Learning behavior, digital platforms for learning and its impact on university student’s motivations and knowledge development

The incorporation of digital technologies in higher education has become a research topic actualized by the Covid-19 pandemic, including the re-thinking of theories and ontological assumptions supporting the role of these technologies in blended learning. Using nursing education in urban Sweden as an example, I present a reflexive and postphenomenological analysis of critical incidents during the use of an online assessment software for high stakes exams during the Covid-19 outbreak. Based on the analysis, I argue that the rapid digitalization prompted by the Covid-19 outbreak illuminates the importance of articulating digital technologies in higher education as human-technology relations in light of the philosophy of technology, notably postphenomenology. I conclude that postphenomenology can be helpful to clarify the non-neutrality and multistability of digital technologies and to articulate nuances of the human-technology relation, in blended learning.

The increasing integration of digital technology in higher education requires instructional approaches that can effectively develop students’ higher-order thinking skills, particularly problem-solving ability. This study examines the effect of integrating the Flipped Classroom model with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on university students’ problem-solving skills. A quantitative approach was employed using a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group. The participants consisted of 66 undergraduate students enrolled in an Innovative Learning Media course, divided into an experimental group (31 students) and a control group (35 students). The experimental group was taught using the Flipped Classroom–PBL model, while the control group received conventional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected through pretests and posttests using a validated problem-solving test comprising non-routine essay questions, supported by observation sheets to ensure instructional fidelity. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and ANCOVA to control for initial differences between groups. The results indicate that students in the experimental group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in problem-solving ability compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that the integration of Flipped Classroom and PBL provides meaningful learning opportunities by encouraging active engagement, critical analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. This study contributes empirical evidence supporting the use of integrated active learning models as an effective strategy for enhancing problem-solving skills in higher education contexts.

Background. In the context of digitalization of all spheres of life, the issue of using digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education is becoming especially relevant. The effectiveness of using technologies in a university largely depends on how much the opinions of students and teachers coincide when choosing them. Purpose. Comparison of the opinions of university students and teachers on the effectiveness of digital technologies in professional education. Materials and methods. The main research method is the rank correlation method for investigating the preferences of digital technologies by students and teachers. In addition, an analysis of scientific literature was applied to compile a list of technologies, a comparative analysis was used to compare the answers of the subjects, and the method of interview was applied to determine the reasons for the technology ratings compiled by the participants in the educational process. Results. The preferences of students and teachers generally coincide, which is an indicator of good contact between the participants in the educational process. Differences in the preferences of humanities and IT students concern the assessment of educational platforms and electronic textbooks. IT students believe that with the advent of artificial intelligence, the role of electronic textbooks is declining. Teachers of English and computer science choose the same technologies as effective ones: educational platforms, electronic textbooks, mobile applications. Differences were found in the assessment of the least effective technologies: for foreign language teachers these are simulators, for computer science teachers - artificial intelligence.

In an era where digital technologies (DTs) are reshaping educational delivery methods, university lecturers’ ability and willingness to integrate these innovations into their teaching practices are increasingly important. This study, conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, aims to examine the impact of attitude and training on university lecturers’ self-efficacy in using DTs and to assess the influence of self-efficacy on their interest in using DTs. A total of 294 university lecturers participated in the study and completed a questionnaire assessing their perception of DTs as a didactic tool, attitude towards the use of virtual classrooms, perceived self-efficacy, and interest in the use of DTs, and training in the use of DTs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple linear regressions to explore the relationships between study variables. The results indicated that positive attitudes and suitable training were positively associated with higher self-efficacy. Moreover, high levels of self-efficacy were found to be aligned with an interest in using DTs. These findings shed light on key factors that can effectively encourage the successful adoption of DTs among lecturers.

The purpose of this study is to determine pre-service mathematics teachers’ views on digital learning platforms, the extent to which these platforms are integrated into teaching and assessment processes, the usability of digital learning platforms in teaching and assessment processes, pre-service mathematics teachers’ thoughts on the contributions of digital learning platforms to mathematics education and the problems they encounter when using digital learning platforms. This study is important in terms of helping to determine the necessary strategies and educational policies to support the integration of digital learning platforms into teaching and assessment processes, understanding the potential of digital learning platforms in mathematics teaching and identifying important considerations for improving teaching practices. It also aims to contribute to finding solutions to the problems encountered. In the context of 21st-century skills, including technological skills and digital literacy, it is important to determine pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge levels about these skills during their professional preparation process and to reveal their opinions about digital learning platforms, which are considered to play a significant role in developing these skills in middle school students. In this research, a case study design, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group consists of 68 fourth-year students from the elementary mathematics teaching program at the faculties of education of state universities located in Aydın, Denizli and Kars. Data for the study were collected through a semi-structured interview form consisting of 8 open-ended questions. The data obtained from the data collection process were analyzed using content analysis, a qualitative analysis method. According to the findings of the research, pre-service mathematics teachers prefer the question-and-answer technique the most in teaching. They define digital learning platforms as web-based/online environments and use platforms such as GeoGebra/Desmos and Educational Informatics Network. These pre-service teachers integrate digital learning platforms into teaching and assessment processes and use these platforms because they are engaging and enjoyable. They decide on the platform selection based on the subject and learning outcomes. Additionally, they state that digital platforms are useful in visualizing abstract concepts. However, internet and infrastructure inadequacies are expressed as significant obstacles in the use of digital platforms.

Innovative technology is a dire need of contemporary education society in bringing paradigm changes in higher education by ameliorating learning experiences, improving accessibility, and reinforcing sustainability. In Afghanistan, a country confronting different educational challenges, the application of technologies such as Adaptive Learning Technologies, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Learning the Internet of Things, and Gamification can address such issues and contribute to the sustainable development of higher education. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the role of these technologies in the higher educational sector of Afghanistan, particularly exploring their utility, potential advantages, challenges, and implications to further support educational sustainability. To support this research, the investigators collected keywords related to the innovative and digital technologies in higher education and their effects on sustainability form different international reliable databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis. After critically synthesizing various research papers, it is concluded that ALT, CC, ML, IoT, AI, Blockchain, and Gamification offer promising solutions to many concurrent challenges toward higher education of Afghanistan. Finally, this provides suitable recommendations for policy makers, teachers, and higher educational institutions on the integration of these technologies to achieve sustainable education improvement in Afghanistan.

Animation has emerged as a powerful digital resource for enhancing teaching and learning experiences across various educational settings. By combining visual storytelling, motion graphics, and interactivity, animations can simplify complex concepts, making them more engaging and easier to comprehend for learners of all ages. This paper explores the role of animation in education, highlighting its ability to improve retention, foster creativity, and cater to diverse learning styles. Additionally, it discusses the integration of animation into digital learning platforms, its effectiveness in virtual classrooms, and its impact on student motivation. With advancements in technology, animation continues to evolve as an innovative pedagogical tool, bridging the gap between traditional and digital education.

Digital learning platforms have revolutionized education globally, but their adoption in Afghanistan faces unique challenges. The research was conducted to examine the accessibility, utilization, and impact of digital learning platforms among university students in urban Afghanistan, identify barriers, and propose sustainable solutions. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected from 300 participants from three universities, including Laghman, Nangarhar, and Said Jamaluddin Afghan in the east of Afghanistan, through a structured questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were descriptively analyzed in the form of means, percentages, and standard deviations through tables and graphs in SPSS 24 Version. The findings highlight that, while personal device ownership is relatively high (86.24%), access to reliable internet remains a significant challenge (64.09%), limiting effective utilization of digital resources. Moderate engagement with digital platforms was observed, with frequent usage constrained by financial barriers, limited digital literacy, and infrastructural inadequacies. Digital platforms were found to positively impact academic performance, particularly in improving access to resources and fostering collaboration among students. However, cultural resistance, technical challenges, and insufficient institutional support hinder their full potential. Proposed solutions include expanding broadband infrastructure, providing financial aid for digital devices, enhancing digital literacy through targeted training programs, and promoting blended learning models that combine traditional and digital education. This study emphasizes the need for localized, sustainable strategies to bridge the digital divide and maximize the benefits of digital learning. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and educators to foster inclusive, effective, and sustainable digital education systems in urban Afghanistan.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, students around the world have seen their schooling completely disrupted. Their teachers had to reorganize in a hurry to be able to give their classes synchronously but at a distance. Thanks to strong political incentives, both at the national and university levels, many tools have been massively deployed: digital learning management systems (e.g. Moodle), collaborative digital platforms (e.g. Google Meets, Microsoft Teams and Zoom), social networks (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) and even the telephone. While the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role of digital technologies in higher education, major issues arise regarding the quality of distance education, the learning process itself and the assessment of knowledge and skills. In this study, 81 engineering students in France were followed during several periods of containment in order to provide some answers to these questions. The results of the various knowledge tests carried out at a distance show that the students obtained local scores similar to those expected from face-to-face teaching. According to the results of the satisfaction surveys, for 91.4% of students who had sufficient hardware and software resources, the synchronous approach to e-learning presented few barriers. For the 8.6% of students affected by the digital divide, telephone communications and social networks played a major role in the learning process.

This research study examines the impact of digital learning platforms and student engagement on academic achievement among secondary school students in Bandung. The study used a sample of 500 students from different schools representing different grade levels and socio-economic backgrounds. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and academic achievement measures obtained from school records. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. The results showed a positive relationship between the use of digital learning platforms and student engagement. Students who used digital learning platforms more frequently showed higher levels of engagement. In addition, student engagement was found to positively affect academic achievement, suggesting that more engaged students tend to achieve better academic achievement. Regression analysis showed that digital learning platforms and student engagement significantly predicted academic achievement. After controlling for other factors, digital learning platforms accounted for 25% of the variance in academic achievement, while student engagement accounted for 15% of the variance. These findings highlight the combined effects of digital learning platforms and student engagement on academic achievement. The findings of this study have important implications for educational practice. Educators can utilize digital learning platforms to increase student engagement and improve academic outcomes. Policy makers should consider providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure equitable access to digital learning platforms. Further research is recommended to explore strategies and best practices to optimize student engagement and maximize the potential of digital learning platforms.

Background This study investigated the influence of various factors on Faculty Attitude, Faculty Engagement, and Work Performance in higher education. The study specifically examined the impact of faculty attitudes towards digital technology on their level of involvement and effectiveness in the classroom. Furthermore, it investigated how the utilization of digital technology by faculty members influences the connection between their attitudes and job performance. Methods The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect thorough data to explore the factors influencing faculty attitude. A survey was performed among 438 faculty members from higher educational institutions in the Delhi and NCR region. Results The results indicated a strong positive relationship of perceived usefulness, mutual learning, institutional support, collaborativeness, creativity, critical thinking, and faculty attitude towards digital technology adoption in academic setting. Nevertheless, External Pressure did not exhibit a significant relationship. The study revealed that the attitude of faculty members has a significant impact on both their work performance and engagement. Additionally, faculty engagement was found to have a positive impact on work performance. The mediation Analysis revealed that Faculty Engagement served as a partial mediator in the association between Faculty Attitude and Work Performance. Conclusions The study’s implications underscore the urgent need of fostering positive attitudes and engagement among faculty members for enhancing their performance in academic settings. Some of the limitations and implication of the study and future direction of the research directions are suggested.

This study aims to systematically analyze the evolution, research trends, and scientific impact of digital teaching and learning scaffolding through the application of bibliometric analysis. By employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 methodology, a total of 396 relevant journal articles published between 2013 and 2023 were identified from Google Scholar using Publish or Perish (PoP). The dataset was then analyzed using VOSviewer, with a specific focus on citation patterns, keyword co-occurrence, co-authorship networks, and thematic clusters. The bibliometric mapping revealed five dominant research clusters: (1) integration of digital technology in higher education, (2) learning strategies and their impact on students’ outcomes, (3) digital games and scaffolding approaches in children’s education, (4) teacher education development and practice, and (5) contextual influences in educational research. In addition, the study identifies prominent authors, highly influential publications, and major institutional as well as international collaborations, offering a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure of the field. The findings highlight an increasing global interest in digital scaffolding in education, demonstrating its significant contributions to improving student engagement, cognitive development, problem-solving, and personalized learning experiences. Nevertheless, several challenges remain evident, particularly in terms of accessibility across diverse contexts, teacher readiness to adopt innovative pedagogies, and technological limitations within resource-constrained environments. This research contributes to the academic discourse by providing evidence-based insights and practical recommendations to optimize the implementation of digital scaffolding in contemporary educational settings. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of continuous exploration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and adaptive learning systems to further strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of digital scaffolding practices in the future.

Digital transformation in nursing education is crucial for enhancing pedagogical practices and preparing future healthcare professionals for the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This chapter explores how the integration of digital technologies in higher education has revolutionising teaching methodologies and offered new opportunities to enhance learning experiences. It identifies gaps in digital learning modalities for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students and discusses strategies to strengthen online literacy preparation and transition into the healthcare sector's digital transformation landscape and the 4th industrial era economy. The chapter examines best practices and challenges in digital transformation in nursing education such as blended learning environments, simulation and virtual reality, mobile learning applications and gamification strategies. Additionally, it addresses challenges in curriculum development including insufficient technological infrastructure, faculty training and development, assessment strategies and resistance to change among faculty and students. This chapter aims to provide insights and recommendations for educators, curriculum developers and policymakers in implementing successful digital transformation in nursing education.

One of the debilitating aspects of recent discussions about the use of digital technologies in higher education—whether these discussions occur in university planning contexts or in the wider theatre of media reports and national policy—is that attention to the quality of learning and teaching comes at the very end of a long train of broader topics. This essay takes the opposite tack and explores what would happen if we start with attending to the quality of the learning and teaching experience in a small-scale hybrid digital humanities course and only then widen the gyre of discussion to the larger national and international contexts where it might make sense to talk of all-digital or mostly-digital MOOCs. Doing so means that we must first consider quality in the non-comparative light of the ‘qualities’—the specific properties and attributes—of the mixed classroom/digital experience. Only with some directly observable sense of the educational qualities afforded by innovative digital technologies—‘micro-disruptions’, they might be called—can we then scale up the discussion to the wider institutional and socioeconomic contexts of online instruction with awareness of the equivalent qualities that will be needed.

The global pandemic in 2020 has led to a recent rise of digital technologies in higher education internationally, which seems to make learning less restricted in terms of time and space (Oztok, 2019) and enhance inclusion and engagement in learning. However, it is necessary to distinguish the presence and interaction in online learning from true connectedness and inclusivity. Networked learning, as a concept being constantly explored by a small group of researchers since the 1990s and attracting increasing current attention, is built around the different kinds of connections between students and instructors, as well as human and non-humans (NLEC, 2021). This paper emphasizes the need to be aware of the dimension of connection constructed through the assemblage of humans, materials and discourses. Adopting a socio-material perspective, the assumed high accessibility of online learning and the neo-liberal discourse of a ‘good learner’ are challenged and care is proposed as an approach to improve inclusivity in online learning in higher education. This paper is drawn from the data of a comparative research study that explores the online learning experience of undergraduate students in one case study university in China and the UK respectively. The research consisted of qualitative interviews with students and academics in the case discipline Sociology. The findings suggest a mismatch between students’ and teachers’ perception of what makes effective engagement. Although the teachers recognise certain difficulties in online courses, such as technical issues for organizing small group discussions, arguably the implied neo-liberal message is that hard-working ‘good’ students will always participate, regardless of where or how they learn. However, interviews with students in both contexts show that the specific surroundings in formal and informal educational settings, the interaction and support from peers, and the way their status is recognised in the community concomitantly mediate their experience, in addition to their abilities or motivation. This research contributes by highlighting the potential of emergent forms of networked learning in terms of unveiling the issues of established discourses including neoliberalism. It provides suggestions for future practices by proposing the role of care, supported by the findings, in tackling disengagement and exclusion, and pivoting students around supportive learning. Further, it adopts a socio-material perspective that fills a gap created by the dominance of human-centred research, generating reflections on the use of online materials in higher education.