e-learning
S. F. Noorani; M. Ahmadi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Moodle is a Learning Management System (LMS) that is designed and implemented to provide easy distance learning and e-learning and run any electronic and online learning program. This system is an open-source and can be used in any field of learning. Given the importance and ...
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Background and Objectives: Moodle is a Learning Management System (LMS) that is designed and implemented to provide easy distance learning and e-learning and run any electronic and online learning program. This system is an open-source and can be used in any field of learning. Given the importance and impact of collaborative learning as an educational paradigm, Moodle has provided tools such as wikis, workshops, and forums to provide an environment of collaborative interaction. Peer learning is a form of collaborative learning in which socially equal learners teach and learn from each other. In this paper, we applied Game Theory to design and implement a mechanism to design and run a peer learning environment in Moodle. The proposed mechanism is called GT-Moodle which uses forum tools in the Moodle environment and Prisoner's Dilemma - one of the most famous games in Game Theory- to create a peer learning environment to increase the learners’ motivation in the process of learning. By investigating the education-oriented research conducted in the field of Game Theory, it was found that these research studies have modeled the interaction of teacher/teacher, teacher/learner, learner/learner, and employee/learner. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to apply the Game Theory in order to create a peer-learning space in a Moodle environment. The space and conditions of the Prisoner’s Dilemma is very similar to those of the peer learning environment. Like Prisoner’s Dilemma in which the cooperation and participation of both players bring more achievement than lack of cooperation and enmity of both of them, in peer learning, the effort and cooperation of both learners in the activities designed for learning lead to more educational achievement and learning for both of the learners. More cooperation in peer learning increases the learning improvement that is the main goal of the GT-Moodle mechanism.Methods: The present research is applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive in terms of data collection and analysis, and quasi-experimental in terms of implementation using post-test design with control and experimental groups. To evaluate, 26 students of discrete mathematics in computer engineering were randomly selected as the experimental group and 27 students were selected as the control group. The GT-Moodle mechanism uses Forum to group and define group activities. This mechanism was performed in several different sessions of the course on the test group and finally, the results of a post-test on the control and test groups were used to evaluate the effect of the proposed GT-Moodle mechanism.Findings: Using the Mann-Whitney U independent group test, the post-test scores of the test group and the control group were compared. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a p-value=0.000<0.05 meaning that there is a significant difference between the mean rank of the experimental and control groups at the level of 5%. Also, the mean rank of the experimental group was 35.31 which is higher than the mean rank of the control group with a value of 19. This indicates a positive effect for the proposed mechanism in this study (GT-Moodle) on learning enhancement.Conclusion: The results of this research can be used and implemented by any educational institution that is going to use peer learning to create a productive learning environment. Since the current Moodle's tools have been used in the design of the proposed mechanism, its implementation does not require additional skills other than those of working with the Moodle, and any instructor with the knowledge of using the Moodle space can easily use the GT-Moodle mechanism.
e-learning
R. Nejati
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the past decades, online education as a variety of distance education has drawn the attention of administrators, instructors and students. Amid Covid-19 pandemic, online education has become an inevitable necessity. Students’ engagement in such classes may influence ...
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Background and Objectives: In the past decades, online education as a variety of distance education has drawn the attention of administrators, instructors and students. Amid Covid-19 pandemic, online education has become an inevitable necessity. Students’ engagement in such classes may influence learning and achievement. Engagement refers to the efforts put forward by the students in the process of learning. Educators believe that the components of engagement are interaction between students, content of the course, classmates and instructors in order to gain desired achievement (good scores and academic satisfaction). They also hold that engagement is a prerequisite and a factor for enduring learning. There is research evidence that student engagement is a strong predictor of achievement. A profile of students’ achievement and engagement is presented. In the present study, the relationship between engagement and achievement in online classes was examined.Methods: The study was a correlational one designed to answer the research question through the Online Student Engagement Scale developed by Dixon and a researcher-made achievement test. The questionnaire includes four dimensions and 19 items on a seven-point Likert scale developed in 2015. The dimensions are: skills, emotions, engagement and performance. The researcher could not locate any record of this scale in Iranian scientific journals. Hence, he had to translate it into Persian. Back translation was done by a university professor. The questionnaire had been adapted with Google Form and delivered to 297 students of general English courses through a university LMS in 2020. The students were required to fill out the forms on a seven-point bases. Two-hundred and six students returned the questionnaire, 22 of which had to be discarded because there were traces of inattention in the forms, e.g., some of the students had chosen a certain or every other one option for all items. There were clearly discernable patterns in these 22 forms. The remaining 184 responses and their corresponding test scores were put to statistical analysis. The questionnaire was posted to the students through the LMS. The second instrument of this study was a test of reading comprehension developed by the researcher. The test was developed on the basis of theories of reading. However, to establish its content and theoretical validity it was submitted to a panel of five instructors of English. The test included 40 items. It was administered as the final exam through the university LMS.Findings: The results analyzed through one-sample t-test revealed that students’ achievement and engagement level is satisfactory. Quantile regression showed that there was a significant relationship between engagement and achievement of high achievers. However, bivariate correlation could not locate any statistically significant relationship between engagement and achievement of average students. The findings are in contrast with research findings in other countries. Different explanations may account for this contrast, e.g., online education for the participants of this study was not optional. Hence, the students might not be motivated for learning. They might lack necessary skills and instruments for this mode of education. As a consequence, they might have developed some sort of stress resulting in lack of academic satisfaction, self-esteem, and underestimation. However, students’ level of engagement perception was satisfactory. It needs to be stated that no report of a similar research was located in Iran.Conclusions: The present study aimed at finding the relationship between engagement and achievement in online English classes. The theory of engagement holds true for high achievers but not for average or low achievers. In order to assess students’ engagement, a self-report questionnaire was used. Researchers are well aware of the fact that this method of data collection is open to measurement error.
e-learning
N. Tahmasbipour; F. Hamidi; Z. Kazemi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using the electronic content of mathematics course on self-Regulatory learning and academic achievement of students studying at the 9th grade.Methods: The method used in this study was semi-experimental, using ...
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Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using the electronic content of mathematics course on self-Regulatory learning and academic achievement of students studying at the 9th grade.Methods: The method used in this study was semi-experimental, using pre-test and post-test with a control group. Moreover, the statistical population of this study was comprised of the students studying at Parvin Etesami school of Aligudarz city in the academic year of 2018-2019. The sample size included 40 students who were selected by available sampling method from the third grade of junior high school. 20 people were selected as the experimental group and 20 people were selected as the control group. The experimental group was exposed to ten one-hour sessions of electronic teaching of the course of mathematics. Before conducting this study and after the end of the group teaching sessions, the Beaufort self-regulation questionnaire and the researcher-made questionnaire were administered on the students to determine the score of academic achievement in mathematics.Findings: The results showed that as compared to the students in the control group who did not receive this program, teaching the experimental group that received this program by using the electronic content had a significant impact leading to an increase in the self-regulation learning and academic achievement of the students in the experimental group in the course of mathematics (F=14/114, P<0.01)In other words, after adjusting the pre-test scores, the factor had a significant effect on the items being tested between the two groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that using electronic content is effective on the cognitive self-regulation of the students at 9th grade. The effect of using the electronic content on cognitive self-regulation was 27.6 percent.Conclusions: The students received appropriate feedback in this teaching method and benefitting from optimal approaches, they used the time they needed for the process of learning mathematics. On the other hand, paying attention to various audio, video, graphics and animation, and multimedia software potentials stimulates multiple senses at the same time, enabling students to perceive the math content in a more attractive, varied and comprehensive way as well as increasing their educational motivation in order to learn and understand mathematics more appropriately .The use of self-regulation technique in the context of multimedia tools strengthens data processing, facilitates the timely and appropriate application of these tools, enhances perceptual processes, simplifies cognitive situations, facilitates the problem-solving programs, increases self-regulation and the feeling of self-sufficiency, and enhances the amount of concentration and consciousness; or in other words, it causes a higher self-regulation in the process of learning. The conditions that are created in the path of teaching and learning and also in a long period of time are almost constant and generally stable.
e-learning
S. M. Seyedaliyan; K. Salehi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Knowledge and skill in mathematics are considered as one of the most essential individual skills for living in modern societies. For this reason, mathematics is seen as a major discipline in education. One of the problems in the field of education today is the decrease in students' ...
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Background and Objectives: Knowledge and skill in mathematics are considered as one of the most essential individual skills for living in modern societies. For this reason, mathematics is seen as a major discipline in education. One of the problems in the field of education today is the decrease in students' interest in learning, especially in subjects such as mathematics. Despite its wide range of applications, mathematics and mathematical thinking are considered as complex around the world, and teaching mathematics is often a difficult task. Many students avoid mathematics or show their true ability in mathematics less than usual, so the study of factors affecting the learning of mathematics in recent decades has attracted the attention of many experts and educators. Due to the lack of studies in our country Iran and the importance of educational materials and their effects, making a comparison between traditional teaching method and the method based on the use of technology and teaching aids was necessary to examine its impact on improving the learning of math students in high school. Therefore, the main hypothesis of this study is based on the principle that the use of teaching aids is effective in learning mathematics better.Methods: For this purpose, a study with a quantitative approach, using quasi-experimental method and pre-test-post-test design with a control group was used. The statistical population includes all high school students in Mahdi Shahr city from Semnan province .Thrity-three female students in grade 12 whose field of study was mathematics were selected and assigned randomly into two experimental and controlled groups. Data collection was done using a teacher-made achievement test with validity and reliability considerations. After validation of the intervention protocol, the training program was performed on the experimental group in 12 sessions of 2 hours per week using teaching aids.Findings: Multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA & ANCOVA) were used to analyze the data. The results showed that teaching mathematics with the help of teaching aids and using information technology had a significant effect on students' learning rate. The groups were almost identical before applying the independent variable, but after the experimental period, there was a significant difference between their scores which could be related to the teaching method (p<0.05). The squared value of the obtained ETA shows that 71% of the variance of the dependent variable is derived from the independent variable. Supplementary studies showed that at the level of individual courses, the difference related to the topics of conic sections and circles is significant (p < 0.01). This means that the post-test scores of conical and circular sections in the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group, which indicates the positive effect of the intervention program. Also, according to the ETA squared scores, it can be said that in the test of conical sections 29% and in the test of circle 66% of the changes are due to the effect of the teaching program with the help of teaching aids and information technology.Conclusions: Overall, the findings showed that teaching with the help of ICTs can improve the learning process and achievement in mathematics by facilitating the transfer of lessons, improving the learning process and its sustainability, enhancing learning motivation, improving the grades and problem-solving skills. This program can be used as a useful and effective intervention for improving the learning of mathematics.
e-learning
S. Hamedinasab; M. Ayati; M. Rostaminejad; F. Seraji
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years, social networking sites and software have become one of the most influential phenomena among new technologies. Student-teacher learning and their professional development also take place in this context, both formally and informally. In this regard, the purpose ...
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Background and Objectives: In recent years, social networking sites and software have become one of the most influential phenomena among new technologies. Student-teacher learning and their professional development also take place in this context, both formally and informally. In this regard, the purpose of the present study is to design a curriculum model for the use of informal learning based on Authorized social networks to develop the student-teacher profession.Methods: The method of this research was done with a multi-method approach. To design the above model, the grounded theory method was first used. Participants in this study were all primary school teachers in Farhan Gian University of South Khorasan in 2018-2019. Based on purposive sampling with semi-structured interviews, until the theoretical saturation of the data, 15 of these students were interviewed. To analyze the data, using the dimension analysis approach and during the open, pivotal and selective coding steps, the existing model of informal learning based on student-teacher social networks was extracted for their professional development. To obtain the validity and verifiability of the data, two methods of reviewing the participants and reviewing the non-participating experts in the research were used. In the end, with the theoretical research method and based on previous findings, at first, the nine elements of Klein were the basis of the work and based on it, the desired model was designed. In the next step, the basic concepts or the same characteristics of the curriculum elements and structural concepts, which are in fact the same as identifying the relationship between these elements, were identified. Finally, the model presented by the experts was validated.Findings: Findings showed that goals in unpredictable social networks are flexible and continuous, which have the property of snowballs and should be validated. Content on social media requires features such as; be in tune with the audience, pave the way for critical thinking, action and screening. Learning activities; They create self-sufficiency and belonging, satisfy desires, motivate and lay the groundwork for individual and group education. Materials and resources; Diverse, easy to access, fluid and interactive. Learner grouping; It is non-linear, optional and based on extensive collaboration and online responsiveness. Also, on social media; Enough time to reflect on the answer, the possibility of communicating with communication nodes at any time, the possibility of wasting useful time with attractive content and achieving a large amount of information in a short time. In addition, access to information and educational resources is available everywhere, and the place of learning is the creator of opportunities and is based on ecology and interactive communication. Teaching strategies; Problem-oriented, interactive, based on inclusive buoyancy and with flexible instructor guidance. Evaluation methods; It is quality-oriented, process-oriented, self-assessing, continuous and based on instant feedback. The findings also showed that most experts confirmed the validity of the model in the criteria of validity, coherence, perceptibility, innovation, usability, acceptability and comprehensiveness.Conclusion: Due to the characteristics of social network-based curriculum elements, curriculum planners are suggested to use the coordinates of these elements to design a curriculum based on social networks in order to achieve the development of student-teacher careers. It is also suggested that Farhangian University provides the necessary infrastructure for the purposeful use of social networks for the development of student-teacher professions.
e-learning
A. Habibi Azar; J. Keyhan; B. Talebi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Qualified and experienced teachers with high professional and educational ability are very necessary and vital for quality education. In this regard, professional development programs with lifelong and continuous training courses in various formats, including in-service training ...
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Background and Objectives: Qualified and experienced teachers with high professional and educational ability are very necessary and vital for quality education. In this regard, professional development programs with lifelong and continuous training courses in various formats, including in-service training courses, are held for teachers. Despite the importance of these courses, a review of the findings of many studies suggests that in-service education courses were not so effective for many teachers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges of holding in-service training courses in education from the teachers’ perspectives.Materials and Methods: The method of the present study is qualitative with a phenomenological approach in terms of lived experiences. The participants of the present study were all teachers working in West Azerbaijan Province. The research sample was selected by using non-probability purposeful sampling method with considering the criteria such as teachers' reputation, obtaining technology-related rewards in provincial or national festivals, and teaching experience of technology training courses in the Department of Education. The sample size was determined by considering the theoretical saturation rule. In order to receive the feedback of adequacy and theoretical saturation, after each interview, the data were immediately transcribed, handwritten, and encoded. After 22 interviews (13 women and 9 men), the data reached the theoretical saturation. The data collection method was the semi-structured interview. Two techniques of voice recording and note-taking (with the emphasis laid on voice recording) were used for data collection method. To analyze the data and extract the main themes, the content analysis approach was performed based on the four-step approach of Giorgi (1970) in the platform of MAXQDA10 software.Findings: The findings showed that the challenges of holding in-service courses can be classified and presented in four themes or main challenges which are: 1) Motivation of the teachers for active and purposeful participation in the courses (including subcategories of internal challenges and external challenges); 2) the quality of and the method of holding the courses (including subcategories of lack of attention to the thematic nature of the courses, and lack of attention to the required infrastructure); 3) the Continuity (thematic and temporal) in holding the courses (including subcategories of lack of continuity of thematic hierarchy and lack of time continuity in holding the courses); and 4) adapting the content of the courses to the needs of the teachers (including lack of need-oriented courses, lack of attention to the proportion of the prerequisite knowledge of the teachers to participate in the courses and lack of specialized courses).Conclusions: Comsidering that like other government organizations, holding in-service training courses for the teachers is mandatory in the Education Organization, it is assumed that holding such courses is somehow ‘fulfilling a duty’without paying attention to the ‘effectiveness’ of the courses. Therefore, it is cocluded that the first challenge should be lack of teachers’ motivation in participating in such courses. The second challenge is that since the required infrastructures for holding such courses are not provided, thus the courses lack the required effectiveness. The third challenge is that since in-service training courses are not held continuously, both thematically and temporally, therefore, despite spending a large amount of costs, their effectiveness is not evident. According to fourth challenge, since the prerequisite of ‘participation in the course’ and ‘determining the level of the teachers’ are not observed, thus, the content of the courses is not regulated with respect to the development of the professional skills of the teacher. Therefore, it is suggested that for holding such courses, first the assessment of needs and prerequisites of the courses should be formulated, the teachers should be graded, the required prerequisites for such courses should be provided. Considering the sequence of the topics, the courses
e-learning
E. Masoumi; M. Salehi; M. Taghvaeeyazdi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Today, given the capacity of developing economies, technological startups as start-up businesses play an important and considerable role, especially in the field of entrepreneurship. However, due to the lack of suitable platforms, both from the social perspective in terms of ...
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Background and Objectives: Today, given the capacity of developing economies, technological startups as start-up businesses play an important and considerable role, especially in the field of entrepreneurship. However, due to the lack of suitable platforms, both from the social perspective in terms of education and culture as well as from the economic perspective, they have many risks and this causes a lot of startups to have trouble in their commercialization process and eventually fail. Using entrepreneurial ecosystems at the university level is one of the approaches to effective development of startups, especially technological startups, which can provide the possibility of their effective development by recognizing the needs of the target market and considering the level of individual and collective capabilities of entrepreneurs and creating a balance between them. Thereofre, the purpose of this research is to develop university entrepreneurship ecosystems based on strengthening startups through rough set theories.Methods: The methodology of this research is hybrid and to perform it, Meta-analyses, delphi and Rough Set Collection have been used. The target population in the qualitative sector comprised of similar research studies and academic experts at the entrepreneurial level. But the target population in the quantitative sector comprised of 20 managers and deputies at various academic levels in the Golestan province. Considering the requirement of using Rough theory analysis, this amount of the statistical population is acceptable.Findings: In this study, first by screening the selected studies, 9 propositions for strengthening startups and 5 components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem at the university level were determined. Due to the confirmation of the theoretical adequacy limit based on Delphi analysis, they entered the analysis phase of Rough Set Theory. The findings in this section make it clear that the most influential propositions for strengthening startups are the existence of technological needs and the formulation of appropriate strategies. For their development in terms of entrepreneurship ecosystems at the university level, two educational / research and innovative functions should be considered as a platform for the development of startups.Conclusion: The entrepreneurs operating in the form of technological startups need to obtain the reuired data for the development of their business through collecting ecological information and paying attention to social approaches so that they can meet the technological demands by selecting a codified strategy in this area. Moreover, based on Gery Vikor’s analysis it was determined that the most influentiasl role of the university as entrepreneurship ecology is strengthening the level of educational and research functions. This means that it is necessary for the university to lead the educational level and the promotion of scientific research in the direction of entrepreneurship in the form of entrepreneurial policies announced by the president’s deputy for technology and information. As a result, the university can be turned into a platform for the formation and flourishing of entrepreneurial ideas in the form of startups. In other words, the university can be effective in creating knowledge and developing capability and specialized entrepreneurial skills and cause the individuals to obtain appropriate entrepreneurial skills in the areas of enhancing their knowledge to start their own startup business. In fact, this finding reveals that in line with its defined nature and philosophy, the university should have educational and research functions that are aimed at the formation of entrepreneurial approaches especially in higher education levels and just avoid the development of theories that are impractical. The philosophy of the existence of entrepreneurial ecosystems at the university level means that for this purpose the students’ level of knowledge can be developed and improved so that as an entrepreneurer, they can play a considerable role in today’s unstable economic environment.
e-learning
M. Nowkarizi; F. Taghipanahi; M. H. Dayyani
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Users’ change approach from traditional methods to the use of social network sites, capacities for searching information and reaching ii including the educational content, have attracted the attention of numerous of studies in Human and Information Interaction. Also, ...
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Background and Objectives: Users’ change approach from traditional methods to the use of social network sites, capacities for searching information and reaching ii including the educational content, have attracted the attention of numerous of studies in Human and Information Interaction. Also, availability, usability, audience attraction ability, and capacity of creating useful, customized and variable content have provided new opportunities in creating and distributing educational content on Instagram, one of the social media platforms that has the majority of the users in Iran. This study completed with mission of discovery and knowing the success components in creating and sharing educational content. The objectives of the study are analyzing successful experiences in producing and sharing information, drawing themes network of shared information, using of metadata for improving findability, and realizing factors affected in user acceptance in these pagesMethods: This research was carried out following qualitative research design with exploratory approach and thematic analysis. Thirty educational pages on Instagram have been selected based on competitive benchmarking, one of the research approaches in Information Architecture area. For research validity and reliability, the researchers used triangulation method. Data analyzed by Maxqda Pro 12.3 software. The research has done in the framework of Rosenfeld and Morville Information Architecture and in three dimensions: context, user and content. In the context dimension, the theory of use and gratification was used for examining the goals and motivations of information sharing. In the content dimension, the social tagging behavior was examined for investigating information findability behavior; also, the image characteristics have been examined the most liked posts, using theories of user engagement and optimal experience. In user dimension, the study investigated success components in content creating and successful content creators’ attributes. For this, the study analyzed user’s feedback in comments section and content creators and experts’ opinions.Findings: The results showed that various components have contributed search optimization and findability. In context dimension, it showed that users had followed the goals of informing and awareness along with achieving economic goals, personal interest, interpersonal benefits, status, social status, and social interaction. In the content dimension and findability and examining the social tagging behavior, it was found that content creators had a definite constant policy on the use of hashtag. They had assigned subject and related hashtags, also they had used exclusive hashtags for the personalization and branding. They had utilized more subject, common and exclusive hashtags to content and less emphasizing and critical hashtags. The type of tags assigned to content was depended on the context of the pages. Also, the findings showed that 76 percent of the hashtags were consistent with the main subject of the shared content. Additionally, it was showed that image characteristics on the most liked posts were the human image, outstanding artistic, scientific and literary characters and nature and the themes of family, love, and religion on these posts. 80 percent of the most liked posts were dedicated to the main theme of the pages. The components of the success of content acceptance by users included quality, awareness, credibility, value-added, specialized, motivational, entertaining, unique, relevant, realistic, up-to-date, and creative, executable, sharable, and personalized. Being committed, creativity, credibility, expertise, distinct identity, generosity and avoidance of copying, criticality, having intelligent behavior, patience and tolerate, a strong spirit of cooperation and communication, familiarity with analytical tools of information platform, and alignment with developments and updates were also components of the successful content creators.Conclusion: The results of the research showed that successful experiments in three dimensions of context, content, and user, used specific features and components that could be a good model for content creators on this network. These components were using suitable inclusion of subject and exclusive hashtags; recommendation technique; information about author identity and expertise, contact information, valued followers, followers’ number, presence on other platforms, consistent themes in profile information; aesthetic, positive affect, quality, relevance, using of image characteristics, inspiring, Informing, realistic, relevance, unique, entertaining content and some others.
e-learning
S. Niyaie; A. Imanzadeh; Sh. Vahedi
Abstract
flipped teaching method. The goal of this study was determining the effect of flipped teaching on students' math anxiety and math performance. Methods: The statistical population of the study was comprised of all fifth grade female students in Marand City in the academic year of 1397-1398. The statistical ...
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flipped teaching method. The goal of this study was determining the effect of flipped teaching on students' math anxiety and math performance. Methods: The statistical population of the study was comprised of all fifth grade female students in Marand City in the academic year of 1397-1398. The statistical sample was targeted I such a way that from two neighboring schools (Atieh School and Rah-e Behesht School) in the same area of Marand City that were selected as a convenience sample. Rah-e Behesht School was selected as the school using the traditional teaching method and Atieh School was selected as the one using the flipped instruction. Rah-e Behesht School with 27 students was selected as the control group and Atieh School with 29 students was selected as the experimental group. Mathematical Anxiety Scale was used to measure math anxiety of the subjects. Moreover, to evaluate the performance of the mathematics course in the form of mathematical problems at different levels of cognitive domain, a researcher-made test with 20 questions that was approved by the experts in this field was used as the pre-test and post-test. Flipped teaching was used as four sessions per week of the fifth grade elementary math course in which two sessions per week were performed at home (during which learning occurred at home by using educational CDs prepared by the teacher) and two sessions per week were performed in the class during which activities were done. Findings: The results of the MANCOVA and t-test showed that the four dimensions of mathematical anxiety (including learning anxiety, problem solving anxiety, math teacher anxiety and math evaluation anxiety) decreased significantly in the class using the flipped teaching method as compared to the traditional class. The math performance of the flipped teaching was also increased compared to that of the traditional class. Conclusions: To explain the results, it can be said that the flipped class facilitates deep learning through learning activities in the classroom and increases the motivation of teachers and students and makes the classroom more attractive and communicative for them; thus, the students' self-confidence increases in learning math. In the flipped classroom, students experience different skills, such as open and closed questions, active listening, direct questions, addressing inconsistencies, as well as support and encouragement from the teacher which make the students capable of setting goals and solving problems. As a result, such students would have less anxiety in comparison to those who learn math in the traditional way. On the other hand, in this type of learning, more time can be spent in the classroom for thinking skills. Also, learners are more actively involved in learning and creating knowledge, and, at the same time, they are testing and evaluating their knowledge. The flipped classroom helps learners to gain a broad understanding of their learning styles and practices. Increasing teachers' knowledge in the area of flipped teaching and holding in-service courses for teachers, as well as providing flipped teaching information are among the practical suggestions of this article.
e-learning
R. Mohamadrezaei; R. Ravanmehr
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Many conventional e-Learning systems are based on static information and consider all learners the same, so they cannot meet their diverse needs and tastes. The main drawback of these systems is ignoring the previous interactions and interests of the learners. The e-learning ...
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Background and Objectives: Many conventional e-Learning systems are based on static information and consider all learners the same, so they cannot meet their diverse needs and tastes. The main drawback of these systems is ignoring the previous interactions and interests of the learners. The e-learning recommender systems have been introduced with the aim of overcoming these problems and offering the most suitable personalized courses to each learner. The goal of this article is to propose a trust-based e-learning recommender system using fuzzy clustering while taking into account the learners' previous interactions and interests. For this purpose, the weighted association rules and rank prediction were used to produce a candidate list of learning courses and reclassification of the candidate list to generate the final recommendations list. Methods: In this paper, a novel approach is proposed, which is based on combining the trust relationships among users and their common interests in order to calculate their similarities in an e-Learning recommender system while using fuzzy clustering and weighted association rules, which are aimed at recommending learning courses to the users. In the proposed method, after analyzing the similarities among users and constructing a trust matrix, the next stages are divided into two general phases: the clustering phase of the users and the phase of recommending suitable learning courses for the users. The clustering phase consists of two stages. In the first stage, the optimal number of clusters is obtained using the X-Means algorithm, and in the second stage, the fuzzy C-Means clustering is performed based on the number of clusters obtained. In the recommendation phase for the user, using the weighted association rules and the final clusters obtained for the users, the rank intended by the target user is predicted for each learning item according to the neighbors of the user’s cluster. Finally, based on the predicted rankings, N higher ranking course items are suggested as the target user's favorite items. Findings: Implementation and evaluation of the proposed method on the Moodle dataset demonstrate that with the reduction of the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), the accuracy of the proposed recommendations is increased, utilizing trust relationships, and the coverage rate of the users and ranks has increased, using fuzzy clustering and weighted association rules, respectively, as compared with the other existing methods. These findings result from employing the fuzzy clustering of users based on their interests and the trust relationships among them, which make it possible for each user to join several clusters with different degrees of membership. Moreover, in utilizing weighted association rules, the association rules that are most compatible with the courses taken by the user are selected. Rules selection scores are calculated on the basis of not only the reliability factors but also a combination of the reliability factors and the user’s interest in learning courses. Conclusions: Utilizing the criterion of trust among users increases the accuracy in choosing neighbors and limits the users' harmful effects and invalid opinions, which will ultimately lead to more accurate recommendations. Also, according to the fuzzy clustering of users, the prediction of the rating of different learning courses is done only based on the neighbors existing in the clusters of the target user. As a result, it will perform more efficiently for the massive volume of information available in an e-Learning system and it shall reduce the problem of data sparsity.
e-learning
D. Rahimi Kinchaa; A Abbaspour; M. Taheri; E. Zaraii Zavaraki; A. Khorsandi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The professional development of the faculty members of universities and higher education institutions is the key to improving the quality of higher education. If the faculty members have the desired level of professional growth and development, then it can be expected that ...
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Background and Objectives: The professional development of the faculty members of universities and higher education institutions is the key to improving the quality of higher education. If the faculty members have the desired level of professional growth and development, then it can be expected that the other resources of the university will be used well and continuous quality improvement will occur in various activities and missions of the university. Over the past few years, online education has received increasing attention in higher education. Numerous aspects of university education, such as staff training, curriculum and professional development have been influenced by online learning processes. In this situation, most universities and higher education institutions have moved towards offering online courses. With the development of online education, the need of the faculty members to develop and teach online courses increases. It is, therefore, essential that the methods to improve the professional development of faculty members who teach online courses can be identified and used. Preparing and providing online courses for university professors can be very different from the traditional face-to-face teaching models. University professors need to change the way content is presented through the curriculum and the type of students’ assignments. To provide effective online courses, empowerment and professional development of faculty members who teach in these courses are of particular importance. Providing and implementing continuous professional development programs for faculty members help to improve the quality of online education. The aim of this study was to investigate the needs and challenges of the professional development of the faculty members of Allameh Tabataba'i University in online teaching and the relationship between demographic characteristics of professors and their needs and challenges in online teaching. Methods: This research was conducted quantitatively, using the descriptive-analytic technique. The research population included the faculty members of Allameh Tabataba'i University, 113 of whom were selected from 10 different faculties in an accessible basis. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. Its validity was determined by experts and its reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha 0.849. Findings: The results of this study showed that there is a significant difference between the age, academic status, and years of teaching experience of the faculty members on the one hand, and their needs and challenges in online teaching, on the other hand. Moreover, no meaningful relationship was found between the gender, years of online teaching experience of the faculty members, on the one hand, and their needs and challenges in online teaching, on the other hand. These challenges were categorized under three general components: the use of technology, attitude to online teaching, and administrative support. Conclusion: Regarding the needs and challenges of professional development of faculty members in online teachingthe needs and challenges of faculty members in relation to online teaching can be determined by using literature review and concerns-based adoption model. To ensure the successful implementation of online teaching, the professional development challenges of the faculty members who are teaching online should be considered and examined. Based on the findings of this research, from the perspective of the faculty members, the use of technology, the attitudes to online teaching, and administrative support, respectively, have priority in determining the needs and challenges of the faculty members in online teaching.
e-learning
M.S. Ghoraishi khorasgani; M.S. Karimi Mehrabadi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: MOOCs as a form of e-learning, with their great potential and capacity in learning and teaching, can meet different needs of a diverse group of learners. Therefore, universities can utilize it as an effective educational tool in their educational and research courses and help ...
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Background and Objectives: MOOCs as a form of e-learning, with their great potential and capacity in learning and teaching, can meet different needs of a diverse group of learners. Therefore, universities can utilize it as an effective educational tool in their educational and research courses and help improve the quality of their education. Faculty members are among the most important pillars of the university and, accordingly, they play a major role in knowledge transfer and learning; therefore, it is necessary for faculty members to be aware of the latest methods of teaching such as MOOCs as well as knowledge acquisition and information literacy in this field. As a result, the present study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the MOOC-based information literacy of the faculty members of Al-Zahra University. Methods: The research approach used for the study is quantitative; the method is of descriptive-survey type, with a practical purpose. The research population includes the faculty members of Al-Zahra University. Through quota stratified sampling and based on Morgan table, among the 381 faculty members, 181 individuals were selected as the research sample. To collect data, based on the theoretical foundations and research background, a researcher-made questionnaire was developed with a five-point Likert scale (very high, high, medium, low and very low). In order to measure the validity of the questionnaire, the views of experts on new teaching methods and new approaches to teaching and learning were applied. The reliability coefficient of the data was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, with the obtained value of 0.97 which indicates the high reliability of the devised questionnaires. To analyze the data, SPSS 22, one-group t-tests, Friedman and multivariate analysis of variance were used. Findings: The findings indicate that from the participants' point of view, in the components of ‘knowledge’ (1.54), ‘preparation’ (1.53) and ‘analysis / implementation of the course’ (1.61), ‘evaluation’ (1.74), ‘review’ (1.78), ‘optimization’ (1.76) and, in general, the information literacy status of the faculty members based on MOOC (1.66) are rated below the average. The components are prioritized as ‘optimization’, ‘review’, ‘evaluation’, ‘analysis/course implementation’, ‘preparation’ and ‘knowledge’, respectively. Accordingly, ‘optimization’ (3.74) is in the best and ‘knowledge’ (3.25) is in the worst condition. In addition, among the views of the research participants on the ‘gap of information literacy of the faculty members towards the MOOCs’, there is no significant difference among the distinguishing indicators, such as ‘history, gender, academic status, age, and department’. Conclusion: The results of this research show that MOOC-based information literacy is low among university faculty members and their knowledge and awareness of the MOOCs is very low. Lack of up-to-date faculty members, lack of various trainings, such as holding workshops, conferences, specialized meetings in the field of MOOCs, inattention and lack of emphasis laid by higher education institutions on the need to use new teaching methods by the universities, lack of attention to practical skills and familiarity with new teaching approaches in the world as a qualifying feature in employing the faculty members, lack of approval and demand of students from the faculty members to use the MOOCs in their teaching-learning approaches and the dominance of the traditional approach to teaching in the universities can be enumerated as the reasons for the results of the study.
e-learning
N. Alipour; D. Noroozi; M. Nourian
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is the systematic study of the characteristics of an e-learning environment that is considered from all aspects in the teaching-learning process in the curriculum and its practical implementation. Learning environment means the space in which the most ...
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Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is the systematic study of the characteristics of an e-learning environment that is considered from all aspects in the teaching-learning process in the curriculum and its practical implementation. Learning environment means the space in which the most important aspects of educational activities and learner interaction with the teacher take place. This environment is influenced by culture, tradition, technology and richness in design and construction. Learning environment can refer to an educational approach, cultural context or physical environment in which teaching and learning take place. E-learning is a creative approach to convey insights, skills, and information designed for a specific purpose. It is learner-oriented, interactive, flexible, expandable and innovative produced using the achievements of digital technology; and they are transmitted through network infrastructure and the Internet. Methods: The research approach is qualitative using content analysis. To achieve the above explanation, the synthesis research method has been used. To find the features and components of the learning environment, the recent studies have been systematically selected, content analyzed, screened and categorized. The study population is comprised of the research conducted from 2000 to 2020 during which classification and screening have been done through content revision, and about 97 studies that were appropriate and met the required criteria were purposefully selected. First, with the performed analyses, coding and classification were performed and patterns, theoretical bases, and main themes were extracted. Nvivo-8 software was used to analyze the data by open and axial coding method. Findings: Using content analysis, 29 subcategories were identified and the components of e-learning environment that were extracted using content analysis in 7 dimensions include: the learner, the teacher, curriculum approaches, the teaching-learning process, the teaching content, the physics of e-learning environment and evaluation. To assess the validity and reliability of the coding, the trust feature was used. it includes four criteria, namely reliability (the degree of belief in research findings), confirmability (the ability to identify the place from which the data of a particular study has come) and verifiability (the findings are practically based on the data) and transferability (the results of a qualitative study can be transferred to a different environment) Conclusion: By classifying the sub-components, the main components were extracted and the conceptual model was designed. The learner dimension with six subcategories includes the learner’s individual characteristics, cultural considerations, the learners’ relationship with each other, the learner-teacher relationship, the learners’ presuppositions, the learners’ interaction with the environmental physics. The curriculum approaches include 5 subcategories, i.e., the learner-centered process, the social approach to education, the behavioral approach, the constructivist approach, and the constructivist approach. The teacher dimension with four subcategories includes the teacher competence, the interactive relationship with the learner, the teacher’s experiences. The teacher’s relationship with school authorities and the teaching-learning process with four subcategories include teaching and learning methods, curriculum planning, participatory learning strategies, the learner’s motivation. The educational content dimension with two subcategories includes content selection, the teaching aid materials and media. The physical dimension of the learning environment with four subcategories includes the physical environment, the environment layout, lighting, location, sound, safety in the learning environment. The evaluation dimension with four subcategories includes self-evaluation, homework, the teacher observation, the criteria in evaluation. Despite many efforts that have been made to achieve the goals of a national curriculum, there is no special design for the e-learning environment. Therefore, according to the model proposed in this research, the components of the model can be considered and the e-learning environment can be designed according to the curriculum approach.
e-learning
M. Jafarabadi Ashtiyani; M. Nugmonov
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Since the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an efficient, well-accepted, learner-centered method in which the learner is active in the whole process of teaching and learning, it is a suitable method for teaching mathematical concepts. Nevertheless, the researchers have pointed ...
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Background and Objectives: Since the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an efficient, well-accepted, learner-centered method in which the learner is active in the whole process of teaching and learning, it is a suitable method for teaching mathematical concepts. Nevertheless, the researchers have pointed out that the implementation of the PBL method in the traditional way faces serious limitations, such as shortage of financial resources, lack of time, and skilled educators. Therefore, implementing this method to benefit from the existing facilities in the electronic space including writing tools, access to shared resources, discussion and exchange of ideas among students, and sharing opinions and ideas is an undeniable necessity. The main purpose of the present study is designing a new software program based on problem-based learning (named as Facilitator Software) and investigating the effect of this software on the mathematical performance of third-grade high school students. The Facilitator Software was designed and implemented by consultation with a team of educational and mathematical technology experts to learn some of the mathematics topics of third-grade high school. This software provides an appropriate method for teaching mathematical concepts in electronic environments (e-environments) which results in increasing the students' activity in mathematics, saving time and educational expenses and providing an opportunity to take ongoing written examinations for students and online self-assessment in e-environments. Methods: The study was conducted by a random sampling method based on the pretest-posttest with a control group. As a result, two researcher-made mathematics pre-test and post-test were devised in the form of eight questions, each of which had 20 marks, from mathematics textbook of the third grade high school. Data collection was done using a teacher-made achievement test, with validity and reliability considerations. The content validity of the researcher-made mathematics tests was examined and verified by the Lawshe method. In addition, to evaluate the reliability of the mathematics tests, the split-half method was used. For this purpose, statistical software was used to examine and measure the reliability, based on the split-half reliability coefficient and, finally, for the mathematics tests, reliability was found to be 0.78. Participants in this study were 65 male and female students in the third-grade of two public high schools in Tehran. Based on simple random sampling, the Cochran formula, 32 students were selected as the experimental group and 31 students were chosen as the control group from one high school and in the same way, 33 students were selected as the experimental group and 30 students were chosen as the control group from another high school. The traditional method was used in the experimental groups and in the control groups the Facilitator Software was used to teach mathematical concepts. The data were then collected through mathematical tests and analyzed by exerting analysis of variance and post hoc tests. Findings: The results showed that there is a significant difference between the average scores of the control groups and those of the experimental groups in their post-test results. The average scores of the post-test for the experimental groups were higher than those of the post-test for the two control groups. Conclusion: On the whole, the findings showed that the idea of designing and using the Facilitator Foftware with emphasis on BPL in teaching mathematics has been successful and this software had a positive effect on the mathematical performance of the third grade high school students.
e-learning
E. Jafari; N. Homayooni Bakhshayesh; J. Alamolhoda
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, virtual education has become one of the most important applications of information and communication technologies in the world and extensive activities have been started in this field. This can be one of the favorite options to fill the educational gaps, in the unavailability ...
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Background and Objectives: Nowadays, virtual education has become one of the most important applications of information and communication technologies in the world and extensive activities have been started in this field. This can be one of the favorite options to fill the educational gaps, in the unavailability of face to face education and eventually leading to the promotion of educational justice for people in rural and remote areas. The aim of this study was determing whether those who were the target audience for this form of education have perceived it as a fair experience. To be more precise, which part of this type of education has led to a feeling of justice in these individuals and which part has led to a significant feeling of injustice in their experiences. In short, the aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of virtual students of Tehran’s comprehensive universities of the state of educational justice in virtual education in order to determine its aspects and dimensions. Methods: This study was conducted as a qualitative research using the phenomenology method. One of the suitable cases to apply the phenomenological method is providing an answer to the following question: Is there any need to further clarify a specific phenomenon? The state of justice in virtual education has not yet been properly studied in any research; therefore, the researchers in the present study selected the above approach to study this issue. Based on its goal, in this study, standard sampling was used among virtual students who have experienced virtual courses of Tehran Comprehensive Universities (Amirkabir University, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran University of Science and Technology, K. N. Toosi University of Technology and Tehran University) and met the criteria for being included in this study. The sampling process continued until the data were saturated in 32 interviews. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. The interviews were analyzed using the Smith method. In order to confirm the validity and accuracy of the research, the reliability and verifiability of the data were examined. To ensure validity, the findings of this study were presented to the participants and they expressed their views to the researcher on the correspondence of the findings with their experiences; moreover, collaborative reflection on the emerged themes was conducted by the researcher. The researchers ensured the validity of this research by maintaining the documentation at all stages of the study. Due to ethical considerations, before starting the interview, the participants were informed of the goals and importance of the research and participated in the research with informed consent. Participants were also assured that their identity would be kept confidential during and after the study. Findings: The main question of this research was: What experiences do students have regarding justice and injustice in virtual education? In analyzing the interviews, the main concepts were extracted from the sentences expressed by the participants and were represented in a reduced conceptual form, resulting in 153 descriptive codes. In the next step, by reflecting on the descriptive codes, overlapping, similar, and related codes were identified. These concepts were integrated in the form of 20 interpretive codes based on commonalities, similarities and semantic overlaps. Finally, in the last step, the interpretive codes were reduced to 7 explanatory codes: students' equity with different characteristics (geographical condition, job status, and learning competence), students' equality in their interaction with professors (equality despite differences in appearance features and cultures), lack of real interactions (short and fragile interactions), content problems (non-practical content, lack of supervision in content development and lack of codified and specific planning in presenting courses), organizational misconceptions toward virtual students (having capitalistic attitude to students and not paying attention to students' real abilities), inequality in the use of facilities and costs (high educational costs and inequality in the use of facilities), and inequality in providing educational services (lack of appropriate organizational behavior patterns suitable for virtual teaching, low staff number to meet the educational needs of students, high number of students in classrooms and the use of inappropriate teachers for teaching). Conclusion: Justice and its realization has always been one of the main slogans in the field of education. Participants in the present study have sometimes focused on communication and sometimes focused on the facilities provided in the training process. If we take a general look at the themes obtained, we can divide them into two spectrums of justice and injustice although more examples have been found in the section on injustice. Another main conclusion that is drawn from the present study is the predominant link between the instances of justice and the inherent characteristics of virtual education and the predominant link between the instances of injustice in the way the virtual teaching is managed and lack of facilities appropriate for this form of education. Finally, it should be noted that due to the increasing use of virtual education and its fundamental difference from face-to-face education, ethical issues also appear differently in its process which require accurate recognition and study.
e-learning
Y. Sekhavat; F. Alizadeh; S. Roohi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Virtual Reality (VR) technology is an effective tool to teach various well-known skills and concepts. Teaching and integrating the traffic culture by using modern approaches is an essential fact to control and decrease the damages and costs caused by driving problems. In ...
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Background and Objectives: Virtual Reality (VR) technology is an effective tool to teach various well-known skills and concepts. Teaching and integrating the traffic culture by using modern approaches is an essential fact to control and decrease the damages and costs caused by driving problems. In the past few years, the element of virtual instructor has been added to the intelligent tutoring system to increase the interactivity and learning effectiveness of the learners. Teaching via an instructor or the so-called ‘video modeling’ which is part of multimedia teaching content is referred to as the teaching samples in which an instructor explains how to do something. Examining the effects of using an intelligent virtual instructor in educational multimedia content is one of the special fields of research in education and learning to which enough attention has not been paid . On the other hand, in recent years, using technology and modern approaches in the field of traffic educating has become very popular and various countries have made considerable investments in this area. Based on this issue, in this paper, with the development and testing of a simulator game of teaching traffic rules (traffic-sim) the effect of the presence of an intelligent virtual instructor on the improvement of the users’ learning efficiency as well as enhancing their sense of presence were studied. The goal of this study is determining the effect of the presence of the intelligent virtual instructors in teaching the traffic rules to the learners. We also aim to investigate to what extent the presence of the intelligent virtual instructors can enhance learning ability and the sense of presence in the learning scenarios. Methods: For this aim, to provide the educational content in a game, the ‘traffic-sim’ simulator was designed and implemented in two versions including with a virtual intelligent instructor (instructor-based) and without a virtual intelligent instructor (visual-text).Using a comprehensive user study, we evaluated and compared the sense of presence and performance of players in the instructor-based mode and without the virtual instructor mode. In order to test the objective variables, the statistical population of 20 students from Tabriz Islamic Art University was selected and assigned randomly to either control or experimental groups. The experimental and the control group were respectively trained using the instructor-based simulator and the visual-text-based simulator. Participants were asked to play the simulator while learning the traffic rules. To analyze the effect of the presence of virtual instructor on two variables, namely learning and sense of presence, the data regarding the number of the rules violated during playing the game and the results of the sense of presence questionnaire were used both for the experimental and the control groups, respectively. Findings:The analyses in two levels of descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test) confirm that the use of intelligent virtual instructor improves the users’ learning (M=5.00, SD=3.00, t(18) =0.043, p < 0.05) and enhances the sense of the presence in the participants (M=114, SD=6.00, t(18) =0.023, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, ‘traffic-sim’ simulator was designed and developed to teach the traffic rules. as a serious game to train individuals by scenarios related to the real-world traffic rules. We tested the impacts of intelligent virtual instructor attendance on enhancing users’ learning and their sense of presence. The results of data analysis showed that the presence of the virtual instructor can enhance the participants’ sense of presence while enhancing the efficiency of the process of learning traffic rules. Our findings reveal that the learners would try to choose safer strategies and improve their performance after they have made a mistake . Moreover, the presence of the virtual instructor would lead to social interactions between the user and the virtual instructor that can result in increasing the learners’ sense of presence. Based on the findings of the previous researchers and the present study, it can be concluded that the intervention of a virtual teaching factor can have a positive effect on learning as well as the sense of the learners’ presence in the process of driving traffic simulation. Therefore, virtual instructors can be used to improve the learning process in educational subjects.
e-learning
F. Seraji; R. Malmir; H. Abbasi kasani
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Users enter social networks with different motives and their participation in social networks is also different from each other. Having different goals and motives, teachers as users of social networks choose various ways to participate in these networks. So, laying emphasis ...
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Background and Objectives: Users enter social networks with different motives and their participation in social networks is also different from each other. Having different goals and motives, teachers as users of social networks choose various ways to participate in these networks. So, laying emphasis on the role of motivation in the ways teachers use social networks, the present study aims at identifying teachers’ motivation and the ways they use social networks. The specific objectives of this research are: 1. determining how virtual social networks are used by teachers who are actively using them. 2. Identifying the feedback of teachers in virtual social networks. Methods: The present research is done using qualitative research approach. The field of this research includes groups and forums of Iranian teachers’ social networks. In this research, 30 teachers who were active in social networks participated among whom 14 teachers were male and 16 teachers were female. All of these participants were managers of virtual channels and Various supergroups in social networks. They were selected using the logic of purposeful sampling and criterion-based method. The selection criterion was the record or history of the group or channel, the number of the followers and the number of the visitors. Also, the teachers who were selected for the interview in addition to this criterion, were selected in the field of e- content generation in virtual social networks by the Roshd center site as an active content generator. Every interviewee mentioned their views in answer to the interview questions for 40 to 45 minutes. To analyze data, the theme analysis method was used. In this method, first the concepts and codes are extracted from the interview text and then the status of each theme from the type of inclusive, organizing, and basic is determined in the network of themes. In this research, in order to perform this process, the following steps were taken: 1. Frist, with the frequent screening and active reading of the data, the search for the meaning and discovery of patterns began by using note-taking and punctuating the data (familiarity with the data). 2. After reading the data, the codes and concepts introducing the data were established (generating basic codes). 3. The identified codes were organized and transferred to certain themes (generating themes). 4. At this stage, the themes were named and reviewed as needed 5. The network of themes were generated to identify the basic, organizing and inclusive themes and the final report of the data was set. Findings: The findings showed that teachers benefit from social networks for personal purposes such as entertainment, access to the news and communication with friends, and for occupational purposes, such as professional development and interaction with colleagues. The teachers’ motives affect how they provide feedback and how they participate in the social networks. Teachers show various feedbacks and participation in the social media which can be classified into six levels of reasonable diffusing, liking, controlling, counselling, criticizing, and commenting. Conclusion: Levels of teachers’ participation in the social networks in terms of their professional development and occupational learning is of significance from the perspective that the more the participation of the teachers in social networks can be organized by using specific projects and programs, so that they can move away from weak interactions, such as diffusing, liking, and controlling towards counselling, criticizing, and reasoning, they can be more profoundly involved with their own occupational themes in the social networks and can benefit from any time, any place, and interactive potentials of this environment for their own professional development.
e-learning
F. Narenjithani; J. pourkarimi; S. Hejazi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: E-learning is the necessity of the information society and the main condition for achieving the goal of the Fourth National Development Plan (Knowledge-Based Development) which has paid special attention to the university activities while benefitting from the electronic learning ...
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Background and Objectives: E-learning is the necessity of the information society and the main condition for achieving the goal of the Fourth National Development Plan (Knowledge-Based Development) which has paid special attention to the university activities while benefitting from the electronic learning in higher education in order to provide equal education opportunities and increasing the coverage of the student population. Along with the development of e-learning at the level of universities and institutions of higher education, the issue of evaluating the e-learning system and justifying the implementation of programs and the need to meet the proper requirements and standards for designing, developing and implementing e-learning in higher education is important. Given that the structure of e- learning is complex and consists of various components, it is necessary to examine all these components to evaluate the e-learning system. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study to identify and introduce the main and practical indicators of evaluating the e-learning system so that they can be used for designing and developing appropriate frameworks and tools for evaluation of this system. Evaluation of the e-learning system provides the relevant staff and managers in higher education with the opportunity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this system and enhance the strengths or eliminate possible deficiencies and shortcomings. Methods: This research was an inquiry into the lived experiences of the faculty members of the University of Tehran in 2019 of evaluating the e-learning system. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the components of e-learning system evaluation in the University of Tehran by using qualitative methodology. The data of this research have been extracted through a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenological method and with semi-structured interview tools and the data have been analyzed through coding and categorization methods. Sampling in this study has been purposeful and standard and a total of 17 experts in the field of e-learning from Tehran University have participated in thestudy. The validity of qualitative data using four judgment criteria of Lincoln and Goba)1985( including validity or reliability, transferability verifiability or neutrality, and reliability or compatibility and reliability of qualitative data through recoding by the second encoder and the encoder himself has been confirmed. Findings: Based on the research findings, the factors related to the evaluation of e-learning system are classified into three dimensions of pedagogy, organization and technology which, on the whole has 17 components and 95 concepts. These components have been identified in the form of teacher, student, teaching assistant, teaching-learning process, content, evaluation, support services, interaction, education and empowerment system, motivation system, university goals and strategies, knowledge management system, culture, physical resources, software, hardware and infrastructure. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study indicate important points that can provide valuable information for administrators and authorities the University of Tehran in the field of e-learning system to adopt principled policies regarding the evaluation of this system to improve and enhance the quality and effectiveness of e-learning. It is recommended that the university uses the model presented in the present study in order to evaluate the e-learning system of the University of Tehran.
e-learning
S. Hamedinasab; M. Ayati; M.َA. Rostaminejad; F. Seraji
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To use social media effectively, we need to identify and apply the implications of supportive theories using social media. Different learning theories provide a variety of interpretations of learning. Different learning theories lead to diverse orientations and outcomes in ...
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Background and Objectives: To use social media effectively, we need to identify and apply the implications of supportive theories using social media. Different learning theories provide a variety of interpretations of learning. Different learning theories lead to diverse orientations and outcomes in curriculum planning. Therefore, learning theories serve as a framework for guiding decisions during the design and implementation of the curriculum. The aim of this study was to identify the types of learning theories that support the use of social networks and to analyze learning theories on social networks in order to provide a theoretical basis for designing curricula. Methods: For this study, qualitative content analysis method was used. The statistical population of this study consists of all valid documents related to the subject- supportive theories of learning in social networks- from 1995 to 2018 (n=30) selected based on purposeful sampling. The content of 30 documents were analyzed. The analysis unit is the theme. To analyze the findings, the main and sub-classes were extracted after open coding. To ensure the validity of the research, the methods of review by members, triangulation of data sources and review by colleagues were used, and to ensure reliability, the agreement method between the two coders was used. Findings: The findings showed a variety of context-based, community-based, and person-centered theories that support learning on social media. The findings also include four main categories: It showed the dimensions of social networks, network interactions, types of learning, and curriculum elements. It was shown that network communication in social networks includes social interaction, interpersonal communication and interactive communication with admin and teacher-student communication, which is broad and based on community sharing, central agreement and based on sharing ideas. Types of learning on social networks include; network learning, situational learning, problem-based learning, personal learning, and indirect learning. Elements of the curriculum include; network objectives, network content, network learning environment, network inclusiveness, and network evaluation. Network Objectives; features such as unpredictability, divergence, unpredictability, variability, nonlinearity, flexibility, value, reproductive and interactive. Network content has some features such as distributed knowledge, multiplicity of resources, reliable resources, accessibility, context-based knowledge, shared knowledge, inclusive knowledge, self-centered information, voluntary knowledge creation, interchangeable content. The network environment includes technical and educational features. Among the technical features of this environment, we can mention the diversity of language, the existence of communication tools, the possibility of customizing the message and simulating communication. The educational features of this environment also include; being rich is one of the tools of knowledge management, situational awareness, personalized information, open and flexible environment. The network learner is knowledgeable and up-to-date, independent and active, able to do several things together. The network learner is an actor, and social agent who processes, publishes, and manages knowledge on a regular basis. Evaluation on social media is a nonlinear process, formative, conscious, and continuous that is accompanied by the elimination of standard rankings and tests. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it is suggested that those in charge of education use the coordinates of social network-based curriculum elements to design a curriculum based on social networks. For further research it is suggested that researchers implement the findings in an experimental environment to take a positive step towards the optimal use of social networks to learners’ learning outcome.
e-learning
T. Shaverdi; H. Heidari; M. J. Chitsaz ghomi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the important indicators in measuring the quality of education is the academic performance of students, which is important from a scientific and practical point of view. Extensive studies have been conducted worldwide on how social networks affect the quantitative academic ...
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Background and Objectives: One of the important indicators in measuring the quality of education is the academic performance of students, which is important from a scientific and practical point of view. Extensive studies have been conducted worldwide on how social networks affect the quantitative academic performance of their students. Many studies on the denial of social media have concluded that these networks have a negative impact on the younger generation and students. These researchers believe that virtual social networks have an effect on students' annual grade point average, drop in academic grades, writing style and spelling, decrease in English language standards, etc., and have measured these variables separately with the use of social networks among students. At the same time, others believe that the emergence of social media has a positive trend on students' performance and their achievement of high grades. These studies have also found that these students spend most of their time doing their homework and research in this way. Therefore, in the review of previous studies, both approaches are discussed separately. The main purpose of this study is to be aware of the impact of virtual social networks on the quantitative academic performance of female high school students. Sub-objectives are to examine the extent of students 'dependence on virtual social networks and awareness of the impact of using virtual social networks on students' quantitative academic performance. Methods: In this research, a survey method has been used and the sample population includes 855 female students of high schools in Tehran. The data gathering instrument is Jeffrey Single's Social Media Dependency Questionnaire, including academic quantitative performance, social networks addiction, educational use, and grammar, writing, reading, and course questions. In this study, descriptive tests (percentage, mean, and analytical tests (chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test) were used. Findings: The findings show that there is no relationship between the students' last year GPA and their academic quantitative performance and their use of the online social network; but there is a relationship between their GPAs and their scientific information exchange (test questions) and with their use of online social networks. The findings show that there is no relationship between last year's students' grade point average and their poor academic performance using a virtual social network. There is only a relationship between their grade point average and the exchange of scientific information (exam questions) through social networks. There is also a link between social media use and poor academic performance, social media addiction, learning and receiving questions and course questions. However, the effect of social networks on the quantitative performance of students is moderate and its effect on other educational activities of students is low. Conclusion: Online social networks can be used as an appropriate way of interaction between students, as well as between teachers and students to convey scientific content, share questions and problem-solving skills, and help each other understand the correct path to problem solving. Although in this study, the use of virtual social networks does not have a negative effect on students' quantitative academic performance, but it should be noted that membership in these networks as a group and as a channel if it creates dependency and students spend a lot of time in their school hours. Can affect the quantitative academic performance of students.
e-learning
N. Tari; S. Zarghami; A. Mahmoodnia; Y. Ghaedi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this research is study the nature of the relationship between teacher and learner in comprehensive e-learning process with an emphasis on ideas of Deleuze. With the expansion of e-learning, one of the important aspects of change in education is in the field of teaching ...
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Background and Objectives: The aim of this research is study the nature of the relationship between teacher and learner in comprehensive e-learning process with an emphasis on ideas of Deleuze. With the expansion of e-learning, one of the important aspects of change in education is in the field of teaching and learning, including the relation between the teacher and the learner. In the analysis and evaluation of the nature of the relation and its role in human cognition, one of the post structuralist emerging paradigms is Deleuze's rhizomatic epistemology. In the area of Deleuze's ideas and electronic learning based on connectivism theory, separate researches have been done. However, what distinguishes this study from other studies is the assessment of the important fact that whether the new area which Deleuze names rhizomatic and by which means challenges the traditional relationships between the teacher and the learner in the tree system and deterritorializes can support the new atmosphere of electronic learning. Do these two accompany each other? MethodS:The methodology of this study is philosophical analysis and deduction, which were used to answer the research question (What is the nature of the relation between the teacher and the learner in the process of e-learning?). The method of data collection is desk-documentation study. Based on concept analysis, valid understanding of the concept and a clear explanation of its relationship with other concepts was achieved. Moreover, based on deductive approach, the implications of the nature of the relation between the teacher and the learner according to Deleuze's ideas in the process of teaching - learning in e-learning was assessed. Then, these were analyzed philosophically. In other words, Deleuze's rhizomatic epistemological concepts and the related elements on the one hand and the concepts of electronic learning based on connectivism theory on the other hand were analyzed, interpreted and clarified. In the end, the proportion of relation in e-learning to Deleuze's rhizomatic relation was evaluated. Findings: First, basic factors in rhizomatic epistemology of Deleuze were investigated. Based on the findings of this study, the essentialistic of the relationship between the teacher and the learner, according to Deleuze’s opinions, is rhizomatic. This means that it has features such as Interconnection and heterogeneity, pluralism, immigration, mapping, and non-indicative dissociation of rhizome, suggesting nonlinear, horizontal and non-hierarchical, fluid and fragile, decentralizing, spontaneous and molecular, dense and multiplexed, flexible and permeable relationships. Second, the nature of relationship in virtual learning process was illuminated according to the principles of communication theory, which is the new theory of learning in the age of information and communication technology, communication in E-learning is a systemic and network communication that has nonlinear relationships among system components and network.According to this theory, E-learning is the process of network components communicating with each other. At the end, the nature of relationship virtual Learning in relation with, the nature of rhizomatic epistemology of Deleuze was examined Therefore, the orientation of communication in E-learning is in line with Deleuze's rhizomatic relationship. Conclusion: Based on connectivism theory, electronic education is the very process of network elements connecting with each other. Thus, the direction of e-learning is aligned with Deleuze's rhizomatic relation. Thus, Deleuze's rhizomatic relationships with regard to the capabilities it holds, promises the ideal relationship between the teacher and the learner in the E-learning era and can serve as a model to address some of the challenges of the traditional educational system.
e-learning
H. Rahmani; Faegheh Nazemi Jenabi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: implementing e-governance in the field of education helps educational institutions and universities to be prepared to meet the challenges posed by globalization and international and scientific competition and technological advancement regarding world-level up-to-date and efficient ...
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Background and Objectives: implementing e-governance in the field of education helps educational institutions and universities to be prepared to meet the challenges posed by globalization and international and scientific competition and technological advancement regarding world-level up-to-date and efficient management standards to include required productivity and effectiveness. The main goal of e-governance in education is to improve the quality level of education. Universities are among the organizations which are suitable for implementing e-governance due to the expanding interactions with students. Reviewing the existing literature in this regard reveals that this field of study is developing, but the number of completely related literature is less than enough and also depicts the number of six researches that are only somehow related to the research topic. Now, it can be said that the purpose of this study is to identify the indicators of e-governance in higher education and in particular the Islamic Azad University of Qazvin. Methods: The present research is a descriptive-survey research in terms of research method and practical in terms of purpose. Data was collected by two library methods and semi-structured interviews with experts. First of all, the results and data from library studies and previous research, as well as, data obtained in semi-structured interviews with experts were carried out in MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software. In the next phase, first the open coding was done and then, the acquired open codes were classified under more abstract and general classes and the central coding was conducted. In this stage, 66 indicators, 5 dimensions and 9 components were extracted. In the next step, Delphi technique was applied to measure the validity of the obtained indicators, and as a result 59 indicators, 5 dimensions and 9 components were finally approved by experts. Descriptive statistics were used to study and analyze the Delphi technique, and finally the research model was extracted using selective coding. Findings: In this study, first all the data obtained from library studies, interviews with experts and extracting indicators were coded and then their validity was measured using Delphi method. Finally after the selective coding stage, the research model was obtained including 59 indicators, 5 dimensions (electronic participation, electronic interaction, electronic services, automatic office system (automation) and electronic management) and also 9 components including (electronic information, consulting and electronic exchange, university electronic interaction with other stakeholders, electronic interaction of beneficiaries together, e-learning, software services, ICT investment and registration and tracking system and also comprehensive and centralized system). Conclusion: The results obtained from the three stages of Delphi technique demonstrated that from the experts' point of view, the indicators of "performing and following all online administrative, educational, financial and graduation affairs ", "electronic information through university portal to students", "allocating a percentage of The university's revenue to developing the electronic infrastructures”, "high-speed Internet access throughout the university's affiliated units," and "e-performance appraisal” were of the utmost importance.
e-learning
L. Dehyadegari; S. Khajehasani
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The future of the world is based on science and technology and raising the level of science is the basic need of developing countries. So, if the causes of the increase or decrease in the scientific level of students can be identified and investigate the causes of them, the ...
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Background and Objectives: The future of the world is based on science and technology and raising the level of science is the basic need of developing countries. So, if the causes of the increase or decrease in the scientific level of students can be identified and investigate the causes of them, the youth will surely be more aware of the use of science and technology in the future and will show more flexibility in using them. Therefore, in this study, we examine the effect of using virtual social media on students' learning level. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted at Sirjan University of Technology. Criteria for entering the study include: being a student of Sirjan University of Technology, third semester or higher, undergraduate students, students who have access to virtual social networks and the desire to participate in the study. Criteria for leaving the study include: first and second semester students, students who will be transferred during a study, a party, dropping out of school or expulsion, unwillingness to cooperate, incomplete completion of questionnaires and students who are only at the time of sampling. In the whole academic semester, they only have an internship unit. The samples include 200 students studying at Sirjan University of Technology, who were selected by random sampling from the study population (all students studying at Sirjan University of Technology) (if the necessary conditions for Have entered the study). Data collection tools included a two-part researcher-made questionnaire using social networks. The test questions are based on the Yang Internet Addiction Questionnaire, as users of these networks are Internet users. In order to confirm the validity, the questionnaire was given to several faculty members and its validity was confirmed (formal validity). In order to determine the reliability, it was first provided to 40 students and using the retesting method, the coefficient Its reliability was calculated to be about 88%. Findings: According to the amount of the correlation coefficient of the Taukandal (-0.135), the results of the research show that there is a meaningful and inverse relationship between the use of virtual social networks by Sirjan University students (type of use, duration of use, daily use) and their scientific level. Conclusion: According to the results, in terms of the relationship and consequences of virtual social networks with the promotion of scientific level, it can be said that there is a significant and inverse relationship between the two components of membership time and the use of virtual social networks by students of Sirjan University of Technology. As the use and activity of young people in virtual networks increases, so does their learning and promotion. The well-known components of the "use of virtual networks" variable include the length of membership and the amount of use per day confirming the results that the main research hypothesis shows. In other words, the more students attend and use the space of virtual networks and their membership history than these virtual networks, the learning and promotion of scientific level is significantly affected and reduced. But since the correlation coefficient is the type of membership in virtual social networks and the promotion of scientific level and positive learning, it can be concluded that the relationship between the two is direct. This means that the type of social network can have a direct impact on students' learning.
e-learning
M. Mohamadi; R. Sohrabi; F. Seraji
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Organizations have used a variety of educational methods to achieve their goals in terms of in-service training of their employees: such as presentations and lectures, group discussions, field visits, or field trips and case studies and so on. Virtual training or e-learning ...
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Background and Objectives: Organizations have used a variety of educational methods to achieve their goals in terms of in-service training of their employees: such as presentations and lectures, group discussions, field visits, or field trips and case studies and so on. Virtual training or e-learning is one of the newest and most innovative training methods that organizations use to train their employees. Due to the special importance of in-service training of employees on one side and the advancements in technology on the other side, the need to use these technologies in the field of organizational training is called for more than ever. But, besides all these factors, organizations should not use unscrupulous and ineffective uses of technology without adequate analysis. but It is also logical to have a deep and accurate understanding of e-learning, in other words evaluate and analyze the barriers ahead. In this regard, the present research aims to study the Virtual In-Service Training of employees and identify barriers to its effectiveness (case study, Kurdistan University of medical sciences). The research is a descriptive survey and in terms of purpose, it's an applied research Materials and Methods: statistical society consisting of managers, academic professors and specialists in the field of the study. 29 people were selected through deliberate and snowball sampling among the statistical society. In order to answer the research questions, Initially, using library study and interview method, data collection was done which resulted in identifying 32 factors. In the qualitative section, the data obtained from the interview were analyzed using content analysis; In this way, the number of words, and terms used in the sentences and the amount of their repetition were counted and checked so that the patterns in the statements were discovered and the obstacles were extracted in the form of short phrases. The Delphi method was then used to confirm the consensus of experts on identified barriers. During the three stages of the Delphi method finally classified 25 factors (barriers) in the form of six main barriers. After concluding the final consensus with the Kendall coefficient of 78%, the factors were ranked using Friedman test. each of the sub-factors was also ranked. Findings: all in all, 32 factors were identified and ranked as barriers to e-learning and In-Service Training: factors related to the learner were ranked first, infrastructure factors, general factors, educational content, factors related to the teacher and organizational factors were ranked afterwards. Each of the main barriers had other sub-factors which were also evaluated and ranked with the Friedman test. For example, in the section on barriers related to learners: learner resistance to change was ranked first, limited knowledge and skills of learners on information technology was ranked second, lack of trust in cyberspace learning was ranked third and learners limitations in accessing Information technology instruments was ranked forth Conclusion: Considering the identified obstacles and also determining the importance of each of them, Measures (such as cost allocation & so on) taken to ensure the effectiveness of in-service virtual training are suggested to focus primarily on learners and then on other factors based on the degree of its importance.
e-learning
E. Jafari; K. Fathi Vajargah; M. Arefi; M. Rezaeizadeh
Abstract
Background and Objective: Not only has MOOC been able to reach a valuable place in the world of teaching and learning as an online educational tool, but it has also been recognized as a wave of thought that has attracted the attention of many writers and researchers. However, this issue is questionable ...
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Background and Objective: Not only has MOOC been able to reach a valuable place in the world of teaching and learning as an online educational tool, but it has also been recognized as a wave of thought that has attracted the attention of many writers and researchers. However, this issue is questionable in Iran because not only is MOOC not used as a dominant educational tool, but so far no research has been done on this issue. But in order to establish the effectiveness of this system in universities and educational centers, a comprehensive view of its situation in other countries must be obtained. Given the benefits as well as the challenges and threats that MOOCs may have for the country's higher education, foresight and adopting measures and strategies in the field of proper management in the use of MOOCs and their local production is very basic. Also, due to the need for adaptation of universities and educational institutions in Iran to different learning methods and online and new educational plans to ensure quality in providing services to users and adaptation to technological spaces that grow and develop online, conducting academic research on developments Higher education is very vital. The purpose of this study was developing a conceptual model for Mooc-based curriculum in higher education. Methods: This was a qualitative study and conducted based on grounded theory approach. The statistical population includes educational technology and higher education technology experts. Using the purposeful sampling approach and interviewing 14 people, theoretical saturation was achieved in the categories. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The reliability and validity in qualitative part of the research was through reviewing by experts who did not participate in the study. Findings: The important issue of current study is the higher education curriculum which is developed in four aspects of goal, content, teaching-learning methods and evaluation analysis and according to causal conditions, the underlying conditions and mediation terms of terms of developing strategies and based on that the final model is presented. Conclusion: The production of MOOCs in Iran is done by considering the contextual conditions and requirements of the environment, considering the philosophy of this matter, and adopting strategies in order to realize the MOOC-based curriculum model, which, if done correctly its effective consequences can be seen. In the present study, it was revealed that despite the weaknesses and challenges associated with MOOCs, the view of experts is positive about the existence of a MOOC-based curriculum. This means that the MOOC-based curriculum model can be used in higher education. Higher education, by taking appropriate measures in line with these challenges, can provide a suitable platform for this innovation in the field of teaching-learning. Also, due to the multicultural nature of Iranian society and the open space of discourse that exists in the MOOCs, it can be used for communication between cultures and subcultures in Iran considering these subcultures in the field of education.
