Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Educational technologies are considered to provide learners with the opportunity to receive high-quality education; if utilized well, these technologies will allow learners to learn in a virtual environment anywhere, anytime, without the constraints of time and space, creating a meaningful learning experience for them. In addition, when applied effectively, educational technology will enable learner-centered approaches to learning, including the provision of adaptive learning methods, active learning strategies, AI learning partners, virtual learning communities, and more—all of which are the promise of education in the 21st century. Therefore, in the past two decades, the development and application of educational technology has received attention from governments, academic organizations, educational scholars, frontline teachers, and parents around the world, resulting in educational technology being a popular research topic. With the continuous development of educational technology, the expansion of educational technology theories, and the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, the adoption of educational technology to promote school closures in response to epidemic prevention policies has catalyzed the importance of issues concerning educational technology. The results of studies related to this topic will help to answer more unanswered questions about the theoretical and practical applications of contemporary educational technology. Therefore, a Special Issue on the topic of the “Effectiveness and Sustainable Application of Educational Technology” is being proposed. Everyone is welcome to contribute.

This Special Issue welcomes original research papers and review articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following areas:

1. Educational applications of metaverse technology;
2. Evaluation of the effectiveness of educational technology;
3. Barriers to the use of educational technology and strategies to address them;
4. Acceptance and sustainable application of educational technology;
5. Software in educational games;
6. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of educational technology;
7. Educational artificial intelligence;
8. Human–computer interaction.

Dr. Jian-Hong Ye
Prof. Dr. Yung-Wei Hao
Dr. Yu-Feng Wu
Dr. Savvas A. Chatzichristofis
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Education Sciences education	3.0	4.0	2011	24.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Administrative Sciences admsci	3.0	3.9	2011	20.6 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Economies economies	2.6	3.2	2013	21.4 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Applied System Innovation asi	3.8	4.9	2018	24.7 Days	CHF 1400	Submit

MDPI Topics is cooperating with Preprints.org and has built a direct connection between MDPI journals and Preprints.org. Authors are encouraged to enjoy the benefits by posting a preprint at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Immediately share your ideas ahead of publication and establish your research priority;
2. Protect your idea from being stolen with this time-stamped preprint article;
3. Enhance the exposure and impact of your research;
4. Receive feedback from your peers in advance;
5. Have it indexed in Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All Education Sciences Administrative Sciences Economies Sustainability ASI

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

21 pages, 6321 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in Mobile Education: A Gender-Informed Self-Assessment of Teachers’ Use of Mobile Devices

by Judith Balanyà Rebollo and Janaina Minelli De Oliveira

Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7020031 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 898

Abstract

Mobile devices have the potential to transform education and society. Promoting mobile learning and enhancing teachers’ digital and entrepreneurial skills are essential in achieving this goal. This study analyses the conditions under which the use of mobile technology can support teachers in the [...] Read more.

Mobile devices have the potential to transform education and society. Promoting mobile learning and enhancing teachers’ digital and entrepreneurial skills are essential in achieving this goal. This study analyses the conditions under which the use of mobile technology can support teachers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and learning processes. Data were collected using a quantitative method based on a self-assessment instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 1.0046). A total of 327 educators filled out the survey, which included 67 items scored on a Likert scale. The self-assessment tool provided participants with feedback on their mobile device use for educational purposes and suggestions for improvement. The results indicate that the median score of the teachers was 7, which is regarded as satisfactory, with a gender gap of 3.5 points. In addition, three out of seven improvement dimensions were identified: technology learning spaces (54.74%), assessment (57.65%), and design activities (59.26%). In conclusion, the study enabled us to stratify and analyse teachers’ pedagogical perceptions of mobile learning and the significance of inference in certain training areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3399 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on Evaluation Methods for Sustainable Enrollment Plan Configurations in Chinese Universities Based on Bayesian Networks

by Keqin Wang, Ting Wang, Tianyi Wang and Zhiqiang Cai

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2998; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072998 - 03 Apr 2024

Viewed by 544

Abstract

Evaluation methods based on data-driven techniques and artificial intelligence for the sustainable enrollment plan configurations of Chinese universities have become a research hotspot in the field of higher education teaching reform. Enrollment, education, and employment constitute the three key pillars of talent cultivation [...] Read more.

Evaluation methods based on data-driven techniques and artificial intelligence for the sustainable enrollment plan configurations of Chinese universities have become a research hotspot in the field of higher education teaching reform. Enrollment, education, and employment constitute the three key pillars of talent cultivation in universities. However, due to an unclear understanding of their interconnection, universities have yet to establish robust quantitative relationship models, hindering the formation of an evaluation mechanism for sustainable enrollment plan configurations. This study begins by constructing a relevant indicator system and utilizing real enrollment data from a specific university. Through statistical methods such as correlation analysis, it systematically sorts out key variables and identifies seven effective indicators, including average admission score and first-time graduation rate. Subsequently, by using the increase or decrease in enrollment quotas for each major as the experimental target, evaluation models for sustainable enrollment plan configurations aimed at enhancing the advanced education rate are constructed using naïve Bayes networks and tree-augmented Bayesian networks; these are compared with three other classic machine learning methods. The accuracy of these models is evaluated through confusion matrices and receiver operating characteristic curves. Additionally, the Birnbaum importance analysis method is utilized to prioritize remaining variables, ultimately identifying the optimal combination strategy of indicators conducive to the sustainable development of the advanced education rate. The results indicate that the average admission score, transfer rate, and student/teacher ratio are the top 3 prognostic factors affecting the advanced education rate, with the TAN model achieving an accuracy of 96.49%, thus demonstrating good reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1435 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Effects of “Small Private Online Course and Flipped-Classroom”-Based Blended Teaching Strategy on First-Year English-Major Students’ Achievements

by Luyan Zheng and Keok Cheong Lee

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15349; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115349 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 843

Abstract

Blended teaching, characterized as a combination of online instruction and face-to-face teaching is effective in maintaining high student retention, promoting learners’ motivation and saving costs in EFL teaching. However, as low learning efficiency can lead to a reduced performance related to students’ blended [...] Read more.

Blended teaching, characterized as a combination of online instruction and face-to-face teaching is effective in maintaining high student retention, promoting learners’ motivation and saving costs in EFL teaching. However, as low learning efficiency can lead to a reduced performance related to students’ blended learning, it is necessary to study the effectiveness of blended teaching. This study aims to examine the effects of the “SPOC and Flipped classroom”-based blended teaching strategy on first-year English-major students’ achievements in five English language skills compared with those of the traditional face-to-face classroom teaching strategy. For this research, a quasi-experiment was conducted for one semester, employing an “SPOC and Flipped classroom”-based blended teaching strategy in two undergraduate classes for first-year English-major students. A total of 64 students majoring in English at a Chinese university in Shandong province participated in the quasi-experiment and were divided into the control class (N = 32, (intact group), with 6 men and 26 women) and the experimental class (N = 32, (intact group), with 4 men and 28 women). Intervention was performed in the experimental class, while a typical face-to-face classroom teaching strategy was employed in the control class. Findings of students’ overall achievements showed that the blended teaching strategy based on the SPOC and flipped-classroom approach was more effective in improving students’ achievements than face-to-face classroom teaching. Findings of students’ achievements in each of the five English language skills showed that the “SPOC and Flipped”-based blended teaching strategy was effective in enhancing students’ listening, reading, translating, and writing, but was not effective in speaking. Furthermore, students’ genders and regional backgrounds were considered as moderating variables of students’ achievements, and findings indicated that gender had no significantly positive effect on students’ achievements in the blended teaching intervention. However, a significant difference in achievements between the students from urban and rural areas was observed, which indicated that regional background had significantly positive effect on students’ achievements in blended teaching. The findings of the research implied that the implementation of well-designed blended learning that uses effective strategies could significantly improve students’ achievements in English language skills, but that there would be different results among students of different skill levels and regional backgrounds. Moreover, as the quality of EFL blended teaching improves, students’ academic performance will be enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 8220 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Transforming Education: A Comprehensive Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Educational Settings through Bibliometric and Content Analysis

by Zied Bahroun, Chiraz Anane, Vian Ahmed and Andrew Zacca

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712983 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 18357

Abstract

In the ever-evolving era of technological advancements, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) emerges as a transformative force, revolutionizing education. This review paper, guided by the PRISMA framework, presents a comprehensive analysis of GAI in education, synthesizing key insights from a selection of 207 research [...] Read more.

In the ever-evolving era of technological advancements, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) emerges as a transformative force, revolutionizing education. This review paper, guided by the PRISMA framework, presents a comprehensive analysis of GAI in education, synthesizing key insights from a selection of 207 research papers to identify research gaps and future directions in the field. This study begins with a content analysis that explores GAI’s transformative impact in specific educational domains, including medical education and engineering education. The versatile applications of GAI encompass assessment, personalized learning support, and intelligent tutoring systems. Ethical considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible technology use are highlighted, emphasizing the need for transparent GAI models and addressing biases. Subsequently, a bibliometric analysis of GAI in education is conducted, examining prominent AI tools, research focus, geographic distribution, and interdisciplinary collaboration. ChatGPT emerges as a dominant GAI tool, and the analysis reveals significant and exponential growth in GAI research in 2023. Moreover, this paper identifies promising future research directions, such as GAI-enhanced curriculum design and longitudinal studies tracking its long-term impact on learning outcomes. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of GAI’s potential in reshaping education and offer valuable insights to researchers, educators, and policymakers interested in the intersection of GAI and education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4580 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Dynamic Geometry Software in Teacher–Student Interactions: Stories from Three Chinese Mathematics Teachers

by Fangchun Zhu and Binyan Xu

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7660; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097660 - 06 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

Teacher–student interactions are critical for effective mathematics teaching and learning. Certain technologies, especially dynamic geometry software (DGS), can have a great impact on interactions between teachers and students. In Chinese mathematics educational environments, we selected three mathematics teachers as examples to analyze how [...] Read more.

Teacher–student interactions are critical for effective mathematics teaching and learning. Certain technologies, especially dynamic geometry software (DGS), can have a great impact on interactions between teachers and students. In Chinese mathematics educational environments, we selected three mathematics teachers as examples to analyze how DGS impacts their method of teaching and feedback and what role it plays in their interactions with students. Based on the data, we found mathematics to be the main focus for Chinese teachers, even though DGS was widely used in their lessons. DGS was mainly used as a projector to present geometric properties. This implies that the interactivity of the DGS was simply used for pressing buttons on the screen during lessons. Although teachers may have used DGS for many years, they still lack sufficient skills to integrate this software into mathematics teaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2302 KiB  

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness of Educational Robots in Improving Learning Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

by Kai Wang, Guo-Yuan Sang, Lan-Zi Huang, Shi-Hua Li and Jian-Wen Guo

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054637 - 05 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6432

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the potential effect of educational robots, but what appears to be missing is an up-to-date and thorough review of the learning effectiveness of educational robots and the various influencing factors. In this study, a meta-analysis was [...] Read more.

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the potential effect of educational robots, but what appears to be missing is an up-to-date and thorough review of the learning effectiveness of educational robots and the various influencing factors. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to systematically synthesize studies’ findings on the effects of educational robots on students’ learning outcomes. After searching for randomized studies describing educational robots interventions to improve learning outcomes, 34 effect sizes described in 17 articles met the selection criteria. The results of our work evidence a moderate but significantly positive effect of educational robots on learning outcomes (g  =  0.57, 95% CI [0.49, 0.65], p  <  0.00001). Moreover, moderator analyses were conducted to investigate important factors relating to the variation of the impact, including educational level and assessment type. Based on the findings of this study, we provide researchers and practitioners with insights into what characteristics of educational robot interventions appear to benefit students’ learning outcomes and how pedagogical approaches can be applied in various educational settings to guide the design of future educational robot interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1134 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Plant Identification in the 21st Century—What Possibilities Do Modern Identification Keys Offer for Biology Lessons?

by Alexander Finger, Jorge Groß and Jörg Zabel

Educ. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120849 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

The loss of biodiversity and the accompanying “plant blindness” are major problems for mankind. Biology classes in Germany deal with this topic with the aim of enabling students to identify plants in their surroundings. Here, the process of plant identification plays a key [...] Read more.

The loss of biodiversity and the accompanying “plant blindness” are major problems for mankind. Biology classes in Germany deal with this topic with the aim of enabling students to identify plants in their surroundings. Here, the process of plant identification plays a key role. To render the process of plant identification, more student-oriented, new digital approaches are being developed. Thus, teachers are now being confronted with digital tools for plant identification without having exact knowledge of their added value. This intervention study was therefore conducted in order to determine the effects on learning by means of a paper-based dichotomous identification key (Eikes Baumschule) and a digital identification app (ID-Logics). The results show that both tools have individual media-related differences that should be considered when designing learning strategies: With the previously reduced, paper-based tool, students can identify plants more quickly and often more correctly. However, the digital app has advantages in terms of enjoyment and learning about individual characteristics of plants. The study shows the challenges and opportunities associated with the (digital) medium. Furthermore, it sheds light on the process of species determination and reveals further fields of research in science education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1068 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Intention to Use a Sustainable Cloud-Based Quality Management System among Academics in Jordan

by Dima Dajani, Saad G. Yaseen, Ihab El Qirem and Hanadi Sa’d

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114253 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

This research aims to provide a predictive model of essential factors influencing the behavioral intention to use sustainable cloud-based quality management systems among academics in Jordan. A comprehensive research model was developed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology [...] Read more.

This research aims to provide a predictive model of essential factors influencing the behavioral intention to use sustainable cloud-based quality management systems among academics in Jordan. A comprehensive research model was developed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which was tested using cross-sectional data. The research sample covers Jordanian higher education institutions (23 governmental and private universities), and the unit of analysis includes 500 academics. The research adapts and modifies the UTAUT2 model and TPB to explain behavioral intention to use sustainable cloud-based quality management systems in developing countries. The proposed model explained 0.478 percent of behavioral intention variance and 0.127 percent of the user behavior variance. Three constructs are found to be significant predictors: perceived behavioral control, performance expectancy, and facilitating conditions. The attitude toward the behavior and subjective norm are not significant predictors. The research contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it extends previous studies by examining predictors of the behavioral intention to use SCQMS in higher education institutions. Second, it provides rigorous empirical evidence that incorporating the UTAUT2 model with the TPB produced a substantial improvement in the variance explained in behavioral intention compared to the prior research conducted in developing contexts. Third, this research provides useful insight into university management. The research provides a better understanding of the essential factors influencing the behavior intention to use sustainable cloud-based quality management systems in Jordanian Universities. Thus, the research model provides better explanatory power than previous studies in business literature and developing markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 589 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Students’ Perception of Sustainability: Educational NLP in the Analysis of Free Answers

by Hiroko Yamano, John Jongho Park, Nathan Hyungsok Choe and Ichiro Sakata

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13970; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113970 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

This study explored undergraduate students’ conceptions of sustainable development by asking about their definition of a sustainable world, current issues of sustainable development, and the necessary mindset and skillsets to build a sustainable world. We derived data from 107 participants’ open-ended answers that [...] Read more.

This study explored undergraduate students’ conceptions of sustainable development by asking about their definition of a sustainable world, current issues of sustainable development, and the necessary mindset and skillsets to build a sustainable world. We derived data from 107 participants’ open-ended answers that we collected through an online survey at the beginning and the end of the sustainability class. Text mining with Natural Language Processing (NLP), principal component analysis (PCA), and co-occurrence network analysis were conducted to understand the changes in students’ conception of sustainable development. In addition, we also conducted the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) dictionary to investigate the psychometric properties of students’ awareness and understanding related to sustainable development. This advanced analysis technique provided a rich understanding of university students’ perceptions of sustainable development compared to what the UN initially defined as sustainable development goals (SDGs). The results showed imperative insights into the benefits of sustainability experiences and knowledge that generate motivation to develop students’ competencies as change agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2343 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Literature Review of Adaptive Learning Systems

by Dionisios Koutsantonis, Konstantinos Koutsantonis, Nikolaos P. Bakas, Vagelis Plevris, Andreas Langousis and Savvas A. Chatzichristofis

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912684 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

In this review paper, we computationally analyze a vast volume of published articles in the field of Adaptive Learning, as obtained by the Scopus Database. Particularly, we use a query with search terms targeting the area of Adaptive Learning Systems by utilizing a [...] Read more.

In this review paper, we computationally analyze a vast volume of published articles in the field of Adaptive Learning, as obtained by the Scopus Database. Particularly, we use a query with search terms targeting the area of Adaptive Learning Systems by utilizing a combination of specific keywords. Accordingly, we apply a multidimensional scaling algorithm to construct bibliometric maps for keywords, authors, and references. Subsequently, we present the computational results for the studied dataset, reveal significant patterns appearing in the field of adaptive learning and the inter-item associations, and interpret the findings based on the current state-of-the-art literature in the area. Furthermore, we demonstrate the time-series of the evolution of the research terms, their trends over time, as well as their prevalent statistical associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 255 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of E-HRM on Modernizing the Role of HRM Context

by Adambarage Chamaru De Alwis, Berislav Andrlić and Marko Šostar

Economies 2022, 10(8), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies10080181 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7422

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) practitioners must play multiple roles to achieve both functional and organizational objectives. In the current business environment, Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) is a pervasive application of Information Technology (IT), and its global adoption is now widespread. This study’s [...] Read more.

Human Resource Management (HRM) practitioners must play multiple roles to achieve both functional and organizational objectives. In the current business environment, Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) is a pervasive application of Information Technology (IT), and its global adoption is now widespread. This study’s primary objective is to determine the effect of E-HRM implementation in Sri Lanka on the evolving HRM function. The study employed a qualitative methodology. On the basis of prior research, a study framework was formulated. After collecting the findings, the researcher analyzed the data using the study framework. To answer the research question and attain the research objectives, the researcher compared the theory to the findings during the analysis. The researcher determined that HRM was unfamiliar with E-HRM applications but was utilizing E-HR tools in their daily operations. According to the study, HRM places a greater emphasis on administrative tasks. The greatest benefit of implementing E-HRM practice is that it liberates HRM from intermediary roles, allowing them to focus on strategic planning in HR organizations and transforming HR practitioners from administrative paper handlers to strategic planners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effectiveness and Sustainable Application on Educational Technology)

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-11