International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning (30 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Role of Technology in Science Classrooms: An Exploratory Study of Pakistan  
  by Zeeshan Iqbal, Aisha Sami 
  Abstract: Knowledge of science has its own demanding place in the current competitive world. Students have shown lack of interest and sufficient knowledge about the science subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Multimedia audio-visual aids play important role in enhancing the classroom learning. Even though, these multimedia audio-visual aids are not being fully utilised in Pakistani education system. This study was conducted to illustrate the importance of using multimedia audio-visual aids in the classrooms especially during teaching physics, chemistry and biology at secondary schools of Pakistan. The researchers employed purposive sampling technique for this study and the sample size was 240 students. Primary data was collected by using observation method and conducting interviews. Collected data were analysed by using both quantitative and qualitative data analyse methods and presented in a descriptive way. Findings revealed that using multimedia audio-visual aids in the classrooms is an effective strategy that makes students active, maintains a high level of interest in the lesson and encourages students to participate in the classrooms and thus leads towards better learning.
  Keywords: technology; audio-visual aids; education; secondary schools; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.10026112
   
  
• Evaluating a game-development approach to teach introductory programming concepts in Secondary Education  
  by Stamatios Papadakis 
  Abstract: Owing to the development of multimedia and computer technologies, many scholars have attempted to employ digital learning content to improve students learning motivation and learning achievement in CS courses. In this pedagogical design, students interact and create their own content related to curricular areas with several advantages, such as motivation, fun, commitment, and enthusiasm, showing improvements related to computational thinking and computational practices. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the combined use of App Inventor and a game-development approach in school lessons, as an example of constructionist learning in an introductory programming course for novices. This study was conducted in a public secondary school in Greece. It used a quasi-experimental control group design. The results of the study showed that the combined use of App Inventor programming environment and a game development approach has a positive effect on students basic programming skills achievements and motivation in a CS course.
  Keywords: novice programmers; secondary education; app inventor; game development approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.10024287
   
  
• Game Based Learning Approach to Improve Self-Learning Motivated Students  
  by Mohammed Akour, Hiba Alsghaier, Samah Diabat 
  Abstract: some of the best educational apps have been created to serve as an additional resource for students participating in more structured education programs .Our project aims to provide self-motivated students with options for learning in gaming environment. The proposed application allow students to ask and answer questions, answering more and more questions will allow the student to get higher level and marked with some distinguished badges. The application aims to achieve 6 main attractive factors studied by conducting a survey distributed to 90 students to ensure that the mobile game learning enhance the educational skills for the students rather than the traditional teaching. Hence, we are studying students college attitude as they represent a sample of Yarmouk University during Fall 2017/2018 semester. The results show that our developed application provides students with a friendly educational mobile application, provide an entertainment educational environment, provide rich database that contain diverse courses questions and answers and enhance students learning skills.
  Keywords: Mobile Application; Smart Education; Game educational Style; M-learning.
  
  
• Behavioural intention of Pacific Island pre-service teachers to use digital portfolios  
  by C.A. DeCoursey 
  Abstract: The behavioural intention (BI) to use a new digital affordance remains a challenge in 21st century life. As teachers introduce youth to new technologies, their attitudes are significant. The theories and instruments for assessing intention reflect western contexts. Pre-service teachers in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) face developing world challenges when learning to use conventional digital tools such as portfolios. This study used content and appraisal analysis to identify frequently-realised themes and attitudes in the writing of pre-service teachers across one semester. Results show that attitudes were increasingly positive, but the portfolio task was still perceived as complex at the end of the semester. Frequently-realised themes, and positive co-frequencies between subunits and attitudes, showed that participants found performance expectancy high. But they felt the effort required also remained high, indicating that one semesters use is not sufficient to achieve BI, for portfolios, in developing world contexts.
  Keywords: Republic of the Marshall Islands; Pacific Islands; teacher education; portfolio; computer self-efficacy; behavioural intention; content analysis; appraisal analysis; developing world education; colonialism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10022786
   
  
• Evaluation of e-learning system on higher education institutions in KSA: a survey at Saudi Electronic University  
  by Slim Hadoussa 
  Abstract: A review on previous e-learning research suggests a focused evaluation approach to measure the success of the system and its contribution to knowledge share in educational institutions. This paper provides an empirical test of e-learning system success model in the context of higher education in Saudi Arabia. The research examines the effects of the e-learning system at Saudi Electronic University on knowledge management, by analysing the relationships between the system use and knowledge transfer through DeLone and McLean IS model (2003). The quantitative study was done by administering the survey to 300 students and we obtain 196 effective responses. Applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method, the results show the significant effects of system quality, information quality and service quality on e-learning system use and user satisfaction. Thus, the educational tool use and user satisfaction have a positive impact on net benefits in terms of knowledge share, transfer, learning and achieving educational goals.
  Keywords: e-learning system; knowledge; Higher Education; Saudi Electronic University; SEM Method.
  
  
• Motivating Teachers to Use Information Technology in Educational Process within Saudi Arabia  
  by Sara Almutairi, Adnan Gutub, Nouf Awad Al-Juaid 
  Abstract: This study seeks specific strategies to motivate teachers within Saudi Arabia to use Information Technology (IT) in the educational process. The work evaluated using IT considering particular concerns within the Saudi region. It, then, suggests the possible tuning strategies making teachers motivated to adopt IT in their educational job. The research surveys 100 different schools to identifying the impact of using IT on the students, teachers, principals, and students' parents. The surveys are build utilizing different paragraphs specifically designed according to the region situations as well as group categorization, i.e. of students, teachers, principals and parents. The research questionnaires of every category have been distributed and completed electronically by more than 10,000 users within schools of Saudi Arabia. The study used the statistics to show the expected IT impact on the educational process including the administrative influence as well as student family life. The work used means and standard deviations to analyse the results and build specific recommendations geared toward teachers' motivation. The study proved specific urgency for improvement tuning need within the schooling system. Its main advises are found urgently essential to be considered in order to motivate the teachers via specific strategies leading to interesting educational improvements.
  Keywords: Educational process; Technology integration; Information Technology (IT); Training teachers.
  
  
• EMERGING BIMODAL BIOMETRICS AUTHENTICATION FOR NON-VENUE-BASED ASSESSMENTS IN OPEN DISTANCE E-LEARNING (ODeL) ENVIRONMENTS  
  by Prince Y.O. Amoako, Isaac Osunmakinde 
  Abstract: Authentication plays a significant role in security during the non-venue-based examination, as it verifies the identity of online students. Existing authentication techniques have not yet provided an optimal cheating-free, non-venue-based assessment. This research proposes an emerging biometrics technology model of facial recognition and keystroke dynamics (FRAKD) to minimise the problems of malpractice during examinations significantly. Detailed experiments conducted on the Moodle learning management system (LMS), using a client-server platform of 100 diverse students who were captured as a positive data set, produced an average recognition rate of 85%, while for 20 imposter students, an average rejection rate of 93% was realised. When benchmarked with related solutions, this result shows that using the FRAKD biometrics model in non-venue-based assessment demonstrates reliable security and minimises impersonation more than state-of-the-art practices such as portfolio-based distance assessment without supervision. This improved solution will obviously have great value for ODeL institutions and examination bodies.
  Keywords: Emerging technology; distance learning; agent; authentication; biometrics; learning management system; security; assessment.
  
  
• Enhancing Modern Greek Teaching with Android Programming!  
  by Vaios Papaioannou, Argyroula Alexandropoulou, Georgia Pierrou 
  Abstract: The wide range of education curricula in the subjects of Secondary - high school - Education in conjunction with the suffocating timeframe that is defined by the instructions for the teaching courses, which is dictated by the competent Ministry each school year, as well as the encumbrance of teachers belonging to different specialties in their own scientific environment, often act as a deterrent to the development of didactic collaborations between different disciplines and consequently to the holistic educational approach to knowledge. The aim of the present work is to develop students' programming skills using as a motivation a Theoretical subject, that is Modern Greek Literature, namely N. Vrettakos' poem The Child with the Matches and vice versa. Through the designed interdisciplinary educational approach, it is expected to awaken the interest of students who are indifferent to theoretical lessons, as well as to solve in a substantial way the problems that beginners encounter in learning programming.
  Keywords: modern Greek; informatics; interdisciplinary educational approach; computer programming; android; app inventor; experiential learning.
  
  
• WhatsApp with English Language Teaching? Some Practical Ideas and Strategies  
  by Alberth N/a, Emil Wiramihardja 
  Abstract: Mobile assisted language learning offers tremendous opportunities for language learning. The use of short message service (SMS) and, more recently, integration of the WhatsApp application into language classrooms has generally been reported to positively impact on language learning and learning experience for learners as well as for teachers. As a result, use of WhatsApp is gaining immense popularity in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms across the globe. However, it is important to acknowledge that, while technology plays a critical role, it is how the tool is utilized per se that determines the successful integration of the new technology. How to use technology is pre-requisite to successful integration. Despite the popularity of the potential use of WhatsApp in language learning, currently there are no guidelines on how to use it for language teaching and learning. This paper attempts to offer some practical ideas and strategies for using WhatsApp for teaching English as a foreign language as well as for teaching other languages.
  Keywords: WhatsApp; technology; teaching English; mobile; MALL; CALL.
  
  
• Studying ICT teachers experiences and perceptions of MOOCs  
  by Vasiliki Vlachou, Dimitrios Tselios, Georgios Aspridis 
  Abstract: The emergence of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) in 2008 was the beginning of a form of online education that, due to its particular characteristics, promised to reduce the cost of educational services. Despite their short history, MOOCs have fostered many expectations and have been recognized as an innovative educational trend that offers scope for a wide range of educational research. At the same time, a number of challenges have arisen, which need to be addressed if sustainable development of this form of education is to be promoted. The international educational community shows a growing interest expressed through the articles written and through the intense business activity evident in the field of MOOCs since both for- profit and non- profit companies have been founded with the aim of offering and supporting them. In an attempt to investigate the issue, we conducted a research in order to document educators experiences and views on MOOCs as well as their beliefs about future developments in the field of education. Our research population were Secondary education ICT teachers of Karditsa, Greece. The research came to the conclusion that the respondents, though not widely informed, regard MOOCs as an opportunity rather than a risk to their profession, while they believe that they will not bring about significant changes to secondary education. They recognize that MOOCs can make a major contribution to their professional development and they use them as tools in increasing their knowledge and achieving their professional goals. They are highly satisfied with MOOCs and they think that the reasons for high drop-out rates- one of the major MOOCs challenges- are not related to disadvantages or weaknesses of the courses but rather on participants personal reasons. Although they do recognize online forms of education as equal to traditional ones, they consider direct personal contact of great importance.
  Keywords: MOOCs; experiences; perceptions; ICT teachers;.
  
  
• Making sense of Teachers (dis)belief in the educational value of social media: A case of two language teachers in Rwanda  
  by Felix Kwihangana 
  Abstract: This study reports on the beliefs of two cases of EFL teachers regarding the integration of social media in the teaching of English in Rwanda. Using semi-structured interviews, the study found that the teachers believed social media had the potential to improve their students learning of English but could also change their teacher positions within the institution. While both teachers viewed social media positively, their social media practices were more informed by the potential impact of the technology on their status as teachers than its potential pedagogical contribution to students learning of English. These findings highlight the importance of understanding teachers self-positioning before, during and after technology integration processes to ensure that the proposed technology integration aligns with their image of the self in specific contexts.
  Keywords: teacher beliefs; social media; educational technology; ICT in Education; language teaching; Education in Rwanda.
  
  
• Advocating for a Blockchain Voting System in the United States  
  by Khaled Zayed, Rebekah Placide 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present our proposal to use blockchain technology to create a secure, efficient, and smart voting system in the USA. The first section of this paper presents the current equipment and technology used in the current voting process in the USA. Next, an analysis of the technological challenges of our voting system is presented. Recommendations are proposed to remedy these challenges with the implementation of blockchain and biometric technologies. Next, the paper discusses the features, benefits, and uses of blockchain technology. Finally, arguments are presented both for and against the use of blockchain and biometric technologies for voting purposes.
  Keywords: blockchain voting; biometric technologies; security breaches; digital currencies; online voting.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10023968
   
  
• Analysis of the Internet use and students' web 2.0 digital competence in a Russian University  
  by Ruth Martinez-Lopez, Carmen Yot-Domínguez, M. Eva Trigo 
  Abstract: This study explores types of internet activities as a factor related to the students perceived technological self-efficacy in Web 2.0 digital competence in the Russian higher education context. The Web 2.0 basic digital competence of university students (COBADI) questionnaire was translated and adapted from Spanish to collect the answers from 205 students. Students profiles were identified through cluster analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between each digital competence, the type of internet use and the place of connection controlling for the participants gender and age. The results of the analysis revealed a positive relationship between the students use of the internet for socialising and their perceived Web 2.0 communication digital competence. There were no significant differences in gender in the students perceived self-efficacy of their Web 2.0 digital competence.
  Keywords: digital competence; higher education; internet use; self-efficacy; student; Web 2.0.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10022938
   
  
• Adoption of Mobile Technologies in Learning: An Agribusiness Case  
  by Pei Xu 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of mobile learning technologies in agribusiness education by examining the effectiveness of a DISCOVERe mobile technology classroom program on students participation in class activities, their use of instructional materials, their interaction with peers, and their overall learning experience. Online survey data collected from agribusiness students at a California State University during the spring 2018 semester were analysed, hypothesis tests were conducted and a three-stage learning adoption framework was estimated. The results demonstrate that taking the DISCOVERe course significantly improves students participation in class activities, enhances their access of course materials, makes it easier for them to interact with fellow students, and improves students overall learning experience. The conclusion is that as students become more familiar with new technologies, they will be more confident in their ability to learn and will be more efficient in acquiring knowledge and exchanging ideas.
  Keywords: mobile learning; mobile technology in learning; agribusiness education; DISCOVERe; technology adoption process.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10023749
   
  
• Potential and Limits of Game-Based Learning  
  by Simon Greipl, Korbinian Moeller, Manuel Ninaus 
  Abstract: Because educational games increasingly find their way into the classroom, we aim at outlining potentials but also limitations of game-based learning. First, we compile widely acknowledged benefits, like the ability of learning games to engage and meet the learners situation. Moreover, we argue that the reduced use of games for learning in higher education does not seem warranted. We propose a three-dimensional framework that highlights the potential of adaptive game-based learning to catalyse the learning process by addressing cognitive, emotional, and social factors of the learner and characteristics of the respective learning environment. We emphasize mandatory considerations like the inability of serious games to replace but complement and enhance traditional educational approaches as well as the misunderstanding that the current generation has a native understanding of technology. With adequate resources, theoretical frameworks, interdisciplinary competencies, and clear goals, one can realize effective game-based learning that meets the requirements of modern education.
  Keywords: game-based learning; effectiveness; limitations; education; adaption; balance; game-design;.
  
  
• Learning Actor ontology for a personalized recommendation in Massive Open Online Courses  
  by Sara Assami, Najima Daoudi, Rachida Ajhoun 
  Abstract: Massive Open Online Courses revolutionized online learning and instigated research on information and communication technologies for learning to enhance the learner experience and increase his engagement level. In earlier research, we identified the recommendation criteria that could be used to recommend suitable MOOCs for the learners needs and motivations. Thus, criteria like the level of knowledge, competences and the pace of learning introduced by MOOCs and preferred by learners will be matched by a personalized recommender system. In this paper, we model the Learning Actor ontology to be used for this matching process. It is a domain ontology that was developed by following the phases of the on-to-knowledge methodology: feasibility study, kickoff phase, refinement phase, evaluation and validation phase and, finally, the maintenance phase. At last, we obtained the learning ontology that describes the learning actor major class by using a complex definition of characteristics and their relationship and range of values.
  Keywords: MOOC; Massive Open Online Course; Recommender System; Personalized Recommendation; Learning Actor ontology; on to knowledge methodology; QMOOCs; Quality MOOCs; Ontology engineering; Domain ontology.
  
  
• Opportunities of MOOCs and Flipping Microlearning Models in International Joint Academic Degree Programmes  
  by George Sammour, Abdallah Al-Zoubi, Jeanne Schreurs 
  Abstract: This research paper investigates the readiness of students to opt for MOOC courses in universities offering a joint master degree international programme. A study is conducted on two joint academic study programs offered by the University of Hasselt in Belgium and Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan. The study examines the readiness of students to take MOOC courses and their acceptance by universities management staff and professors. The study reveals promising results as they suggest that such virtual study programs are readily accepted in both universities by professors and students, though management staff and some professors expressed concerns on the approval of the equivalence of a MOOC onto courses. A flipping microlearning class-learning model is proposed as the future excellent educational model, creating the flexibility for the students to study courses or on distance or on campus. MOOCs have been found a suitable option for delivering learning content online.
  Keywords: Online learning; Massive Open Online Courses; MOOC; adoption of MOOCs; Flipping Class; Microlearning; Readiness of students to take MOOCs.
  
  
• What Makes Web-Enhanced Learning Successful: Four Key Elements  
  by Moatasim Barri 
  Abstract: The rapid change in Learning Management Systems (LMS) is presenting challenges for users to adapt. Yet, there is a need for a conceptual e-learning evaluation framework which tracks that change. This study was conducted to determine how accurately a linear combination of four key elements: usability, technology self-efficacy, content quality, and interaction quality can predict students satisfaction with web-enhanced learning. Data on 85 students from a university were collected using an online closed-ended questionnaire. Multiple procedures were utilised for instrument validation, data screening, and data analysis. Findings from the study confirmed the validity of the proposed model for evaluating the effectiveness of learning facilitated by an LMS. In addition, the findings showed that the four key elements usability, technology self-efficacy, content quality, and interaction quality affected students satisfaction with the web-enhanced learning. Further studies and practical implications are discussed.
  Keywords: student satisfaction; technology self-efficacy; usability; content quality; interaction quality; web-enhanced learning; LMS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10024442
   
  
• Understanding the Requirement of a 3D Aided Augmented Reality Mobile App Dictionary for Children  
  by Chit Su Mon, Kasthuri Subaramaniam 
  Abstract: The world these days has been powered by advance technologies and mobile technology has become part of our daily lives. However, the usage of mobile device by children are usually for playing games, watching videos or listening to the music and therefore have not been properly utilized by children to achieve educational goals. Through education, children can gain knowledge and skills that they need in their lives. Early childhood education is important because it can lead them into better future. Edutainment refers as educational entertainment is one of the popular methods to engage children to learn new things in fun way. The main objective of this research is to investigate the requirement of 3D aided augmented reality (AR) mobile App dictionary for children. Hence, this search proves that AR would be a way for parents and teachers to achieve their goals for modern education.
  Keywords: Augmented Reality; Education; Children; Virtual Reality; Mobile App; 3D.
  
  
• The Viability of UTAUT-3 in Understanding the Lecturers Acceptance and Use of Virtual Learning Environments  
  by Asanka Gunasinghe, Junainah Abd Hamid, Ali Khatibi, S. M. Ferdous Azam 
  Abstract: This research aims to assess the viability of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 3 (UTAUT3) in understanding lecturers acceptance of virtual learning environments (VLE) in Sri Lankan state universities. The study employed quantitative methodology, random sampling technique to obtain 441 responses. It was found that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), habit (HB) and hedonic motivation (HM) were significant influences of lecturers acceptance of VLE. However, Social Influence and Personal Innovativeness in IT (PI) were not significant determinants of VLE acceptance in the study context. The study recognised a set of factors that affect the academic staff acceptance of VLE in the state university context. Finally, this research contributes to the growing body of IS literature by examining the validity of UTAUT3 framework in the use and acceptance of educational technology in a developing country.
  Keywords: UTAUT 3; VLE; virtual learning environment; teacher’s technology acceptance; SEM; structured equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2019.10023751
   
  
• Integrating emotional attachment, resource sharing, communication and collaboration into UTAUT2 to examine students behavioural intention to adopt social media networks in education  
  by Ali Tarhini, Ali Alalwan, Dongmei Cao 
  Abstract: This study aims to develop and test an amalgamated conceptual framework based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) with trust (TR), emotional attachment (EA), resource and material sharing (RA), communication (COM) and collaboration (COL), which might be the salient factors that may influence the adoption of Social Networking Sites (SNS) for educational purposes. Data were collected from 399 Omani university students who use SNSs for their academic purposes using a self-administrated questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to perform reliability and validity checks, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed conceptual model. As hypothesized, the findings of this research revealed that students behavioural intention (BI) was positively and significantly influenced by COM, RA, performance expectancy (PE), COL, EA, hedonic motivation, and habit, in their order of influencing power and explained 67.7 % of the variance in behavioural intention. However, effort expectancy and TR did not has affecting impact on BI. This study could help instructors and managements at higher educational institutions to formulate strategies to encourage the students to use the social networking sites for academic purposes.
  Keywords: Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology; Social media,; Facebook; Technology adoption; structural equation modeling; Developing countries.
  
  
• Vodcasting Tasks in Online L2 Classes: Investigating the Potentials and Challenges in Distance Language Learning  
  by Sajad Faramarzi, Hossein Heidari Tabrizi, Azizeh Chalak 
  Abstract: Video podcasting technology or vodcasting has proven to be in the forefront of distance education in general and computer assisted language learning in particular. It has flourished by minimizing the possible needs of learners physical presence in second language classes and removing their affective barriers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the major potentials and challenges of vodcasting technology in improving major language skills from EFL learners perspectives. In order to achieve this, 120 EFL students were selected to receive a long term treatment of collaborative online practice of different skills by using Telegram application. The participants received the video podcasting tasks and were assigned to do the tasks collaboratively. At the end of the treatment, they were interviewed about the experience. The results of the semi-structured interview yielded remarkable information about the capabilities of the experience and the challenges which need to be obviated for future studies.
  Keywords: Distance Language Learning; Listening Comprehension; Online Learning; Podcasting; Video Podcasts; vodcasting.
  
  
• Seamless teaching and ubiquitous learning: An e-solution to the delivery of technology-infused lessons  
  by Imed Louhichi, Paul Noel, Rashid Emoron, Dalel Alouani 
  Abstract: A fundamental assumption in education is that the successful integration of technology in language classrooms can lead to improved teaching and learning. However, researchers often report that the implementation of technology by teaching practitioners remains much more limited than expected due to personal, institutional, and technological factors that influence teachers decision to integrate technology. This limitation is augmented by the exigencies of a new learning ecology in which ubiquitous learning accessing content and interaction from anywhere and at any time is born out due to ubiquitous computing everyday learning environments supported by mobile devices, embedded computers, and wireless networks. To address these limitations, we report on OLE - an e-tool we have created to offer teachers the opportunity to deliver technologically-infused lessons complete with warmers, formative assessments, and provisions for fun-based homework. Equally, OLE offers learners the chance to access lessons ubiquitously and to interact with teachers and peers synchronously and asynchronously.
  Keywords: technology; ubiquitous learning; ubiquitous computing; TPACK framework; lesson planning; PPP model.
  
  
• Educational Technology in Abu Dhabi Public Schools: Teaching With Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)  
  by Olga Samsonova 
  Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate Abu Dhabi public school teachers perceptions of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and find out how this technology is used in the classroom setting. This study was conducted at the Teacher Training Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE during professional development sessions in January 2019. One hundred twenty-three teachers (Grades K-12) from numerous public schools completed structured pre and post-training surveys and were participants of group discussions. The result of the study highlighted a positive attitude and a great deal of satisfaction among most teachers towards IWBs. Preparing lessons, teaching, engaging, and motivating students, as well as assessing with IWBs all appeared to be beneficial for public school teachers. The research stressed the main benefits of IWBs usage and provided suggestions for professional development sessions on IWBs to be more effective for teachers practice.
  Keywords: interactive whiteboards; public school teachers; technology; professional development sessions; assessing with technology.
  
  
• Academics views of adaptive e-learning technology in a South African University  
  by Anass Bayaga 
  Abstract: The current study draws on research conducted on cognitive enhancement and adaptive e-learning technologies at a South African higher education institution. The research was motivated by the failure of implementation processes or delayed adoption rates regarding adaptive e-learning (AEL) technologies as compared to other industries or environments. This study was conducted involving ten academics recruited from a South African university. The design was exploratory in which participants experiences were analysed via discourse analysis. This study found that too many of the university faculty participants lacked sufficient understanding of AEL for AEL to be adequately implemented and used at the university.
  Keywords: Adaptive learning technology; e-learning; e-health; computational cognition; information processing.
  
  
• Developing a Student Attendance App Using QR Codes: Educational and Practical Considerations  
  by Sami Shaban, Mohi Eldin Magzoub, Margaret Elzubeir, Omar Hilal Shaban, Ahmed R. Alsuwaidi, Mohammed AlHouqani, Alsajir Basheer, Zeeshan Noor Mohammed, Widad El-Jaily, Ahmed Fathy Abdellatif 
  Abstract: Recording student attendance in educational institutions is a tedious, manual process that is both time-consuming and error prone. We have developed an app to capture student attendance. During each class session, the students will point their device at a unique QR Code displayed on the teachers projector. Each students attendance will be recorded immediately on the learning-management system. The app has been developed for both Apple and Android platforms to enable attendance capture in all classroom settings; a module added to a home-grown learning-management system enables display of the appropriate QR Code for each class session. We conclude that it is possible to develop an app that records student attendance using QR codes and institutional information systems. Implemented efficiently, student attendance can be recorded accurately and effectively, saving class time. Overall user satisfaction with the system was high, demonstrating that information technology can positively drive and support change in medical education.
  Keywords: Student attendance; QR Code; App development; learning management system; medical education.
  
  
• Designing an interactive educational software involving children as design partners  
  by Zamratul Asyikin Amran, Azlina Ahmad, Norshita Mat Nayan 
  Abstract: This paper describes a requirement study to design an interactive educational software for children. The study demonstrates the importance of involvement of children as design partners. Eleven (11) students aged 8 to 12 from a local government school participated in the study. Educational software used in the study were three (3) applications to help children learn mathematics. Observations and survey methods were used to evaluate fun, learning and ease of use. We used Smileyometer and Fun Sorter as tools for the children to evaluate the applications. We found that the Fun Sorter was a better evaluation tool for children. Results of the study show that children were aware of their needs for learning. They were able to produce creative ideas in designing an educational software for learning mathematics. The children believe that educational software should mainly focus on learning, but at the same time it should be fun and exciting.
  Keywords: child computer interaction; educational software; participatory design.
  
  
• Interaction between teacher and student beliefs when using different technology tools in a tertiary context  
  by Jeanne Kriek, Annaretha Coetzee 
  Abstract: Teachers and students have different beliefs about the use of technology, but beliefs guide the way teachers teach and influence student learning. This study explores: (i) how different teachers' beliefs about the use of prescribed technology tools influence their pedagogical reasoning and (ii) student beliefs concerning the impact of technology tools on their learning. An exploratory case study research design was followed with two teachers and 77 students. Five instruments were used, a teacher belief questionnaire, student content test, observation protocol, teacher reflective questionnaire and student feedback questionnaire. Findings confirm that different beliefs of teachers caused them to use the same technology tools differently, with little impact on student beliefs regarding their learning. The two groups ranked the technology tools to promote learning in the same sequence despite the differences in teacher behaviour, and favoured activities that involve active learner involvement.
  Keywords: beliefs; technology tools; blended learning; videos; clickers; simulations; pedagogical reasoning.
  
  
• Secondary Education Students Digital Scenario and Learning Strategies Use.  
  by Mark Peart, Prudencia Gutiérrez Esteban, Sixto Cubo Delgado 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify and describe the influence of digital scenarios and sociodemographic variables on the learning strategies used by 78 secondary school students. A quantitative study was conducted, to find out how digital technologies are influencing learners inside and outside of the classroom, but also in other digital scenarios as the use of technologies is becoming increasingly intensive in everyday lives. Participants completed two Likert-scale questionnaires in which they provided information about their learning strategy and digital technology use in academic, work and free-time digital scenarios. The results show that there are significant differences between acquisition, codification, recovery and aid to processing learning strategy use, in addition to showing differences between the age and sex of participants.
  Keywords: Learning Strategies; Digital Technology; Secondary Education: ICT.
  
  
• Use of Smartphones amongst Undergraduates in Nigeria: Aid or Distraction to their Studies?  
  by Peter Egielewa 
  Abstract: Smartphone usage has revolutionised interpersonal communication in the world with the launch of the first Smartphone device called The Simon established by IBM in 1994. With the introduction of smartphone mobile Applications (Apps) such as dictionaries, calculators, Word Document, etc., undergraduates see their smartphones as an important companion in their studies. However, there are negative impacts of smartphones by undergraduates. Based on the Media Richness theory, this research investigates the role of smartphone in undergraduate studies using quantitative research design method, and with questionnaires administered to 380 students of two Nigerian higher institutions. The research concludes that smartphone can significantly be an aid but can also be a distraction to undergraduate studies if no institutional checks are put in place. This paper recommends that undergraduates should be encouraged to use helpful academic apps during their studies but higher institutions should put checks in place to prevent abuse of smartphone usage.
  Keywords: Smartphones; Apps; Undergraduates; Studies; Institutions.