bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten Years Variation of Air Quality over An Giang Province, Vietnam
Authors:   College of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Giao Nguyen Thanh , Mi Le Thi Diem , Nhien Huynh Thi Hong
Published: January 2023

The study aimed to assess the evolution of ambient air quality in An Giang province during 2010-2020. Air samples collected in urban areas, traffic, tourism, industrial clusters, brick kilns, quarries, landfills, and background areas were analyzed for temperature (T), noise, total suspended particulates (TSP), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxides (SO2), ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). The findings were compared with the Vietnamese standard on air quality. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to recognize the correlation between pollutants and potential pollution sources. The results showed that the average values of air quality parameters in An Giang province during the study period temporally fluctuated but within the allowable limits. Moreover, the air quality parameters were well correlated, especially temperature and ozone. Three PCs obtained from PCA could explain 87.50% of the air quality variations with a significant contribution of all parameters. It is found that CO, NO2 and SO2 originated mainly from traffic and urban areas. While NH3 and H2S were dominant in the landfill areas, HF was from brick kilns. Consequently, the traffic and urban areas are considered the most influential contributors to air pollution in the study area.
Performance Evaluation of Commercial Package Systems Used in Kuwait for on-Site Treatment and Reuse of Domestic Wastewater
Authors:   the Water Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait, Abdullah H. , Abusam A. , Mydlarczyk A. , Al-Dhafeeri A. , Al-Ajeel F. , Ali A. , Al-Jomaa M. , Al-Yaseen R.
Published: January 2023

Kuwait’s wastewater management scheme consists of a huge centralized sewerage system that transports all wastewater generated for treatment at central municipal plants for wastewater treatment. However, there are a few remote sites that are still not connected to the public sewerage system. In such sites, on-site systems such as conventional septic tank or package systems are commonly used. This study assessed the performance of two package systems used in Kuwait for on-site wastewater treatment and reuse. Wastewater samples were collected weekly for five months from influent and effluent streams of two package systems located at Ahmedi and Kadhmah areas of Kuwait. Comparison of the means of the laboratory results to the guidelines of Kuwait Public Authority for Environment (KEPA) indicated that the effluents of the two systems are suitable to be reused as irrigation water. However, results obtained also showed that performances of both units were highly fluctuating.
Phytostabilization Potential of Salix alba as Biomonitors of Heavy Metals in Soil Pollution near the Erzeni Riverbank
Authors:   the Department of Meteorology - Institute of GeoSciences, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania, Kucaj Enkelejda , Osmani Marilda , Gjoni Anira , Bardhi Azem , Kucaj Besim
Published: January 2023

The great sources of water pollution in Albania in the last decade are urban discharges which indicate in other sistems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in the soil and plant of Salix alba. Samples was collected from the Erzen riverbed. The objectives are based on assessment of the concentrations of physico-chemical characteristics heavy metals obtained from the sediment and willow (Salix alba) in Erzeni river. The presence of organic matter in soil - the willow plant - was also analyzed. The use of plants in the recuperation of contaminated soil is low cost, sustainable, and environmentally sound. Heavy metals concentration in soil range as follows: Ni (42.2–98.4 mg/kg); Cr (18.9- 34.5 mg/kg), and Pb (53.2-98.4 mg/kg). Some statistically significant differences were observed in the data on the amounts of metals accumulated in the soil, significantly more than in the data on the metal concentrations achieved in the tissues of the Salix alba plant. Heavy metal concentration in plants reach values Ni (0.9–3.54 mg/kg); Cr (0.57 - 0.89 mg/kg), and Pb (0.06 -0.19 mg/kg). Average concentrations in heavy metal plant samples were listed in the order Ni> Cr> Pb. The results of nickel, chromium, and lead clearly show higher concentrations in samples 0-25 cm across the range of extractors. The use of diversified plant materials is essential and optimal for the phytoremediation process. These species offer different opportunities through their metallic tolerance and accumulation of underground biomass metals for the permanent removal of these metals from the terrestrial substrate.
Variation of Surface Water Quality at Bung Binh Thien Reservoir, An Giang Province, Vietnam Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors:   College of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Giao Nguyen Thanh , Dan Truong Hoang , Nhien Huynh Thi Hong
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted to assess surface water quality at Bung Binh Thien reservoir, An Giang province, Vietnam. Sixty inhabitants living around the reservoir were interviewed to identify pollution sources. Nine water samples were collected in the dry and rainy seasons and then analyzed for eighteen variables (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity (Turb), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), ammonia (NH4+-N), nitrate (NO3--N), total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate (PO43--P), total phosphorus (TP), and coliform). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the primary parameters influencing water quality. The results indicated that the major concerns for water quality in the reservoir were suspended solids, organic matters and fecal microbes. There were significant seasonal variations in water quality. While organic pollution was mainly observed in the dry season, the microbial problem was recorded in the rainy season. This pollution was associated with domestic wastes, agricultural production, livestock, and aquaculture. The PCA results also revealed that DO, BOD, COD, N-NH₄⁺, N-NO₃⁻, P-PO₄³⁻, TP, Cl⁻, and coliform greatly influenced water quality variations, thus requiring these parameters in the monitoring program. The local authority should apply proper measures to improve water quality in the reservoir, and inhabitants should not directly use water for their domestic activities without adequate treatment.
Estimation of the Concentrations of Some Pollutants Resulting from the Use of Arabian Bakhour and Their Effect in Patients with Asthma in the City of Baghdad
Authors:   Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, F. Al-Easawi Nada Abdulrahman
Published: January 2023

This research focus on studying 3 types of Bakhour in the markets of Baghdad city and assessing their impact on the quality of life for asthmatic whom used Bakhour at their houses through investigating particles physical properties, also estimating the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn), Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and formaldehyde (HCHO). The quality of life for asthmatic patients whom use Bakhour was assessing by Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. The results indicated that shapes of Bakhour particles were irregular or spherical. Burning process generated the higher percent of PM ˂1μm. Type 2 Bakhour showed the highest percent of <1μm which was 73%.The amount of Cd, Cu and Pb found to have the highest concentrations in type 2 as compared to others. The mean of PM2.5, PM10, TVOC and HCHO in type 1, 2 and type 3 have recorded high as compared to the control (fresh air) values. The results of Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire AQLQ referred that Asthma patients whom consumed Bakhour recorded significantly the worse in all scores as compared with non-consumers, except Activity limitation. The regression test revealed that smoking habit and consumed Bakhour daily have more effects on asthmatic patients. This study concluded that Bakhour consuming resulted high levels of indoor air pollutants such as particles <1μm, Heavy metals, PM2.5, PM 10, TVOC and HCHO which considered harmful to human health and leads to the worse quality of life especially in asthmatic patients.
Olive Mill Wastewater for Degraded Soil Restoration
Authors:   the Arid Regions Institute, 4119 Medenine, Tunisia, Labiadh M. T.
Published: January 2023

In Southern Tunisian arid regions, the main issues of soil degradation on the surface by wind erosion (loss of nutrients and organic matter) and in depth by reduction of water reserves were diagnosed. In order to preserve these soils, improve biological activity and maintain their productivity, a restitution of organic amendments becomes necessary. Among the remedial solutions, the composting of olive tree by-products (Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW), Ramial Chipped Wood (RCW)) could be used for these soils. In this context, an experiment in pots was carried out on Medicago sativa L. in order to evaluate the effects of compost on ecosystem services of a sandy soil sampled from an experimental olive orchard in Chammakh. Two treatments (OMW with RCW and RCW) were applied and compared to a control soil having a sandy texture, with %sand being at least equal to 80%. The results showed that the highest nitrogen content is recorded with the composite compost (OMW with RCW) (0.26 g kg-1). The Electric Conductivity of treated soil decreased by 60% over time. The RCW was the most effective treatment for improving soil phosphorus properties and above-ground biomass. The OMW combined with RCW compost allowed to keep almost the same soil moisture (147.23 g kg-1) but almost 3 times more compared to a control soil (52.30 g kg-1).
Preliminary Assessment of Wastewater Quality near Emergency Outfalls in Kuwait Bay
Authors:   Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait, Bushaibah O. , Al-Haddad A. , Khajah M. , Dashti F. , Ibrahim E.
Published: January 2023

Twenty-two wastewater discharging emergency outfalls located within Kuwait Bay have the ability to pollute marine life. The quality of wastewater discharged to the sea has a direct and significant impact on the ecosystem including marine organisms, and an indirect effect on human health. The current study aims to evaluate the quality of wastewater discharged at selected sites of Kuwait Bay and to compare the obtained results with the standards of the Environmental Public Authority (EPA) for discharging treated wastewater to Kuwait Bay. Five locations were selected near emergency outfalls, and onsite field measurements for water quality were carried out, including temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Furthermore, 15 mixed water samples (wastewater and seawater) were collected throughout November 2021 and January 2022 during low and high tides and within 1 m away from wastewater discharging outfalls. These samples were analyzed for nutrients, heavy metals, and bacteria parameters. The field results indicated the presence of slight alkalinity (pH 7.01–8.0), freshwater to saline water type (EC, 1.27 ms/cm–65.07ms/cm), oxidized environment (DO, 0.91 mg/l–5.28 mg/l). The laboratory results of water samples revealed that the concentrations of nutrients (total nitrogen, 2.0–35 mg/l) and all targeted heavy metals were detected in mixed samples for all sites in concentrations of microgram per liter and within EPA acceptable limits. On the other hand, phosphate concentration (4.2–13.6 mg/l) and the counts of microbial indicators (Fecal coliform, E. coli, and Fecal Streptococci) were high and above EPA standards, which shows the grave biological pollution that occurred at these sites. The variation in the contamination levels at the selected locations indicates the need for periodic monitoring of the quality of mixed water near wastewater emergency outlets and searching for the appropriate solutions to reduce the contaminated wastewater discharged directly into the beaches.
Measurement of Radon Concentration Levels at the Official Institutes of Al-Rifai City, Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq
Authors:   Education of Qadisiyah, Ministry of Education, Iraq, Daaeim Jhan Salman , Obayes Kawthar Hassan
Published: January 2023

In this study, the radon concentration was evaluated in an indoor building in Al-Rifai city, Dhi-Qar governorate using a nuclear track detector (CR-39). Also, the radiological hazard risk parameters were calculated. The findings show that radon concentrations varied from 16.05 ± 4.29 Bq/m3 to 33.85 ± 9.68 Bq/m3 with an average of 24.96± 7.53 . While, the average values of annual effective dose (AED) and lung cancer cases per million people (CPPP) were 0.63 mSv/y and 11.34×10-6, respectively. It is below the acceptable and recommended limit by the International Committee for Radiation Protection (200-300 Bq/m3).
Characterization of Reverse Osmosis Reject Wastewater Generated from Sulaibiya Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors:   Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait City, Kuwait, Khajah Mishari , Ahmed Mohd Elmuntasir , Al-Matouq Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Sulaibiya Wastewater Treatment Plant (Kuwait) is considered as one of the largest wastewater treatment plants that use Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes in their processes to reclaim water from municipal wastewaters for indirect potable water reuse. This result in considerable wastewater treatment brine which needs to be further investigated before discharge. Samples were collected on daily basis from the RO reject wastewater (brine wastewater) for one month and analyzed in situ and in the laboratory. The results obtained showed that the brine wastewater met the requirements of the Kuwait Environment Public Authority with the exception of biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and total phosphate. In Kuwait, the brine wastewater is either used for deep-well injection or is discharged to the seawater. Based on the monitoring results, potential reuse options of wastewater brine include surface water discharge, sewer disposal, deep-well injection, and land application. Treatment options via evaporation ponds using membrane filters will further enhance the quality of the brine wastewater.
“In-Math” as a Website-Based e-Learning Media in the Endemic Era
Authors:   the Department of Mathematics Education, Jakarta State University, Jakarta, Indonesia, Murdiyanto Tri , Wijayanti Dwi Antari , Maula Nyla Farhatul , Sovia Anny
Published: January 2023

This research aims to develop a website-based e-learning for social arithmetic for Grade VII of junior high school, named “In Math”. This study refers to the Borg and Gall model with five stages. The first, the need for analysis for teachers and students. The second, planning and developing the initial product. The third, validation from material and language experts and media experts, and revising the product. The fourth, small group testing, while the fifth stage is large group testing on teachers and seventh grade students in a junior high school in Jakarta, Indonesia. Based on this research, the percentage of the product feasibility according to the material and language experts is 85.42%, 83.39% for media experts, 75% for the small group tested on teachers 75%, 86.67% for the evaluation of 21 students, 95.2% for the large group tested of teachers, and 86.25% for the evaluation of 41 students. The average percentage of the product feasibility at each stage reached 85.32% and is categorized as very feasible. Thus, the “In Math” website-based e-learning is feasible to use.
Teacher-Made Videos as Learning Tool in Elementary Statistics during the Pandemic: A Developmental Research
Authors:   the College of Teacher Education of Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan, Philippines, Nabayra Jahfet N.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected education institutions around the world which has forced them to abruptly shift to online learning to address educational challenges with limited resources. Hence, this developmental research aimed to develop teacher-made videos as a learning tool for online learning in elementary statistics. This was utilized as an asynchronous lecture material during the pandemic and its acceptability was evaluated using the ADDIE Model. However, this paper focused only on the development and evaluation phase. It included 104 freshmen university students and five experts as participants of the study. Mean, standard deviation, frequency count, correlation analysis, and test of difference were used as data analysis tools. The developed videos consist of the following elements: title, learning objectives, overview, content discussion, assessment, and answer key. The teacher-made videos were highly acceptable in terms of learning objectives, content, organization and presentation, format and design, learning activities, and assessment as evaluated by the students and experts. In addition, when the participants were grouped according to sex and specialization, their overall acceptability mean did not exhibit significant differences. It was also found that the evaluation factors in the acceptability questionnaire all have a strong, positive correlation with the overall acceptability mean. Thus, technology-enhanced instructional materials like videos and other learning media are helpful learning resources in maximizing learning outcomes amid the pandemic.
Development of an Online Matching System (OMS) for Studying in the Graduate Program
Authors:   Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, Pattrawiwat Kanchana
Published: January 2023

Database management systems are essential for achieving competitiveness, enabling organizations to formulate proactive strategies matching their target audience effectively. Thus, this study aimed to develop an online matching system (OMS) for studying in the Graduate Program at Srinakharinwirot University. In this case, we used the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a conceptual model that includes system planning, analysis, design, development, and implementation as well as operation. System efficiency evaluation by three experts and satisfaction with system evaluation by 60 users evaluated the system performance of the research instruments. According to the findings, the OMS for studying in the Graduate Program received an excellent rating (X̅ = 4.72), and the overall satisfaction of using this database system was high (X̅ = 4.28). The OMS for studying in the Graduate Program is critical toward value creation that suits the requirements of the students and enhances marketability to reach the target effectively.
Designing Gamified Learning Management Systems for Higher Education
Authors:   Computer Science Department, BINUS Graduate Program, Doctor of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University and Information Systems Department, School of Information Systems, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, 11480, Indonesia, Limantara Natalia , Meyliana  , Gaol Ford Lumban , Prabowo Harjanto
Published: January 2023

Gamification is the application of game elements in non-gaming situations such as education. This technique can be used to improve student learning motivation, engagement, and performance. In practice, this technique is part of the Learning Management System (LMS) that is used during the learning process. Using the prior literature review and observation approach, this research integrates gamification framework, type of player, and six steps of gamification into a gamification model that can be applied in university-level learning. This gamification strategy is expected to boost student learning motivation, engagement, and performance.
Robotics for Young People in AZORESminiBOT
Authors:   University of the Azores, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Interdisciplinary Centre for Childhood and Adolescence – NICA-UAc, Portugal, Santos Ana Isabel , Pereira Dora , Botelho Nanci , Medeiros Paulo , Cascalho José Manuel
Published: January 2023

This paper intends to analyze the implementation of the Festival de Robótica - AZORESminiBOT, a robotics festival for the young which purpose was to create learning experiences that lead to the utilization of robots, promoting coding skills and computational thinking, as well as cooperative problem solving and with the mobilization of knowledge from specific curricular areas. At the same time, we intended to sensitize teachers to the relevance and comprehensiveness that robotic and coding activities can have in an educational environment. The festival took place in a school located at São Miguel Island, Azores. The proposed activities and the participation of the children in the four stations available were evaluated using direct observation and surveys by questionnaire. From the observations made by the researchers and the answers to the questionnaires of the 155 children who participated, 11 teachers, and 22 collaborators who facilitated the activities, it was concluded that the activities implemented were of interest to the children and were considered relevant by the teachers, but some aspects concerning the operation of the robots and the scenarios created should be taken care of in the future so that the pedagogical component is effective and of quality.
Multi-relational Matrix Factorization Approach for Educational Items Clustering
Authors:   Research Laboratory in Computer Science and Telecommunications (LARIT) at the Institut National Polytechnique Felix HOUPHOUET Boigny (INP-HB) Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, Gono Denon Arthur Richmond , Goore Bi Tra , Tiecoura Yves , Assielou Kouamé Abel
Published: January 2023

Pedagogical models development requires several steps, one of which is the mapping of tasks and skills, also known as the educational items clustering. This activity of clustering educational items usually requires the participation of domain experts. However, discovering the exact skills involved in performing the tasks is a complex activity for them. This paper aims at solving the task and skill-mapping problem by proposing an approach based on the Weighted Multi-Relational Matrix Factoring technique to help experts in this task. This approach relies on two types of relationship, the “ student does task” relationship and the “student has skills” relationship through a latent factor model to reconstruct the “ task requires skill” relationship, the latter being the mapping between tasks and skills. An evaluation conducted on a group of two hundred (200) students in lower 6th class in a general secondary school (Côte d'Ivoire), showed that this approach brought an improvement rate of about 82.8% of the skill-task mapping proposed by the experts in the field. This result confirms that our approach not only allows us to map tasks and skills but also to significantly improve the updating of curricula.
Next Normal Education, Hybrid Learning Model for Active Imagineering Learning to Enhance Digital Innovator Competency
Authors:   Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand, Wannapiroon Naphong , Shawarangkoon Sorrachai , Chawarangkoon Chatchada , kucharoenthavorn Atis
Published: January 2023

This study aims to develop a hybrid learning model for active Imagineering Learning to enhance digital innovator competency. The research methodology was divided into two phases: Phase 1 focusing on the development of a hybrid learning model, and Phase 2 concerning the evaluation of digital innovator competency, as well as the quality of digital innovation. The sample group included 136 undergraduate students. The duration of the experiment was 15 weeks. The research instruments consisted of a hybrid learning model, a hybrid learning lesson plan, cloud learning management platform, worksheets, digital innovator competency and digital innovation assessments form, using scoring rubric. The data was analyzed by using the arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The results showed that: A hybrid learning model for active Imagineering Learning, consisting of 3 components: model principle, hybrid learning model for active Imagineering Learning process, and methods for assessing learning outcomes. The students using the hybrid learning model had the excellent level of digital innovator competency and excellent level of quality. Rapid change and development of digital technology and the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result, educational institutions need to adapt their learning approach to blended learning and develop student characteristics to be able to innovate using digital technology. This developed learning model is therefore a suitable method for digital learning and next-generation education.
Towards the Development of Emotions through the Use of Augmented Reality for the Improvement of Teaching-Learning Processes
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú, Maraza-Quispe Benjamín , Alejandro-Oviedo Olga Melina , Llanos-Talavera Kelly Shirley , Choquehuanca-Quispe Walter , Angel Choquehuayta-Palomino Simón , Caytuiro-Silva Nicolas Esleyder
Published: January 2023

This research aims to determine how the use of Augmented Reality technology propiciates learning achievements through generate emotions in students. The metodology used for development of this research was the selection and application of ARToolKit open-source software, specialized in augmented reality implementation, after that, we implemented a 3D model on the topic “Cell Biology” developed in “Unity3D”. A Likert scale test according to main emotions is applied to a sample of 50 students selected through simple random sampling from a total population of 100 students. The sample is divided into two groups, 25 students for the experimental group and 25 students for the control group. In experimental group, Augmented Reality will be used during three learning sessions. In control group Augmented Reality is not used. In both cases the Likert scale test will be applied after each learning session. At the end of the three learning sessions, a competency-based evaluation is applied according to selected criteria. The results show that 80% of the 25 students in the experimental group improved their academic performance with respect to the control group, which maintained a standard average academic performance of 50%. In conclusion, we can say that the use of Augmented Reality technology in the development of sessions in teaching-learning process, generate emotions in students who are enable to improve their learnings.
Perceived Quality and Satisfaction with e-Learning during COVID-19: Moderating Role of co-Production
Authors:   the Faculty of Economic Legal Sciences and Management of Jendouba, Tunisia. Hanène Babay is with Fashion Institute of Monastir, Tunisia, Erragcha Nozha , Babay Hanène
Published: January 2023

In the context of emergency remote teaching, this study proposes a conceptual model that examines (1) the relationship between perceived quality and learner satisfaction with an e-Learning service in pandemic situation and (2) to test the moderating role of co-production of this service on this relationship. The study was conducted among 338 Tunisian students who took online classes during the second wave of COVID-19. The research uses of structural equations method (AMOS 21) to test the direct relationship and the Hayes process for the moderation test. The results show that the direct relationship between perceived quality and online learner satisfaction is significant and positive and that this relationship is positively moderated by co-production. Practical implications have finally been identified in order to improve the success of online education especially in the case of a crisis.
An Approach for Early Prediction of Academic Procrastination in e-Learning Environment
Authors:   the School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India, Raj Nisha S. , V. G. Renumol
Published: January 2023

Ubiquitous learning is a new educational paradigm partly created by the affordance of digital media. This trend has continued to expand over time. The emergence of ubiquitous computing has created unique conditions for people working as education professionals and learning as students. Procrastination is one of the characteristics that has been seen in students that forces them to set back and sit back without achieving their goals. It has been estimated that almost 70% of college students or even school students engage in frequent academic procrastination and purposive delays in the beginning or completing tasks. Throughout this study, we concentrated on different predictive measures that can be used to identify procrastination behaviour among students. These measures include the usage of ensemble classification models such as Logistic Regression, Stochastic Gradient Descent, K-Nearest Neighbours, Decision Tree and Random Forest. Of these, the random forest model achieved the best predictive outcome with an accuracy of almost 85%. Moreover, earlier prediction of such procrastination behaviours would assist tutors in classifying students before completing any task or homework which is a useful path for developing sustainability in the learning process. A strength of this study is that the parameters discussed can be well defined in both virtual and traditional learning environments. However, the parameters defining students’ cognitive or emotional states were not explored in this study.
A Case Study of Virtual Kindergarten Teachers in Technology-Enhanced Classrooms
Authors:   the University of Western Ontario, Canada, Wolak Martin , Kim Mi Song
Published: January 2023

With the threat of future global pandemics and the possible necessity to mandate schools to transition to temporary online learning, it is imperative to provide kindergarten teachers with effective pedagogical practices using technological devices and resources in virtual classrooms. To address this challenge, this case study aims to discover 1) the attitudes and beliefs towards digital screen-based technologies or resources in the virtual classroom, 2) the benefits and challenges of teaching and learning in virtual kindergarten classrooms, 3) the digital screen-based technological tools or resources FDK educators are currently implementing, 4) how educators used the tools or resources to document play-based learning virtually, 5) and what do educators need to integrate technology into their virtual pedagogical practices effectively. Using semi-structured interviews from 11 early childhood educators and one teacher-researcher from virtual kindergarten classrooms in Ontario, Canada, a thematic content analysis from the typed transcripts and reflective notes was adopted to generate emerging themes. The findings demonstrated that 1) educators had a similar positive attitude towards technology in kindergarten as in other countries worldwide, 2) the benefits and challenges of virtual teaching and learning, 3) update on what types of technological devices and resources educators especially in the virtual milieu, are using, 4) and ways to support successful technology integration into virtual pedagogical practices. The findings from this study, in conjunction with other current research, provide practical recommendations for virtual kindergarten educators, parents, school boards, and policymakers.
The Physics Classroom in an Online 3D Virtual World: A Thai High School Teacher Needs Analysis
Authors:   Surindra Rajabhat University, Thailand, Sarapak Choojit , Sukman Surat , Sonsrin Prayut Kong-In, Khunapat , Nakchat Oranuch , Jumpatam Jutapol , Yoomark Jutamas
Published: January 2023

The study set out to examine the actual and desired needs of Thai high school physics teachers in the 2021 academic year from a sample of 44 teachers in Thailand’s northeastern Surin Province. Also, assessment was undertaken concerning each teacher’s ‘order of needs’ from the 41 items presented for evaluation to the teachers. Moreover, there were three main categories in the study’s assessments. These were the teachers’ opinions on the use of 3-dimension virtual learning (3DVL) teaching media in physics for, 1) a mechanics laboratory, 2) an electromagnetism laboratory, 3) and a wave, sound, and light laboratory. The questionnaire was examined by five experts with a confidence value of 0.97. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including the mean and standard deviation. Moreover, a modified version of the priority needs index (PNIModified) was used to assess the ‘order of needs’ of each teacher in teaching a 3DVL. The results of the study revealed that physics teachers believed that the overall readiness in teaching and learning management of the three groups of physics laboratories were at a moderate level. The teachers also felt that the need for computer-assisted teaching materials and 3DVL science and physics laboratories for high school students was at a high level in all three categories. Concerning each teacher’s ‘order of needs,’ it was determined that the top five teaching needs were for the spectral studies of hot gases (1), followed by teaching parallax (2), the need to teach light interference patterns (3), the polarization of light (4) and then light diffraction and diffraction grating (5).
Impact Assessment of Ease and Usefulness of Online Teaching in Higher Education in Post COVID Era
Authors:   University of Buraimi, Oman, Saleem Imran , Shamsi Mushahid Ali , Magd Hesham
Published: January 2023

During COVID-19 and its resulting lockdown, the sudden closure of traditional offline classes resulted in the loss of education. Consequently, teaching pedagogies were unexpectedly changed, and a sudden shift towards online teaching was necessitated. The extensive availability of devices and applications made this shift easy. Nevertheless, all teachers were not equally equipped with the equivalent knowledge and resources, which could have affected their behavioral intention to continue online teaching in the future. This paper investigates the perception of university teachers to continue online teaching in higher education post-COVID. To accomplish this target, a mixed research approach was adopted. For quantitative data, 243 questionnaires were successfully collected from teachers of the top five central universities in India, using an online survey through Google forms by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM). For qualitative data, online-focused group discussions (FGDs) with around seven teachers from different nations’ universities were done. This study is cross-sectional, utilizing TAM factors for ascertaining teachers’ behavioral intentions in India. All hypotheses were found significant by applying PLS-based SEM using smart-PLS software. This indicates that perceived usefulness and ease of use significantly impact attitude towards online teaching; further, perceived usefulness and attitude towards online teaching also significantly affect the behavioral intention of teachers to continue online teaching post-COVID era. The study helps educational institutions and respective national policymakers to define the future course of action in the education sector.
Mapping of Students’ Academic Performance in Online Learning Environment during Pandemic Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia, Rosmadi Ainil Fauzani , Shaharudin Shazlyn Milleana , Rajoo Murugan , Tarmizi Rawdah Adawiyah , Samsudin Mohd Saiful
Published: January 2023

The virtual and digital learning process seems to hugely impact academic achievement due to the COVID-19 outbreak, globally. Thus, improving student performance is one of the important focuses of educational management. Mapping students’ actual conditions is a mandatory requirement before designing the performance improvement program. Therefore, this study proposed a statistical investigation to map out students’ performance and the problems they encountered during online learning using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), revealing the hidden pattern and classifying students based on their demographics (programs, CGPA, and origin) and learning environments. The data samples consist of 234 undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The study findings formed from two different profiles where each profile has its respective categories. The study found that the students of the Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) with Honour, categorized as smart students, preferred to study face-to-face because of poor internet connection from using mobile data. On the other hand, the students of the Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) with Education, who were categorized as average students, had no difficulty continuing either synchronous or asynchronous online learning in the future because of stable internet access using their home Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, the preference made was also due to family interruption issues.
The Development of Professional Competency Test in Knowledge and Cognitive Skill for Computer Innovation and Digital Industry
Authors:   Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Thailand, Suwanroj Thamasan , Saeung Orawan , Leekitchwatana Punnee , Kaewkamjan Kanaporn
Published: January 2023

This research aimed to 1) analyze the content of professional competencies, 2) create the professional competency test, and 3) check the quality of the professional competency test. The operation method was composed of three steps: 1) five experts (set 1) analyzed the qualitative data of the professional competencies, 2) five experts (set 2) built the professional competency test, and 3) experts (set 3) checked the quality of the professional competency test, and then two trials of the test were performed. The research showed that 1) the content analysis of professional competencies found ten indicators: six for knowledge and four for cognitive skills, including 100 issues of the required measurement list. A test with 100 items covered the course descriptions of seventeen subjects in five curriculum groups. 2) The creation result found the professional competency test, five multiple-choice questions. The respondents got one point when they answered correctly and no point when they answered incorrectly. The test comprised 100 items in two aspects: 57 items for knowledge and 43 for cognitive skills. 3) The result of the quality check revealed that the professional competency test was good. It had a good level of content validity (IOC = 0.80-1.00). Its difficulty was appropriate (p = 0.25-0.78). The discrimination was good (r = 0.44-0.96). There was validity with a good level of internal consistency (α = 0.87), and it had good construct validity (x2- Sig = 0.25, RMSEA = 0.03, RMR = 0.02 and AGFI = 0.97), (ρc = 0.97-0.98). This test can be used as a quality tool to measure the professional competency test in knowledge and cognitive
Trends on Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for Online Learning: A Bibliometric and Content Analysis
Authors:   the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia, Abuhassna Hassan , Yahaya Noraffandy , Zakaria Megat Aman Zahiri Megat , Zaid Norasykin Mohd , Samah Norazrena Abu , Awae Fareed , Nee Chee Ken , Alsharif Ahmad H.
Published: January 2023

The technology acceptance model (TAM) is an information systems model that models how consumers use and accept technology. Scholars have implemented TAM widely to examine the effectiveness and ease of use of online learning. Therefore, this analysis comprehensively analyses TAM’s role in accepting online learning platforms by conducting bibliometric and content analysis based on the PRISMA framework. Insights into technology acceptance models were determined by bibliometrics analysis with VosViewer and content analysis. Methods: This study expanded all research from 2002 to 2020. A sum of 120 publications was analysed in January 2022 as documented in the Scopus database after applying the including and excluding criteria in addition to the manual evaluation. Results: This review’s findings identified the most compelling subjects covered by the journal. Most prolific countries, educational institutions, Journals, and authors were identified. Additionally, the results demonstrate several significant models for technology acceptance; several online learning environments were outlined (MOOC, Moodle, E-learning, flipped learning, and blended learning). Conclusion: The research presents a roadmap for potential researchers, concentrating on critical areas where success is possible. However, more research is required to utilize the TAM model and incorporate different online learning environments.
Watch and Practice: Effectiveness of Using WhatsApp as a Multimedia Tool in Boosting Speaking Competence during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia
Authors:   English Education Program, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Indonesia, Menggo Sebastianus , Jem Yosefina Helenora , Guna Stanislaus , Beda Raimundus
Published: January 2023

With their audio-visual capacity, linguistic and non-linguistic content, WhatsApp group video calls appear to have great potential for encouraging EFL learners' speaking development. However, the literature has yet to establish the degree to which WhatsApp group video calls promote English learning motivation and self-efficacy, reduce English speaking anxiety, authentic self-assessment, or urge teachers and students to improve their digital literacy. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of using WhatsApp group video calls to improve students' speaking skills and reveal the extent of this media's impact on student learning. The pre-/post-test, the two-group quantitative explanatory research design was undertaken, featuring one hundred and nineteen students from four classes. A test and questionnaires were used for data collection, and then data were analyzed by using SPSS 24.0. The findings reveal that WhatsApp group video calls have been helpful for increasing learners’ speaking competence during the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting students' English speaking motivation. With all these advantages in mind, this study suggests that ESL/EFL speaking instructors use WhatsApp group video calls in their distance or online English speaking classes.
Failure Rate in University Students: Analysis of its Variation in the Transition from Face-to-Face Education to Virtual Education
Authors:   the Universidad Nacional Tecnológica de Lima Sur, Perú, Chamorro-Atalaya Omar , Trujillo-Pérez Salvador , Perez-Linares Edison , Torres-Quiroz Almintor , Medina-Bedón Yurfa , Quevedo-Sánchez Lourdes , Fierro-Bravo Maritte , Leva-Apaza Antenor
Published: January 2023

The article presents an exploratory and descriptive study of the failure rate of students of the professional school of mechanical and electrical engineering of a public university in Peru. The purpose is to identify if the level of failure has experienced any positive or negative variation when moving from the context of face-to-face education to virtual education, due to the state of health emergency. This study makes it possible to demonstrate an initial reference state, relevant for decision-making at the level of university academic management, through strategies that will increase the approval rate of this professional school. The results obtained indicate that the level of failure of the students has experienced a positive variation when moving from the face-to-face context to the virtual one, due to the increase in the average rate of failure from 25% to 34%. The results are equivalent to 242 students failed during the context of face-to-face education, and 438 students failed during the context of virtual education. In addition, it is visualized that the specialty subjects, where there are the largest number of failed students, are linked to the area of electrical engineering. Being the subject of Electrical Machines I, the one with the highest failure rate, with a total average of 43% during the context of face-to-face education and 48% during virtual education.
Learning Management System Now and in The Future: Study Case from the Indonesian University Students
Authors:   the Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, Fibriasari H. , Andayani W. , Putri T. T. A. , Harianja N.
Published: January 2023

The need to study during the pandemic drove students of all grade levels to pursue online education. Some Indonesian schools and colleges developed the LMS platform to facilitate online learning. LMS (Learning Management Systems) is a novel concept for the majority of pupils. This study explored the experiences and expectations of students using LMS at an Indonesian government university. This is a qualitative study comprised of interviews. Twenty university students were recruited for interviews. The interview findings were then coded to identify major themes. The interview showed three primary themes: the benefits of employing an LMS, the difficulties of utilizing an LMS, and the future of LMS. The majority of students enjoyed using the LMS during their studies and encountered no operational difficulties. However, the biggest difficulty is the pupils’ poor internet connection, as they access the Internet from their rural homes. The findings suggested that in the future, following the COVID-19 pandemic, LMS could serve as a replacement for the traditional learning process, since many students have realized its benefits.
Adapting to Changing Expectations: Accounting Students in the Digital Learning Environment
Authors:   the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Malaysia, Shamsudin Adriana , Mamat Siti Nurulhuda , Pauzi Nur Farahah Mohd , Karim Mohd Syazwan
Published: January 2023

As a developing nation, Malaysia is looking forward to transforming its direction towards the Industrial Revolution 5.0. Aligned with the transformation process that is mainly driven by the rapid modern industrial transformation, Malaysian education system is faced with a variety of challenges especially in equipping young adults with innovative, digitally literate, and high critical thinking skills to make them future-ready. Additionally, the growing digital world economy has resulted in the loss and transformation of jobs which necessitates the transformation of Malaysian education for future employability. Moreover, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of the education sector. Hence, this study aims to explore, analyze, and evaluate first-year Bachelor in Accountancy students’ perspectives with regard to their online learning experiences in digitalized classrooms by looking at six dimensions: 1) Self-Directed Learning, 2) Learner Readiness toward Online Learning, 3) Learner Control, 4) Online Communication, 5) Computer/Internet Self-Efficacy, and 6) Motivation for Learning. Using a qualitative research design, online interviews via Google Meet involving 43 first-year students were conducted. The recorded interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8. The results of the study suggest that online learning has its advantages and disadvantages based on the respondents’ perspectives and experiences. A majority of the respondents reported that they enjoyed online learning and were well prepared for it while some of them perceived online learning as a complicated approach due to some factors. It can be concluded that these students were ready for online learning.