bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Epure Manuela , Mohamed Alaa tag eldin , Mihaes Lorena clara
Published: February 2023

The impact of social media is higher than expected a few years ago. Looking at the exponential evolution of social media technologies and usage, one may say that social media is reshaping the way in which researchers interact and cooperate at institutional level and beyond. The dimensions of knowledge management (KM), such as: knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and dissemination are essential in collaborative research projects and they definitely bear upon the research performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). Traditionally, HEIs are seen as knowledge generators due to the outcomes of high-level research conducted by academics. The paper aims to explore the relationship between the following three components: KM process related to collaborative research, social media technologies and research performance of universities. The paper presents only the first stage of a wider research project regarding the similarities and differences of KM practices, as these occur in various cultural environments. An exploratory survey has been conducted in order to identify to what extent the selected variables have confirmed our first draft of the conceptual model. The survey findings have been used to upgrade and refine the online questionnaire in order to better capture the real practices. The respondents are located in different universities, public or private, situated in diverse cultural environments and allow us to explore the differences in practices cording to the differences of institutional and cultural factors. In addition, the respondents are academics, involved in research and using on regular basis various social media to interact with their peers. At this stage of the research the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods mainly, and were tested some of the correlations considered relevant for the research. The preliminary research results encourage the research team to extend the survey in order to get relevant answers to formulated research questions and to draft policy recommendations tailored to the needs of different universities involved in this study.
MANAGERIAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Petcu Cristian
Published: February 2023

In the last decades of the last century, the complex issues of economic development and globalization, the danger of marginalization until extinction with which faced some communities, but also the gradual erosion of traditional beliefs and convictions have created foundations needed at European level to reconsider the place and role of cultural heritage in the future of societies and of European integration. The past is a part of us, as the future will be. It is important to keep our identity, to evolve, to know more about our ancestors, their way of thinking, their ways to express their values, feelings and convictions. In our days, we are willing to learn from the past and to build our future together with other countries, making a unity from all our diversities, getting to know better each other, keeping our treasures and building strong relations, based on common values and mutual respect. But still, as time goes by, there are many patrimony objects, buildings and areas endangered by the lack of interest of some authorities, of some social categories, or by the insufficient financial and human resources. One of our main goals is to grow up the awareness of those issues which could endanger the valuable cultural and natural heritage of the humanity. Also, there is a great need of responsibility and involvement from everybody, from the institutions and ending to the common people. An important managerial aspect in relation with the institutions of national culture is their participation in the preservation of national and European cultural heritage.
MOODLE - SUPPORT TOOL FOR DIASPORA INTEGRATION IN THE NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
Authors: Ignat Nicoleta
Published: February 2023

E-learning industry has experienced new dimensions given the technology progress. There are many platforms on the market that are based on systems that facilitate learning (LMS). One of the most used LMS platforms in Romanian academia is Moodle. Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is an open source platform that can be continuously improved but is mainly used in academic education while in pre-academic education it is used for conducting school competitions. The objective of this paper is to provide a solution that can be implemented in the current pre-academic education system in Romania to support students in the Diaspora in their integration in the education system nationwide. The analysis was conducted based on the number of students in the Diaspora who are registered annually in the Romanian pre-university education system and the problems they face in integrating / adaptation. The bottlenecks that they face in the preparation process have been identified and a mix of solutions was offered to be followed in order to enhance the graduating degree in the school education level. The main factors identified through analysis, leading to difficulties integrating students from diaspora in the national education system are determined by curricula in force in pre-university education in Romania and a poor knowledge of Romanian (reading, writing, spoken). Given that the legislation does not provide follow a preparatory year to ensure system integration of these students, they could be more easily integrated with new technologies that support collaborative learning. Additional training through the Moodle platform constitutes the proposed solution to these problems in order to help diaspora students return to Romania and complete their pre-university studies (primary and / or secondary) in the national education system. Moodle should provide students with both modules through which they acquire or improve their knowledge of Romanian and modules from the disciplines of curricula adapted to a lower level. Thus, students in the Diaspora can gradually assume the information and knowledge that allow them learning general skills and specific school programs provided.
STUDY REGARDING RELEVANT ABILITIES OF THE INFORMAL LEADER IN THE CASE OF HANDBALL PLAYERS THROUGH COMPUTERIZED ASSESSMENT
Authors: Grigore Vasilica , Predoiu Radu , Mitrache Georgeta , Predoiu Alexandra
Published: February 2023

The main scope of this study was to identify important psychomotor abilities and cognitive capacities of the informal leader in the case of preadolescent handball players. The participants were sorted, in conformity with the individual status scores (after performing a peer assessment, regarding the sport-related competence), in three categories: popular, neglected/ controversial and rejected. The study was carried out on 45 junior female handball players, aged between 11-12 years old, from three different handball teams. Each team included 15 players (all having a training experience of 3- 4 years) and represented the „reference group“, within which preferential status was established. In order to conduct the research concerning the quality of the female athletes’ psychomotor and cognitive behavior we used computerized tests: CMA (Attention Concentration and Mobility) test, RCMV (Motor reactivity, interlimb coordination, vigilance) test and TRS (Simple reaction time) test, all part of the PSISELTEVA system of psychological testing and assessment, created by RQ Plus. Following the application of the Kruskal-Wallis test, statistically significant differences were disclosed, between the results registered by the investigated groups, for: attention efficiency coefficient, interlimb coordination and vigilance (appreciated through associated parameters: operant/procedural memory coefficient, performance coefficient and resistance to disruptive factors coefficient) and simple reaction time. The results underline important intellectual and psychomotor features of the informal leader, which may positively influence a successful social integration of the athletes in the handball team.
USE OF E-TRAINING IN MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DOUBLE BACK SOMERSAULT ON THE FLOOR
Authors: Potop Vladimir , Jurat Valeriu , Buftea Victor , Dorgan Viorel
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model based on the use of e-training in the technical preparation of acrobatic elements on floor in women’s artistic gymnastics. This scientific approach has led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: analysis of specialized scientific literature; computerized video method by means of ”Pinnacle Studio” program of capture and video processing; also ”Kinovea” and ”Physics ToolKit” programs for biomechanical video analysis of sports technique; method of mathematical modeling; method of postural orientation of movement; statistical method, using ”KyPlot” computerized program. A number of 13 athletes aged from 12 to 15 years, all of them members of junior national team of Romania, participated in this research, which was conducted from 2012 to 2014. In this regard, 36 double back somersaults performed in three national competitions were analyzed in terms of biomechanics; the results of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics and the performances achieved in competitions were statistically correlated. It has been highlighted the linear correlative significance of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics for the translation with rotation movement, in accordance with the anthropometric, biomechanical and performance indicators of junior gymnasts of 12 to 15 years old, for developing the mathematical model of double back somersault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The effective use of e-training in the mathematical modeling of the biomechanical characteristics of sports performances created the possibility to deepen the phasic preparation of sports training and the more efficient processing of the modern didactical programs of learning.
ENHANCING LEARNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE 'E-LEARNING FROM NATURE' PROJECT
Authors: Colibaba Anca cristina , Gheorghiu Irina , Colibaba Stefan , Colibaba Cintia , Ursa Ovidiu
Published: February 2023

The article is a study based on the E-Learning from Nature project (2015-1-IT02-KA201-015133), which is funded by the European Commission with a view to promoting a proactive students’ approach to scientific subjects learning by encouraging science teachers’ use of innovative online teaching methodologies in their everyday practice. The objectives, activities and outputs of the project draw on the present challenging European context characterised by the unprecedented advance of technology and, paradoxically, students’ underachievement in basic skills as far as scientific issues are concerned. The article examines the project’s main objectives focusing mainly on improving students’ low performance in scientific subjects, motivating them to learn science and, therefore, consolidating student knowledge of science subjects. The project supports teaching methodologies based on real life case scenarios and makes use of new technologies to promote scientific knowledge, which will definitely enhance students’ involvement in the learning process. The underlying principle of the project is to promote solid cooperation among educational agents across European countries in order to create a comprehensive data base for teaching science in schools. The article also looks into the main outputs of the project: Online data base: a collection of information sheets, direct sources (photos, videos, drawings etc. available in digital format) about the flora, the fauna, the natural elements and any other human intervention of scientific interest in a specific environmental area; E-lessons: small video lessons aimed at identifying the connection between the above mentioned natural elements and school scientific curricular activities as well as the related basic skills to be acquired.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN A DIGITAL WORLD: THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INTRODUCING VIDEOS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES
Authors: Dimitriu Anda
Published: February 2023

As the international language of our times, English has benefitted in recent years from a myriad of pedagogical approaches, case-based studies or philosophical musings. This phenomenon has also been doubled by the proliferation of technology in the twenty-first century and the shift in mentality on the part of the newer generations, who now view short video sequences as a commonplace aspect of their lives. As a natural consequence, specialists in the field of pedagogy and didactics have also drawn attention to the opportunities this new technology might bring in the classroom, and have even tried and succeeded to incorporate readily available videos in the teaching-learning process they were a part of. Still, implementing a change in curriculum will inherently bring out obstacles as well; so, disappointed that the change was not revolutionary in nature or all-encompassing in effect, many have given up and returned to the well-trodden paths of dividing English learning in the aspects they were familiar with, leaving videos or films aside in favour of written texts or grammatical exercises. But modest as they may be, and despite the drawbacks which come with this change, I believe the advantages of video clips in the teaching of English are important from a twofold point of view: firstly, videos may prove a very useful tool of placing specialised vocabulary or grammatical structures in a clearer context for the generations who live surrounded by images and video snaps, and secondly, they could provide the students with a chance to be immersed in the culture and frame of mind of native speakers, if only for a short while. Therefore, this present paper will offer an image of the advantages and disadvantages of introducing videos and movie clips in the curriculum of English learners, and will do so by analysing the theoretical foundation of such a change, as well as by giving concrete examples of how a simple video could improve the learning experience for students with various interests and specialisations.
A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS ON CYBER-THREATS AGAINST ELEARNING SYSTEMS
Authors: Mihai Ioan cosmin , Pruna Stefan , Petrica Gabriel
Published: February 2023

The cybercrime phenomenon is becoming more offensive and the number of cyber-attacks against eLearning systems is growing in number and diversity. Cybercrime nowadays represents an industry; the Cybercrime-as-a-Service model offers easy access to illegal products and services. Unexperienced cybercriminals from different states can join together in underground forums and share information and tools for cyber-attacks. They can easily spread dangerous malware or launch big-scale attacks anywhere in the world with less resources and sizeable profits for them. This article analyzes the cyber threats that can affect eLearning systems. Malware represents one of the most important threat areas within cybercrime. There are many kind of malware that can be uploaded on the compromised eLearning systems like viruses, trojans, worms, adware, spyware, and ransomware, which can infect all the users that have access to the infected files. Compromised eLearning platforms can be used by cybercriminals for malware infections, redirections to malicious websites or for phishing or spamming activities. Social engineering is an attack vector that refers to manipulation of people into performing actions in order to compromise the systems security and can affect the eLearning systems security. Regarding communications, more and more eLearning systems use encryption to protect the traffic between the platform and its users. The benefits of encryption for eLearning systems are clear, but for law enforcement is a big disadvantage, when they have to investigate some encrypted communications. This paper indicates also the importance of the international cooperation in the process of fighting and combating the cyber-threats against eLearning systems, for a safer cyber environment.
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF CYBERCRIME FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPROMISED ELEARNING SYSTEMS
Authors: Mihai Ioan cosmin
Published: February 2023

The phenomenon of cybercrime is becoming more hostile and confrontational as both individuals and organized criminal groups take advantage of new criminal opportunities from the cyber environment. Many cyber-attacks are used to compromise eLearning systems, to change the student’s grades and results, to steal the information available only for trainers and professors, or to infect all the users that are using the platforms. The role of legislation in preventing and combating the cybercrime phenomenon against eLearning systems is very important. Legal measures are needed in all the fields, including investigative measures, procedural powers, jurisdiction, and international cooperation. In a globalized and connected world, the law consists of a collection of national and international legal systems. Sometimes provisions can contradict each other, resulting to collisions of law, because of the interactions between these legal systems. The main goal of the international law is to obtain harmonization of national laws. In the last decade many significant developments were made for the promulgation of multilateral instruments in the field of cybercrime. This paper analyses the collections of regional and international instruments developed in the context of the Council of Europe or the European Union, tools that can help the investigations of compromised online systems. Legal frameworks for the investigation of cybercrime acts in the field of eLearning require a clear scope of application of the power, in order to guarantee the legal actions. Most of the countries have introduced new investigative powers specially created for obtaining electronic evidence which can be used in cases of compromised eLearning systems.
SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY AFFECTED BY COVARIATES (FACTORS) - ONE WAY TO ANALYZE
Authors: Boiculese Lucian v. , Trandafir Laura mihaela , Moscalu Mihaela
Published: February 2023

Taking into account the high frequency of elderly patients affected by colorectal cancer and the increased prevalence of comorbidities, there have been created different classification systems for the prediction of postoperative results which depends on the number and type of comorbidities. In order to be useful in clinical practice, a system has to be easily useable, to allow comparisons amongst patients, and to offer a good estimation of risk based on the preoperative score, for a correct evaluation of patients who will probably best benefit from the surgery. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) is widely used in the surgical fields. It comprises of a weighted scoring system based on 19 comorbidities. The absolute obtained number can be used for comparison and evaluation of the risk. The Elixhauser method is a more recent model which utilises the risk adjustment using 31 conditions. The comorbidities' evaluation index for adults (ACE-27) was developed by modifying the Kaplan-Feinstein comorbidity index (KFI). The modifications have been made following discussions with experts regarding clinical aspects and a review of literature. Only a few studies had compared the results about comorbidities index in estimating mortality after a colorectal cancer surgery. Recent studies compared Charlson comorbidity index and the Elixhauser method or ACE-27. Their aim was to investigate each comorbidity's impact and their prognostic ability in colorectal cancer regarding the survival causes. This study compares the punctual obtained estimations in accordance with the number of comorbidities and the adjusted indexes for the well-known preoperative risk factors, for a complete evaluation of the preoperative risk. We have evaluated the prediction capacity by ROC analysis and choose the cutoff for maximum accuracy. The results were not acceptable and the need of a proper score is mandatory. More than this by logistic regression (multiple regression) we found that sensitivity and specificity depends on other covariate like age and TNM stage. Therefore we have improved the prediction of death by a score that take into account beside Charlson score other covariates.
TO ALLOW OR NOT TO ALLOW MOBILE PHONES IN THE UNIVERSITY CLASS?! - A PLEA FOR EDUCATED (RELATIVE) PERMISSIVENESS
Authors: Catelly Yolandamirela
Published: February 2023

The general background against which this study is proposed refers to the controversial issue of allowing or not students to have or use mobile telephones in class, with quite numerous voices claiming that it is detrimental to the education quality, and rather few members of the educational profession pleading in favour of it - certainly with sound arguments, such as: ensuring its use for learning purposes only, and even (re)designing teaching materials to include/encourage such functions. Therefore, given the fact that the context taken into account for the proposed research project is that of tertiary engineering students learning to become Computer Science specialists, with over 95% of them in possession of flagship phones and having the skills to make full use of such equipment, the aim of the paper is a multiple one, viz. to: (i) localize the worldwide debate on the degree of permissiveness vs interdiction as to mobile phone use in class, (ii) take stock of both students’ and teachers’ views  in the described context –  (iii) alongside with a hidden agenda of pleading in favour of an educated, i.e. psycho-pedagogically well justified manner, change of mentality and attitude in both categories of actors within the instructional process, as far as mobile phone uses are concerned in and/or outside the classroom. A critical review of major viewpoints on the advantages and disadvantages of allowing students to have/use mobile phones in class, as well as the diachronic perspective of the teachers’ openness in this respect have created the starting point in investigating the current situation in the author’s educational context. Hence, the approach proposed here hypothesizes that, by getting both students and teachers to answer research instruments such as questionnaires, interviews and focus groups, reflection on the topic is stimulated and, consequently, a change (even if minor) in the degree of the instructors’ educated purposeful permissiveness is encouraged. Similarly, increased awareness of the real benefits of mobile phones used in class mainly for study purposes can contribute to the students’ diminishing of their non-educational uses of this almost indispensable device. Data collected are presented and discussed; they tend to point out to the need for an educated change of mentality in this respect.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BLENDED LEARNING FOR A TECHNICAL DRAWING CLASSES
Authors: Enache Ioanacatalina , Valter Narcisa , Duca Mioara
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the effects of computer-based training on technical drawing classes. The graphic representation provides the logical link between thinking, imagination and objective, material reality. It is fundamental for student’s to understand of constructive forms, functional and assembly schemes. This requires the use of classical teaching methods which is based on the application of internationally recognized standards, being necessary for the correct application of the principles for a technical drawing. In terms of improving the quality of the communication channel between teacher and student in recent years teachers have turned to modern teaching methods using simulation as an instrument underlying the student's understanding of the required tasks. In the least years we found out that using computer-based instruction (CBI) at classes give more favorable ratings for students. Interactive animations and simulations supported with computer aided teaching, used for presented some problems had a positive effect on the achievements of students. The use of modern teaching techniques is integrated into curriculum education as a frequent trend of developed countries for university and pre-university environments. Teaching using computer-based instruction has a very good impact because increase the students’ achievements but we find out that is not enough. As for the technical drawing, the use of simulations and presentations like a modern teaching method is not enough to form a technical thinking. Thus, it is necessary to apply the classical methods of teaching, which are aimed at understanding the necessary steps for the creation and realization of a technical drawing which can be conceived only on the basis of the international conventions established by the engineering graphics.
USING ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS AS FACILITATORS OF LEARNING: A CASE STUDY WITH TWO ROMANIAN UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Iordache Dragos daniel , Gorghiu Gabriel , Manea Valentina iuliana , Pribeanu Costin
Published: February 2023

In recent years, there has been a rapid development of social networks and an increase in their diversity both in terms of functionality and users. Online social networks (OSN) can offer considerable benefits to communication and user relationships as well as benefits for students in learning and participating in online courses and platforms. Among the advantages of using online social networks as facilitators of the educational activities, we mention: support for social learning and blended learning programs, availability for interaction, collaboration, sharing information and resources, encouraging participation and critical thinking, informal education and increasing students' motivation for certain subjects or areas of knowledge. Other positive aspects of using OSN in education are related to the participation of students in discussion groups, using of real-time study materials (microblogging is a simple way to engage in dialogue with other students), flexible academic environment and establishing of relationships between teachers, students and researchers from other institutions. The goal of this work is to explore the potential of using online social networks as facilitators of educational activities in two universities from Romania. Two samples of students have been collected that have various study profiles. The study aims at answering two main research questions: which are the preferred facilitators of learning and which is the weight of time spent on online social networks for university-related activities? On the one hand, the results show that the most important facilitators are the discussion groups, the chat on Facebook and the Facebook page of students’ group. On another hand, the results reveal significant differences between the two universities as regards the preferences and the time spent for academic purposes.
E-LEARNING AND ITS PEDAGOGICAL CHALLENGES FOR TRAINERS
Authors: Museanu Elena , Birsanu Roxana
Published: February 2023

E-learning is a form of education which has witnessed a gradual increase in popularity in recent years, both at academic level, and in professional environments. This interest has been triggered by globalization, the plethora of information reaching people via a multitude of technological media (the Internet, TV, mobile phones, etc.) and the internationalization of specialized communication. It is a well-known fact that online teaching requires a set of skills which are additional to the ones used in face-to-face learning environments. Consequently, the challenges normally associated with teaching vary with the teaching contexts. The purpose of the present research is to analyze the pedagogical challenges for trainers imparting online learning content for companies. The paper attempts to identify categories of challenges, such as cultural differences (in multinational corporations, local organizations, governmental institutions, military structures, for instance), age of course participants, participants’ approach to the process of learning, position in the company organizational chart, general learner profile with special emphasis on elements of demographics. After detecting some of the above-mentioned challenges, the study further aims to suggest ways in which trainers can acquire and enhance abilities necessary to overcome such obstacles. The analysis relies on Hample and Stickler’s skill pyramid (2005:317), which presents the pedagogical aspects needed for effective online language teaching. These two researchers identify seven key competences that should facilitate the process of communication. By acquiring these competences, trainers can maintain the dynamics of the online education process in terms of communication efficiency, improvement of teaching approaches and adjustment to the changing needs of the online learning communities.
RE - INVENTING AND RE- CREATING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH ITEM (INTERACTIVE TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MODEL). TEACHING FOR INFORMATION VS TEACHING FOR RELATIONING
Authors: Osman Silvia
Published: February 2023

Why do we need e-Education, e-Training and e-Learning? Why do we need to actually Re - Invent and Re- Create learning environments? Nowadays, while technology becomes more and more challenging, traditional teaching methods are facing the risk of becoming obsolete. Classroom walls are expanding tremendously and information comes bombarding the old hinges that keep holding them together. Where are we heading to? ITEM (Interactive Transformational Educational Model) brings human creativity frontstage, pushes at the boundaries of convention and invites learners to become co-educators, co-creators and active contributors to the (e)learning environment, and re-invent along the way the convention, continuously bearing in mind that conveying information without building transformational relationships within the educational process, knowledge becomes void of valuable content. Quantum Learning and Summative Intelligence are essential in implementing ITEM within higher education learning environments. Both parties involved in the educational process (teachers, i.e. facilitators of information acquisition processes and students, i.e. active, responsive recipients of shared-knowledge) are equally responsible for the creation, re-creation and re-invention of learning environments that are equally interesting and entertaining. The fascination for information and the instant gratification need of the millennials (and not only) launches self-study, inducing research skills and abilities that need guidance and refining. Yes, classroom walls are expanding, and teaching for information becomes secondary to teaching for relationing, if we aim for the e-Generation of (e)Students to continue to come to us for guidance, in these new learning environments. Undoubtedly, the world becomes our classroom and the only viable solution we have is to rE-invent and rE-create multidimensional learning environments, rE-shaping our mold and composure, while facing and keeping up with the future.
PARENTS' OPINIONS ON THE USE OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN LANGUAGE THERAPY
Authors: Sandu Cristina , Panisoara Georgeta , Popovici Doru vlad , Fat Silvia
Published: February 2023

This article presents the results of a research recently collected in a PNCDI III project, named Multiplatform interactive information technologies with applications in Romanian language for speech therapy. TIMLOGORO project demonstrates that technology is an effective tool for learning and, in particular, in improving speech at any age stage. This research aims to investigate the degree of parental openness on the use of technological platforms in children's speech therapy. The method used in this study was a survey based on a questionnaire, the tool comprising a total of 16 items with the Lickert scale response from 1 to 5. The questionnaire contains items that aim to investigate the general and particular opinion of working with the technological resource. The participants in this study are represented by a number of 40 children's parents who presents language disorders. The study aims to obtain relevant information about the importance of using digital platforms in speech therapy at parents. Research provides answers to key themes of interest, such as access to digital platforms, the use of technology, the qualities and features of efficient digital platforms. The open and supportive attitude of parents to the use of digital resources in speech therapy is one of the essential elements for the efficiency of the therapeutic act and the solving of speech problems. The results obtained in this research will be introduced into the SPSS statistics program and will be carried out statistical tests and graphs that will strengthen the scientific and pedagogical argument of the mentioned project, an argument necessary for evaluating the Timlogoro digital platform.
THE INTERNET - A SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE ACTIVITIES
Authors: Stoican Oana , Stefanescu Cornelia
Published: February 2023

The pedagogical practice of the students involves a pedagogical component reflected in didactic design and evaluation, but also in teaching and self-evaluation of demonstrative lessons. Thus, students are given the opportunity to apply methodological aspects related to: design of lessons and thematic units, intra and interdisciplinary approach of contents, analysis of some records, elaboration of observation grids and evaluation of lessons / activities. They are also actively involved in designing demonstration lessons, supporting, analyzing and evaluating their lessons or their colleagues. This study aims to illustrate how the internet can contribute to the preparation of students' activities in pedagogical practice at primary and pre-primary level. This research seeks to highlight the importance of accessing various sources in the online environment for informing and documenting students to support the demonstration lessons included in the pedagogical practice program. Considering the many advantages of computer use in the education system - the immense amount of information that can be accessed, the speed and accuracy of the operations performed, the ability to provide various representations of objects, processes and phenomena, as well as the ability to communicate interactively - the internet becomes a significant source of information and documentation. The internet is, at the same time, an effective way of spreading the novelty, disseminating good practice. The transformations in society are now taking place in schools and universities, the existence of the internet opening new perspectives on increasing the efficiency of learning activities. Thus, the internet represents the main teaching tool with which the future teacher staff will access the school documents, but also various bibliographical materials which they can process creatively.
AN INTERACTIVE ALPHABET FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Authors: Closcaru Petrica , Iosif Liviu , Puchianu Crenguta
Published: February 2023

The preschoolers need to be permanently supervised in order to learn the alphabet and they also need to be offered continuous support through which they can exercise. So, the kids consider that learning alphabet as a difficult, repetitive and boring activity. Nowadays, all parents want their children to know the alphabet as early as possible, but the methods they use are not attractive for kids. Both parents and kids feel the need of finding an interesting, fun, game-based method to learn the alphabet and this is represented by Interactive Alphabet for Preschoolers Application (shortly, IAPA). This application provides three games: “Solve Puzzle”, “Correspondences” and “Learn the Alphabet”. We developed IAPA as any software system and in this paper we present the results of its development process, mainly the models obtained from the software analysis and design activities. So, during the analysis activity we identified and described users’ functional requirements and we analysed the system from the black-box viewpoint and functional, structural and interactional perspectives. During the object design of system, we applied the white-box viewpoint and we constructed the software architecture from behavioural, structural and dynamic perspectives. Models have been constructed using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) language. The IAPA system was implemented using Java programming language. We prove through scenarios of IAPA’s functioning that the children can learn the alphabet, they can recognize letters and create associations between letters and words. The system was tested by the children of the English School from Medgidia, Romania and their feedback was excellent. We conclude that the IAPA system helps children to learn letters in an efficiently, quickly and enjoyable way.
VIDEO GAME ANALYTICS AND DOWN SYNDROME
Authors: Garcia Lucy , Salazar Augusto , Garcia Mauricio , Hernandez Sayira , Gomez Cesar
Published: February 2023

Today there are many children with Down Syndrome (DS) who have difficulties in the teaching-learning process in general and in particular in mathematics. These difficulties have their primary origin in the intellectual disability that is manifested to a greater or lesser extent in people with DS (PDS) due to a genetic alteration characterized by an additional copy of chromosome 21. This genetic imbalance causes a decrease in the number of neurons and synaptic connections which in turn makes mental and motor processes slower for them than for other people. Notwithstanding the preceding, the population retains its capacity for learning and improvement, even there is no limit to the development of their skill is as long as they provide the right incentives. On the other hand, ICTs have proven to be an inclusive tool with the population in cognitive impairment such as DS. Experts affirm that these people do have interest and can make use of technologies, which constitute a valuable instrument to increase the probability of becoming more independent and active in the community. In this sense, actions have been undertaken to promote the social inclusion of this population by promoting access to ICT, respecting their right to access information and communication. In this way, the digital divide is reduced, and educational, labor and social inclusion are favored. According to the above, the design of a prototype of an educational video game in mathematics that is inclusive with PDS was proposed. This game is based on three own activities of daily living of people who require basic knowledge in mathematics. Each of the activities starts at a basic level of difficulty, and to the extent that the user manages to perform each of them adequately, the difficulty of them will increase. The objective of the first activity of the game is to identify shapes and colors correctly, the other is to count, and the last is to organize elements according to form. Since some users with or without DS can have limitations in language development, the game was designed so that from the same user interaction with the application could be obtained data showing some aspects of the teaching-learning process and familiarization and use of the proposed tool. These analytical data extracted directly from the interaction with the game facilitates the evaluation of it, especially in populations where language is not fully developed and thus have limitations in intelligibility and speech.
DESIGNING AN EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR A WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT COURSE
Authors: Ivanova Slavina
Published: February 2023

The discrepancy between the traditional learning methods and the learning preferences of the students of the current generation result in the ineffective and boring studying process. Gamification and game-based learning are popular concepts which application in education to enhance motivation, increase retention levels and deepen engagement of the students with the subject matter has an emerging and promising potential. The Web on the other hand is evolving rapidly, affecting not only the coding techniques and web development approaches, but also introducing new concepts as "grid-based", "responsive design", "mobile-first", "CSS preprocessors", "progressive enhancement", "unobtrusive JavaScript" and many more. This puts a lot of challenges in terms of how to teach effectively these techniques and constantly adapt the classes when introducing them in the curriculum. The paper presents a work-in-progress on designing and developing an educational game for teaching fundamental and modern web design and development concepts to students of the current generation Z. At first it overviews the current state and related work as well as tendencies and emerging practices on the matter, as it also focuses on the application of the different game design principles as essential part of the process. Then it outlines our approach to the development of the educational game, introducing certain game mechanics and dynamics that are applied in the educational game. Next, we introduce the prototyped and developed portions that cover different aspects of the course topics. Finally, we go over the specific usage and implementation as well as the future development and perspectives.
THE ADVANTAGES OF GAMIFICATION AND GAME-BASED LEARNING AND THEIR BENEFITS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION
Authors: Nistor Gabriel calin , Iacob Adrian
Published: February 2023

In the United States, gamification is used in education for more than 10 years. Gamification is a procedure that employs certain game specific elements in different fields like education, health, sport or human resources. This process is known as "Human-Focused Design", as opposed to "Function-Focused Design." It's a design process that optimizes for human motivation in a system, as opposed to pure efficiency. Most systems are "function-focused", designed to get the job done quickly. This is like a factory that assumes its workers will do their jobs because they are required to. However, Human-Focused Design remembers that people in a system have feelings, insecurities, and reasons why they want or do not want to do certain things, and therefore optimizes for their feelings, motivations, and engagement. Since games have spent decades learning how to master motivation and engagement, we are now learning from games, and that is why we call it Gamification. Take for example Duolingo, a massive online collaboration which combines a free language-learning website with a paid crowdsourced text translation platform. The service is designed so that students can learn a given language online, while helping to translate websites and documents.  The traditional motivational methods are less and less efficient and thus the companies are forced towards more attractive and innovative methods, fit for the psychological profile of the current generation, a generation raised and schooled in close connection with the technological progress. European Union started to show interest for these aspects, as proven by the Game-Based Learning and Gamification training course that was organized in Spain by the means of a European Commission project.
WAYS OF USING E-LEARNING FOR CULTURE CONSUMERS AND IMPLEMENTING IT IN THE MARKETING OF CULTURAL SERVICES
Authors: Badin Andrei , Manea Luiza
Published: February 2023

This paper presents ways in which e-learning is used in some industries and how it can be used and implemented in the fine arts services with the help of digital marketing. Culture consumers can take part in the creative process with the help of e-learning. The services economy is booming. Most of business have an online profile and use it in order to get in touch with potential customers and loyal customers, even trying and succeeding in evangelizing some customers that promote their services to others. The highlights of the year 2017 are digital and online trends that encourage fast consumption of any product or service. For example, the online store eMag is expecting over 1 billion in revenues this year, Amazon has over 300 million unique buyers, banks are creating online platforms that can offer loans on the spot and museums are creating unique and immersive digital interactions with visitors. This level of interaction, having the client interact from the “safety” and comfort of his own home is changing the way business applies the marketing mix online and on premise. The arts and events sector can benefit very much from interacting with potential clients in a way in which the interested potential clients can get in touch with events that they are looking for, make it possible for them to book and buy a ticket and even interact or take part in the experience from the comfort of their own home through e-learning models and platforms, even social media.
ENHANCING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE THROUGH E-COACHING SESSIONS: QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Bucur Mihaela
Published: February 2023

The support resources available to e-coaching vary greatly from organization to organization, and even within organizations, remaining a critical factor in the long-term success of any organization. Lately, like never before, organizations are increasingly challenged to discover new and efficient approaches to support and enhance their performance. In this context, e-coaching stands as a significant approach for enhancing organizational performance. In Romania, e-coaching is emerging as a relatively new field, in spite of its’ being used by organizations from other countries for quite some time. This paper describes current empirical findings regarding the use of an e-coaching set of measures which combines phone coaching and internet-based (virtual) coaching. The current research particularly studies how sustainable coaching is, through the analysis of customers’ satisfaction regarding self development, but also related to the coaching reasons as well as the degree of goal attainment, after the end of the three coaching sessions. The study focuses mainly on coaching effectiveness. Within this study, a professional coach provided three coaching sessions to 28 customers. A quantitative analysis was conducted, data being therefore collected by questionnaire. Findings suggest that participants are satisfied by both technological procedures (telephone and internet-based coaching). The paper also highlights the advantages and the limits of the e-coaching approach in organizational practice, by comparing it to face-to-face coaching. In addition, findings also prove that a blended approach, which supposes that combination of the technology-mediated coaching sessions with the traditional face-to-face coaching approach, can deliver positive outcomes. The purpose and objectives of this study are to shed light on the academic research focusing on telephone coaching combined with an internet-based (virtual) coaching.