Current Technologies

The Impact of Technology on Student Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Erica LoBurgio, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

In this article “The impact of technology integration on student learning outcomes: A comparative study,” authored by Chia Ming Hong, Chee Keong Ch’ng, and The Raihana Nazirah Roslan, published in 2023 in the International Journal of Social Sciences, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research, and Technology (IJSET), studies how the integration of technology changes the effects of student learning outcomes and educational practices. The article explains how different technology settings can enhance the students’ learning, student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall performance when successfully added into the course program.

The article delivers a comparative evaluation between students who are already provided with technological equipment and those who learn in conventional learning conditions without the technological equipment. Hong et al. (2023) provides a literature review, benefits of technology integration, methodology, as well as impact and outcomes. It is argued that with the ever-evolving world, students are required to be equipped with the technological tools to be successful.

Reference:

Hong, C. M., Ch’ng, C. K., & Roslan, T. R. N. (2023). The impact of technology integration on student learning outcomes: A comparative study. International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research, and Technology (IJSET), 2(9). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373266726_The_Impact_of_Technology_Integration_on_Studen _Learning_Outcomes_A_Comparative_Study/fulltext/64e47c6040289f7a0faaf157/The-Impact-of Technology-Integration-on-Student-Learning-Outcomes-A-Comparative-Study.pdf

Regardless of Distance, Learning Prevails

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Lynn Urban, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

E-learning existed prior to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 but did not have as large a footprint in institutions as today.  Distance learning, hybrid learning, blended learning – all these methods gained momentum when educational systems had to stay connected without being physically together.  The pandemic stalled traditional methods of learning, but the need to move forward compelled technological advancements.  John Hamilton (2024) shines light on how development of distance learning has become a strong part of educational opportunities.  Resources are named and organized by platforms, learning management systems, online videos and textbooks.  The author provides ideas for use of accessories, artificial intelligence, extended reality, and gamification in teaching and learning. 

I recommend this article for anyone needing familiarity with e-learning technology, especially as it has grown over the years.  Leaning towards a novice view, the article provides easy-to-follow explanations of multiple developments.  The author also recognizes challenges – for example, describing solutions that help students limit distractions while engaged in online learning (like noise-cancellation headphones).  Providing resources, challenges and solutions, readers get a balanced view of opportunities present in distance learning.  Current e-learning technologies can be overwhelming for some, but fortunately articles such as this provide an organized view of how we can all be part of the digital age.

Reference

Hamilton, J. (2024, February). Technologies used in distance learning. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/popular/technologies-used-in-distance-learning.html

Implementation of Technology in Education

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Cody Stock, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program.

Technology takes down the walls of the classroom and enables students to access information in ways they otherwise could not. With so much technology, how is it effectively integrated into education? In a recent article, Shazmeen Mengal (2023), provides steps to effectively implement technology into education environments. These steps offer guidance on using and integrating new technology seamlessly, while assessing which tools align to the classroom needs and personalizing the learning experience to the specific audience. The author concludes that the success of technology integration requires a planned approach and using that technology as a tool to enhance the educational experience.

I recommend this article for anyone who works in education and is looking to implement new technology into their online classroom. The step-by-step guide provides useful insights by asking questions to ensure that the technology being chosen aligns with the objectives and curriculum in mind. These steps also keep the classroom needs front of mind by asking what is trying to be achieved with this implementation. These steps of technology integration are briefly described and are a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their online classroom environment.

Reference:

Mengal, Shazmeen. (2023, September). How technology has changed the education system.

Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-technology-has-changed-education-system-shazmeen-mengal/

Interactive Learning Tools That Won’t Break Your Budget

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Brianna Richardson, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program.

The most effective eLearning courses utilize interactive components to drive engagement. However, training budgets may not always allow for the purchase of new technology. “15 Free Interactive eLearning Tools” by Hannah Malmstrom (2022) provides a list of interactive tools that won’t break the budget for trial and pilot adoption. The author provides a comprehensive review of a variety of platforms that can be used to increase engagement in online courses. Each review includes criteria such as highlights, best use, and cost. The tools named offer features that are in alignment with current eLearning trends like microlearning, social learning, and collaboration.


I recommend this article for instructors that are researching different learning management systems to help boost engagement in their online courses. The list of 15 free tools features a variety of platforms that creates a comparison view and allows the reader to identify those to research further. The solutions offer ways for learners to interact using quizzes, games, and progress reporting. Malmstrom (2022) goes the extra mile and even highlights who the best audience is for some of the tools. This allows the person researching to focus their attention on the features and audience that would best suit their need.

Reference

Malstrom, H. (2022, January 10). 15 free interactive eLearning tools. EdApp Microlearning. https://www.edapp.com/blog/10-interactive-elearning-tools/

(L)earning (M)ade (S)upportive Through LMS Data 

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Sejdije Fejza, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

In this article, researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia analyzed whether LMS data is useful in understanding learners and their needs. Video based learning management systems were assessed by monitoring how many times a student clicked on a video and the amount of time that video played. Exam results were also reviewed to determine whether LMS data can assist student learning. First, it revealed students’ preferences for learning. Additionally, students can reference back information or work on their own time. They also revealed that shorter videos and content receive the best results when instructing through this LMS. 

This source is helpful for organizations who are deciding what factors to assess in their LMS to support student learning. If individuals adopt this form of analysis to support learning, it is important that they carefully choose the best LMS features to assess. This will avoid limitations in data. For instance, it’s important to consider how engaged students are when watching a video. Therefore, the number of times clicked on a video may not necessarily correlate to whether the viewer is actively paying attention to the video to assist in their learning. 

Reference 

Maloney, S., Axelsen, M., Galligan, L., Turner, J., Redmond, P., Brown, A., Basson, M., & Lawrence, J. (2022). Using LMS log data to explore student engagement with coursework videos. Online Learning, 26(4), 399–423.

Traditional Assessments Gone Virtual

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Brianna Richardson, a graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in the Training and Development program.

As technology continues to transform learning landscapes with e-learning, it is vital to stay aware of current technologies that can help educators track student understanding in online environments. In the article “7 Ways to Do Formative Assessments in Your Virtual Classroom” for Edutopia, Nora Fleming (2020) provides a thought-provoking take on how instructors can take familiar assessment strategies, that were once implemented in-person, and apply them in a digital space to verify how well students are learning. Fleming gives readers a number of creative ideas on how to add virtual value using digital platforms to deliver reflection and connection opportunities.

The article is a comprehensive overview of different online platforms that can help learners connect with their peers, complete learning objectives, and identify knowledge gaps. It is a great read for instructors, or trainers, that understand traditional assessment strategies and are looking for ways to apply them to an online learning environment. After reading, instructors will be aware of innovative solutions for assessing online learning outcomes. The article highlights platforms like Canva for online journal reflections, Padlet for live knowledge checks, or video conferencing platforms for peer-to-peer evaluation (Fleming, 2020). The strategies aren’t new, but the delivery method may be.

Reference

Fleming, N. (2020, October 1). 7 ways to do formative assessments in your virtual classroom. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-ways-do-formative-assessments-your-virtual-classroom/

Wholistic e-Learning Through e-Portfolios

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Sejdije Fejza, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

Researcher Patience Kelebogile Mudau identifies perceptions of e-portfolios as a form of assessment. E-portfolios are digital spaces for a user to compile projects that highlight qualities about themselves. This assessment enables users to be actively involved in their learning. Students can also engage in the process of reflecting on feedback before they submit activities to their e-portfolio. Despite the possible need for technical training, Professors at University of South Africa agree that e-portfolios are effective in promoting student-centered learning and growth in digital literacy. 

This article’s data were gathered qualitatively through interviewing lecturers that have participated in administering e-portfolios as a requirement for their online students. This firsthand account of information will assist other instructors who are weighing the benefits and limitations of digital student-centered assessments. This entry also serves as an asset because it is published in the International Journal of Educational Methodology which provides readers with pedagogical techniques that succeed around the world. In a world where digital workplaces are on a rapid rise, it is beneficial to consider different techniques, needs, and outlooks in our ever-growing communities. 

Reference: 

Mudau, P. K. (2021). Lecturers’ Views on the Functionality of e-Portfolio as Alternative Assessment in an Open Distance e-Learning. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 8(1), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.8.1.81

Considering Values in eLearning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Breanna Winters, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

In this article, Liz Johnson (2021) questions the framework of distance learning and shared ideas on using Paul and Elder’s Concepts Depicting Ethical Behavior and Motivation. She reviews that these concepts are rooted in behaviors such as empathy, compassion, kindness, forgiveness etc. which are displayed through a comprehensive chart. Johnson (2021) expresses the need to incorporate these behaviors to create a framework before considering the technology that is to be used, as well as what policies are put in place. Additionally, she emphasizes throughout her article the importance of being socially responsible and speaks of the collective future.

This resource could be utilized by those in higher education or any business looking to implement eLearning technologies into their learning experiences. In particular, this would be a useful conversation to have when developing policies around eLearning, creating expectations of experiences for the learners and selecting technologies to implement. The resource is reliable and provides credible references.

Reference:

Johnson, L. (2021). Do values in online learning in higher education really matter to our collective future? JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE FOR POLICY IMPLICATIONS, 9(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.15640/jsspi.v9n2a1

Wellbeing Resources at your Fingertips

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Kelly Andrzejczak, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

Technology resources that support mental health are addressing a high demand by providing convenience and accessibility. From apps that track moods to online therapy to mindfulness tools, the sky is the limit to the support that technology can provide to employee wellbeing. Employers that promote digital mental health resources play an important role in addressing & overcoming the stigma around asking for help. Embracing digital technology to support employee wellbeing can provide analytical tools and measurements to build better processes for employee wellbeing and simultaneously boost company productivity.

This information can be helpful for leaders who are trying to care for their employees as a whole person. Wellbeing is being closely looked at right now, especially post pandemic, and managers could benefit from exploring the options available to supporting their team’s mental health and wellbeing. I think this article is great at a high level and providing evidence of the benefits; I would like to see additional information or a follow up from employers that have implemented digital mental health resources and what has worked well and any lessons learned.

Using digital tech to support employees’ mental health and resilience. (2021, July 8). McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/using-digital-tech-to-support-employees-mental-health-and-resilience

Emerging Technologies and eLearning-Raising the Bar

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Danielle Victoriano, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program.

E-Learning is evolving to create the ultimate self-driven and self-paced yet interactive design. It is emerging into an interactive model that is intuitive for the learners’ needs. Is this what learners need and want? Will this aid them in achieving their goals? Mangalvedhe examines this in this 2023 article. The author examines how emerging technologies can influence and transform learning and development moving forward. In the article, the author examines how artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gamification, mobile learning and microlearning will change how we interact and respond within the learning model to a more profound level than we have in eLearning.

This is an excellent article for content creators and instructional designers that are seeking ways to provide interaction and take learning to an application level. The author examines in detail how each technology can be integrated into instructional design. Mangalvedhe (2023) also discusses how each technology can fulfill and appeal to the various needs of learners. Examples are provided to suggest how these technologies can be executed successfully in the created content. These examples will be a starting point to consider using these advanced technologies that workplaces are already utilizing to raise the bar of flexible and efficient learning while expediting the upskilling process.  

References

Mangalvedhe, A. (2023, January 12). The emerging technologies in Elearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-emerging-technologies-in-elearning