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Many advanced learning tools have been recently developed; however, demand for interactive environments that can enhance learning performance in a blended setting is growing. This study designed an interactive approach by integrating a learning tool, interactive sessions, and a variety of interaction types, and the effects of the types of interactions on learning performance were evaluated. Specifically, the WeChat-based app Rain Classroom was used to enhance learning. Rain Classroom has learner–learner, learner–teacher, and learner–content interaction sessions before, during, and after class; the method was denoted the Rain Classroom interactive approach. Analysis of covariance results revealed that the experimental group using Rain Classroom significantly outperformed the control group participating in conventional learning. A Pearson correlation analysis was conducted on Rain Classroom system log data, and learner interaction features, namely self-practice tests, Danmu discussion, and the instant response system (IRS), were positively related with learning performance; however, attendance was unrelated. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which Rain Classroom interaction types predict learning performance; all interaction types predicted learning performance, but learner–content interactions had the greatest effect. Teachers could refer to the proposed Rain Classroom–based interactive approach when developing methods to improve student learning performance in a digital interactive environment.

Abstract Extensive research on the in-class synchronous learning aspect of the flipped classroom approach (FCA) has rendered favorable results the past decade. However, less attention has been placed on the out-of-class component of the FCA, specifically the drawbacks that may occur, such as low student accountability while watching the pre-assigned video lessons, thus coming to class unprepared, and not using the latest online technological to its full potential. This study addresses these issues by examining the impact of creating a more synchronous/collaborative online out-of-class flipped-class component. Using the latest online technology, a newly proposed flipped group (PFG) was created and then compared to a regular flipped group (RFG), and a traditional class (TC) over 14 weeks. Fifty-four undergraduate business students from a university in Taiwan participated in the study. Mock International English Language Testing System (IELTS) oral pre/post-tests were given to all participants to investigate which teaching approach is more effective. The results showed the PFG significantly improved overall on average, out-preforming the RFG. Surprisingly, the TC significantly performed better than the RFG. In addition, significant differences and correlations also occurred between the PFG and RFG students’ online learning behaviors and objective performances, such as the time spent online viewing the assigned video lessons and the effects on their quiz and final grade scores. This study’s findings support creating a more synchronous/collaborative online learning environment can enhance the out-of-class component of a FCA, and therefore help improve student’s overall oral/aural EFL learning.

Learning through designing digital games has recently emerged as a potential approach for school learners to boost their literacy development and learning in and across disciplines. However, existing knowledge on this relatively new approach is still fragmented, and little is known about its implementation features, associated learning opportunities, and possible challenges experienced by students. As such, the present review seeks to synthesize relevant research in terms of the three aspects stated above to better understand the concept of student game design as a literacy practice. A total of 30 peer-reviewed research articles published between 2010-2020 are included in this research synthesis. Findings reveal that there is considerable variation in how the literacy learning approach of student game design is currently implemented, with respect to the school learners involved and game-making tools adopted. Despite its diverse nature, the feasibility of literacy learning by game-making is confirmed across the reviewed studies, with the disciplinary literacy in computer science and 21st century literacy being most prominent. This review has also brought to light the potential of introducing students to content-based game design to foster interdisciplinary learning. In order to provide a balanced portrait, this review further identifies major challenges of learning with the game-making approach from students’ perspectives.

This study aimed to categorize learning analytics (LA) models and identify their relevant components by analyzing LA-related articles published between 2011 and 2019 in international journals. A total of 101 articles discussing various LA models were selected. These models were characterized according to their goals and components. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to develop a coding scheme for analyzing the aforementioned models. The results reveal that the studied LA models belong to five categories, namely performance, meta-cognitive, interactivity, communication, and data models. The majority of the selected LA-related articles were data models, followed by performance models. This review also identified 16 components that were commonly used in the studied models. The results indicate that analytics was the most common component in the studied models (used in 10 LA models). Furthermore, visualization was the most relevant component in the studied communication models.

This prospective longitudinal study assessed the effects of the course management system, EDU3, on the effectiveness of the dissemination of holistic health care and evidence-based medicine (EBM) courses. Between January 2014 and December 2021, delinked data (n = 354,229) from EDU3 were analyzed. In addition to analyzing the main educational team or seed teachers responsible for opening the courses, yearly changing trends in the number and teaching styles of courses, main participants, and the diversity of teaching activities were evaluated. EDU3 precisely announced the courses opened by non-doctor major departments, including departments of medical education, nursing, and medical research, for non-doctor medical personnel. Meanwhile, the system smoothly announced doctor major departments which opened courses for doctors. A 2 times/4.5 times parallel increase in holistic health care/EBM courses from institution to department and the yearly increasing trends in the number of these courses indicated the success of this system. This study revealed that centralized training of seed teachers motivated them to open diverse department-oriented teaching activities for holistic health care and EBM. The parallel increasing trends of the number of courses opened by the institution and departments indicated the effective dissemination of holistic health care and EBM from institution to department.

Mobile technologies are widely used in education, both as standalone tools and in conjunction with other applications. The WeChat-based app Rain Classroom is one such application. Rain Classroom includes learning activities not only during class but also before and after class. Previous research has suggested strong demand for WeChat-based apps that can facilitate learning. However, relevant studies have not empirically evaluated the effect of Rain Classroom on English learning performance. This study examined the effects of using Rain Classroom for English learning. A total of 152 students were divided into control and experimental groups, each with 76 students. The experimental group had significantly better English reading, writing and listening scores than the control group did. The effects of the perceived features of Rain Classroom and learner satisfaction on learning performance were also investigated. Both factors had a significant positive influence on learning performance. The Rain Classroom has been proven to be an effective English learning tool. On the basis of the study findings, relevant implications are offered.

Concept mapping (CM) is widely used in educational settings as a teaching/learning or assessment tool. We conducted a bibliometric analysis and systematic review to provide an updated review on CM research in computer-supported learning environments. A total of 356 selected studies published from 1990 to 2020 were analyzed from the Web of Science database. The findings revealed an increasing and continuous focus on CM research. The leading journal for publishing CM research was "Computers & Education," and the United States was the country with the most published studies. The most frequently used keywords were categorized into four clusters to represent the four main themes of CM research. Subsequent analysis showed that the most applied learning subject was environmental science or natural science; traditional computers/devices were the most used devices/hardware; higher education students were the most used samples; quantitative methods were the most used research methods; computers as mindtools were the most adopted learning strategy; and concept mapping assessment was the most used measurement tool in the CM research. These findings reveal the trends of CM research and provide future research directions and applications of practical education for researchers and educators.

Many advanced learning tools have been recently developed; however, demand for interactive environments that can enhance learning performance in a blended setting is growing. This study designed an interactive approach by integrating a learning tool, interactive sessions, and a variety of interaction types, and the effects of the types of interactions on learning performance were evaluated. Specifically, the WeChat-based app Rain Classroom was used to enhance learning. Rain Classroom has learner-learner, learner-teacher, and learner-content interaction sessions before, during, and after class; the method was denoted the Rain Classroom interactive approach. Analysis of covariance results revealed that the experimental group using Rain Classroom significantly outperformed the control group participating in conventional learning. A Pearson correlation analysis was conducted on Rain Classroom system log data, and learner interaction features, namely self-practice tests, Danmu discussion, and the instant response system (IRS), were positively related with learning performance; however, attendance was unrelated. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which Rain Classroom interaction types predict learning performance; all interaction types predicted learning performance, but learner-content interactions had the greatest effect. Teachers could refer to the proposed Rain Classroom-based interactive approach when developing methods to improve student learning performance in a digital interactive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]