International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning (28 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The COVID-19 pandemic: when e-learning becomes mandatory not complementary  
  by Mohammed Akour, Mamdouh Alenezi, Hiba Al Sghaier, Yazan Al Shboul 
  Abstract: Many countries have implemented extraordinary measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including closing schools and universities and moving to remote teaching. E-learning was previously a complementary methodology or a luxury but the COVID-19 outbreak has made e-learning mandatory. It is the only way to continue schools and universities educational programs. Assessing the value of e-learning is more important than ever. Students are the focal point of the educational process; continuous and conscious monitoring of their satisfaction is crucial for the feasibility of elearning. This paper aims to study the impact of the sudden move to remote teaching (e-learning educational process) on students at four universities in two countries (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan). Participating students were surveyed to measure their perceptions in terms of current e-learning processes and systems, and their experience with the e-learning educational process.
  Keywords: e-learning; COVID-19; student experience; course delivery quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.10034006
   
  
• Education of Preschool and Elementary Teachers on the Use of Adaptive Gamification in Science Education  
  by Alkinoos-Ioannis Zourmpakis, Stamatios Papadakis, Michail Kalogiannakis 
  Abstract: The use of games regarding education is not something new. Their use, especially in the early stages of the education system, is notably widespread in helping students learn and develop various skills. Although students are considered the center of teaching, the teacher plays a central key role. He/She is called upon to care and understand the needs of each individual student, provide the proper learning material and evaluate the whole learning process. We propose exploring how active and pre-service teachers design and integrate adaptive gamified environments into teaching science education.
  Keywords: Preschool and Primary Education; Teacher Education; Digital Technologies; Adaptive Gamification; Science Education; mobile learning.
  
  
• Inservice teachers beliefs about educational robotics in preschool classroom  
  by Stamatios Papadakis 
  Abstract: Children today live in a digital world that is evolving with technological advances and innovative technologies. Governments and policymakers around the globe are becoming interested in how to effectively bridge technology and economic prosperity as a driver for transforming teaching and learning through digital education. In early childhood education especially, educational robotics is a type of technology that is more suited than other tools. The reason is that robots have appealing features and functions keeping childrens attention, improving their performance, concentration, cognitive flexibility among others. But any effort to facilitate educational robotics in school settings must necessarily consider the role of the teachers, who are called to realize the goals specified by national curricula and educational programs. This study is designed to investigate Greek teachers' beliefs of using educational robotics technology, as well as key issues to consider for the future establishment of these technologies in the preschool classroom.
  Keywords: Educational robotics; Preschool Education; In-service teachers; Kindergarten; Beliefs; Perceptions; Computational Thinking; Coding; STEM.
  
  
• An Enhanced Learning Approach for Increasing Student Engagement, Motivation and Learning Using Gamification in Blended Teaching  
  by Pushpendra Kumar Rajput 
  Abstract: Modern education has allowed growth of independent learning in all varieties of student communities. At times, student involvement in the learning process of a given course cease to exist as it reaches the end. The objective of this research is to deploy gamification as a tool for increasing the student engagement, motivation and thereby to observe the growth of their learning. The study explores possibilities of dimensions in the form of game design elements. These elements an instructor can deploy in teaching learning process. A quantitative and qualitative analysis performed on two batches of students for successive two terms shows a significant improvement in terms of engagement, motivation and student learning.
  Keywords: Learning; Gamification; Student Engagement; Blended Teaching.
  
  
• AUTOMATED ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW  
  by Nabeel Salih Ali, Ahmed Hazim Alhilali, Hasanein Rjeib, Haider Alsharqi, Basheer Alasdi 
  Abstract: Attendance systems have been rated as amongst the critical elements or issues that reflects domain achievements, and their performances have contributed better to organisations, industries, enterprises and universities compared with traditional methods that are time-consuming and inefficient. Different automatic identification technologies have become trends, and extensive research has been conducted and many applications have been produced to maximise technology features. To address issues related to attendance system technologies, including the advantages, schemes and methods and obstacles, we present a structured review of attendance management systems, with high potential for managing, recording and tracking the presence of users in different domains. Additionally, this study introduces a detailed literature survey schema and highly granular model for article categorisation. Out of the 204 identified papers, 90 were found relevant in the context of this systematic literature review. The selected articles are comprehensively reviewed, criticised and assessed in accordance with Kitchenhams guidelines for systematic literature review. Lastly, we highlight the vital and significant direction required for future research.
  Keywords: Attendance Management System (AMS); Attendance Systems; Automated registration; Automatic; RFID; Barcode; Biometric; Magnetic Stripe.
  
  
• Examining the productiveness of failure in serious gaming  
  by Wim Westera 
  Abstract: Serious games are games used for non-entertainment purposes, e.g. in education and training. As most serious games are highly performance-oriented and consequently include scoring systems that reward correct performances, players tend to adopt error-avoiding strategies. But thereby the players are deprived of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. This study investigates how the differences between performance and learning can be described and formalised. To this end, it presents a computational model that takes into account the learning from mistakes. The model was empirically validated by comparing its outcomes with real-world game data. The results show that performance metrics systematically overestimate the players actual learning at early stages in a game and underestimate these at the end. Three evaluation metrics describing the progression, efficacy and efficiency of learning show how these differences depend on the players knowledge growth capacities and their success rates in the game. Game scoring systems should best avoid penalties for making mistakes, should reward error correction positively, and should provide sufficient feedback on failure.
  Keywords: Serious games; games-based learning; applied games; assessment; learning; performance; simulation models; mistakes; scoring system; empirical; computational; mastery.
  
  
• Science Teachers Professional Development in the light of Activity Theory  
  by Paschalina Stylianou, Katerina Plakitsi 
  Abstract: Science teachers professional development is considered as a continuous learning process through which they acquire not only content knowledge and competences, but also personal qualities and beliefs that enable them to support quality teaching for the benefit of their students' and in particular their scientific literacy. This paper is a review on science teachers professional development, using Activity Theory and its framework of analysis in order to illuminate their cultural, social and economic development background. No educational reform effort can succeed if it does not take into account the personal interpretive context through which teachers interpret their actions, participate in professional learning programs, integrate or reject modern learning theories in their practice. The supportive conditions for teachers' active involvement in experimentation and innovation are, their participation in learning communities and the strengthening of school collaborative culture. Activity Theory (CHAT) highlights the contradictions of their professional development process, the aspects that enable or limit their teaching activity and the motivations that drive them to participate in professional learning programs and the dynamics of their zone of proximal development.
  Keywords: professional development; science teachers; Activity Theory; science teaching; learning communities.
  
  
• Technology adoption model for HRM practices  
  by Eliza Sharma, Junaid Ahmad 
  Abstract: e-HRM has acquired a commonplace status in HR management practices of developed countries; however, its implementation is scarce and scattered in developing countries. The present study highlights the current scenario of e-HRM practices in the service and manufacturing sector of India and provides insights regarding the technology adoption into HRM practices in India. The study uses a theoretical and empirical approach; a review of literature provides that two factors, namely: Attitude of employees and Attitude of employers, affect the decisions regarding the adoption of technology in HR practices. To prove this, the current study was conducted among 438 employees and employers from 63 companies in the service and manufacturing sector of India. The findings of the study have been used to develop a conceptual model regarding technology adoption decisions in HR practices of service and manufacturing organisations. The model shows that employee attitude is influenced by factors of benefits to employees and easeof-use; while employer attitude is influenced by the benefit to employers, IT infrastructure, and cost. Additionally, organisational characteristics like size and type of company are also significant in decision-making regarding technology adoption for HRM practices.
  Keywords: e-HRM; e-HRM practices; service; manufacturing; developed; developing; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2021.10035802
   
  
• COVID-19 Pandemic: How can the Lessons Learnt Contribute to the Digital Transformation of Schools of Tomorrow?  
  by Emmanuel Kolog, Sulemana Bankuoru Egala, Rapheal Amponsah, Samuel Nii Odoi Devine, Erkki Sutinen 
  Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic may have had less effect on the lives of people in the global south, but its negative impact on the society is massive, especially in the area of education. To help manage the pandemic, social gatherings and other related activities, such as schools, are halted. While few schools in the global south have managed to continue their academic activities, the majority of the schools have struggled to migrate their teaching online. This situation highlights the fact that the perceived diffusion and available potential of educational technologies was scarcely used for the intended purpose as many students and staff have struggled to cope. This study critically reviews literature on Covid-19 pandemic from diverse information sources. These sources include research articles and other sources from World Health Organisation and public media platforms. The analysis of the disruption that the pandemic has caused identifies and manifest the latent use of digital technologies in the educational arena. Guidelines and solutions for rethinking the schools of tomorrow are proposed. Policymakers and educational practitioners could make use of the proposed guidelines for transformative digital initiatives of the schools of tomorrow in the Global south.
  Keywords: Covid-19 pandemic; Digital transformation; Schools in the Global South; teaching and learning; Virtual learning.
  
  
• Challenges and Opportunities for Higher Education in North Macedonia during the COVID-19 Pandemics: A Survey of Student Satisfaction and Gender-Related Anxiety  
  by Jusuf Zeqiri, Veronika Kareva, Sadri Alija, Mirjana Peji? Bach 
  Abstract: AbstractrnBackground: Many challenges have occurred from the rapid shift of university functioning to the online mode due to the pandemics.rnAim: This paper aimed to analyze the factors that mostly influence student satisfaction from online learning. Another specific aim was to identify the factors that cause student anxiety with online teaching and learning. Satisfied students appear to be more engaged, motivated, and responsive and achieve better results. On the other hand, anxiety has negative effects on student performance. In order to get the data, a structured questionnaire was sent to undergraduate students from the South East European University (SEEU) in North Macedonia, and 241 valid questionnaires were received. rnMethods: The study used IBM AMOS 20 for carrying an SEM analysis and SPSS 20 for analyzing the descriptive statistics. rnResults: The findings showed that building student-teacher relationships was not considered a factor of satisfaction, but student-teacher interaction, student engagement, and the use of technology showed a positive influence on student satisfaction. Moreover, the findings showed that gender moderates the relationship between the use of technology and student satisfaction. The path coefficient of technology for female students contributed less to student satisfaction. Conclusions: Therefore, the level of anxiety was higher among female students concerning the use of technology. Results are expected to shed more light on the areas that should receive greater focus and attention while delivering online courses. rn
  Keywords: Student Satisfaction; Gender; Anxiety; COVID-19; Pandemics.
  
  
• Embodied Learning via Tangible User Interfaces: The Impact of Physical Interaction on Learning Performance  
  by Neila Chettaoui, Ayman Atia, Med. Salim Bouhlel 
  Abstract: Tangible user interfaces have been introduced as a form of Human-Computer Interaction to promote embodied learning pedagogy. This interaction modality offers the possibility to support students cognitive development through manipulating objects in the social and physical environment of the classroom. This article presents a study of tangible user interfaces supporting children (aged 9 to 11) while learning of the solar system concepts. A controlled study was performed at a primary school with eighteen participants to evaluate the educational potential of manipulating abstract concepts in the physical world, compared to tablet-based learning. The results highlighted a significant difference in terms of the learning performance between both groups, as determined by one-way ANOVA (F (1,16) = 4.49, p =.033), in favour of the tangible user interfaces. These findings draw some implications for the adoption of the tangible interaction to extend embodied learning pedagogy and cognitive development of children.
  Keywords: Tangible user interfaces; Human-Computer interaction; physical interaction; embodied learning pedagogy; learning performance.
  
  
• Bridging Gaps in Distance Learning During a Pandemic: Exploratory Questionnaire Based Analysis in Jordan During COVID-19 Lockdown  
  by Rana Abu-Huwaij, Enas Khader, Sanaa Gharaibeh, Iman Khalil 
  Abstract: During the second semester of the 2019/2020 academic year and after the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, universities and schools around the world switched to distance learning to comply with the strict lock-down conditions and assure the safety of staff and students. In this study, a questionnaire was used to measure the students general attitudes, perceptions, and obstacles observed during the distance learning period and whether they were satisfied with the achievement of the required scientific learning outcomes, the level of interaction between staff and student, technological requirements and fairness of course assessment. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used on an undergraduate sample of students (n = 573) enrolled in the Faculty of Pharmacy at one of the top private universities in Jordan. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and the study found an overall satisfaction with distance learning with variation in opinion between junior and senior students. The results indicate the need for implementation of a sustainability plan to assure the levels of quality in the program during the distance learning period. An online students affairs office is a suggested solution, which will provide positive reinforcement to junior students and allow online academic counselling sessions that are focused on problem solving and emotional health which will in-turn stimulate quality distance learning practices and satisfaction in the process. In addition to the need of more proactive strategies that ensure the fairness of online assessments.
  Keywords: Distance learning; students’ satisfaction; questionnaire; Covid-19 lockdown.
  
  
• Development of online program for high school students on the development of engineering competencies using FDM 3D printing technology and design of electronic devices  
  by Anatoly Ryapukhin, Peter Ukhov 
  Abstract: The paper proposes the structure of a typical training program for implementation in online format with the inclusion of independent engineering work of a student on the basis of a home laboratory. Recommendations for home laboratory equipment are made based on inexpensive components and devices readily available on the market. Preliminary assessment of the economic efficiency of such programs implemented in the online format has been made. It is assumed that in accordance with the development of technology, we will increasingly see the appearance of such programs on the market. Some conclusions are made that at the moment the implementation of such programs is impossible without mentoring support from enterprises and organizations leading the design and development of high-tech products
  Keywords: distance education; online education; online courses; FDM; 3D printing; 3D design; CAD; STEM; CDIO; home laboratory; project method.
  
  
• Evaluation of physiotherapy students' attitudes and engagement with social networking and eLearning systems: Implications for education and training  
  by Garyfallia Pepera, Zacharias Dimitriadis, Varsamo Antoniou, Nikolaos Strimpakos, Eleni Kapreli 
  Abstract: Social Networking Sites (SNSs) use increase tremendously among university students, creating at the same time second thoughts and opportunities for their use. This study explored, for the first time, the impact of Social Networking Sites and eLearning platform (eClass) on the education and academic life of Greek students. An online 35-statement questionnaire was administered to 330 undergraduate students of the Physiotherapy Department at the University of Thessaly. Demographic data, nature of SNSs, their application into education, and the use of e-Learning platform (eClass) were collected and analyzed. The results revealed the high familiarity of university students with SNSs, the acknowledgment of the potential negative effects of their excessive use and their importance for communication and education purposes, proposing reforms that would embed the use of social media in teaching and learning pedagogies across academic disciplines.
  Keywords: healthcare education; social networking; eLearning systems; physiotherapy students; eClass; social networking sites; social media; evaluation; education; training; eLearning platform; physiotherapy.
  
  
• Online Learning: A Stakeholders Analysis using Structural Equation Modeling  
  by Manoj Panwar, Ramesh Kumar Garg 
  Abstract: The overall evaluation of any system requires an evaluation of all the components of that system. The existing studies lack consideration of all such components of online education and specifically from the perspective of teachers. 1390 responses from teachers of HEIs of India were received through online surveys. The instrument is reliable with RMSEA (0.056), ?2 (3.819), and stands at higher than 0.90 goodness-of-fit indices. Hypotheses were tested on 32 variables and 903 valid responses using Structural Equation Modelling. The analysis established that the factors i.e. teachers commitment and benefit to teachers are significantly correlated. Administrative Support has a positive impact on benefit to teachers. The factors, Students sustainable engagement, benefit to teachers, and technical resources have a significant and positive influence on the overall rating of online education. The findings will provide an opportunity to motivate and inspire the students and the teachers to adopt online education in future.
  Keywords: E-learning; Online Education; Stakeholder's Analysis; Structural Equation Modelling; Multiple Regression; Teachers' Perception.
  
  
• A Framework for the University Performance Assessment: Some insights on Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship  
  by Khaula Alkaabi, Veland Ramadani 
  Abstract: The importance of developing a good entrepreneurship and innovation environment in universities is highlighted by the fact that education is a critical factor in economic growth. This research examines the main factors that contribute to the development of an innovation ecosystem in universities, measures university performance in terms of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship and identifies the strength and areas of improvement of university system about these issues. More specifically, this study compared and analysed several parameters, such as scientific and technological research capability, intellectual property records, collaboration and communication, entrepreneurship and innovation culture, economic influence and commercialisation, to identify the essential factor for promoting entrepreneurship and innovation educational techniques in universities by using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method. The findings reveal that the number of university-industry partnership projects has relatively higher weightage than other parameters, suggesting the importance of industry collaboration in the development of universities innovation, technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
  Keywords: Innovation; technology; entrepreneurship; fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making; university performance assessment; industry collaboration.
  
  
• Tracking English Language Learners Progress through a Gamified Social Visualization Tool to Increase Motivation and Performance  
  by Wala Bagunaid, Maram Meccawy, Zilal Meccawy 
  Abstract: Students need to monitor their progress constantly to improve their performance, and with large classes at university level education, both online and offline, most instructors are not able to provide individual students with progress reports other than separate assignments or exam results. Some e-learning systems track students progress; however, these traditional personalized e-learning systems hide students data; thus, students are not provided with the full picture of their progress and are unable to position themselves among their peers. This research aims to introduce a way to track English language learners progress through an interactive gamified social visualization tool in the form of a car race game without jeopardising student privacy or hiding crucial progress information. The results of this study showed that social comparison of students progress and the gamification aspects of the tool made students more engaged and motivated to win the race, which affected their academic performance positively.
  Keywords: Personalization; User Modelling; Open Social Student Modelling; Social Visualization; Motivation; Gamification; English language learners; KAU.
  
  
• Online role-play in feature film clips: A personalised experiential foreign language learning tool  
  by Catherine Kanellopoulou, Andreas Giannakoulopoulos 
  Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experiment involving 101 teenage students of English, all Greek native speakers. It briefly discusses the studys theoretical background, focusing on role-play and film dubbing as a personalised experiential activity and presents the findings regarding foreign language vocabulary acquisition with the use of a novel dubbing application. This application made use of a feature film clip, which was incorporated into an online multimedia platform. The experimental group participants dubbed the central character of the film clip in English (L2) and took a delayed post-test on specific lexical items from the film script. The results are quite promising regarding long-term vocabulary recall, as well as its use in new contexts. The experimental group outperformed the control group with statistically significant results in most cases, which indicates that this novel activity is worth investigating further so that its potential can be fully exploited.
  Keywords: role-play; foreign language vocabulary acquisition; long-term vocabulary retention; experiential learning; film dubbing.
  
  
• Nanotechnology and mobile learning: perspectives and opportunities in young children's education  
  by Pandora Dorouka, Stamatis Papadakis, Michael Kalogiannakis 
  Abstract: The adoption of digital technologies in early childhood settings attracts the attention of an increasing number of researchers and scholars throughout the globe. Despite the proliferation of investigations focusing on learning through digital technologies in preschool and early-primary education, there are fields of knowledge in which the impact of digital technologies has yet to be explored. A typical example is that of Nano-Science and Nano-Technology (NST). NST is a new interdisciplinary field with products and applications (apps) that utilise the cutting-edge technology and is increasingly penetrating into today's everyday life, promising to solve global challenges. The objectives of this paper are to (a) examine, based on relevant literature, whether digital technologies could enhance the teaching of concepts related to NST in early childhood settings (b) present the perspectives of mobile devices and their educational apps in young children's learning procedure. The study concludes with a theoretical analysis of the research findings and a brief proposal for future research.
  Keywords: digital technologies; mobile learning; preschool and early-primary education; nano-science; nano-technology.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2021.10036680
   
  
• The use of social media in healthcare: knowledge transfer in the Cyprus healthcare system  
  by Marcos Komodromos, Nicholas Nicoli, Charalambos Papacharalambous 
  Abstract: Social media is considered one of the most popular channels used by healthcare practitioners to communicate with their publics, transfer their knowledge and promote health. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the benefits of the use of social media in healthcare to enhance knowledge in the Cyprus' healthcare system. This qualitative study elaborates the orientation of physical experts about social media and knowledge exchange in the workplace. The face-to-face interview approach was used to investigate the exposition with the help of 184 non-directive and semi-structured interviews from the physical experts in Cyprus, using convenience sampling and thematic analysis was done using NVivo-11 plus. The results end up with three major themes. The social media applications extend communication and relationship between employees. These social media applications are equally beneficial for acquiring existing and new knowledge transfer. Social media applications advance knowledge exchange by promoting knowledge sharing and transfer.
  Keywords: digital communication; new media; knowledge transfer; social media communication; healthcare system; clinical practice.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.10029934
   
  
• Disconnected connectivity and the information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) initiatives in Bangladesh  
  by Abureza M. Muzareba 
  Abstract: This paper presents insights on the use of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) in Bangladesh. It uses qualitative research approach and incorporates perspectives of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) users, ICT4D project officials, government officials, ICT experts, and development experts. It examines three cases that use e-learning (learning using electronic device) as an informal means of learning. Thematic data analysis shows that ICT4D initiatives follow a top-down approach which underestimates aspirations of end-users to adopt ICT. Lack of social acceptance of ICT4D often undermines considerable economic gains earned by technopreneurs (internet-based entrepreneurs). Notions of disconnectedness are instilled by ICT4D project priorities that limit rural people's conceptualisation of ICT, disconnecting them from sensing broader perspectives of it. Exclusion of academicians in knowledge encoding process for e-learning, and development of ICT4D discourses reflecting incomplete scenarios are the other instances of disconnectedness.
  Keywords: information and communication technology for development; disconnected; connectivity; technopreneur; e-learning; Bangladesh.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.10031355
   
  
• Role of technology anxiety within UTAUT in understanding non-user adoption intentions to virtual learning environments: the state university lecturers' perspective  
  by Asanka Gunasinghe, Samudaya Nanayakkara 
  Abstract: Aim of this study is to examine the significance of technology anxiety within the UTAUT framework by determining VLE adoption intentions of Sri Lankan state university lecturers. A developing country like Sri Lanka can potentially expand higher education sector potentials through ICT integration into the state universities. Thus, understanding lecturer's perceptions about educational technologies such as VLEs is valuable. An online survey tool was used for data collection. # 219 valid responses were obtained. Data analysed using structured equation modelling. By adding technology anxiety as an external component (i.e., affection) to UTAUT factors (mainly cognitive and behavioural), this study enhanced the response power of the framework. Further, the theorised relationships between UTAUT factors and technology anxiety would fulfil the gap in the lack of literature that connects affective, cognitive components to predict technology adoption. Results revealed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions have positive correlations with VLE adoption intention, while technology anxiety confirms its significant negative effect on the same. Further, it was found that technology anxiety has positive effects on both performance expectancy and effort expectancy although only PE indicate a mediation effect. The effect of technology anxiety on all hypothesised relationships was moderated by lecturer's age and gender.
  Keywords: UTAUT; unified theory of acceptance and use of technology; VLE; virtual learning environment; anxiety; blended learning; teacher technology acceptance; SEM; structured equation modelling; mediation; moderation; Sri Lanka.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2021.10036681
   
  
• Context-aware ubiquitous and mobile learning systems: research gaps and challenges  
  by David Santiago Garcia-Chicangana, Oscar Santiago López-Erazo, Carolina González, Jorge Muñoz, Jovani Alberto Jiménez-Builes 
  Abstract: There is a tendency for mobile and ubiquitous learning systems to be context-awareness as context provides valuable information that can be used for content or service adapted to the environment and the user. These systems are applied in both formal and informal contexts. In this study, we carried out a systematic mapping with the aim of providing a more updated panorama of the state-of-the art, identifying gaps and future works in mobile and ubiquitous context awareness learning systems, especially in characteristics such as the most used entities in the context, adaptation of content, extraction of user information and gamification strategies that have been applied in an informal context. Our results show that the location and the user's profile are the entities of the most used context; that the most used type of adaptation is the adaptation of educational resources; that the gamification strategies allow to improve the learning experiences in the informal contexts; and that there are several studies aimed to extract user's information indirectly.
  Keywords: m-learning; u-learning; content adaptation; context-aware; learning environment; systematic mapping.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2021.10036682
   
  
• University student satisfaction with blended learning: a cross-national study between North Macedonia and Jordan  
  by Jusuf Zeqiri, Baker Ahmad Alserhan 
  Abstract: The study aims to investigate the impact of blended learning (BL) as a novel teaching and learning methodology. Two different learning platforms were considered in this study; Google Classroom used at the South Eastern European University (SEEU) and Moodle used at Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT). A total of 369 respondents participated from both universities. Results reveal that the teacher-student interaction is significantly improved with BL. Both, atmosphere created during the process and independent learning were positively related to students' satisfaction with BL. In addition, it was accepted that BL platforms make it easier for publishing resources and organising courses. Moreover, results show that there are some differences in satisfaction between students in Jordan and students in North Macedonia. Finally, the study could be further improved through conducting wider in depth cross-country/culture comparative studies to investigate if the differences observed in this study will withstand further scrutiny.
  Keywords: blended learning; moodle; Google classroom; learning and teaching; satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2021.10036683
   
  

Special Issue on: ERPBSS-2018 Technology in the Classroom Innovations in Teaching and Learning

• Proposing new innovative technological features to support human e-learning interaction processes in academic organizations  
  by Jamil Razmak, Wejdan Farhan, Ghaleb A. El Refae 
  Abstract: The rapid growth and widespread adoption of e-learning technologies with human interaction has sparked a revolution in learning styles. These adaptations in the interaction process have been organized around two methods of interaction: synchronous and asynchronous. The present study utilizes this revolution to enhance human interaction and learning styles by designing a real application of an e-learning user interface (ELUI) that allows users to benefit from the effects of online interaction. This design is implemented in a practical way that enables users to use, evaluate, and test the daily transactions of the ELUI. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews to measure students and teachers perspectives regarding usage of the ELUI. The findings indicated that students were satisfied with the new features added to the suggested e-learning interface. The interview with teachers enhanced the study by further validating the overall high satisfaction among their students. Teachers responded positively to the ELUI, particularly regarding the design of the ELUI and its features supporting the human e-learning interaction process. The results provide students, teachers, academic institutions and developers some guidelines on the design and implementation of the future e-learning system. Teachers acceptance of their roles in the early stages is essential because these will expand to involve other roles including content facilitator and manager. This is particularly so when embedding the interactional communication features for learning purposes through interactive learning settings, using video, audio and acceptable screen color and font size, which improve the ease of use of the learning outcomes.
  Keywords: e-learning user interface; human-computer interaction; student satisfaction; teacher perspective.
  
  
• Recommendations of robotics platforms for secondary school education  
  by Stuart Forsyth 
  Abstract: Over the past decade, robotics has become more commonly taught in secondary (high) schools. However, research shows that teachers face difficulty in choosing a suitably aligned curriculum, pedagogy and robotics platform. This paper provides recommendations of suitable robotics platforms for teaching three areas of a robotics curriculum: mechatronics, robot programming and robot construction. It also illustrates how pedagogy approaches are aligned to the three strands of the robotics curriculum by reviewing literature related to the robotics curriculum targeting high school students and a technical review of a range of robot brands and models available in the market.
  Keywords: educational robotics; secondary school robotics; high school robotics; selecting robotics platforms; robotics curriculum; pedagogy for secondary school robotics.
  
  
• 3D-Printing Techno-network to Help Students Overcome Mathematical Learning Difficulties  
  by MARIA MAVRI 
  Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a new manufacturing technology that has many applications related to social, economic, and environmental activities. In this study, we introduce the concept of a 3D printing techno-network, which is a network of humans and the resources they use, to engage in a 3D printing procedures. We claim that this network could both influence and improve educational activities to help students with mathematics learning difficulties (MLD) better understand mathematics. The paper proposes an educational scenario of teaching mathematical algorithms using this innovative technology. Mathematical understanding learning outcomes and the adoption of technological achievements are evaluated through a proposed framework consisting of 12 educational and technological indicators.
  Keywords: 3D printing; 3D printing techno-network; mathematical learning difficulties (MLD); educational scenario.
  
  
• Industry Academia Outreach: A Study of Student Perception  
  by Engie Bachir, Krishnadas Nanath, Fehmida Hussain 
  Abstract: The importance of industry outreach and collaboration has been increasingly recognized by the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics at an international branch campus of a British university based in Dubai. Through the past few years, the department has focused on exposing its students to the industry through various activities such as guest lectures, field trips, events and several Academic Alliance Programmes (AAP) and certifications. This initiative has been placed to enhance the students experiences at this department and immerse them in the most recent innovations and cutting-edge technologies. A study has been designed to examine the students views and values of these industry activities from three perspectives namely: academic relevance, career and network building, and overall satisfaction and experience. activities and enhancements. 129 students participated in the study. According to students, the implemented outreach initiative has been successful in terms of academic learning and experience, and satisfactory in terms of career and network building. The findings have provided the department with insights towards future industry outreach that would enhance its students experiences.
  Keywords: Academia; Industry; Collaboration; Partnerships; Industry Outreach Activities; Students’ Experiences; Students’ Learning; Students’ Careers; Students’ Attitudes.