higher education. Interviews were conducted with 10 education and four industry leaders. The findings indicated that while the respondents lacked a deep understanding of micro-credentials as an educational model, they recognised the need to formalise its adoption within frameworks such as the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and a National Credit System. Additionally, there is a pressing need for reliable, competency-based assessments and structured pathways to map micro-credentials to university credits, leading to recognised qualifications. These insights from Mauritius can provide valuable lessons for other developing nations seeking to integrate micro-credentials into their higher education systems, helping to address skills gaps, promote lifelong learning, and create flexible educational pathways that align with local and global workforce demands.

Promoting Cyber Ethics Compliance among Teachers in Tanzania: What should be done?

Hamisi Mfaume — 2024-11-19

The invention of digital ICT devices is one of the most important developments in the history of humankind, and education can greatly benefit from it. However, cyber ethics violations by teachers have become prevalent and are expected to increase unless measures are taken. This study explored education stakeholders’ perspectives on ways to promote teachers’ compliance with cyber ethics in Tanzania. It employed a qualitative case study design involving three secondary schools and 27 participants selected purposively in Kinondoni Municipality in the Dar es Salaam region. Data were sought through semi-structured interviews and document reviews and subjected to thematic data analysis. The findings indicated that teachers’ compliance with cyber ethics requires training of teachers on the pedagogical uses of technology, the inception of a specific national policy for the responsible use of technology in schools, integration of the cyber ethics aspects of the Teachers’ Code of Conduct, improvement of teachers’ living and working conditions, and promotion of teachers’ awareness of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2015, among others. The study recommends that policymakers and education authorities implement the suggested initiatives to promote cyber ethics compliance among teachers for education excellence in Tanzania, and, possibly, elsewhere.

Low-connectivity Educational Technology: A Case Study of Supporting Learning during Covid-19 via SMS with ‘Keep Kenya Learning’

Katy Jordan — 2024-11-19

The use of Short Messaging Service (SMS) for education has grown in recent years, drawing particular attention to supporting school-level learners, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This renewed interest has prompted questions about how this form of educational technology could be used in the longer term. However, despite being used in many Covid-19 responses, there are few documented examples of innovative applications in this field during the pandemic, which represents a gap in the literature. As a medium for education, SMS offers potential benefits such as being cost-effective and having positive impacts on learning. In this paper, we present a case study of an educational programme rapidly implemented during the pandemic as part of the ‘Keep Kenya Learning’ program, to support learners remotely in terms of literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning topics. Through the case study, we describe the innovative process used to rapidly develop content for SMS, and draw upon usage statistics, quiz scores and user feedback to gain insights into its implementation with learners and caregivers in Kenya. The case study demonstrated that educational television content can be effectively adapted to mobile delivery. Furthermore, we present practical reflections on the development and implementation of SMS educational technology which will help inform future initiatives. These include considering timing in relation to school terms when planning a supporting intervention, and designing content in a modular way to allow flexibility for learners in navigating through courses.

Problems Confronting the Teaching Profession in Tanzania and Implications towards Educational Excellence in the Digital Age

Rose Mgaya — 2024-11-19

This study examined the problems encountered by the teaching profession in Tanzania and their impact on achieving educational excellence in the digital age. It was a qualitative phenomenological study involving 33 participants, including key educational administrators, heads of schools, and teachers. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) formed the main data collection methods, whereas, data collected were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed several problems, including technology integration in teaching due to a lack of ICT resources, teachers' lack of digital competence, nonchalant attitudes towards technology and a reluctance to change, deplorable working and living conditions, limited opportunities for professional development and professional misconduct. These problems affect the quality of teaching and the country's education system. The study recommends the improvement of training programmes by equipping teachers with technological competencies needed in the contemporary digital age.

Taming the Monster: How can Open Education Promote the Effective and Safe use of Generative AI in Education?

Ahmed Tlili — 2024-11-19

The development, use, and timely promotion of Open Education (OE) has been effective in addressing myriad educational concerns, including inclusivity, accessibility and learning achievement, among many others. However, limited information exists in the literature concerning how OE could enhance Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), which is receiving extensive interest and criticism at this time. To address this research gap, this study relies on the Open Educational Practices (OEP) framework of Huang et al. (2020) to provide various OEP scenarios that could help to promote and facilitate the effective and safe adoption of GenAI in education. The findings of this study could provide guidelines on how relying on OEP when adopting GenAI could help in ensuring quality education which is the sustainable development goal (SDG 4) of the United Nations (UN).