Acceptability and Satisfaction of an ICT-based Training for University Teachers

E-learning can be defined as learning facilitated and supported through the use of ICTs. ICTs can increase students’ motivation, accelerate the knowledge process and facilitate the information access. The aim of this paper is to analyze the acceptability of three tools presented in a workshop carried out during six weeks, with university teachers (N = 22), taking into account their opinion about the usefulness of the workshop. Two researchers/teachers specializing in the field of educational technologies taught the three tools presented. Before the workshop, we administered a technology profile questionnaire; after it, we asked the teachers to fill in a questionnaire about the workshop and the tools used. We then carried out a non-parametric Friedman test to compare the differences found in the evaluation of the tools. The results show that the acceptability of the technologies and the methodology used during the workshop was high: teachers’ assessment and opinion has been favorable for both pedagogy and teaching methodology, which facilitated the understanding of the tools and the innovative nature of the contents of the workshop. The participants also evaluated the technologies as appropriate and easy to use. We also mention the limitations of the study and future challenges.This study has been funded in part by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PSI2010- 17563), PROMETEO/2013/003 Fase II, ISIC/2012/012 Network of Excellence (Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria de Educación), the CIBERobn (CB/06/03), and the Teaching to Teach with Technology Multilateral European Project (505169 -LLP -1-2009- 1-IT- KA3 -KA3MP). We would like to thank the Educational Support Un it at UJI, where the workshop was carried out

Google Classroom as a Tool of Support for Flexible Learning in the New Normal

The global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic affected all areas of life significantly paving the way to the new normal set-up. In response, the higher education system in the Philippines opted to implement flexible learning as its delivery model. Flexible learning unlocked critical areas in redesigning the pre-pandemic learning and teaching paradigm, one of which is the deployment of learning management systems or online platforms to contribute to the effective implementation of flexible learning. The present study attempts to explore Google Classroom’s potentials and acceptability as a tool of support to flexible language learning and teaching. A survey questionnaire was given to a group of 44 university students who completed the Purposive Communication course. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) analysis of data, the findings revealed that the majority of the students agreed that Google Classroom could provide accessibility, utility, and students’ satisfaction. Similarly, students agreed it could support communication and interaction and instruction delivery in flexible learning. Further, a qualitative-inductive approach using thematic analysis of the open-ended question in the survey questionnaire revealed that Google Classroom supports flexible language learning through the following: (a) easy monitoring of tasks, assignments, projects, and announcements; (b) excellent storage of learning materials (ex. backup files); (c) motivates students to manage time; and (d) motivates students to perform well. Therefore, it occurs that Google Classroom, as an educational interactive tool, has the potential to contribute to the effective delivery of flexible language teaching and learning, provided that responsive and timely faculty guidance is in place

A Systematic Review of Behavioral Interventions for Elementary School Children with Social, Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties: Contributions from Single-Case Research Studies

Challenges arising from the classroom behavioral management of students with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties are a concern for educational professionals. The purpose of this study is to review common elements of behavior interventions for the disruptive behaviors of children with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. A systematic review was conducted through an electronic search of studies (from 2000 to 2017) on ERIC, Web of Science, FRANCIS, and MEDLINE databases. The inclusion criteria involved: (i) an intervention improving behaviors at school of children with disruptive behaviors; (ii) elementary school children with the majority of the sample or average age between 6-11 years old; (iii) at least one measurable outcome focusing on social/emotional/behavioral outcomes; (iv) single-case designs. Of the 5339 articles that were identified in the initial screening, 27 met the criteria to be included in the review. Common characteristics of successful interventions are discussed to make recommendations for future implementation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Teaching digital literacy skills to the elderly using a social network with linear navigation: A case study in a rural area

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have considerably increased the information and communication channels, favoring the emergence of new models for social relations, such as social networks. However, for elderly users whose learning has traditionally been based on linear models of information such as textbooks, unfamiliarity with Internet can be a barrier. Moreover, elderly people living in rural communities face a lack of telecommunication infrastructures, which increases their difficulties in accessing ICTs. The aim of this study is to test a social network consisting of multiple applications with linear navigation as a digital literacy method for the elderly in rural areas. A sample of 46 participants between 60–76 years old with heterogeneous previous experience with ICTs participated in the study. They performed eight standardized sessions in an Elderly Leisure Center. Results showed differences in perceived usefulness between users with high and low ICT experience. After eight training sessions, the majority of the participants were able to independently use all the system applications, and positive results were obtained on the variables measured, i.e., learnability, sense of control over the system, ability to use the system, orientation, efficiency, accessible design, perceived ease, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. The participants with previous experience with other ICT methods preferred the linear navigation method because they thought it was easier than other ICTs. The results showed interaction differences when touch screens were used. Qualitative results showed that one of the most frequent emotions at the beginning of the ICT sessions was “fear” (related to breaking the computer or to making fools of themselves), but the continued use of the system improved the users’ perceptions of their own capacity to handle ICTs and their interest in ICTs in general. The main contribution of this work consists of exploring the usefulness of linear navigation and social network systems in the context of digital literacy for elderly users in rural areas

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN AND STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ONLINE LEARNING INITIATIVE IN AL-HIKMAH UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

The global covid-19 pandemic forced higher institutions in Nigeria to migrate from traditional mode of teaching to online platform. It is on this premise that this study examined covid-19 lockdown and students’ perception of online learning Initiative in Al-Hikmah University, Nigeria. Research design of descriptive type was adopted for the study. Four research questions were formulated for the study. The population consists of all 9,426 students in Al-Hikmah University. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select 375 respondents across all 7 faculties in the university. An instrument titled ‘Students’ Perception of Online Learning Initiative Questionnaire (SPOLIQ)’’ was adapted to elicit relevant data via google form. The data collected were analysed using descriptive method. Findings revealed that online learning initiative was very helpful to students amidst lockdown. Specifically, students enjoyed the use of whatsapp, zoom and telegram as platforms for receiving lectures. Findings indicate that some challenges were associated with the use of online leaning. They include inadequate data subscription and network problem among others. Lastly, adequate data subscription and good internet service were suggested as measures that can be used to improve online learning in the university

Using technology, bioinformatics and health informatics approaches to improve learning experiences in optometry education, research and practice

Rapid advances in ocular diagnostic approaches and emerging links of pathological changes in the eye with systemic disorders have widened the scope of optometry as the front line of eye health care. Expanding professional requirements stipulate that optometry students get a meticulous training in relevant information and communication technologies (ICT) and various bioinformatics and health informatics software to meet current and future challenges. Greater incorporation of ICT approaches in optometry education can facilitate increased student engagement in shared learning experiences and improve collaborative learning. This, in turn, will enable students to participate in and prepare for the complex real-world situations. A judicious use of ICTs by teachers in learning endeavors can help students develop innovative patterns of thinking to be a successful optometry professional. ICT-facilitated learning enables students and professionals to carry out their own research and take initiatives and thus shifts the equilibrium towards self-education. It is important that optometry and allied vision science schools adapt to the changing professional requirements with pedagogical evolution and react appropriately to provide the best educational experience for the students and teachers. This review aims to highlight the scope of ICT applications in optometry education and professional development drawing from similar experiences in other disciplines. Further, while enhanced use of ICT in optometry has the potential to create opportunities for transformative learning experiences, many schools use it merely to reinforce conventional teaching practices. Tremendous developments in ICT should allow educators to consider using ICT tools to enhance communication as well as providing a novel, richer, and more meaningful medium for the comprehensive knowledge construction in optometry and allied health disciplines

Video-Based Interventions: Teaching Adults and Preschoolers

Long gone are the days in which technology is looked upon as a trivial novelty. Whether evoking positive or negative reactions, advancements in technology continue to alter our daily environments. One such example is Video Based Interventions (VBI). VBI utilize video recording to facilitate the acquisition of various skills and behaviors (Rayner, Denholm, & Sigafoos, 2009). While it may sound like a simple intervention at first, many procedural variations of have been examined in research and practice. The two experiments comprising the current study examined the effectiveness of video models when used in conjunction with other instructional methods. Experiment I examined the effectiveness of video prompting when paired with backward chaining. This treatment package was used to promote functional skill acquisition in preschool and kindergarten age children. Experiment II then used video modeling combined with performance feedback to teach the aforementioned video prompting treatment package to novel adults. During this experiment, the adults’ performance was assessed via treatment adherence when working with typically developing children. All child participants acquired and maintained their target skills through the use of the video-based treatment package. Adult participants were also able to maintain sufficient levels of treatment adherence upon completion of the adult video training. Social validity data indicated that both interventions were acceptable and practical methods of skill acquisition. This study’s findings support previous research regarding the effectiveness of video-based treatment packages when training children and treatment agents (Bellini & Akullian, 2007; Giannakakos et al., 2016; McCulloch & Noonan, 2013; Mechling, 2005; Moore & Fisher, 2007; Keenan, Keenan et al., 2007; Reeve et al., 2007)

Explore the E-Learning Management System Lower usage during COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several universities are finding it difficult to provide and use online and e-learning systems. Blackboard, for example, is an e-learning system with various wonderful features that would be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, knowing the acceptance variables as well as the primary problems that contemporary e-learning technologies confront is crucial for efficient utilization. The growing number of students attending different instructional organizations has resulted in a greater volume of material being needed in these organizations both from the academic and professional workforce and also because learning management systems and e-learning are indeed the university prospect, several more universities and colleges have accepted them. The purpose is to analyze the most popular E-learning system, the Blackboard system, and the authors suggest a learning management control system to accommodate major e-learning features. A Blackboard system is a plethora of academic perspectives, research, ideas, theories, and affective responses to the virtual learning environment. To use it, the technology acceptance model in times of crisis (TAMTC) has been developed as a way to evaluate student acceptability. The existing literature demonstrates that the field of information administration is constantly changing due to the effect of learning technologies like the blackboard system. Given their reduced utilization of the system, the data reveal a high level of student acceptability. The conclusions of this study provide important recommendations for policymakers, managers, developers, and academics, allowing them may further understand the key factors of successfully using an e-learning system during the COVID-19 epidemic

Explore the E-Learning Management System Lower usage during COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several universities are finding it difficult to provide and use online and e-learning systems. Blackboard, for example, is an e-learning system with various wonderful features that would be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, knowing the acceptance variables as well as the primary problems that contemporary e-learning technologies confront is crucial for efficient utilization. The growing number of students attending different instructional organizations has resulted in a greater volume of material being needed in these organizations both from the academic and professional workforce and also because learning management systems and e-learning are indeed the university prospect, several more universities and colleges have accepted them. The purpose is to analyze the most popular E-learning system, the Blackboard system, and the authors suggest a learning management control system to accommodate major e-learning features. A Blackboard system is a plethora of academic perspectives, research, ideas, theories, and affective responses to the virtual learning environment. To use it, the technology acceptance model in times of crisis (TAMTC) has been developed as a way to evaluate student acceptability. The existing literature demonstrates that the field of information administration is constantly changing due to the effect of learning technologies like the blackboard system. Given their reduced utilization of the system, the data reveal a high level of student acceptability. The conclusions of this study provide important recommendations for policymakers, managers, developers, and academics, allowing them may further understand the key factors of successfully using an e-learning system during the COVID-19 epidemic