Technology-based learning environments
M. Hosseini; S.B. Hosseini; F. Mozaffar
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Reflective learning has been studied in various studies. Reflecting while learning architecture alongside practice helps the student to evaluate and refine the design idea, and this round-trip process is mostly repeated. The application of reflective learning in the field of ...
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Background and Objectives: Reflective learning has been studied in various studies. Reflecting while learning architecture alongside practice helps the student to evaluate and refine the design idea, and this round-trip process is mostly repeated. The application of reflective learning in the field of architecture while practicing needs to be examined to understand to which extent teachers are committed to this teaching method in studios. The investigation and recognition of assessment features along with reflection in architectural studios was the subject of this research.Methods: In order to know the status of assessment in architecture schools, the behavior of teachers in this field and their preferences during assessment were studied through a semi-open questionnaire and the importance of reflective assessment indicators including rational assessment with micro-score was examined. In this study, the presence of students and round trip evaluation based on the design process were also asked from a sample of fifteen participants from the teaching community. For each question, Likert scale answers from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high) were collected and analyzed. Then, their preferences about choosing between twenty-three indicators in assessing each work were examined.Findings: The study of reflective assessment indicators in the sample population of this study showed that 66% of teachers were committed to reflective assessment in practice and the others did not use it. The results showed that reflective assessment in architecture was equally applicable in all types of universities in the country. The study of the effect of gender factor revealed that females’ assessment was more committed to reflective assessment criteria than that of men. Examination of the age factor in refereeing demonstrated that older referees distanced themselves from microscopic and reciprocal refereeing and showed more tendency to single-stage and intuitive refereeing. The use of reflective assessment showed that for jurors who adhered to the reflective assessment, "efficiency and performance of the plan" were more important than anything else, and “innovation” was placed next, while other jurors called it "innovation". "Design aesthetics", "graphic presentation" and "form quality and composition in architectural design" were more important.Conclusion: Assessment with reflection has been introduced as a new method in current research. By presenting a logical, step-by-step, interactive and back-and-forth form of teaching, this method has changed the assessing process from the end of the semester to the entire semester and made it as a tool for learning. The effect of this method, whose indicators were approved by the experts in this research, showed that changing the teaching method can improve learning the basic concepts among architecture students. The efficiency of this method is when the teachers change the current education process in a purposeful way which prioritizes the efficiency and performance of students' plans. This assessment method has changed from intuitive, single-step, product-oriented and independent of interaction with students towards the indicators presented in this research. The findings of the research show that this goal has been achieved in more than half of the architecture studios, but considering its positive results in improving students' learning and there is a need for more detailed planning and coherent management for this purpose.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Arghiani; M. Saffar; M. Mahvash
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Today, learning various sciences has become one of the basic needs of humans, and there are many obstacles that reduce the speed of learning; among these obstacles, we can mention stress. Stress is a kind of response to emotional or physical changes created in the environment ...
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Background and Objectives: Today, learning various sciences has become one of the basic needs of humans, and there are many obstacles that reduce the speed of learning; among these obstacles, we can mention stress. Stress is a kind of response to emotional or physical changes created in the environment and living conditions of students, which can appear in different ways according to their age, life situation, and personality. If the learning space is designed properly, it can eliminate a lot of stress in students. Reducing stress in students can lead to discovering their hidden talents, increasing self-confidence and making the most of their potential, which will increase learning. Also, various studies have been conducted in western and other countries about the effect of architecture on reducing the stress of users, a limited number of which have been conducted on the effect of the architecture of the educational space on reducing stress with different research methods and approaches, each of which has research problems and flaws in two areas. They are thematic and methodological knowledge. The research showed that various studies have been conducted in the three fields of environmental psychology, psychology and architecture of educational spaces, but no sufficient and accurate studies were found about the interrelationship of these three topics. With quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research aims to deal with the subject in the two scientific fields of psychology (stress, stress theories) and architecture (psychology of the environment of educational spaces, architecture of educational spaces, health and architecture, etc.). The purpose of the present research is to identify the physical factors that are effective in reducing the stress of students in the educational spaces of the school, which is a factor for the scientific progress and improvement of the country and is associated with increasing the productivity of schools. This research aims to evaluate the effect of physical and non-physical dimensions of stress reduction on stress reduction in combined research (description of the survey type and logical reasoning).
Methods: With the help of the Delphi method, the experts in the field of architecture were asked to categorize the practical physical factors of stress reduction. Then, the test analysis was done with the help of hierarchical analysis (AHP).
Findings: After the complete hierarchical analysis, at first, the main criteria were ranked according to the goal, and then the sub-criteria were ranked in details, and the percentage of importance of each was determined. Among the main criteria, the combination of nature and environment gained the most weight, with a weight of 0.534, so it was the most important among the main criteria. The criteria for modeling nature and the spatial characteristics of the environment were also in the following ranks. A pairwise comparison of the sub-criteria of the integration of nature and the environment and their order of importance was discussed, and it could be seen that the sub-criteria of light with a weight of 0.541 took the first place, and the sub-criteria of plants and natural landscapes and ecosystems were in the following ranks.
Conclusion: In designing a conservatory with the approach of reducing stress through biophilic architecture, light is the most critical design factor, and then the plants inside and outside the environment, natural landscapes, and ecosystems should be observed in the design.
Technology-based learning environments
F. Tari; M. Javadipour; R. Hakimzadeh; M. Dehghani
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Following the outbreak of covid19, e-learning has provided a unique opportunity to face the limitations of face-to-face education and achieve the ideal of education for all. Since teachers are considered as the most important influential factor in the teaching-learning process, ...
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Background and Objectives: Following the outbreak of covid19, e-learning has provided a unique opportunity to face the limitations of face-to-face education and achieve the ideal of education for all. Since teachers are considered as the most important influential factor in the teaching-learning process, the analysis of their successful and unsuccessful educational experiences can give us a deeper understanding of the current situation and provide solutions to achieve the desired situation and strengthen it. Given the vast amount of research conducted on the challenges and problems of teachers in the electronic context, the present study aims to focus specifically on the strengths of teachers' teaching experiences in the new learning environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is identifying and modeling the importance of successful educational experiences of elementary school teachers in the e-learning environment.Methods: This is a qualitative and phenomenological study. Participants in this study include all elementary school teachers who had the experience of teaching in electronic context (Shad Program) in the academic year 2020-2021. Eighteen teachers among them were selected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used to collect information until the researcher could achieve theoretical saturation. The findings were analyzed, using Colaizzi's seven-step strategy. In-depth analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of 7 main categories and 25 related sub-categories. In the next step, the identified key categories entered into the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) software. In this section, first the structure of the communications between the categories was drawn in the form of an interactive network and then the importance of each of them was determined.Findings: The research findings showed that successful educational experiences of elementary school teachers in the e-learning environment in the order of their importance include the development of technological competencies (61 points), progress and modernization of curriculum elements (60 points), paying attention to emotional-psychological needs (53 points), promotion of social skills (51 points), development of scientific education (28 points), paying attention to aspects of biological and physical education (21 points) and strengthening aesthetic capacities (17 points).Conclusion: The results of the present study can be considered as a continuum in which, on the one hand, the development of technological competencies is of the highest importance and, on the other hand, the strengthening of aesthetic capacities is of the least importance. Based on the results obtained, a major overhaul of pre-service and in-service teacher training methods is needed to keep pace with the developments in technology-rich environments. In order to improve the quality of the teaching and learning process in the electronic context, teachers should also pay attention to the specific requirements of this new educational environment and its developmental capacities, and instead of using traditional teaching methods, prioritize their focus on educating students in all areas, encouraging group collaboration and participation in the virtual classroom, fostering students' curiosity and flourishing their individual creativity, strengthening students’ motivation students and paying attention to students’ individual abilities, interests, talents and personal differences of students in the new ecosystem so that they teachers could hope for an effective and active presence of students in their virtual classes.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Moatari; E. pazouki; R. Ebrahimpour; M.R. Rezaee
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Today, e-learning is considered as a transformational technology and an important tool in the process of education and educational activities. On the other hand, the need to learn English as the first language in the world in order to exchange information and communicate with ...
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Background and Objectives: Today, e-learning is considered as a transformational technology and an important tool in the process of education and educational activities. On the other hand, the need to learn English as the first language in the world in order to exchange information and communicate with other nations in order to use up-to-date knowledge is undeniable, so the use of information technology to produce and provide educational services to improve English language teaching and learning is effective. Identifying the effective factors in achieving learning is one of the important and researched cases. Since the factors affecting learning are very wide and extensive, it is important to identify these factors in solving the problems and shortcomings of the educational system. One of these factors is cognitive style. People use different learning styles according to their individual differences. Cognitive style can be defined as the way people process new information and experiences in their minds; therefore, it is necessary to create a personalized environment based on the cognitive style of individuals in order to better adapt the educational strategy to the needs and abilities of the user and increase the efficiency of the learning process. In this research, Riding’s cognitive style, which divides people into two dimensions, verbal-imagery and wholistic-analytic, is used as an effective factor in learning. This study aims to predict the cognitive style of riding, based on the mouse movement of users in a language teaching software. In this regard, the language training software was designed and implemented, in which all the user's mouse movements are recorded on a millisecond scale when reading the English text and using the media designed in the software. Next, by using machine learning methods and interactive data stored from users while working with the software, an intelligent model was presented that categorizes people in two dimensions based on Riding’s cognitive style. This research is practical in terms of purpose.Methods: In this study, Peterson’s cognitive style test is used to extract learners' cognitive style with the aim of constructing labeled data. Also, individuals’ mouse data is recorded when interacting with software, and artificial intelligence-based machine learning algorithms and models are used to build intelligent models for classifying and predicting individuals' cognitive styles. The process of training and building smart models is done through labeled data. Finally, the models used are evaluated by comparing the results of the cognitive style test and the outputs of the intelligent models. In the exams, male and female students aged between 22 and 35, with bachelor's and master's degrees familiar with English participated.Findings: Users stored interactive data was used as the input to the five classifiers of the decision tree, neural network, nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and random forest. Patterson test results were also used as labels for these models; thus, individuals were categorized into two dimensions based on Riding’s cognitive style. The best classification was related to the decision tree with 90% accuracy in the verbal-imagery dimension and 87% accuracy in the wholist-analytic dimension of the results of this research.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the designed language teaching system can intelligently extract the cognitive style of people when reading the English passage with appropriate accuracy. Therefore, in the future, the ability to provide personalized content in accordance with the cognitive style of people can be added to the designed software.
Technology-based learning environments
S.R. Emadi; A. Mokhtarisami
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present age is called the age of communication and the most prominent symbol of that is the media. Today, educators, especially teachers, strive to use a variety of media to improve teaching and learning so that they can provide students with most information in an effective ...
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Background and Objectives: The present age is called the age of communication and the most prominent symbol of that is the media. Today, educators, especially teachers, strive to use a variety of media to improve teaching and learning so that they can provide students with most information in an effective way in the shortest possible time. In many domestic and foreign studies, infographics have been introduced as one of the most effective media in the field of education and researchers in many studies have found that infographics can improve academic performance in normal students and facilitate learning in students with disabilities. In this study, we try to examine the effect of using an infographic in the learning environment based on the Glasersfeld model on the level of motivation, learning, and retention in the fifth grade of the social studies course. This research is practical in terms of purpose.Methods: This study was quasi-experimental in terms of research method, using pre-test and post-test design with separate experimental and control groups. The sample was comprised of 30 fifth-grade students randomly divided into two groups of 15, i.e., the control group and the experimental group. Researcher-made tests as that were used as the main methodological instruments administered for eliciting data in this study were validated by the comments of the experts in this field, the educational technology professors, and the thesis supervisor. Moreover, the Cronbach alpha and scholars’ assessment methods were employed to measure the reliability of multiple choice tests and open-ended question types, respectively. In addition, to analyze the data collected in the study, both descriptive statistics (that is, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistics (that is, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, T test, Analysis of Covariance( were used by applying the SPSS software.Findings: The results of this study revealed that the amount of learning and retention of the students who were trained with the help of an infographic in the learning environment based on the Glasersfeld model was statistically significant as compared to that of those students who have not used infographics in the social studies course (p<0.05). But with respect to motivation, since P = 0.87 and F = 0.02, no significant difference was observed between the two groups and the hypothesis was not confirmed (P> 0.05).Conclusion: An effective education is one that can attract the attention of students and keep them involved and active in the learning process. Infographics are tools that provide information in the forms of both text and image, enabling learners to use their full capacity for cognition which actually leads to more and better teaching-learning. An infographic is the visualization of information or ideas that convey complex information to the audience in a way that is too fast and easily comprehensible and, therefore, easily retrievable. Since infographics simplify difficult materials, they are very helpful in learning and memorizing complex and difficult lessons. In the teaching method with infographics in a learning environment based on the Glasersfeld model, conditions are provided for the learners to be involved in education and actively build knowledge and be able to visualize complex and difficult content in a simple, concise, and structured way in their minds.
Technology-based learning environments
S. Khazai; M. Arefi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With the advent of e-learning, the educational perspective has changed. Following these changes and the separation of learners by the e-learning courses, a sense of isolation and alienation has been created which has even become a threat to learning in these courses. ...
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Background and Objectives: With the advent of e-learning, the educational perspective has changed. Following these changes and the separation of learners by the e-learning courses, a sense of isolation and alienation has been created which has even become a threat to learning in these courses. The dropout rate from e-learning courses is about 40% compared to that of 10% in university courses; In other words, more than 50% of learners drop out of online training centers. Challenges related to erosion and dropout have made student retention a determining factor in academic rankings, and this ranking ultimately supports credibility, academic rank, and the most important criteria for success for higher education institutions; therefore, the sense of presence was considered as an important factor because with the proper implementation of the sense of presence in the e-learning environment, not only the dropout rate was reduced but also it led to better learning of the learners. Therefore, the present study focused on translating and validating the Presence Questionnaire version 3 (PQ3) so that for the first time in Iran, by examining the factor structure, validity and reliability of the Presence Questionnaire tool, it can be used in various contexts of virtual learning environments.Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive study included all students participating in virtual learning courses of Tehran universities in the academic year of 1399_1400 (2020-2021). Among these students, 330 Master’s and PhD students were chosen through simple random sampling method. They responded using Witmer and Singer Presence Questionaire [26 but only 200 questionaires were analyzable.Findings: Based on the results of exploratory factor analysis by principal component method, four main factors (that is, involvement, sensory support, interface quality, and adaptation/immersion) were extracted and selected according to the number of eigenvalues above 1. These four factors, with the power of 89.7 percent, explained the change in the total presence in virtual learning environments. The results of Cronbach's alpha test which was used to evaluate the reliability of the test showed that the whole tool enjoys a desirable consistency (0.98). The results of Cronbach's alpha for subscales ranged from 94.0 to 97.0. The results of confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the construct validity showed that the questionaire structure had an acceptable fit with the data and all goodness indicators confirmed the suitability of the model.Conclusion: Based on the results of the second order confirmatory factor analysis, the factors of involvement, sensory support, adaptation/immersion, and interface quality explained 69, 65, 89, and 71 percent of the variance of presence in virtual learning environments, respectively. Thus, the obtained results indicate the validity, reliability, and acceptability of the structural factors of the translated version of the presence questionaire to be used in researches related to virtual environment among Iranian learners.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Samadpour Shahrak; M. Tahbaz
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Research shows that the presence of students in nature and outdoors reduces stress, increases vitality and mobility, increases concentration, etc. Therefore, children should not be deprived of the blessing of being in this environment. Today, due to the increase in construction ...
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Background and Objectives:Research shows that the presence of students in nature and outdoors reduces stress, increases vitality and mobility, increases concentration, etc. Therefore, children should not be deprived of the blessing of being in this environment. Today, due to the increase in construction in Iran and the development of the culture of apartment living in courtyards, it is smaller and in most cases unusable, and has given way to a terrace in each apartment unit. This has limited the child's contact with nature and natural environments, and since children often spend most of their time in school after home, the school yard can provide a good place for them to spend time in nature. Spending time in the school yard, whether it is a waste of recreational or educational opportunities, can partially compensate for the lack of connection between children and the outdoors. School yard is a part of the physical space which can have a significant impact on raising the level of learning, growth and education of students. Neglecting these spaces in recent decades represents the necessity of attention to this issue. Therefore, the present study seeks to emphasize the importance of open spaces in schools in order to improve the current conditions of schools according to the needs of students as the main beneficiaries. Method and Materials: In order to meet these goals, descriptive-analytical method based on library studies and field studies was used. Eight elementary girls’ schools were randomly selected and studied in Tabriz city. In this paper, it has been tried to use collaborative methods such as drawing, writing, and interviewing students about their expectations of the school's yard. A total of 280students were interviewed and their paintings were examined. The data were coded in MAXQDA11 software and finally, to assess the students’ satisfaction the paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were run using SPSS software. Findings: The results indicate that there is a significant difference between the state of the school yard and its ideal state. Finally, some suggestions are provided to improve the quality of the school yards.The findings of the study could be used in designing elementary schools such as: increasing the connection between outdoors and indoors, division of functions, using of the flexible materials with pretty colors on the floor and walls, and using of the flexible furniture. Conclusion: According to the research and research findings, it can be concluded that the environment of children can act as a deterrent or facilitator in their learning, growth and development. The rate of learning and development of the child increases when they connects with the environment, the open space and nature. Therefore, by creating a suitable environment and in accordance with their opinion, the desire of children to be present in the environment should be increased. A key factor in designing is the ability of children to create their own learning environments, rather than being in an environment where everything is pre-determined. In response to the first question of the research, we can mention the increase of sports equipment and attention to quality and observance of scale by 97% and the increase of greenery by 96%, which have the largest share among students' demands. In response to other research questions, it should be said that there is a difference between their demands from the school yard and the current situation, and with the solutions proposed in this research, their demands can be approached to achieve ideal conditions.
Technology-based learning environments
F. Imani; Kh. Movahed
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the effective educational factors in the new education is the architecture of the educational spaces. In the new education, the physical space of the school is not only a strict and soulless environment in the learning process, but also plays a role as a living and dynamic ...
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Background and Objectives: One of the effective educational factors in the new education is the architecture of the educational spaces. In the new education, the physical space of the school is not only a strict and soulless environment in the learning process, but also plays a role as a living and dynamic factor in the quality of students' educational activities. In learning environments, paying attention to design features is not only in order to improve the quality of the environment but also as a tool to increase the impact of the environment on behavioral characteristics. In some recent research, the physical environment is referred to as the "hidden subject in the curriculum." In this interpretation, the meaning of "hidden subject" is anything that, in addition to the common curriculum, by emotionally organizing the educational space, affects the adolescent emotionally and psychologically. This is "hidden" because it does not necessarily have objective and tangible effects or is often overlooked by everyone. Life stresses play a crucial role in mental and physical health and are especially associated with various psychological and social harms. Identifying student stress is the basic basis for designing and developing various preventive programs. In the meantime, school is a special place as a place where teenagers spend a lot of time and should play a role in reducing students' stress with proper design. Stress is a special relationship between a person and the environment in which the person evaluates the environment beyond his or her resources or threatens his or her health. Various factors play a role in stress. One of these factors is environmental factors. The current study has been done with the aim of investigating the effect of natural daylight on students’ stress reduction in the classroom. Methods: This research is a correlational study and in terms of purpose is an applied research. The research method is survey and the data collection instrument includes the standard questionnaire for measuring stress, anxiety, and depression (DASS-21). The reliability of the questionnaire was approved with the Cronbach’s alpha of 0.897. The questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Findings: Hypothesis testing was done by t-statistic, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression. The Levin test was also used to verify the research hypotheses. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between daylight and stress, anxiety, and depression with correlation coefficients of 0.634, 0.742, and 0.698 have been found respectively (p < 0.01) Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that in environments with unfavorable light, the rate of depression, anxiety and stress is higher than in environments with favorable light. In general, it can be said that due to the effect of daylight in reducing stress, anxiety and depression of students and their better performance, the importance of paying attention to the effects that school design has on building users becomes more clear. Architects have a major role in designing educational spaces and with proper design and tailored to the physical and mental needs of students can improve the level of education in society. In order to properly use daylight in educational spaces, the following should be considered: height of windows (with increasing window height, depth and amount of daylight increases), type of canopy (indoor, outdoor canopy or direct beam control) and the properties of glass are effective factors in the amount of daylight that must be designed correctly. Also, in addition to the right amount of light and natural light, direct sunlight should be controlled so as not to dazzle the eyes and disturb the thermal balance of the spaces.
Technology-based learning environments
H. Moradimokhles; J. Heydari; V. Salehi; N. Pouti
Abstract
Interaction element is one of the elements influencing the learning in e-learning environments. This study aimed to compare the effects of computer-based and web-enhanced learning environments on six elements of interaction (student-student, student-teacher, student-content, teacher-teacher, teacher-content ...
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Interaction element is one of the elements influencing the learning in e-learning environments. This study aimed to compare the effects of computer-based and web-enhanced learning environments on six elements of interaction (student-student, student-teacher, student-content, teacher-teacher, teacher-content and content-content) in the process of Occupational Health course.The study was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with a control group. The population of the study included all students of Public Health at Asadabad Faculty of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2015-2016. Of these, 60 students were selected through a random sampling procedure and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (30 per group). The first group (control) was taught in a computer- based and the second one (experimental) was taught in a web-enhanced learning environment. The materials and instruments included instructional multimedia and the questionnaire of assessing six levels of interaction with 60 questions in likert scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the gathered data. The results showed that there were significant differences between computer-based and web-enhanced learning environments on six elements of interaction (p<0.05). In other words, web-enhanced learning environment is more effective on the six interaction elements in comparison to computer-based learning environment.
Technology-based learning environments
S. Seidi; A. Badeleh
Abstract
The purpose of this study was developing standards of making smart schools and the level of respecting to these standards in the schools of Tehran. The study has a mixed design (quantitative and qualitative). In the quantitative section, it is a descriptive survey type. In the qualitative method, it ...
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The purpose of this study was developing standards of making smart schools and the level of respecting to these standards in the schools of Tehran. The study has a mixed design (quantitative and qualitative). In the quantitative section, it is a descriptive survey type. In the qualitative method, it uses documentary and inductive encoding when all the existing documents were studied first, the existing copies were read line by line (open decoding); and then, considering the written words in the documents, the general factors were extracted (canonic encoding); and eventually in the documentation of similarities and differences of the general factors, the main indices were extracted (selective encoding). The population included all 22 smart schools in Tehran in 5 educational districts (i.e. districts 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) out of which 20 girls’ smart schools were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. The instrument was a researcher-made standardized check-list to evaluate the standards of having smart schools (direct observation, cooperation of principals, and the IT managers of the schools) and studying the current status of smart schools. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and single-group t-test. The results of data analysis showed that the current status of smart schools regarding instructional content and learning is below the standards; the status of the hardware infrastructures and trained teachers is higher than the standards; and the software infrastructure and management are at the average level.
Technology-based learning environments
M.S. Taher Tolou Del; Z. Aminifar
Abstract
Physical factors of schools are one of important subjects in improving the quality of students' education and learning. Inappropriate environmental conditions in schools and lack of coordination with the surrounding environment, causes more attention to environmental comfort. The main aim of this study ...
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Physical factors of schools are one of important subjects in improving the quality of students' education and learning. Inappropriate environmental conditions in schools and lack of coordination with the surrounding environment, causes more attention to environmental comfort. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental standards of comfort and presenting strategies for improving the quality of schools framework based on students' learning. The survey research method was used and the studied population are two groups. The first group is expert architectures and psychologist of Tehran Universities; and the second group is chosen from art high schools teachers in Zahedan city in the academic year of 2015-2016. Expert group who were interviewed, including 12 people (By Delfi1 Method) and the second group consisted of 310 subjects. The researchers extracted effective variables through library investigations and interviews with professors and professionals. In the next stage, the obtained variables were analyzed and after confirming the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, it was used to assess the sample’s point of view. The SPSS analysis shows that main factors respectively as: usage of natural light, , reduce noise pollution, temperature control, appropriate windows and air are the most important factors affecting the environmental comfort in learning spaces and they affects the quality of students' learning. In previous researches researchers mainly consider the effect of light, temperature, noise and air condition. In some cases they consider the effect of one of the factors on learning; and it was the criteria for evaluating the students’ score. But in this research the researchers evaluate the effects of five environmental factor on learning. Finally, the research findings have been formulated as the design principles of schools in order to enhance users’ learning.
Technology-based learning environments
B. Nazari; J. Poorkarimi
Abstract
Due to the increasing development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the community and schools, this study aimed to identify the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and students’ academic achievement in smart and regular schools. ...
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Due to the increasing development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the community and schools, this study aimed to identify the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and students’ academic achievement in smart and regular schools. The population was primary school students in the fifth grade and the sample included 662 students, which determined through cluster sampling was. The Survey was done through the use of questionnaires. The method for how to collect data for the purpose and descriptive survey that collects data for action. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire made by utilizing ICT validity of its content validity and reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Alpha coefficient was calculated to 0.92, indicating a high reliability of research tool is the tool. The results showed that the relationship between academic achievement (previous year and the previous term) and there is no use of ICT (p = 0.251; r = 0.088; r = 0.048, p = 0.534), as well as the use of ICT in the boys significantly higher than girls is the (p = 0.003; t = -2.98) and the use of ICT in schools was significantly higher than conventional schools is the (p = 0.001; t = 3.68).
Technology-based learning environments
R. Movahedi; N. Jamshidi; H. Saadi; A. Yaghoubi Farani
Abstract
The aim of this research is a feasibility study of smart schools program (SSP) in Agricultural Technical High Schools (ATHS) of Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces. For this purpose the current possibilities and conditions of the ATHS have been examined in terms of infrastructural level, users' awareness ...
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The aim of this research is a feasibility study of smart schools program (SSP) in Agricultural Technical High Schools (ATHS) of Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces. For this purpose the current possibilities and conditions of the ATHS have been examined in terms of infrastructural level, users' awareness and the teaching-learning environment. The research typology is a quantitative method through a surveying study. The statistical population was three groups include 1) administrators, 2) the students, and 3) the trainers with a number of 7, 563 and 85, respectively. Of those a number of 7 administrators, 228 students, and 71 trainers were selected as the samples. The data were gathered by research-made questionnaires and the assessment checklists. The questionnaire's questions were confirmed in terms of reliability and validity. The results showed that the level of infrastructure (hardware, software, and financial) as well as the knowledge level of trainers and students to SSP requirements were too low. The results revealed that the teaching-learning conditions to start the SSP at the ATHS were not in a proper status while the attitude of both trainers and students was positive towards the SSP.
Technology-based learning environments
M. A. Rostaminezhad; A. Akhbari; M. Akabri Bourang
Abstract
Iranian educational systems heavily focus on Smart schools and equipping. Based on social-cognitive theory student attitude toward school affect student achievement and motivation. With attention to the importance of student attitude toward technology and schools, this study aims to develop and ...
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Iranian educational systems heavily focus on Smart schools and equipping. Based on social-cognitive theory student attitude toward school affect student achievement and motivation. With attention to the importance of student attitude toward technology and schools, this study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire in order to estimate student attitude toward Smart schools. A sample 305 middle school student from grade 7 and 8 in South Khorasan was selected randomly. Exploratory factor analysis identified 9 factors that explain 62 present of the variance of student attitude toward smart schools. These factors include: attitude towards interactive whiteboard; attitude towards teacher; reluctance to classroom; general attitude towards smart schools; test and feedback; feeling alone in school; student satisfaction from teaching; the impression of school and finally family attitude. The alpha value revealed instrument is reliable (α=0. 89). All Instrument factors can predict 22.5 percent of the variance of students' self-expressed GPA. This questionnaire was recommended to researchers to study and school policy makers for decision making.
Technology-based learning environments
Z. Hosseini
Abstract
This study was conducted to find the effect of constructivism on technology integration knowledge in student-teachers. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) as a framework was selected to study and measure technology integration knowledge. The research sample included 22 student-teachers ...
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This study was conducted to find the effect of constructivism on technology integration knowledge in student-teachers. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) as a framework was selected to study and measure technology integration knowledge. The research sample included 22 student-teachers who were studying in the field of instructional technology in Islamic Azad University. The sample was selected from 174 students using a non-random sample selection method. In order to answer the research questions, a mixed method study was designed and the data were collected through multiple tools including TPACK questionnaire, interview, observation and note documents for the project. The data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of t-student test analysis showed a significant increase of TPACK in the participants. In addition, the findings that emerged from the qualitative data clarified in detail how constructivism activities enhanced the components of TPACK. Inter and intra group interactions among students and teacher along with the received feedback were found to be the most important activities to enhance TPACK, while learning by doing was found to be an effective activity that equips student-teachers for integrating technology in their teaching.
Technology-based learning environments
F. Shafiepour Motlagh; H. Nazari
Abstract
Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to examine the model of evaluating efficiency of electronic learning strategies on students’ academic achievement. The methodology of research was correlation. Statistical community included all of the virtual universities’ students of Iran ...
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Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to examine the model of evaluating efficiency of electronic learning strategies on students’ academic achievement. The methodology of research was correlation. Statistical community included all of the virtual universities’ students of Iran in 1390-91. The statistical sample was randomly selected (n=363). The data were gathered by three questionnaires (efficiency electronic learning strategies)، (α= 0.94), (academic interest)، (α= 0.92) and comparing students’ score mean for two semesters. The validity of questionnaires has been prepared by specialist. The fundamental theory of this research was research community model of picciano and predicted that students cooperated with each other by social, teaching and cognitive presence and at last this cooperation results in their progress. The total results indicated that there was relationship between electronic learning strategies based on cognitive presence, social presence, teaching presence and students’ academic achievement. They have direct effects of the variables, such as cognitive presence (0.789), social presence (0.078), and teaching presence (0.695). The CFA shows that the measurement model fit the data very well with a goodness of fit index (AGFI) of 0.91 and adjusted goodness of fit index (GFI) of 0.95, RMSEA (0.214).
Technology-based learning environments
S. Mirriahi; F. Gharooni
Abstract
Abstract: Environmental literacy is the main field of activities which its knowledge is necessary for consumers, producers as well as observers. The objective of environmental education is improving applied literacy of stakeholders. The concept of environmental literacy consists of science (facts, concepts ...
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Abstract: Environmental literacy is the main field of activities which its knowledge is necessary for consumers, producers as well as observers. The objective of environmental education is improving applied literacy of stakeholders. The concept of environmental literacy consists of science (facts, concepts and skill) and practice (vision and awareness) which makes personal behavior. In this framework, awareness has two sciencebased (knowing) and emotional-based understanding. In general, scientific education and environmental science have two-way relationship in which scientific education is a prerequisite of environmental literacy and environmental literacy functions as a base for scientific education. Furthermore, scientific literacy and environmental literacy are overlapping in many cases and it is difficult to differentiate them because of their internal linkages. Studies have shown that environmental education can improve environmental literacy as high as three folds which will be ended in responsible action with the environment. Academic education of architecture in Iran exceeds six decades; however, there is no any satisfactory paradigm for environmental literacy and education in this discipline. In the present essay, we evaluated the relationship between architecture education and environmental literacy and the necessity of environmental literacy as a neglected element in architecture faculties.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Meshkat; S. Foroozeshnia
Abstract
Abstract: The present study was designed to find out the relationship between Iranian junior high-school learners’ attitudes towards CALL and academic self-regulation in learning English as a foreign language. Two hundred and thirteen junior high-school students participated in the study. The CALL ...
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Abstract: The present study was designed to find out the relationship between Iranian junior high-school learners’ attitudes towards CALL and academic self-regulation in learning English as a foreign language. Two hundred and thirteen junior high-school students participated in the study. The CALL Attitude Questionnaire and Academic Self-Regulated Learning survey were distributed among learners and the data were gathered from participants based on the information in the questionnaires. Correlation Coefficient procedure was used to answer the research question. The analysis of the results revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between learners’ CALL attitudes and academic self-regulation (r=0.29, p<0.00). The findings showed that the more learners have positive attitudes towards CALL, they more they are likely to be selfregulated in language learning.
Technology-based learning environments
H. Fardanesh; A. Jamshidi Tavana
Abstract
Technology category contains different ideas and approaches. Despite different beliefs and approaches, some experts, restricted technology and philosophy of technology in two approaches "instrumentational" and "civilization". In addition, "advanced" or "lack of advanced" Suggest According time ...
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Technology category contains different ideas and approaches. Despite different beliefs and approaches, some experts, restricted technology and philosophy of technology in two approaches "instrumentational" and "civilization". In addition, "advanced" or "lack of advanced" Suggest According time priority and recency; So that approach for time priority knows the truth and previous approach knows retrogressive. In this article, following the introduction of brief history of the evolution of this issue that can be expressed; then the views and categories of philosophy of technology are discussed. The result shows that there are several approaches and philosophy of technology, these approaches and beliefs are discussed at a level and surface, time cannot be based on the criteria for preferring one over the other.
Technology-based learning environments
M.R. Saghafi
Abstract
There is increasing support for the constructive approach in learning and teaching to respond the changes and challenges facing higher education; an approach that is particularly suitable for architectural education and design studio pedagogy. While the studio environment has been promoted as an ideal ...
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There is increasing support for the constructive approach in learning and teaching to respond the changes and challenges facing higher education; an approach that is particularly suitable for architectural education and design studio pedagogy. While the studio environment has been promoted as an ideal educational setting for project-based disciplines, few qualitative studies have been undertaken in a comprehensive way. This study responds to this need by adopting Grounded Theory methodology in a qualitative comparative approach. The research aim is to explore the limitations and benefits of a face-to-face design studio as well as a virtual design studio to achieve a suitable platform to establish the best and maximum learning situation. The main outcome is a holistic multidimensional blended model being sufficiently flexible to adapt to various settings, in the process, facilitating constructive learning through self-determination, self-management and personalization of the learning environment.The model was tested in 2013 in the third year architecture course at Art University of Isfahan. The author’s role in the study was to teach the students and attend all the sessions as an active researcher observer. Volunteer students participated in a discussion group discussing their experiences at the end of the semester. Full access to the web-based design studio and archives of the design process was the most important benefit and technical internet problem and limited virtual partnership is the most important limitation of this experience.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Alinejad; N. saeed
Abstract
In the recent years there has been a movement in building smart schools in Iran and according to statistics it is increasingly growing in our country. Since technology can’t improve the learning of students by itself therefore in order to create an environment for students to learn better, special ...
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In the recent years there has been a movement in building smart schools in Iran and according to statistics it is increasingly growing in our country. Since technology can’t improve the learning of students by itself therefore in order to create an environment for students to learn better, special prerequisites are needed; the researchers in the present study aim at investigating the relationship between learning self-regulation with education in smart schools in Tehran. The research using the descriptive-correlation method, by means of a researcher-made questionnaire. The research population (2000 people) and the sample (251 people) of this study, included students of full-smart schools of Tehran. The main question of this study is: what is the effect of the each variable of learner-learner, learner-teacher, learner- content, and self –regulated learning in satisfaction score anticipation of students? Analyzing the research finding of multiple linear regression analysis showed that: two variants of interaction between learner-teacher and self-regulation learning can anticipate the satisfaction variable of education in a positive way. The interaction of learner-teacher variable in showing the educational satisfaction was more than self- regulated learning. Among the interaction subscale, the learner- content subscale with the mean of 2.44 had the highest mean in comparison to the other interaction scale.
Technology-based learning environments
H. Ahmadi; M. Atashak
Abstract
The aim of the current study, which is a survey-descriptive one is a need assessment of technical and vocational training according to nanotechnology. The statistical society includes the experts working at Technical and vocational Training Organization and its subordinate offices, experts working ...
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The aim of the current study, which is a survey-descriptive one is a need assessment of technical and vocational training according to nanotechnology. The statistical society includes the experts working at Technical and vocational Training Organization and its subordinate offices, experts working in the industrial section, faculty members and scientific centers. The data required for this study were collected through researcher-made questionnaires and checklists. The analytic Hierarchy Process was employed to help choose the best courses and skills from four different perspectives, the job market needs and industry market, attention to entrepreneurship development, attention to job creation for university graduates and equality of priorities
Technology-based learning environments
H. Rastegarpour; M. Hosseini
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of researcher made multiplication table software package of “Hesabyar” on learning and retention of primary students. The sample consisted of 60 female primary school students who were randomly selected and put into two experimental ...
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of researcher made multiplication table software package of “Hesabyar” on learning and retention of primary students. The sample consisted of 60 female primary school students who were randomly selected and put into two experimental and control groups in the 5th educational district of Tehran. The instrument consisted of posters, book, white board, software multiplication game and tests, which was distributed amongst students in experimental (which have not been used the package) and the control group. The experiment lasted from early November to late March. Data was analyzed by utilizing independent t-test. Findings showed that use of the Hesabyar software package has a positive effect on learning and retention of the multiplication table. Also, the result revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups.
Technology-based learning environments
M. Hosseini; M. Atashak
Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive research was to identify and rank the education goals of occupational safety and health in industries, for this purpose a questionnaire was prepared by researcher and were distributed among 50 informed and experts person of industry who were selected purposive ...
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Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive research was to identify and rank the education goals of occupational safety and health in industries, for this purpose a questionnaire was prepared by researcher and were distributed among 50 informed and experts person of industry who were selected purposive sampling, then by using of single sample t-test and Friedman, significance of each question and field was evaluated, the results indicate that the goals such as safety and workplace hygiene, to gain general cognition about safety and health concepts and occupational accidents, creation and increase the accuracy and alertness in process of production in order to recognize the risk factors and then stop and prevent risk , to increase knowledge, skills, individual abilities have the highest priority and according to informed people recognize and different uses of water in industries, familiarity with tools and equipment and structures and correct using them have the low priority, also the analysis showed that all the fields are significant but the occupational accident , hazardous materials, discipline and responsibility have most agreement and equipment and fire have least agreement.
Technology-based learning environments
A. Navidi; F. Toisercani
Abstract
Abstract: In This study we investigate the mediating role of achievement goals and reflective thinking in relation between classroom environment and performance. The data was collected from 500 girls who were studying in high school. This sample was selected by multistage cluster sampling. ...
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Abstract: In This study we investigate the mediating role of achievement goals and reflective thinking in relation between classroom environment and performance. The data was collected from 500 girls who were studying in high school. This sample was selected by multistage cluster sampling. Questionnaires have been administrated. academic performance was assessed by grades in mathematics. Data analysis indicated that the components of the classroom environment-involvement, student cohesiveness, task orientation- exerted direct and indirect influences on achievement goals, reflective thinking and student’s performance in mathematics. Findings evidently show that direct effect of students’ involvement on performance – approach goals is significant and involvement in assignment and class activity is a unique component which has a significant direct effect on math performance. Direct effect of cohesiveness on performance avoidance goals, task orientation on reflect and habitual act, mastery goals on understanding and critical thinking, performance approach on habitual act is significant. Totally, these results show that classroom environment- involvement component, cohesiveness and task orientation have direct and indirect effect on achievement goals, reflective thinking and student performance in mathematics. However we need further evidence to clarify some ambiguities.
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