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Molecular case studies (MCSs) are open educational resources that use a storytelling approach to engage students in biomolecular structure-function explorations, at the interface of biology and chemistry. Although MCSs are developed for a particular target audience with specific learning goals, they are suitable for implementation in multiple disciplinary course contexts. Detailed teaching notes included in the case study help instructors plan and prepare for their implementation in diverse contexts. A newly developed MCS was simultaneously implemented in a biochemistry and a molecular parasitology course at two different institutions. Instructors participating in this cross-institutional and multidisciplinary implementation collaboratively identified the need for quick and effective ways to bridge the gap between the MCS authors' vision and the implementing instructor's interpretation of the case-related molecular structure-function discussions. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive and engaging experience that has been used effectively in teaching molecular sciences. Its accessibility and ease-of-use with smart devices (e.g., phones and tablets) make it an attractive option for expediting and improving both instructor preparation and classroom implementation of MCSs. In this work, we report the incorporation of ready-to-use AR objects as checkpoints in the MCS. Interacting with these AR objects facilitated instructor preparation, reduced students' cognitive load, and provided clear expectations for their learning. Based on our classroom observations, we propose that the incorporation of AR in MCSs can facilitate its successful implementation, improve the classroom experience for educators and students, and make MCSs more broadly accessible in diverse curricular settings.

The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between Visual Arts teacher candidates' media literacy, technology integration skills and STEM applications self-efficacy. The research, designed with the relational scanning model, was conducted with the participation of 204 Visual Arts teacher candidates. In order to collect the data, "Media Literacy," "Teacher Technology Skills" and "Teacher STEM Self-Efficacy Perceptions" scales were used in the study. The analysis of the research data was carried out with STEM analysis in the AMOS program. According to the research findings, visual arts teacher candidates' media literacy was found to be high, but their technology integration skills and STEM applications self-efficacy were found to be at moderate level. According to STEM analyses, media literacy and technology integration skills significantly predict STEM self-efficacy in Visual Arts teacher candidates, both separately and together.

The burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education prompts crucial discussions regarding its implications for teaching and learning. This qualitative study probes the argumentative perspectives of 118 teacher candidates from Igdir University on the integration of AI into educational practices. Employing Toulmin's (1958) model, we analyzed their arguments, which encompass claims, evidence, warrants, backings, rebuttals, and conclusions, to ascertain their stance on AI's pedagogical integration. Utilizing four distinct AI chatbots--GPT-4, Gemini AI, Claude 3 Haiku, and Mistral AI--the research deciphers thematic undercurrents within these dimensions. Moreover, a novel methodological contribution is made through 'negative space exploration', focusing on the unmentioned themes to identify latent biases and assumptions in the argumentation. The study's dual analytical approach, combining AI-driven theme identification and negative space exploration, resulted in an enriched understanding of the content. Key findings suggest a nuanced perception among participants: while AI chatbots are acknowledged for enhancing educational efficiency and enabling personalized learning, concerns regarding diminished human interaction, potential erosion of critical thinking skills, and ethical use persist. The analyses also highlight the need for a balanced AI implementation that supports, not supplants, traditional educational methods. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on effective AI integration in education and calls for responsible pedagogical adoption of AI technologies.

This study explores primary teachers´ initial training programs, focusing on Foreign Language Teaching (FLT) and its integration with technology. The research is grounded in two dimensions of contemporary society: plurilingual competence and digital literacy. The study employs the conceptual framework of "Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge" (TPACK) (Mishra & Kohler, 2006) and applies content analysis methodology. The scientific interest lies in the scarcity of studies examining this specific area within the Spanish context, because research on TPACK in FLT has primarily focused on Asia and the Middle East. To address this void, a comprehensive national study encompassing 39 public universities was conducted. This study involved an in-depth analysis of 496 course guides within the field of FLT in primary education teacher training programs. The research findings indicate that less than half of the subjects incorporate technology, and when they do, two prominent trends emerge: the integration of TPACK and the presentation of technology as a broad competency, not specifically tailored to FLT. The primary conclusion drawn from this study is that the incorporation of TPACK in this context is moderate, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive integration of technology within FLT teacher training programs.

This research explores university educators' perspectives on the opportunities, concerns, and considerations associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in the training of professional communicators. Positioned at the early stages of ChatGPT's integration into educational settings, the study examines teachers' assignment instructions, assessments of ChatGPT's responses, and reflections on these outcomes. Employing a cross-sectional, qualitative methodology, the research involves a sample of 22 teachers from communication faculties in Mexico, Peru, and Spain. Utilizing Bloom's taxonomy and an inductive approach for data analysis, the findings unveil nuanced views on GenAI's role in teaching practice. Teachers perceive ChatGPT as a tool with varying impacts depending on its application. They articulate distinct roles for ChatGPT, viewing it as either an ally or a rival, prompting discussions on anthropomorphizing technologies and emphasizing the need to empower students in GenAI tool usage, establish ethical protocols, and reconsider assessment methods, among other key considerations.

Multitasking has been demonstrated to negatively impact performance across a wide range of tasks, including in the classroom, yet students continue to multitask. This study examined the relationship between college students' perceptions and performance of technology-based multitasking. Technology-based multitasking and self-efficacy data were collected and analyzed from 265 undergraduate students. Students engaged in a technology-based multitasking perceptions survey, a video + survey multitasking task or a video-only non-multitasking task, and a technology-based self-efficacy survey. An analysis of student perceptions indicated that students understood that different tasks required different levels of mental effort to complete successfully and that multitasking across high-mental effort tasks required greater effort than multitasking across low-mental effort tasks. In addition, students in the video + survey multitasking group significantly underperformed students in the video-only non-multitasking group. Finally, the relationship between technology-based multitasking and self-efficacy was addressed in a correlational analysis between student technology-based multitasking scores and technology-based self-efficacy scores, yielding no significant relationship. The study findings indicate that most students have an understanding and awareness of multitasking, but ultimately, whether they believed they could multitask or not, multitasking significantly impeded performance.

Purpose: This study investigates university in-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' perceptions of technology integration and the relevant factors that may affect their technology integration in the classroom. Design/Approach/Methods: This multiple case study applies Teo's extended technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of teacher value beliefs associated with using technology to explore seven in-service EFL teachers' perceptions of effective technology integration and the challenges they encountered. Findings: This study suggests that (1) perceived usefulness and (2) teacher value beliefs are two important factors that influence in-service teachers' technology integration. Additional factors are (3) subjective norm, (4) facilitating conditions of the environment, and (5) cultural values. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature on in-service EFL teachers' technology integration and increases the applicability of the extended TAM in China. This study also provides insights into these teachers' perceptions and practices of technology integration. Finally, insights gleaned from this study will guide school-level, local, and national educational policy groups on optimally supporting in-service teachers' future technology integration.

Building on previous research, this qualitative exploratory study investigates the impact of ChatGPT on English language classes among Korean university students. The researcher uses pre- and post-training surveys, in-class observations, and interviews to explore 120 students' perceptions of their experiences over a 15-week semester. Results indicate largely positive attitudes, with students expressing optimism about ChatGPT's potential to enhance language skills. Classroom engagement was high, fostering collaboration and active participation. Post-training interviews revealed improved confidence, collaborative learning experiences, and a shift toward metacognitive awareness in learners and autonomous learning. Some technical and language challenges surfaced, as well as skepticism from a small number of learners. Long-term post-training surveys highlight sustained engagement and real-world applications. The findings provide insights for educators and policymakers considering the integration of AI tools in language education, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and flexibility in implementation strategies.

This paper explores recent advancements and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with a specific focus on Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT 3.5, within the realm of higher education. Through a comprehensive review of the academic literature, this paper highlights the unprecedented growth of these models and their widereaching impact across various sectors. The discussion sheds light on the complex issues and potential benefits presented by LLMs, providing a comprehensive overview of the field's current state. In the context of higher education, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities posed by LLMs. These include issues related to educational assessment, potential threats to academic integrity, privacy concerns, the propagation of misinformation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) aspects, copyright concerns and inherent biases within the models. While these challenges are multifaceted and significant, the paper emphasises the availability of strategies to address them effectively and facilitate the successful adoption of LLMs in educational settings. Furthermore, the paper recognises the potential opportunities to transform higher education. It emphasises the need to update assessment policies, develop guidelines for staff and students, scaffold AI skills development, and find ways to leverage technology in the classroom. By proactively pursuing these steps, higher education institutions (HEIs) can harness the full potential of LLMs while managing their adoption responsibly. In conclusion, the paper urges HEIs to allocate appropriate resources to handle the adoption of LLMs effectively. This includes ensuring staff AI readiness and taking steps to modify their study programmes to align with the evolving educational landscape influenced by emerging technologies.

The rise in technology-rich learning environments is reflective of a global trend in higher education (HE), recently accelerated because of necessary digital teaching and assessment practices embraced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study facilitated through focus groups and an interview explores the teaching and learning experiences of tertiary level students in the COVID-19 era. Data from 24 students based within a UK Higher Education Institution highlights how an expanded digital environment can optimise conditions for some students to independently practise and apply what they are learning at their own pace. Digitally enhanced opportunities to interact with teaching staff and learning resources also increased the options for these students to experience themselves as competent members of the HE community. This was particularly relevant for first-year students new to the processes and practices of tertiary education. In contrast, third year students with more experience of HE appeared less reliant on the provision of online learning resources. Participants also identified some potential problems associated with the enhanced flexibility of online teaching and learning resources in relation to students' ability to be self-regulated. This paper rationalises the need for educators and educational and learning developers who teach and undertake scholarship in teaching and learning to consider the sociocultural context of the student and their learning environment when designing teaching activities and curricula. The data presented here highlight the need for a clearly defined framework to underpin the integration of digital technologies with on-campus activities.

This study investigates the integration of 21st-century skills into the teaching practices of pre-service teachers during their off-campus experiences. Focusing on essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, self-direction, and the use of technology, this research aims to identify which skills are most effectively applied by pre-service teachers in real-world settings. Data were collected from 370 final-year pre-service teachers using a cross-sectional design and a tailored survey instrument adapted from Ravitz's work. The findings indicate that pre-service teachers most frequently integrated technology use and self-direction into their teaching practices. Conversely, skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and fostering creativity were less commonly applied. No significant gender differences were found in the application of these skills among pre-service teachers in the Central Region of Ghana. These results reveal insights into the readiness and capabilities of future teachers to integrate essential 21st-century skills into their teaching practices, underscoring the critical role of teacher education programmes in preparing educators for the demands of modern classrooms. The study highlights the importance of continuous professional development and the incorporation of innovative teaching methodologies to enhance educational outcomes.

Science education at different levels can be supported by various mobile applications that can be downloaded for free onto mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. Such applications can also be used in laboratory work, but it must be said that their use in science laboratories is a relatively new approach. This study is aimed at determining the impact of mobile phone and mobile application-supported laboratory work on the digital literacy of preservice science teachers and on their disposition toward using technology in class. The study was carried out with 17 participants at the second-year level of a Science Teacher Education Program in Turkey. It was a single-group pretest-posttest study, representing a type of weak experimental research design. Data for the study were collected with the Digital Literacy Scale developed by Hamutoglu et al. (Ege Journal of Education 18(1):408-429, 2017) and the "Disposition toward Using Technology in the Classroom Scale" developed by Gunuc and Kuzu (Journal of Theory and Practice in Education 10(4):863-884, 2014). The data collection tools were implemented prior to and following a 6-week teaching period, and the quantitative data compiled from the participants were analyzed with the SPSS 21.0 program. The parametric t-test of related samples was used in the pretest/posttest comparison of the data sets. The results of the study demonstrated that science laboratory activities supported by mobile phones and mobile applications provided preservice teachers with increased digital literacy and enhanced their disposition toward using technology in the classroom. It is recommended that preservice teachers make extensive use of experiments supported by the mobile applications in this study.

Background: This research was motivated by noticing shortcomings in the TPACK framework, which does not take account of the affective dimension (e.g., emotions, moods, attitudes and values) of teaching and learning with and about technology, despite this being a key predictor of whether teachers incorporate technology into teaching and learning. Reimagining TPACK as TAPACK to explicitly engage with affect offers a way of leveraging the influential TPACK framework to foreground the affective domain and encourage preservice teachers (PSTs) towards meaningful technology integration in teaching and learning. Objectives: The goal of this research is to encourage teacher educators to explicitly engage PSTs with the affective dimension of integrating technology into teaching and learning by sharing strategies from our own research and practice. Methods: We deploy reflexive inquiry to draw on our experience teaching into technology focused teacher education courses to crystallize key shortcomings in the existing TPACK framework and suggest a possible way forward. Results and Conclusions: Our research suggests that engaging explicitly with the affective dimension by incorporating affect into the TPACK framework to become TAPACK may enhance technology focused teacher education courses by supporting PSTs to develop positive affective orientation towards technology, thereby increasingly the likelihood that PSTs will integrate technology into their practice.

Integration of project management collaboration software has been suggested for group experiential project courses in advertising, public relations (PR), marketing, and strategic communications. But little research has been conducted on using these tools. This study sought to gauge student perceptions toward the use of project management collaboration software Basecamp on improved experience in group projects, team collaboration, and learning outcomes. A survey of 177 students in seven course sections across two semesters at two universities reveals that most students agree project management and collaboration software is a valuable learning tool. Suggestions for course and program implementation and the self-directed learning model are considered.

The public release of ChatGPT in 2022 ushered in a new era, affirming the present reality of AI-assisted writing and the critical role business instructors play in preparing students. This study presents the results of a pedagogical experiment. Specifically, it evaluates strategies for integrating and teaching about AI in the business communication classroom, focusing on the impact of generative AI on students' understanding of business writing principles and how different levels of engagement with AI influence students' critical AI literacy and attitudes toward AI-assisted writing in the workplace.

Instructional design problems are one of the most complicated and ill-structured types of problems due to the dynamic nature of design problems and decision-making processes. Formulating instructional design solutions thereby requires teachers to possess adequate decision-making knowledge and skills and apply them to instructional design. This study investigated how pre-service teachers made formative instructional design decisions for technology integration. Through a formative design activity related to teaching and technology, the study identified factors that influenced pre-service teachers' design decision-making for technology integration as well as instructional approaches that can help pre-service teachers make design decisions. Based on the analysis of pre-service teachers' design journals, design artifacts, and survey results, we identified six themes in terms of design decision-making according to three metathemes: (a) emphasis on the design process, (b) collaborative design experiences, and (c) iterative decision-making during prototyping. Meanwhile, instructional approaches such as open-ended guiding questions, conjecture mapping, peer-reviewing, and reflective practices allowed pre-service teachers to take an active role in instructional design decision-making for technology integration. Implications for teacher education practices and instructional design decision-making are discussed.

This qualitative case study examines the cultural adaptation of digital learning tools in Israeli higher education. We explored three questions: (1) How do lecturers experience and implement digital learning tools? (2) What unique challenges and opportunities arise in this cultural context? (3) What strategies do educators employ for culturally sensitive adaptation? Through semi-structured interviews with 15 lecturers, we identified four key themes: balancing traditional and digital pedagogies, cultivating cultural resonance, addressing integration challenges, and developing innovative strategies. These findings informed the Cultural-Adaptation Digital Learning Integration (CADLI) Framework, which extends existing models by centralizing cultural dimensions. Our study reveals that effective cultural adaptation involves 'cultural-technological co-evolution', fundamentally reimagining educational practices. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners navigating technological advancement and cultural preservation in higher education.

This study aims to investigate digital media in the context of informal educational activities to determine their impact on learning effectiveness and the level of participant engagement. It was assumed that the integration of digital media into informal education positively influences the effectiveness of learning, the level of student engagement, and their motivation toward educational activities. An experimental approach was employed in this research to assess the influence of digital media on participant engagement in informal educational activities, utilizing survey methods. The study was conducted with the participation of representatives from the Ural Federal University named after the first President of the Russian Federation, B. N. Yeltsin, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The study compared the effectiveness of informal educational activities with and without the use of media technologies in terms of participant engagement. In summary, the use of digital media in informal educational activities has a positive impact on the behavioural and emotional completeness of participants, while cognitive completeness did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. The results of this study have practical significance for educational institutions and educators involved in organizing informal educational activities. It provides insights into how the integration of digital media into the learning process can influence participant engagement. It's important to remember that the research sample had a specific geographic coverage, so generalizing the obtained results should be exercised with prudence. This study has significant practical implications for educators and institutions involved in organizing non-formal educational activities. Educators can use the acquired information to create more diverse learning environments that promote student engagement. Additionally, they can develop and implement new teaching methods that maximize the use of digital technologies and create stimulating and captivating lessons, fostering a more active student involvement in learning. Teachers can optimize their pedagogical approach by adapting and integrating new means of interaction with students, contributing to their deeper understanding and active participation in the learning process.

The integration of ChatGPT into educational systems underscores the critical importance of reevaluating the relevance of digital literacy skills. This study empirically tested, for the first time, the theoretical premise that the use of ChatGPT could render certain digital skills obsolete by assuming competencies that students were previously required to master. The study aimed to propose an instructional approach that combines a problem-based learning with ChatGPT activity (AIPBL). Subsequently, it sought to quantitatively measure the impact of AIPBL on students' digital literacy competencies, comparing it to a similar PBL assignment devoid of AI technology (PBL) and a control group engaged in lecture-based learning (LBL). In addition, students' experiences with ChatGPT were qualitatively evaluated. The study enrolled 223 healthcare management students, collecting 441 observations through pre-post-tests. Analysis of covariance and thematic analysis of qualitative data were employed. The results revealed that AIPBL led students to utilize fewer digital literacy skills compared to the PBL group, which displayed improvement across all three digital literacy components. Specifically, AIPBL did not significantly enhance participants' perceptions of access and analysis skills, but it did bolster their evaluation skills between pre- and post-tests. Conversely, the LBL group showed no significant differences between their pre- and post-test results. In conjunction with qualitative findings, this study contributes to existing research by affirming the necessity for updated AI literacy skills in education and highlighting the evolving role of literacy skills in the context of AI integration in higher education.

In the ever-evolving AI-driven education, integrating AI technologies into teaching practices has become increasingly imperative for aspiring STEM educators. Yet, there remains a dearth of studies exploring pre-service STEM teachers' readiness to incorporate AI into their teaching practices. This study examined the factors influencing teachers' willingness to integrate AI (WIAI), especially from the perspective of pre-service STEM teachers' attitudes towards the application of AI in teaching. In the study, a comprehensive survey was conducted among 239 pre-service STEM teachers, examining the influences and interconnectedness of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PE), and Self-Efficacy (SE) on WIAI. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. The findings illuminated direct influences of TPACK, PU, PE, and SE on WIAI. TPACK was found to directly affect PE, PU, and SE, while PE and PU also directly influenced SE. Further analysis revealed significant mediating roles of PE, PU, and SE in the relationship between TPACK and WIAI, highlighting the presence of a chain mediation effect. In light of these insights, the study offers several recommendations on promoting pre-service STEM teachers' willingness to integrate AI into their teaching practices.

Digital transformation in African higher education institutions is a complex and multifaceted process that requires deliberate investment, meticulous planning, and collaboration. This article analyses African higher education institutions' challenges in incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their digital transformation efforts. These challenges are grouped into three categories: digital infrastructure; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and policy and framework. The research highlights the hurdles involved in this process. The research underscores the challenges of African higher education institutions in integrating digital transformation into digital infrastructure. Digital infrastructure and leadership are critical in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion to achieve digital transformation. Digital technologies can provide accessible, high-quality education that contributes to social development and benefits all African students and staff. This approach optimises the positive impact of digital technologies by ensuring that the benefits are equitably shared throughout the continent and improving learning outcomes, accessibility, and the development and competitiveness of Africa's institutions globally.

The professional development of teachers is considered a central task of teacher training and therefore also for teaching technology education in an era of digitalization. The anchoring of technology and digital technologies is becoming a mandatory task in teaching especially due to curriculum requirements and an increasing importance of learning with and learning about digital technologies for dealing with everyday problems (Ministry for Schools and Education of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MSB NRW), 2021). The lack of emphasis on technology education in teacher training for primary school teachers in Germany presents a significant obstacle to the integration of technology education into the curriculum. Moreover, the individual decision on the extent to which technology education is addressed in the multi-perspective school subject 'Sachunterricht' leads to insufficient consideration. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that the self-efficacy and subjectively assessed competencies of teachers have an impact on the inclusion of technology in 'Sachunterricht' (Möller, Tenberge & Ziemann, 1996). It is unclear how (prospective) teachers can acquire and test the necessary competencies to be able to carry out digital-technology and inclusive lessons in an educationally effective manner. To address this question, the present article employs a design-based research approach (Euler, 2014) to test and evaluate theoretical constructs in practice by prospective teachers.

Although the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) practicum course is meant to initiate preservice teachers (PSTs) into the TESOL profession, it is not uncommon for PSTs to feel a high level of stress as they prepare to teach their first solo lesson. This article proposes the implementation of mixed-reality simulations, in which PSTs teach student avatars- computer-generated 3D representations of real-life students displayed on a computer or large screen--as a precursor of the first solo lesson. In contrast to other fields, in which mixed-reality simulations have been used for some time, their use in MA TESOL teacher preparation is more recent (Kamhi-Stein et al., 2020). This article describes Mursion, a mixed-reality simulation platform, identifies the principles supporting the integration of mixed-reality simulations in MA TESOL teacher preparation, and discusses the benefits and challenges arising from their implementation.

Mobile learning presents many benefits to lecturers, students, and universities. It provides the opportunity for all to access information anytime and anywhere and also promotes learning autonomy and mobility. This paper aims to systematically analyze publications on mobile learning in higher education conducted over twenty years by providing knowledge to help researchers in this area. The data were obtained from the Scopus database. A total of 587 peer-reviewed publications were analyzed. The results show that the number of articles increased significantly after 2016, and there was an upward trend after 2018. Our results regarding prolific journals show that many articles in this field were published in several prominent journals. Our results revealed that 91 countries contributed to research worldwide, and the most productive institutions are from different continents. In addition, results indicated that recently published countries on the topic are India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany. Regarding research trends, our results yielded three research clusters. The first cluster focused on building a learning environment for students, while the second cluster included research on mobile learning in medical education. In addition, the third cluster investigated young adults' use and perceptions of mobile phones in learning through surveys and questionnaires. Moreover, the results we obtained demonstrated that recent studies also focused on academic performance and augmented reality was a trending topic before academic performance.

Generic competency development activities (GCDAs) help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, creativity, communication and social skills. This study evaluated students' acceptance of a machine learning-assisted recommendation system (MARS) developed to recommend GCDAs for students in a higher education institution. This study adopted a quantitative approach to evaluate the higher education students' perceived usefulness of MARS based on a new appropriate model derived from three widely used models related to technology adoption and leisure activities. In August 2023, the participants of orientation for freshmen were invited to complete an online questionnaire after they tried MARS. 351 valid responses were analyzed using multiple regression. The results revealed that the students positively perceive accepting MARS as a useful tool for choosing GCDAs and indicated the students' perceptions were affected more by their programs of study, career development and personal interests than by social influence and facilitating conditions on their selection of GCDAs. These findings based on the new model provide implications for the implementation of education technology for generic competency development.

Purpose: This study seeks to review the literature on contemporary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education practices to frame approaches that can be used to prepare STEM pre-service teachers. Design/methodology: This study used a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA 2020 statement. Following some eligibility criteria 79 studies were selected for synthesis. Data were analysed qualitatively, and Excel spreadsheet was used for the quantitative aspects. Findings: This synthesis revealed diversity in the conceptualization of STEM education. Despite a lag in global STEM education research, countries such as South Africa and Tanzania have published research areas like STEM education practices, STEM teacher education, and technology adoption for STEM education. The synthesis also showed that aspects of policy, instruction, STEM-teacher professional development, STEM teacher education approaches, student activities, and the nature of support for STEM education are important considerations for developing effective models for framing pre-service teacher preparation. Originality/value: This study is the original work of the researchers. The study draws from global STEM education practices and assesses the geographical distribution of literature on STEM teacher education practices in African countries to frame a six-point approach that can be used to enhance effective STEM teacher education practices.

The digital transformation in higher education can be observed in numerous ways and practices. Recently, post-pandemic digitalization played a significant role in the increase of the educational use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, and social media. Among these, social media has dominated daily life long before the rest of the technologies. Hence, examining the current situation of social media studies within educational research aids in envisioning the future vision. This study aims to outline the trends in the use of social media platforms by analyzing them within educational research published between 2017-2023. For this purpose, 473 articles in the Web of Science database were examined regarding the dimensions of publication year, country of publication, author, keyword, article type, the method used, sampling, data collection tools and analysis methods, and social media use. The findings of this study are believed to guide practitioners and researchers in their practice and consideration of social media within educational environments.

Educational technology integration within higher education has significantly changed the teaching and learning environments. However, the theoretical foundations guiding these changes, particularly connectivism theory, suggest that learning occurs through networks facilitated by digital technology and has not been fully developed. Despite its relevance in the digital age, connectivism has faced criticism and skepticism due to a lack of empirical support. This hermeneutic phenomenological study seeks to explore the experiences of educators in higher education to provide empirical evidence for expanding the theoretical foundations of connectivism. Through indepth interviews, focus groups, and the analysis of letter-writing activities, this research investigates how educators perceive and anticipate the evolution of teaching methods in response to technological advancements and the increasing focus on connectivism in higher education. The study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to interpret these experiences, linking them to the fundamental principles of connectivism learning as a networked process, distributed knowledge, and the role of digital technology in knowledge creation. The findings suggest that educational technology facilitates meaningful connections between learners, which fosters a networked learning environment that aligns with connectivism theory. The study also reveals gaps in the theory, particularly in addressing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized learning platforms. Building on these lived experiences, this research proposes an expanded version of connectivism as a significant contribution supported by empirical evidence from higher education contexts. The study provides implications for educators, administrators, and policymakers in leveraging educational technology effectively and offers theoretical advancements for understanding learning in the digital age.

The present study aimed to assess the potentiality and apprehensions of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. It also investigated the challenges of AI integration into education from the teachers' perspectives. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Through random sampling, a total of 63 members of faculty were recruited from Kuwait University. An online questionnaire was administered to the study participants. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 26, using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The results showed that there was a remarkably high consensus about the potentiality of AI for education. The teachers' readiness to adopt AI was low. Data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing were the most important aspects of linking education and AI. The participants highlighted that for the empowerment of students, AI system use cases, evaluation of the intelligence of AI systems, and identification of the technical limitations of AI systems were crucial. Greater were challenges and difficulties in using AI such as the lack of availability of suitable educational materials, unavailability of required expertise in the field, and the complexity of the subject. However, no statistical difference attributed to gender, academic degree, and academic department in terms of facing challenges was found.

This research paper explores the integration of ChatGPT as a tool for interactive learning of numerical methods in a differential equations (DEs) course. DE course is crucial for engineering students to model real-world phenomena. However, many DE courses focus only on analytical solutions and neglect important numerical solutions. To overcome this gap, an active learning approach was adopted, where students were asked to select a real-life phenomenon in their field of interest, find an appropriate model to describe it using DEs, and subsequently solve DE numerically using various numerical methods. The authors allowed students to use ChatGPT to generate codes and learn how to adapt them to their personalized learning needs. The findings derived from the students' survey responses demonstrated that ChatGPT significantly enhanced their interests and improved their coding skills. Students reported increased engagement and excitement in their learning journey with the integration of ChatGPT. By sharing this experience, we aim to inspire other educators to explore the potential of innovative technologies and instructional methods to enhance their own courses.

The relevance of incorporating AI into educational settings is growing as the technology develops. This research delves into the perspective of pre-service teachers on generative AI technology. This study employed 45 pre-service teachers to raise their perspective towards AI technology and then explore its correlation about components of AI technology by their perspectives. The findings revealed that they had perspective towards artificial intelligence technology at slightly accepted level, perspective towards willingness to use AI technology at moderately accepted and very much accepted levels, and perspective towards concerns about artificial intelligence technology at moderately accepted and slightly accepted levels. These results have important things that it can be implied to pedagogy, curriculum development, and teacher training programs.

This research investigates the post-internship phase for cadets at the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta with a focus on curriculum effectiveness, vocational training impact, language proficiency challenges, technology integration preferences, and the intricate influence of geographical diversity. Results reveal the integrative curriculum's success in transitioning theoretical knowledge to practical application, emphasizing the critical role of vocational training. Language proficiency nuances and a desire for balanced technology integration emerge, while geographical diversity affects cultural adaptation. Implications include refining maritime education, fostering inclusivity, and aligning educational practices with industry demands. Recognizing limitations, the study advocates for broader institutional research and targeted language proficiency investigations in future studies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, including research and higher education. Thanks to its innovative applications, it has changed traditional teaching methods. This article aims to explore the impact of AI on these domains in Moroccan universities, focusing on its transformative influence, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. By analyzing current literature, case studies, and expert opinions, we elucidate how AI has enhanced research methodologies, empowered educators and students, and fostered innovation in academia. In addition, we discuss ethical considerations and potential concerns associated with the increasing integration of AI. Finally, we highlight the future prospects and opportunities offered by AI for research and higher education in Morocco.

In response to paradigm shifts in education, teacher education institutions have increasingly adopted flexible learning modalities such as online courses, blended learning approaches, and personalized instruction to meet the diverse needs of students and prepare educators for the demands of modern classrooms. This study used a mixed-method research design to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flexible teaching and learning modalities it brought to mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) and learners in a state university in West Philippines. Since ethical considerations preclude random sampling, the study comprised nonrandom participants using purposive sampling, where 189 learners were surveyed, and six MTEs and 16 learners were interviewed. A researcher-made interview guide was prepared to describe the flexible teaching and learning modalities and opportunities of the MTEs. Also, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to describe the learners' general assessment of the flexible teaching and learning modalities in mathematics education. Quantitative data were gathered online, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews. Results showed that flexible teaching-learning approaches have implications for education, overcoming barriers, and promoting engagement. The findings highlight the importance of technology integration, inclusive assessment modalities, infrastructure support, and professional development opportunities in enhancing the quality and accessibility of flexible teaching and learning, ultimately leading to inclusive educational environments. Therefore, the educational institution must adopt flexible instructional modalities, emphasize diverse assessment methods, and personalize the learning experience by integrating online platforms and various assessments for effective mathematics instruction.

The study was proposed to investigate the effect of a technology-integrated guided inquiry-based learning (TGIBL) and guided inquiry (GIBL) approach on preservice mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') plane geometry learning. For this purpose, pre-posttest non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 116 PSMTs within three intact groups: Group1 (48) treated with TGIBL, Group2 (38) with GIBL and Group3 (30) in conventional approach. A two-tiered geometry diagnostic test and a geometry procedural knowledge test were used to collect the data and their reliability were KR20 = 0.87 and ICC = 0.88, respectively. The data were analyzed through a paired sample t-test and a one-way MANOVA. According to the findings, there is statistically significant difference between the groups, that is PSMTs taught with technology-integrated guided inquiry significantly outperformed than other groups. Therefore, the integration of technology and guided inquiry must be considered by teachers' educators as a pedagogical strategy to enhance the learning experience and knowledge retention among pre-service teachers at college of teachers' education.

English language education in Japan has long been criticized for its traditional methods emphasizing grammar and reading at the expense of communicative competence. This article explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) to address this issue. A review of literature explored critical challenges faced by Japanese EFL learners, including Japanese teachers' low English proficiency and attitudes towards English teaching, heavy focus on entrance examinations in high school, overemphasis on grammar in EFL curricula and textbooks, lack of authentic communicative practice, and differences in cultural values. An examination of technology integration in Japanese education revealed that while many institutions have begun incorporating technology, its widespread adoption has been gradual. Several case studies support the use of AI to address the psychological barrier to speaking by offering a safe and engaging learning environment, thus boosting confidence and fluency. Furthermore, in the Japanese language context, AI can lower anxiety, promote creativity, and offer personalized learning. In addition to the individual benefits, AI empowers institutions to tailor learning needs, teachers to shift their role from instructors to facilitators, and students to become independent critical thinkers. Finally, challenges and limitations are addressed, including ethical considerations surrounding data privacy, overreliance, predictive patterns, and watermarking. Despite potential drawbacks, the benefits of AIEd merit a deeper exploration of its adoption in EFL curricula. AI tools offer a practical solution to prepare Japanese EFL students to communicate in English effectively and confidently and thus participate in the global landscape.

This study focuses on developing and validating a questionnaire to assess the integration of ICT by EFL teachers in higher education settings in Vietnam. Twenty EFL teachers from three language institutes participated in semi-structured interviews, generating 20 questionnaire items. Qualitative content analysis of the interview data provided insights into EFL teachers' perspectives on ICT integration. Additionally, a document analysis and literature review informed the questionnaire development. A total of 150 EFL teachers were selected to validate the questionnaire by completing the items. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified the underlying constructs of ICT integration. Grounded in the SAMR model, the investigation explored the perceived effectiveness of ICT and identified obstacles to optimal utilization in the EFL classroom. The findings contribute to understanding ICT integration in EFL teaching, informing improvements in language education practices at Vietnamese higher education institutions.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in education underscores transformative prospects for open and distributed learning, encompassing distance, hybrid, and blended learning environments. This qualitative study, grounded in narrative inquiry, investigates the experiences and perceptions of 141 preservice teachers engaged with AI, mainly through ChatGPT, over a 3-week implementation on Zoom to understand its influence on their evolving professional identities and instructional methodologies. Employing Strauss and Corbin's methodological approach of open, axial, and selective coding to analyze reflective narratives, the study unveils significant themes that underscore the dual nature of AI in education. Key findings reveal ChatGPT's role in enhancing educational effectiveness and accessibility while raising ethical concerns regarding academic integrity and balanced usage. Specifically, ChatGPT was found to empower personalized learning and streamline procedures, yet challenges involving information accuracy and data security remained. The study significantly contributes to teacher education discourse by revealing AI's complex educational impacts, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive ethical AI literacy in teacher training curricula. However, critical ethical considerations and practical challenges involving academic integrity, information accuracy, and balanced AI use are also brought to light. The research also spotlights the need for responsible AI implementation in open and distributed learning to optimize educational outcomes while addressing potential risks. The study's insights advocate for future-focused AI literacy frameworks that integrate technological adeptness with ethical considerations, preparing teacher candidates for an intelligent digital educational landscape.

This study was based on an innovation project at the university level with English as a Foreign Language pre-service teachers. This experience was implemented with several language levels in different academic periods of the programme. The project aimed to apply a technological tool such as StoryboardThat, in contrast to the traditional pen-on-paper test, so that students could develop a zest for reading, allowing them to use it themselves and apply it in their teaching practices. After learning how to use the platform, they worked using a fiction novel assigned. In groups, they created three to six scenes summarizing one chapter and presented it to their peers. They stated that the project helped them improve their reading skills and inspired them to read more and use other similar platforms as an alternative in their future teaching practice. This pedagogical experience demonstrates that teachers foster a more positive attitude toward reading by integrating creativity into reading comprehension; it also equips pre-service teachers with practical tools and collaborative techniques they can apply in their future EFL teaching practice.

Assessment of attitudes towards statistics [ATS] is needed to support the success of statistics education in tertiary institutions, so measuring instruments with high accuracy is required. However, existing instruments to measure ATS have not considered the use of technology as an essential variable affecting success in statistics education. The current study sought to fill this gap by developing a standardized instrument to measure ATS and considering aspects of technology use as a necessity for statistics education in the modern era. The study involved 367 students from various study programs spread across several universities in Indonesia as participants. To examine the quality of the instrument, we performed factor analysis, reliability estimation, and item calibration. We calibrated items based on classical test theory [CTT] and item response theory [IRT] using the graded response model [GRM]. Exploratory factor analysis [EFA] indicated three main factors (i.e., interest, difficulty, and value) for measuring attitudes toward statistics. Factor loading of each factor component > 0.45, indicating that all items contributed to the main factor. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the three factors ranged from 0.784 to 0.929, indicating that the instrument was reliable. Item calibration based on CTT and IRT-GRM indicated that item performance was satisfactory regarding item endorsement and discrimination. In addition, the information function indicated that the instrument accurately measures attitudes from very low to very high levels. Overall, the psychometric properties of the instrument indicated that the instrument was valid, reliable, and feasible for use in practice and research in the field of education.

This study seeks to detect the problems and solutions of using technology at Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level, located in the northern border area of Bangladesh. The study presents the existing scenario of using technology in Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level since the practice of technology in the class is not standard. Semi-structured interviews and focus group methods have been applied, following the qualitative method. The principal and four teachers were selected for semi-structured interviews from three faculties, namely science, arts and social science, and business studies. Simultaneously, 40 students (20 males and 20 female) participated in the focus group discussion at the undergraduate level. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants. After collecting the qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the data was analyzed. Lack of training in preparing PowerPoint slides, dependency on following the traditional lecture method, the senior teacher's unwillingness to receive the training on technology, and limitations such as load shedding, low speed of the internet, inadequate internet facilities, and the absence of a biometric system are the main causes of not using technology in the class at the undergraduate level. Based on the problems, the study provides some recommendations. Proper training on technology for the teachers should be mandatory. Moreover, the use of email, video, mobile, image multimedia projectors, Facebook, and browsers can strengthen the quality of class. Through the use of these devices and mediums, the transmission of ideas and documents can easily be accessed.

Exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is important as it challenges traditional teaching practices and shapes how educators may approach them in the future. In this article, we document the transformative integration of AI in special education teacher preparation, highlighting how we, as early adopter professors, attempted to navigate this journey, offering practical applications for AI use. Practical applications of generative AI tools include aligning course objectives, developing modules, and creating assignments and assessment measures. Additionally, we describe innovative uses for AI, such as incorporating chatbots in teacher preparation courses, navigating curriculum development, generating case studies, and aligning individualized education program (IEP) goals with curricular standards. We also explore how AI can be employed as a reflective coaching tool for teaching practice. Ethical considerations are emphasized, focusing on transparent communication about AI use and documenting the learning process to humanize assessment experiences and mitigate potential risks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) text generators, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, have been used for various purposes such as creating written content, writing or debugging computer code, answering questions, providing information, and improving written communication. This robust functionality of AI text generators along with the high rate of use reported by college students highlights the need for instructors in special education teacher preparation programs to contend with the impact of AI on teaching and learning. The purpose of this article is to provide examples of how teacher educators might reimagine assignments and activities in the era of AI text generators. Specifically, the authors explore ways that AI applications might be intentionally incorporated or, conversely, intentionally restricted in the design of course assignments and activities.

This article presents engaging and practical methods of helping educators to "remix" the evidence-based and high-leverage practices they are already familiar with to include the new capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). Transformational modern technologies can be powerful and disruptive, possessing the potential to impact multiple areas of society, including education. One of the best ways for educators to implement AI in their teaching is using it to help support and extend their current practices (Mishra et al., 2023). Similar to how a new remix on the radio can make an old favorite song fresh again, educators can use AI to uphold and enhance their existing instructional strategies and skills. However, adapting to the new paradigm of AI in education may be challenging for teacher preparation programs in special education. The authors of this article apply some of the strategies from "Leveraging Emerging Technology to Design an Inclusive Future with Universal Design for Learning" (McMahon & Walker, 2019) to effectively implement AI in education. Rather than needing to start fresh or relearn how to teach while incorporating AI, teachers can view this article as a foundation for how to apply AI tools to support current practice. The recommendations are based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and strategies for adapting AI tools to support high-leverage practices and established evidence-based practices. The authors aim to inspire special educators to start using AI to help "remix" and innovate the implementation of their existing instructional strategies.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence-Powered Personalized Learning (AI-PPL) in special education teacher preparation represents a shift toward tailoring educational experiences to meet the unique needs of preservice teachers and students with disabilities. This article explores the implementation of AI-PPL tools in teacher preparation programs, highlighting their potential to customize learning experiences, provide adaptive feedback, and enhance engagement through interactive content. This review of current AI-PPL functionalities, such as adaptive learning environments and customized feedback mechanisms, demonstrates how AI-PPL can impact teaching practices and student learning outcomes. The article introduces critical attributes for successful AI-PPL integration, such as ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. It calls for further professional development to enhance educator competency and skills. By presenting real-world examples and guiding questions for special education faculty, the authors offer practical insights for educators and faculty members to effectively navigate the complexities of adopting AI technologies in teacher preparation programs.

This qualitative participatory action research (PAR) study uses photovoice to explore the assumption that digital natives in a teacher credential program understand effective technology integration in the classroom. This study examines teacher candidates' (TCs) abilities to identify and articulate effective technology integration as connected to technology use through their photos and reflections. Based on the results of this study, ensuring TCs receive a sound foundation in SAMR and technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) frameworks can increase TCs' capacity for identifying and applying effective technology in the classroom.

In this practice-based pedagogical paper, we, the university faculty of Education, Food and Nutrition, Sociology, and History in the U.S., describe how we started a Reflective Practice Teaching Circle at our institution for interdisciplinary dialogue about the effective use of social media (SM) for teaching and learning. Our discussions led to the design of the Social Media Entry Model that educators can use for decision-making. We begin this paper with a brief synthesis of scholarly literature describing students' SM use and how higher education faculty use SM to support 21st-century skills development. Next, we describe the institutional, individual, and pedagogical barriers that prevent faculty from embracing SM as a teaching and learning tool. Based on our shared vision and praxis, we present the Social Media Entry Model and describe how educators can use it when deciding how to integrate SM into the formal or informal curriculum. Through our narratives, we illustrate how we use a variety of SM platforms and different entry points in the model to enhance students' 21st-century skills. We also discuss the legal and ethical issues that educators must consider to ensure that university students use SM in a socially responsible manner.

This article examines the current thrust to digitalize higher education in Zimbabwe as the country strives to attain its vision to become an upper middle-income economy by 2030. In this regard, Innovation and Industrialisation have been added as missions of special emphasis at all education levels. This entailed that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) adopt the Education 5.0 model and accelerate digitalisation of their operations and curricula. Further impetus of the digitalisation drive emerged from the responses to the COVID-19, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions. This article examines the policy framework that was put in place to digitalise curricula and operation systems in HEIs. A desk review of literature was conducted to examine efforts underway to embrace digitalisation as a new feature and future of higher education. The study established that the majority of institutions have tended to adopt externally developed digitilisation models without adequately adapting them to local circumstances. The study recommends the need for distinct digitalisation policies at both Ministry and HEIs levels, to guide and prepare for the 'disruptive' effects of digitalisation.