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Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to drive sustainable development by enabling progress toward the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. This potential is emphasized by the concept of twin transitions, where the digital and green transformations reinforce each other. This study examines the integration of AI in 26 study courses at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, focusing on its sustainable impact. Using an exploratory case study and a comprehensive content analysis framework, the study identifies the enabling and inhibiting factors in the interplay of digital and green transitions in education. The results reveal that the integration of AI in higher education can facilitate progress toward achieving 11 SDGs and 28 targets by promoting innovation, equality, and digital literacy. At the same time, however, it also harbors risks that can hinder 7 SDGs and 11 targets, particularly in terms of data protection and equal access. By highlighting the synergies between digital and green transformations, this case study provides actionable insights for educators and policy makers who want to harness the transformative potential of AI while addressing its challenges and calls for future research in a broader educational landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Internet of things (IoT), an emerging research field, offers solutions to several problems and may result in a paradigm shift in various areas, including education. However, this approach has been under-utilised. Therefore, this research investigates and highlights the primary factors that influence the impact of the IoT on education and reveals the current state of academic research to manage higher education (HE) resources effectively and efficiently. Design/methodology/approach: Data from 35 academic papers were collected and analysed to understand the current situation and assess the readiness of HE to adopt IoT. A literature review is a well-established method for developing knowledge and interpreting issues under consideration. This study systematically analysed the various research methodologies used to adopt IoT, summarising the content of the studies and highlighting the main factors that may affect IoT adoption in HE. Findings: The authors examined 95 papers; 35 were investigated and analysed. The literature review and analysis of academic papers revealed the factors influencing the adoption of IoT technology in HE. Originality/value: By examining the evidence, this study contributes to understanding the context and supplements existing research. It conducts a systematic literature review to assess the impact of the IoT on the educational process, proposes future research directions and presents findings that aid the efficient management of HE resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education (HE) and its impact on pre-service teachers at the University of Latvia (UL) by exploring pre-service teachers' perceptions of the benefits and challenges of AI in both their academic learning and their future professional roles as educators, particularly regarding the promotion of inclusive education. Methods: Data was collected via an online survey of 240 pre-service teachers across various disciplines at the UL. The survey included demographic details, AI usage patterns, and perceived benefits and challenges. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Spearman's correlation, and thematic analysis. Results: Less than half of the participants used AI in their studies, with many expressing ambivalence or opposition toward AI. Benefits included language assistance and accessibility to global knowledge, while challenges involved reduced critical thinking and concerns over plagiarism. Despite recognizing AI's potential to promote inclusivity, most pre-service teachers have not applied it in practice. No significant differences in AI perceptions were found based on age, gender, or study level. Discussion: The findings highlight a low adoption rate of AI among pre-service teachers and a gap between theoretical recognition of AI's potential and its practical application, particularly for inclusion. The study emphasizes the need for HE institutions to enhance AI literacy and readiness among future teachers. Conclusion: AI is underutilized by pre-service teachers in both HE learning and teaching environments, which has implications for teacher preparation programs that better integrate AI literacy and inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korean English medium instruction (EMI) classes aim to foster active discussions and communicative interactions in English between instructors and students. However, many Korean students in these classes struggle due to their limited English proficiency. This paper examines the challenges faced by Korean EFL students in EMI environments, highlighting the necessity for support in both English and their native language to facilitate effective learning. It also identifies teaching strategies that have proven effective in helping these students navigate language barriers. The findings indicate that participants had difficulty developing their writing skills for assignments in EMI settings and encountered limited opportunities to communicate their understanding of course material with instructors. To address these challenges, it is important to assess students' language skills and find a balance between Korean and English. Implementing flexible teaching methods can enhance the learning experience, making it more effective and supportive. By providing multiple approaches to learning, such as interactive activities or peer support, learning gaps can be bridged and overall educational outcomes enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a learning and teaching experience built on a project-based learning approach using Instagram as an educational tool to improve students' skills and increase their interest in English for Specific Purposes classrooms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of Instagram-based activities on ESP learning among higher education science (chemistry and biology) students and ascertain their attitudes toward this approach. The research is a mixed method in nature and uses questionnaires from 49 freshmen chemistry and biology students at a higher institution to understand their perception of social media tasks in ESP learning. The researchers selected Instagram as the platform for project work, aiming to improve students' ICT, communication, organization, research, self-reflection, and group work skills. Content analysis and student survey responses were analyzed to evaluate the project's effectiveness. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to measure the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Joining the tide of global internationalisation of higher education, Chinese universities have embraced English-medium instruction (EMI) as a strategic response. The adoption of EMI is to comply with government mandates and for institutional survival, as it will increase the international ranking and bring in more income from international students. The switch of medium of instruction and pedagogical issues arising therefrom have drawn considerable scholarly attention. However, little attention has been paid to the implementation of EMI in second- or mid-tier universities, and, particularly, to the attendant pedagogical issues. In comparison to top-tier universities, second-tier universities’ instructors must deal with amplified tensions created between the pedagogical needs and institutional requirements brought by the EMI policy. This study seeks to shed light on the challenges, and their contributing factors, confronted by educators in these universities. Employing a language policy analysis framework informed by policy enactment theory, the research draws upon an examination of both national and institutional policy documents, as well as interviews conducted with nine educators and administrative leaders across three distinct faculties. The investigation reveals that the emergent challenges in implementing EMI stem from several sources, including lax admission standards for international students and the divergent backgrounds and requirements of local versus international student populations. These findings underscore the imperative for a thorough appraisal of contextual nuances before the formulation and implementation of language-in-education policies. This is particularly salient in second-tier academic institutions, which often grapple with limited resources and may not possess the same level of preparedness to adapt their systems as swiftly as their more resourced counterparts.

Joining the tide of global internationalisation of higher education, Chinese universities have embraced English-medium instruction (EMI) as a strategic response. The adoption of EMI is to comply with government mandates and for institutional survival, as it will increase the international ranking and bring in more income from international students. The switch of medium of instruction and pedagogical issues arising therefrom have drawn considerable scholarly attention. However, little attention has been paid to the implementation of EMI in second- or mid-tier universities, and, particularly, to the attendant pedagogical issues. In comparison to top-tier universities, second-tier universities' instructors must deal with amplified tensions created between the pedagogical needs and institutional requirements brought by the EMI policy. This study seeks to shed light on the challenges, and their contributing factors, confronted by educators in these universities. Employing a language policy analysis framework informed by policy enactment theory, the research draws upon an examination of both national and institutional policy documents, as well as interviews conducted with nine educators and administrative leaders across three distinct faculties. The investigation reveals that the emergent challenges in implementing EMI stem from several sources, including lax admission standards for international students and the divergent backgrounds and requirements of local versus international student populations. These findings underscore the imperative for a thorough appraisal of contextual nuances before the formulation and implementation of language-in-education policies. This is particularly salient in second-tier academic institutions, which often grapple with limited resources and may not possess the same level of preparedness to adapt their systems as swiftly as their more resourced counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender equality is essential for economic and societal advancement, as outlined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5. This research examines the obstacles that hinder women's progression from higher education to empowerment in Pakistan. Using a comprehensive descriptive survey questionnaire, we collected quantitative data to gain insights from a diverse sample of various provinces. The survey consisted of two sections: background information and 25 constructs of barriers from the existing literature. Data analysis involving 399 respondents included descriptive and inferential statistics, cross-tabulation, and significance testing using non-parametric tests. The findings highlighted significant sociocultural, familial, and professional barriers, with regional disparities underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Women respondents consistently perceived barriers more keenly than men, underscoring the gender-specific nature of these challenges. This study emphasizes the need for focused policies and educational initiatives to address barriers and promote gender equality in Pakistan's higher education and professional spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research elaborates the nexus of disability-migration-education through a multidisciplinary investigation of intersectional barriers faced by Syrian youth with disabilities during their access to, and study at higher education (HE) institutions in Turkey. HE inclusivity for Syrian students with disabilities (SSD) is analysed in terms of the main administrative, societal, and structural barriers. The methodological design of this study applies a human rights-based approach to education, migration and disability in company with participatory action research methodology. Findings are based on data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, institutional visits, and multi-stakeholder workshops addressing disability and migration-based experiences of SSD in 2018 and 2019 in Istanbul, Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep. Information and experiences are collected from SSD, NGOs in the field of migration and disability, governmental bodies, and HE institutions. Our findings showed that various legal, administrative and cultural barriers, and structural inequalities make access to HE more difficult for refugees with disabilities. Despite these, SSD have success stories in accessing HE as a result of their hard work and courage. This study provides first-hand bottom-up intersectional research about the situation of SSD in Turkey, host to the largest refugee population in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the origins of community service in Indonesia's higher education (HE) system during the early years of its development in the 1950s and 1960s. Community service helped to establish a wide variety of connections between HE and Indonesian society, but it has received little scholarly attention and is virtually neglected in contemporary indicators of HE performance even though a growing priority for the system in the Global South is its connection with local communities. This article problematises the enactment of community service as the 'third mission' of HE in Indonesia and its practice during these early years. By using an historical approach and drawing on archival materials as data sources, the article argues that the enactment of community service reflected the spirit of decolonisation in Indonesian society. Decolonisation meant that Indonesia wished not only to dispense with the Dutch colonial legacy in HE but also to develop an education system that would be Indonesian in character. Although this third mission of HE was clearly embodied in the community service programme, in later years the emphasis on decolonisation in education policy was reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted developing countries, causing educational and economic crises globally. This study explores the necessity of maintaining research in Higher Education (HE) amidst the pandemic's disruptions. It questions whether Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can sustain research post-COVID-19 while balancing essential functions to avoid risks. Despite extensive studies on HEIs' research sustainability postpandemic, there is a notable gap in understanding the precise strategies needed to balance essential functions, address risks, and foster resilience amid uncertainties. To bridge this gap, the study highlights the importance of reassessing research priorities and methods in the changing HE landscape. A systematic literature review was conducted, gathering relevant literature from various databases. The study employed an exclusion and inclusion design for research selection. It points out that maintaining HE research post-pandemic has not been sufficiently investigated, leaving a critical gap in understanding research practices. The conceptual model, serving as the study's theoretical foundation, offers an organized means of evaluating the need for HE research considering the pandemic's global economic impacts. This study underscores the importance of multi-stage educational research in the post-COVID-19 era, given the interconnectedness of HEIs. It advocates for a flexible and dynamic research environment and suggests comprehensive approaches to anticipate and meet emerging trends in higher education. The study emphasizes that future research should focus on mitigating post-pandemic challenges and preparing for shifts in HE, promoting resilience and creativity in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online learning and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic had mixed impacts on students' accessibility and performance. It benefited the concerned stakeholders, including management, teachers, and the students, to retain in the system, but it reinforced pre-existing discrimination among students from various disadvantaged groups. Studies reveal that the online learning system created an environment that facilitated students' motive and interest in learning who disengaged themselves from classrooms due to various socioeconomic reasons during the pandemic. The present study explored students' experience and perception of online learning in Nepal and analyzed the predictors of their interest in participating in the new learning environments. More specifically, it studied how the online modes of learning were associated with the interests of disadvantaged higher education students in their academic pursuits during the COVID-19 pandemic and how online learning impacted the pre-existing discrimination among them. The study generated concepts and variables drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and a review of existing literature. A survey among 324 higher education students and a follow-up interview among nine selected respondents were conducted in Nepal between April and June 2021. The sample represented students from all social classes, genders, financial status, and geographies. Using a logistic regression model of the survey data and thematic analysis of interviews, this study found that compared to others, students from disadvantaged groups were significantly motivated by the online learning system. Their perception of online learning was positive despite the shortcomings of the system, such as the lack of internet infrastructure and the continuous flow of electricity. Students' motivation toward the online learning system was triggered by their perception, which helped them to retain and continue in the higher education system. Based on the findings, this study concludes that in a developing country like Nepal, where students face social, economic, and geographical challenges in accessing higher education, the online learning system could be an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face learning to minimize pre-existing discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inequality and the lack of inclusion of women in academic higher education (HE) leadership roles persist globally. While inclusivity at the top also applies to ethnicity and disability, the issue of gender is the focus of this article. More specifically, the distinct need is to examine the barriers that slow down and/or obstruct women from advancing in academia and gaining leadership positions. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide a review of the case in Jordanian Universities. It presents the prevailing situation from the results of a desktop study and a survey questionnaire of the barriers that impede career progression for women in HE. The severity index (SI) formula is used to delineate critical barriers found in the literature in a Jordanian context through a questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to group the critical barriers, which in turn was used to derive an action plan to improve career progression for female academics. The study exposed that women’s participation in leadership was determined to be low, which is attributed to several barriers: sociocultural barriers, gender stereotypes, lack of skill and opportunities, work-life conflicts, social network obstacles, mentoring and support, and poor institutional policies that support women. As a result, several actions are recommended to support an increase in female leaders.

The rapidly evolving landscape of higher education demands not only changes in teaching approaches but also organizational transformation. This paper explores the potential of problem-based learning (PBL) as a lever for organizational change, particularly within higher education institutions. Based on a comprehensive organizational development project involving 60 employees at a university library, this study examines the potentials and challenges of PBL in fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Three focus group interviews reveal both opportunities and challenges in translating PBL principles into a professional setting. Key findings include deeper reflection, an appreciation of problem analysis skills, enhanced group collaboration, and the significance of management’s role in guiding the process. However, challenges such as organizational culture barriers and the complexity of working life compared to student life highlight the need for tailored PBL approaches to succeed as an organizational change method. This study contributes to the limited literature on PBL's application in organizational contexts, offering insights for fostering sustainable change in higher education. Furthermore, the insights gained through the project allow us to revisit PBL in a higher educational setting to discuss which qualities in this pedagogical method could be further developed to promote student learning and development.

IntroductionThe study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education (HE) and its impact on pre-service teachers at the University of Latvia (UL) by exploring pre-service teachers' perceptions of the benefits and challenges of AI in both their academic learning and their future professional roles as educators, particularly regarding the promotion of inclusive education.MethodsData was collected via an online survey of 240 pre-service teachers across various disciplines at the UL. The survey included demographic details, AI usage patterns, and perceived benefits and challenges. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Spearman's correlation, and thematic analysis.ResultsLess than half of the participants used AI in their studies, with many expressing ambivalence or opposition toward AI. Benefits included language assistance and accessibility to global knowledge, while challenges involved reduced critical thinking and concerns over plagiarism. Despite recognizing AI's potential to promote inclusivity, most pre-service teachers have not applied it in practice. No significant differences in AI perceptions were found based on age, gender, or study level.DiscussionThe findings highlight a low adoption rate of AI among pre-service teachers and a gap between theoretical recognition of AI's potential and its practical application, particularly for inclusion. The study emphasizes the need for HE institutions to enhance AI literacy and readiness among future teachers.ConclusionAI is underutilized by pre-service teachers in both HE learning and teaching environments, which has implications for teacher preparation programs that better integrate AI literacy and inclusive practices.

Universities’ role in promoting sustainability and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is increasingly highlighted in the recent years. The high number of academic papers published in this field stands as proof of the attention received by these subjects. The integration of sustainability in education implies the transmission of principles, values and practices in teaching-learning activities, research and in institutional operations. While studies focus on the type of educational and extracurricular actions that universities may promote in order to develop more sustainability aware students, less attention is devoted to the actual impact of these practices. The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach starts with the assessment of the current state: what is being done in universities and what is the level of sustainability awareness among the main actors, mainly students. Having a concrete picture regarding the students’ level of sustainability literacy, we can identify opportunities to develop new implementation practices that address the sustainability issue within higher education. Currently, there is no consensus over a tool to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes as well as behaviors of students regarding sustainability and the SDGs. Nevertheless, efforts were made in this line of research. Our study focuses on the methodologies to assess these aspects. Based on previously used tools, we developed and tested a questionnaire on Romanian student population. The tested scales for sustainability knowledge, attitudes and behaviors highlight the different pillars of sustainable development, namely: social, economic and environmental, revealing that more focus is given to the latter.

The last twenty years have seen dramatic growth in the provision of English-medium instruction (EMI) courses at universities. On such courses, many students learn academic content through a language other than their first language (L1). This often poses significant language-related challenges to students which can impede content learning. To cope with the linguistic challenges, students sometimes employ language learning strategies (LLS). However, despite the rapid growth in the provision of EMI, little research has been conducted into LLS use in an EMI context. This systematized review examines 36 relevant studies. The findings show that over time EMI students modify their strategic behavior as they become more aware of the strategies which meet their learning needs. Furthermore, learners gradually use more content-related strategies as they progress through their EMI courses. Although strategy deployment is generally self-directed, the findings indicate that LLS instruction can benefit learners. Therefore, it is recommended that EMI courses be supported by embedded EAP courses which provide strategy instruction alongside the teaching of discipline-specific vocabulary and discourse practices. The review also raises questions about the role of students' L1 in EMI. By shedding light on existing studies in the field, the review highlights opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents reflections from a fledgling higher education (HE) lecturer navigating the integration of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into the pedagogical landscape for first-year undergraduate Education and Training students. With a keen focus on enhancing inclusivity, the lecturer engages in a critical examination of teaching practices, striving to create an environment catering to diverse learning needs. The implementation of UDL, a framework promoting flexible instructional methods, emerges as a central theme, as this educator explores innovative approaches to address the varied academic backgrounds and diverse learning needs of undergraduate first-year students. Through self-reflection and experiential insights, this paper unfolds the lecturer's evolving understanding of UDL and its application in higher education contexts. Challenges encountered, successes achieved, and lessons learned from integral parts of the narrative, shedding light on the dynamic process of incorporating inclusive practices. As the lecturer grapples with adapting traditional teaching methodologies, the paper captures the transformative journey toward fostering an inclusive learning environment that not only accommodates but also celebrates the diversity inherent in the first-year undergraduate student population. Ultimately, this exploration contributes valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse on implementing UDL in HE for the benefit of both educators and students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent emergence of generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Gemini have introduced revolutionary capabilities that are predicted to transform numerous facets of society fundamentally. In higher education (HE), the advent of GenAI presents a pivotal moment that may profoundly alter learning and teaching practices in aspects such as inaccuracy, bias, overreliance on technology and algorithms, and limited access to educational AI resources that require in-depth investigation. To evaluate the implications of adopting GenAI in HE, a team of academics and field experts have co-authored this paper, which analyzes the potential for the responsible integration of GenAI into HE and provides recommendations about this integration. This paper recommends strategies for integrating GenAI into HE to create the following positive outcomes: raise awareness about disruptive change, train faculty, change teaching and assessment practices, partner with students, impart AI learning literacies, bridge the digital divide, and conduct applied research. Finally, we propose four preliminary scale levels of a GenAI adoption for faculty. At each level, we suggest courses of action to facilitate progress to the next stage in the adoption of GenAI. This study offers a valuable set of recommendations to decision-makers and faculty, enabling them to prepare for the responsible and judicious integration of GenAI into HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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COVID-19 has caused institutions across the sector to transition from conventional teaching and learning environments into virtual environments. Amidst this paradigm shift, academics have adopted a range of technology-based strategies to support the online learner. However, low attendance, engagement, and participation continue to challenge the execution of eLearning across the higher education (HE) sector. Within this narrative, there has been an interest in understanding the acceptance and adoption of technologies in education from the learners' perspective. As a result, there has been an increased focus on technology acceptance models as a theoretical lens to unpack attitudes and beliefs relating to eLearning. Motivated by these environmental shifts, this study aims to capture themes and perspectives considered in educational literature worldwide to present future considerations for studied and practitioners as we emerge from the pandemic. By systematically reviewing global educational literature, the study aims to provide valuable insights and future considerations for both studied and practitioners as the HE sectors transitions out of the pandemic. The study is guided by the central study question: What influences the learners' acceptance and continuation of use of education technologies during forced emergency conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic? Based on these findings, we then share recommendations for education technology adoption in the HE sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique environment to understand education technology acceptance and adoption. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, encouraging higher education (HE) institutions to rapidly transition from traditional learning environments to technology-driven learning environments. While the motivation for this transition at an institutional level was driven by the need for operational continuation and survival, this rapid transition transferred an increased responsibility to the teacher. Extant research in the context of education technology acceptance and adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic gives substantial emphasis to the learner's experience since the learner is often seen as being on the receiving end of this transformation. However, in this narrative, the teacher is often overlooked. Through a systematic literature review of technology acceptance and adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine themes surrounding the teacher's experience to address the research questions. When the teacher or instructor is the subject of the study, how have learning technologies influenced their role? and What factors encourage or influence teachers' acceptance of learning technologies? Key findings from this study reveal that the role of the teacher in this technology-driven learning environment shifts from instructor to facilitator, positioning them as an extension of technology. As a result, the teacher determines how the educational technology is perceived by the learner as useful or easy to use. The findings of this study recognise considerations for HE institutions in this age of digital transformation while also presenting new avenues for research in the domain of technology acceptance and adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified inequities for contingent scholars in the neoliberal gig academy. In this article, we document the struggles of three early career scholars, all contingent instructors, researchers, or both, working at multiple institutions in higher education (HE). Through critical collaborative autoethnography we follow our experiences through the pandemic with a focus on the 'return to campus' semester in fall 2021. We forge a critique and activist stance against the structural problem of precarity in HE using our dialogues and vignettes to highlight our experiences around precarity, mobility, and systemic inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online learning and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic had mixed impacts on students’ accessibility and performance. It benefited the concerned stakeholders, including management, teachers, and the students, to retain in the system, but it reinforced pre-existing discrimination among students from various disadvantaged groups. Studies reveal that the online learning system created an environment that facilitated students’ motive and interest in learning who disengaged themselves from classrooms due to various socioeconomic reasons during the pandemic. The present study explored students’ experience and perception of online learning in Nepal and analyzed the predictors of their interest in participating in the new learning environments. More specifically, it studied how the online modes of learning were associated with the interests of disadvantaged higher education students in their academic pursuits during the COVID-19 pandemic and how online learning impacted the pre-existing discrimination among them. The study generated concepts and variables drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and a review of existing literature. A survey among 324 higher education students and a follow-up interview among nine selected respondents were conducted in Nepal between April and June 2021. The sample represented students from all social classes, genders, financial status, and geographies. Using a logistic regression model of the survey data and thematic analysis of interviews, this study found that compared to others, students from disadvantaged groups were significantly motivated by the online learning system. Their perception of online learning was positive despite the shortcomings of the system, such as the lack of internet infrastructure and the continuous flow of electricity. Students’ motivation toward the online learning system was triggered by their perception, which helped them to retain and continue in the higher education system. Based on the findings, this study concludes that in a developing country like Nepal, where students face social, economic, and geographical challenges in accessing higher education, the online learning system could be an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face learning to minimize pre-existing discrimination.

The worldwide surge in demand for higher education (HE) aligns with an increasing need for effective student funding systems, particularly in countries where poverty poses a significant barrier to accessing HE. An international perspective on governmental student funding systems allows us to examine how other governments have implemented these systems to benefit their citizens. The aim of this article is thus to provide a global view of the functioning and challenges pertaining to student funding systems and to shed light on the policies in place in the international landscape. The realist systematic literature review methodology was deemed the most suitable for this study as various scholars have previously studied different facets of the topic. This study aligns with the interpretive research paradigm and qualitative methods. The desired information therefore already exists within the body of knowledge, although it has not yet been analyzed through this particular method. It is evident that both developing and developed countries experience challenges regarding student funding, both in the purpose thereof as well as in the implementation. This is a universal issue, and an in-depth literature review confirmed this phenomenon.

As big data becomes an apparent challenge to handle when building a business intelligence (BI) system, there is a motivation to handle this challenging issue in higher education institutions (HEIs). Monitoring quality in HEIs encompasses handling huge amounts of data coming from different sources. This paper reviews big data and analyses the cases from the literature regarding quality assurance (QA) in HEIs. It also outlines a framework that can address the big data challenge in HEIs to handle QA monitoring using BI dashboards and a prototype dashboard is presented in this paper. The dashboard was developed using a utilisation tool to monitor QA in HEIs to provide visual representations of big data. The prototype dashboard enables stakeholders to monitor compliance with QA standards while addressing the big data challenge associated with the substantial volume of data managed by HEIs’ QA systems. This paper also outlines how the developed system integrates big data from social media into the monitoring dashboard

Integrated marketing communication (IMC) involves the seamless coordination of communications and marketing media within organizations. While scholars in higher education (HE) have explored the internal benefits of successful IMC, there’s a lack of contributions examining student satisfaction and benefits. Recognizing that perceived values are subjective, this study analyzes student value creation in HE from a student-centric perspective through IMC. Employing qualitative means-end analysis, we conducted 30 interviews with graduate and undergraduate students at a top-tier HE institution in Europe. The thematic analysis exposes multidirectional ties between attributes and higher value forms. This paper contributes by presenting a hierarchical model of student value structures elucidating the utility derived from IMC strategy elements. Results offer HEIs insights to devise student value propositions aligned with sought-after values via communication strategies. By identifying the underlying reasons for the value students place on their experiences, HEIs can adapt and tailor their communication approaches. This novel perspective ensures HEI IMC strategy success, enabling flexibility in constructing strategies that deliver the desired value to students and fall within the HEI’s capacity to provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper provides a rationale and historical review of higher vocational education (HVE) globally and in China. The expansion of HVE is driven by dominant themes in policy, such as the encouragement of academics' societal engagement (ASE) for economic development and the need to address social problems like youth unemployment and poverty. The paper examines the development of HVE in China, which has faced challenges related to the degree of connection with high school curriculum and social stigma. The government has implemented the policies to elevate the social status and acceptance of HVE, enhancing its quality and relevance, and reinforcing its governance and management structures. Method: The paper also analyses the prominent research directions and development trends of HVE in China from 2000 to 2023, using the VOS viewer mapping tool and Web of Science. Findings: The result shows that key words like "study," "student," "education," and "vocational college," indicate key themes and focal points in the discourse. In addition, the terms "quality" and "management" being prominent in the analysis reveal concerns for maintaining and improving the quality of higher vocational education. In this way, understanding the mediating effects of "management" can provide possible solutions. While desk-based reviews using VOS viewer as an analysis tool offer valuable insights, they may lack the depth of contextual understanding that can be gained through qualitative analysis. Future Research: This paper calls for future study in the management of faculty deans in HVE institutions and the mediating effect of teachers on improving general teaching quality and student achievement, with an aim of improving the international standards of the vocational education and offering a significant intuition on the development of HVE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent emergence of generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Gemini have introduced revolutionary capabilities that are predicted to transform numerous facets of society fundamentally. In higher education (HE), the advent of GenAI presents a pivotal moment that may profoundly alter learning and teaching practices in aspects such as inaccuracy, bias, overreliance on technology and algorithms, and limited access to educational AI resources that require in-depth investigation. To evaluate the implications of adopting GenAI in HE, a team of academics and field experts have co-authored this paper, which analyzes the potential for the responsible integration of GenAI into HE and provides recommendations about this integration. This paper recommends strategies for integrating GenAI into HE to create the following positive outcomes: raise awareness about disruptive change, train faculty, change teaching and assessment practices, partner with students, impart AI learning literacies, bridge the digital divide, and conduct applied research. Finally, we propose four preliminary scale levels of a GenAI adoption for faculty. At each level, we suggest courses of action to facilitate progress to the next stage in the adoption of GenAI. This study offers a valuable set of recommendations to decision-makers and faculty, enabling them to prepare for the responsible and judicious integration of GenAI into HE.

Micro-credential (MC) is an innovative and disruptive technology-based learning model. In higher education (HE), MCs are typically certified in the form of a digital badge (DB) issued to learners upon completion of a credential. The introduction of MCs and DBs has the potential to revolutionise the way in which HE institutions deliver degrees, and how students learn and achieve their tertiary qualifications. To explore this innovative learning, this study investigates the potentials and challenges of implementing MCs in HE. Through a systematic literature review of 56 peer-reviewed articles on MCs and related DBs in HE published between 2015 and 2021, we find that research on MCs in HE is gaining attention. While different aspects of MCs in HE have been studied using various research methodologies and theoretical lenses, further research is needed to capture the influence of technology and to understand different stakeholder perspectives. This study contributes to the growing literature on MCs in HE by synthesising the relevant knowledge areas into key themes and developing a conceptual framework for implementing MCs in HE. This study also identifies critical research gaps to advance the literature on MC implementation in HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-development is an important basis for the professional development of teachers and future teachers. In this study, future teachers are graduate students whose majors are school counseling and mental health education. The performance of playback theater (PT) in the classroom has become an integral part of teaching, especially for teaching integral drama-based pedagogy (IDBP). Using qualitative research methods, researchers found that PT enables future teachers to deeply develop and experience “respect” and “empathy.” PT actively promotes self-development by using empathy as the main factor for promoting change in self-cognition, behavior, and emotional release. The improvisational action presents storytellers with accessible forms of empathic reaction. Researchers have discovered that the use of theater ritual and artistry are the external conditions for inspiring empathy by creating an atmosphere of equality, respect, and inclusion. Moreover, this atmosphere also promotes dialogue. Having learned empathy, individuals connect better with each and become more open to self-development through reflection.

The recent yet unanticipated Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic, first witnessed in Wuhan, China, has made its destructive presence felt worldwide. From a schooling perspective and especially from a Higher Education Institution (HEI) standpoint, the pandemic revealed dire institutional gaps at South African universities, particularly those possessing limited technology, infrastructure, human resources, transformation, and finance. The sudden shift from face-to-face to multi-modal learning exposed the limited capacity Historically Black Universities (HBUs) have to deal with such sudden paradigm shifts given their state of development and unreadiness. A skim reading of an array of literature, in addition to policy briefs, revealed limited engagement(s) regarding the nexus of COVID-19 and its repercussions on South Africa's HEIs, particularly HBUs. In consideration of the above and employing a qualitative research approach, this article aimed to delve into the challenges faced by HBUs in South Africa while also offering pivotal long-term blueprints that may be brought to the fore by the government, especially the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), for not only current inequality gaps but future unforeseen circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher education (HE) system is witnessing immense transformations to keep pace with the rapid advancements in digital technologies and due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic compelling educational institutions to completely switch to online teaching and assessments. Assessments are considered to play an important and powerful role in students' educational experience and evaluation of their academic abilities. However, there are many stigmas associated with both "traditional" and alternative assessment methods. Rethinking assessments is increasingly happening worldwide to keep up with the shift in current teaching and learning paradigms due to new possibilities of using digital technologies and a continuous improvement of student engagement. Many educational decisions such as a change in assessment from traditional summative exams to alternate methods require appropriate rationale and justification. In this paper, we adopt data-driven decision-making (DDDM) as a process for rethinking assessment methods and implementing assessment transformations innovatively in an HE environment. We make use of student performance data to make an informed decision for moving from exam-based assessments to nonexam assessment methods. We demonstrate the application of the DDDM approach for an educational institute by analyzing the impact of transforming the assessments of 13 out of 27 subjects offered in a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) program as a case study. A comparison of data analysis performed before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using different student learning measures such as failure rates and mean marks provides meaningful insights into the impact of assessment transformations. Our implementation of the DDDM model along with examining the influencing factors of student learning through assessment transformations in an HE environment is the first of its kind. With many HE providers facing several challenges due to the adoption of blended learning, this pilot study based on a DDDM approach encourages innovation in classroom teaching and assessment redesign. In addition, it opens further research in implementing such evidence-based practices for future classroom innovations and assessment transformations towards achieving higher levels of educational quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports a quantitative empirical study that investigated whether English language proficiency increases over time when studying academic content through English Medium Instruction (EMI). It was also investigated whether an increase in proficiency predicts EMI academic achievement. Student English language test score data and Grade Point Average (GPA) data were collected from a public university in Turkey. Two academic subjects were compared: Business Administration (a Social Science subject, n = 81) and Mechatronics Engineering (a Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences subject, n = 84). Results showed that in both subjects, English language proficiency statistically significantly improved over a four-year period of studying through English. Furthermore, this improvement predicted EMI academic achievement; meaning that the more proficient students became in English, the higher they achieved in their EMI academic studies. This provides evidence for policymakers, EMI practitioners, and language professionals around the world that English does improve when studying academic content through English, and that this improvement has a positive effect on content learning outcomes. Implications of these findings, and suggestions for further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a shift in how many teaching, learning and research activities are conducted internationally. Lockdowns compelled all education sectors, including higher education (HE), to adopt a variety of online learning practices at short notice. As these changes in practice have implications beyond the pandemic, more needs to be understood about settings across the globe where the move to online may pose particular challenges. This study brings a focus to how lecturers in a college of education in Nigeria responded to the professional demands of lockdowns and developed strategies for managing educational activities that have relevance during and beyond the pandemic itself. The aim of the study reported in this paper was to examine lecturers' perceptions of the management of teaching, learning and research activities during a lockdown, drawing out longer term implications. Data were collected through in-depth, one-to-one interviews with six lecturers from a college of education in Nigeria. Interview data were analysed qualitatively. Detailed analysis indicated that lecturers' strategies included encouraging students to engage in self-directed learning, as they uploaded learning materials on messaging groups and the college's e-learning platform. However, lecturers felt that the quality of teaching and assessment was compromised by factors including: irregular power supply, poor internet connection, high data costs and some students' limited digital skills. A particular concern was students' lack of interaction on the online platforms, which lecturers perceived to result in a more passive teaching and learning process. Lecturers also experienced difficulties undertaking research activities. A range of strategies and implications for the ongoing management of educational activities was discussed. The study offers insights into how some of the challenges encountered could be addressed to support sustainable online and blended teaching and learning in the longer term, in settings internationally where there are barriers to accessing online teaching and learning. Crucial aspects include strengthening educational technology training for lecturers and students, enhancing e-learning platforms for teaching practical courses, and enabling lecturers to develop beneficial and valuable online resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In higher education (HE) settings, staff and students are often end-users of a variety of educational technologies, tools and platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMSs). As technological evolution is constant, transitioning to a new system may be a familiar occurrence. For technology to support educational purpose more fully, further insight needs to be gained into how staff and students actually experience the process of transition. This article focuses on this area in the context of institution-wide transition to a new LMS. The study's aim was to explore how academic teaching staff and students experienced a university-wide technological change process: namely, a process of changing to a new LMS. Data were collected through a series of interviews with staff who were involved in the first stage of the change process. In addition, students enrolled in the first tranche of subjects undergoing transition participated in surveys. Data were analysed using a qualitative, comparative analysis approach; student and staff perspectives were compared, and the points of intersections and divergences between the viewpoints were located. Detailed analysis helped identify factors that contributed to a smooth transition, while also showing how staff expectations of student behaviours and needs were not always aligned with students' own approaches to technology-assisted teaching and learning, which tended to be predominantly pragmatic. Feedback gleaned from investigating stakeholders' transition experiences can contribute in a valuable way to informing change processes and support empowering change. The findings highlight how positioning LMS transition as a student-centred and education-led process, rather than as a large-scale technology project, has potential to support staff and students to have a positive and relatively seamless transition experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This book review on the Handbook of Research on Lessons Learned from Transitioning to Virtual Classrooms During a Pandemic by editors Amy W. Thornburg, Robert J. Ceglie, and Dixie F. Abernathy, aims to highlight reflections on the aftermath of the shift to online learning as told by K-20 teachers, faculty, staff, and administrators in the wake of the nascent spread of COVID-19 around the world. This review summary[s]es and assesses the book with the intention of offering readership a selection that promises effective educational learning tools, strategies, recommendations, and policies that might prove beneficial for all students going forward. Based on first-person narratives from classroom teachers, college professors, and community leaders around the world, who were on the front lines of moving to online teaching platforms, this book review may prove worthwhile to their global counterparts, who are searching for a primer on how educators might help students recover learning losses after the pandemic. In addition, the faculty editors, who are based at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina, present real-life accounts of the supplementary challenges the pandemic presented to students and teachers, including food insecurity, emergency remote teaching, and student motivation, primarily in North Carolina and such countries as Italy, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Thornburg et al.’s book is noteworthy to the global educational community as it presents stories from a compelling array of contributors whose captivating lived experiences will sound familiar to the audience; moreover, the authors validate their findings and unabashedly acknowledge their shortcomings. Practitioner Notes 1. Provide ample opportunities to achieve relational humanity in student-teacher interactions for all modalities of instruction. 2. Explore ways to enhance higher education writing instruction for student success. 3. Offer student teachers intentional coursework to address social emotional learning related to online instruction. 4. Proactively explore strategies on how schools can better prepare families and students from low socio-economic backgrounds for future success. 5. Modify or expand student services to support food-insecure students to ensure they achieve their academic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, I refreshed a tertiary writing unit in which, across two assignments, students planned and then produced their own creative non-fiction work. Peer workshopping was an important pedagogical tool to help students bridge the gap between their creative non-fiction plan and their final submission. In the discipline of Writing, peer workshopping is central to students’ degrees, allowing them to develop a collective wisdom that is difficult to replicate in digital learning environments. My regional institution offers “digital first” degrees, and around 90% of my students learn online. Therefore, I created workshops online in asynchronous, written form, to suit our cohort of mostly mature age students with many commitments alongside study. During the unit, many students expressed troubles in using online programs such as Google Docs, prompting me to reflect on how to best meet their learning needs. Students took part in focus groups, which formed the basis of my subsequent revision of the digital workshops in the unit’s 2021 iteration. The need for digital adaptations of disciplinary pedagogies became even more broadly relevant by 2021, as more universities moved online during the pandemic in an Emergency Remote Learning response, and many remain online post-pandemic. Reflecting on my improved 2021 workshops, I ask, how can the writing workshop be successfully replicated in an asynchronous digital space? My response will reflect on 2021 survey feedback on the outcomes of my revisions in digital skills instruction and managing students’ time investment. Practitioner Notes 1. When using digital tools for writing workshops, it is important to use those already known by students to lessen the burden of learning new technologies. 2. Online writing workshops take longer than on-campus ones, but students also gain more experience in writing. On-campus workshops are also more useful if students write their peer feedback down. 3. Online assessments can be completed asynchronously and flexibly, rather than replicating an exact on-campus experience, as research shows online students prefer asynchronous learning. 4. Online students should be offered opportunities for important peer-to-peer social interaction. They have expressed a sense of “missing out” on what on-campus students are offered socially. 5. When designing online activities, rather than being prescriptive, it is best to adapt the design based on student cohort, the institution’s technologies, the subject, and the teaching strengths of the educator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to cultivate the future in Higher Education (HE), firstly by looking backward and learning from the past, then by looking around and questioning the present, and finally, by looking forward and imagining the future of HE. This paper seeks to answer the question of how HE can foster students' life-world becoming, their emancipatory competence with wisdom pedagogy. The research method is based on selected literature from German educational philosophy (Herder, Humboldt, Hegel, Heidegger, and Gadamer) and on recent international publications discussing Bildung, self-cultivation, and life-world becoming in relation to HE. The findings show the need for moral education to enhance students' flourishing in life with wisdom pedagogy. In the future, HE needs to focus more on cultivating character, emancipatory competence, life-world becoming, values, justice, trust, truth, and intellectual virtues such as intellectual humility, curiosity, open-mindedness, and courage. This paper offers a framework for synthesizing the epistemological and ontological goals of HE, and a framework that presents the place and role of wisdom pedagogy in developing emancipatory competences. This paper argues for applying wisdom pedagogy and its methods by teachers in HE to foster students' capacity to flourish in life. The paper calls for more debates and research in understanding wisdom pedagogy in HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted conventional educational practice in universities worldwide. Chinese universities are no exception. WeChat, a social application widely used in China, has been considered a viable tool for language education. However, the perspectives of Chinese university students and English language teachers in terms of using WeChat for English vocabulary learning and teaching during the pandemic remain unclear. The aim of the present study was twofold: First, it explored Chinese university students' and language teachers' opinions of adopting a self-developed WeChat-assisted lexical-learning program (the WALL program) during COVID-19. Second, it gathered their evaluations of the WALL program. To achieve the aim, two sets of semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data about five students' and three English language teachers' perceptions at a university in northern China. The results first revealed that the eight participants showed overwhelming opinions in support of adopting the program for vocabulary learning and teaching during the pandemic. In addition, it received mostly positive evaluations. However, the program had two main drawbacks: distracting learning environments and uncertain learning effects. The present study then made recommendations for future WeChat-based language learning and teaching programs. The findings are expected to provide pedagogical insights for tertiary educational institutions, practitioners, and students in the chosen context in order to deal with the future design and implementation of sound MALL-based approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper explores faculty’s perspectives and use of open educational resources (OER) and their repositories across different countries by conducting a multiple case study to find similarities and differences between academics’ awareness, perceptions and use of OER, as well as examining related aspects of institutional policy and quality that may influence individual views. Data were collected through nine expert reports on each country studied (Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and Turkey) and were analyzed through qualitative content analysis using thematic coding. Findings show the impact on individual OER adoption with regard to the individual control of diverse factors by faculty members; of institutional policies and quality measures on the externally determined factors (by the institution); and of institutional professional development and provision of incentives in more internally determined factors (by the faculty members themselves). These findings carry implications for higher education institutions around the world in their attempt to boost OER adoption by faculty members.