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Article
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Shimelis Kebede Kekeba, Abera Gure and Teklu Tafesse Olkaba

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using a jigsaw learning strategy integrated with computer simulation (JLSICS) on the academic achievement and attitudes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using a jigsaw learning strategy integrated with computer simulation (JLSICS) on the academic achievement and attitudes of students, along with exploring the relationships between them in the process of learning about acids and bases.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design used in the study was quasi-experimental, using non-equivalent comparison groups for both pre- and post-tests. A quantitative approach was used to address the research problem, with three groups involved: two experimental and one comparative group. The treatment group, which received the JLSICS intervention, consisted of two intact classes, while the comparison group included one intact class. Data collection involved achievement tests and attitude scale tests on acid and base. Various statistical analyses such as one-way analysis of variance, one-way multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson product-moment correlation, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis.

Findings

The study’s results revealed that the incorporation of the JLSICS had a beneficial influence on the academic achievement and attitudes of grade 10 chemistry students towards acid and base topics. The JLSICS approach proved to be more successful than both conventional methods and the standalone use of the jigsaw learning strategy (JLS) in terms of both achievement and attitudes. The research demonstrated a correlation between positive attitudes towards chemistry among high school students and enhanced achievement in the subject.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focused on one specific aspect of chemistry (acid and base chemistry), which restricts the applicability of the findings to other chemistry topics or subjects. In addition, the study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest comparison group, which may introduce variables that could confound the results and restrict causal inferences.

Practical implications

This study addresses the gap in instructional interventions and provides theoretical and practical insights. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating contemporary instructional methods for policymakers, benefiting the government, society and students. By enhancing student achievement, attitudes and critical thinking skills, this approach empowers students to take charge of their learning, fostering deep understanding and analysis. Furthermore, JLSICS aids in grasping abstract chemistry concepts and has the potential to reduce costs associated with purchasing chemicals for schools. This research opens doors for similar studies in different educational settings, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study are in its exploration of integrating the jigsaw learning strategy with computer simulations as an instructional approach in chemistry education. This research contributes to the existing literature by showing the effectiveness of JLSICS in improving students’ achievements and attitudes towards acid and base topics. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards chemistry to enhance students’ overall achievement in the subject.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Ekamdeep Singh, Prihana Vasishta and Anju Singla

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to address significant challenges in education, innovate learning and teaching practices and achieve SDG 4. However, existing…

Abstract

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to address significant challenges in education, innovate learning and teaching practices and achieve SDG 4. However, existing literature often overlooks the behavioural aspects of students regarding AI in education, focusing predominantly on technical and pedagogical dimensions. Hence, this study aims to explore the significant relationships among AI literacy, AI usage, learning outcomes and academic performance of generation Z students in the Indian educational context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) on Gen Z students born in the years 1997–2012 as a sample population for the research in the north Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and regions like Chandigarh and N.C.R. Delhi.

Findings

The results established significant positive relationships between AI literacy, AI usage, AI learning outcomes and academic performance. Specifically, higher levels of AI literacy were associated with increased engagement with AI technologies and tools for learning purposes, leading to better learning outcomes and academic performance. The findings demonstrated that AI literacy plays a crucial role in providing effective learning experiences and fostering skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking among Gen Z students.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study include the significance of integrating AI education initiatives into curricula, prioritising professional development programmes for educators and making sure that every student has equitable access to AI technologies.

Originality/value

The study introduces a novel perspective by examining variables such as AI literacy, AI usage, AI learning outcomes and academic performance and developing a model that has not been previously studied. It provides a new discourse and proposes a framework uniquely combining AI-infused curriculum design, educator empowerment, robust assessment mechanisms and sustainable practices.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2024

Yashdeep Singh and P.K. Suri

This study aims to describe the m-learning experience of school students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors influencing the continuance intention…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the m-learning experience of school students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors influencing the continuance intention of m-learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Semistructured interviews of 24 students and 09 teachers of schools in national capital territory (NCT) Delhi, India were conducted over 03 months and transcribed verbatim. A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used to interpret the text and bring out the “lived experiences” of m-learning.

Findings

The following 15 themes or factors influencing continuance intention emerged through the hermeneutic circle: (1) actual usage, (2) attitude, (3) context, (4) extrinsic motivation, (5) facilitating conditions, (6) intrinsic motivation, (7) perceived compatibility, (8) perceived content quality, (9) perceived mobile app quality, (10) perceived teaching quality, (11) perceived usefulness, (12) satisfaction, (13) self-efficacy, (14) self-management of learning and (15) social influence.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers insightful recommendations for school administrators, mobile device developers and app designers. In addition, suggestions for effectively using m-learning during disasters such as COVID-19 have been provided. Several future research directions, including a nuanced understanding of m-assessment and online discussions, are suggested to enhance the literature on m-learning continuance.

Originality/value

The study enriches the literature on m-learning continuance. A qualitative approach has been used to identify relevant factors influencing m-learning continuance intention among secondary and higher secondary level (Grades 9 to 12) school students and teachers in India. In addition, a conceptual framework of the relationships among the factors has been proposed. Further, an analysis of the lived experiences of m-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic indicated several issues and challenges in using m-learning during disasters.

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2024

Hisham Hanfy Ayob and Tarek Ibrahim Hamada

This study was done to compare the modes of teaching mathematics in higher education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The three teaching methods were used as follow: before…

Abstract

Purpose

This study was done to compare the modes of teaching mathematics in higher education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The three teaching methods were used as follow: before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The three teaching methods are: (1). Normal on-campus face-to-face teaching and learning activity before the COVID-19 pandemic. (2). Full online teaching and learning activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. (3). Blended teaching and learning activity after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the last few years, there has been a considerable amount of literature investigating the efficacy of the various delivery modes: on-campus delivery (face-to-face), online delivery and blended learning (hybrid), in helping college students improve their mathematical skills. However, the extent to which one learner learns best has been hotly debated among the researchers. Therefore, this study aims to compare the efficacy of implementing three teaching and learning delivery modes before, while, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: on-campus delivery (face-to-face), online delivery and blended learning (hybrid) on academic achievement in mathematics at a higher education institution in the UAE. The main research question explores whether there is a statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) in students’ academic based on the delivery methods: on-campus face-to-face, online and blended learning. The participants in the study were students from one of the largest higher education institutions in the UAE, and all of them studied the same mathematics course before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Student scores in the three academic semesters were thoroughly compared and analyzed using the ANOVA test to check if there is a significant difference between the three groups followed by a Tukey test to identify the significant difference in favor of which group. The results showed that there were significant differences in the mean scores in the students’ achievement in the mathematics courses favoring the blended learning delivery mode. The findings also show that the students’ achievement in mathematics using the on-campus face-to-face teaching and learning was better than the students’ achievement in mathematics using online teaching and learning delivery modes.

Findings

The main study question was: is there a statistical significant difference at the significance level (a = 0.05) in students’ achievements in mathematics courses at higher education in the UAE, which can be attributed to the method of teaching? The descriptive statistics reveal that the average student’s score in the final exam after the COVID-19 pandemic is 65.7 with a standard deviation of 16.65, which are higher than the average student’s score in the final exam before the COVID-19 pandemic of 58.7 with a standard deviation 20.53, and both are higher than the average students’ score in the final exam during the COVID-19 pandemic 51.8 with standard deviation 21.48. Then, the ANOVA test reveals that there is a statistically significant difference between the three groups in the final exam marks. The researchers used the multiple comparison tests (Tukey test) to determine the difference. The Tukey test reveals that there is a statically significant difference between the average students’ score in the final exam after the COVID-19 pandemic and the average students’ score in the final exam during the COVID-19 pandemic, where p = 0.015 < 0.05 as well as there is a statically significant difference between the average students’ score in the final exam after the COVID-19 pandemic and the average students’ score in the final exam before the COVID-19 pandemic, where p = 0.000 < 0.05 in favor of the average students’ score in the final exam after the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there is a statically significant difference between the average students’ score in the final exam before the COVID-19 pandemic and the average students’ score in the final exam during the COVID-19 pandemic, where p = 0.016 < 0.05 in favor of the average students’ score in the final exam before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations that may reduce the possibility of generalizing the expected results of the current study to students outside the study population: (1) The study is limited to students of a federally funded postsecondary education institution in the UAE, in which most students are studying in their non-native language. (2) The study is limited to the mathematics courses. (3) The achievement test used in the study is a standardized test developed by the college as a cross-campus summative assessment.

Practical implications

The hybrid education model, also known as blended learning, combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components. When applied to teaching mathematics in higher education, this approach can have several implications and benefits. Here are some key points supported by references: (1) Enhanced Accessibility and Flexibility: hybrid models offer flexibility in learning, allowing students to access course materials, lectures and resources online. This flexibility can accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. A study by Means et al. (2013) in “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning” highlights how blended learning can improve accessibility and engagement for students in higher education. (2) Personalized Learning Experience: by incorporating online resources, instructors can create a more personalized learning experience. Adaptive learning platforms and online quizzes can provide tailored feedback and adaptive content based on individual student needs (Freeman et al., 2017). This individualization can improve student performance and understanding of mathematical concepts. (3) Increased Student Engagement: the integration of online components, such as interactive simulations, videos and discussion forums, can enhance student engagement and participation (Bonk and Graham, 2012). Engaged students tend to have better learning outcomes in mathematics. (4) Improved Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms: hybrid models allow for the implementation of various assessment tools, including online quizzes, instant feedback mechanisms and data analytics, which can aid instructors in monitoring students’ progress more effectively (Means et al., 2013). This timely feedback loop can help students identify areas needing improvement and reinforce their understanding of mathematical concepts. (5) Cost-Effectiveness and Resource Optimization: integrating online materials can potentially reduce overall instructional costs by optimizing resources and enabling efficient use of classroom time (Graham, 2013). (6) Challenges and Considerations: despite the benefits, challenges such as technological barriers, designing effective online materials and ensuring equitable access for all students need to be addressed (Garrison and Vaughan, 2014). It requires thoughtful course design and continuous support for both students and instructors. When implementing a hybrid education model in teaching mathematics, instructors should consider pedagogical strategies, technological infrastructure and ongoing support mechanisms for students and faculty.

Originality/value

The research is the first research in the UAE to discuss the difference in teaching mathematics in higher education before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Michael Nii Addy, Alexander Boakye Marful, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Samuel Amos-Abanyie and Ayisha Ida Baffoe-Ashun

The adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for…

Abstract

Purpose

The adaptive performance of architects as a key professional in project delivery teams has become important for developing strategies, skills and cognitive behaviours for sustainability of working systems. However, the understanding and knowledge of adaptive performance of architects is lacking in the current literature. Thus, this study fills this gap by primarily assessing the adaptive performance of architects in project teams in project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the widely used eight-dimension attributes of adaptive performance, a questionnaire survey was conducted among team participants and stakeholders who directly or indirectly work on projects with architects in the public and private sectors project delivery supply chain in Ghana. A total of 42 responses were subsequently used in a fuzzy set theory analysis being facilitated by a set of linguistic terms.

Findings

From the assessment, the overall adaptive performance of architects from the eight-dimension attributes emerged to be fairly high. Additionally, the architects’ performance in the individual eight-dimensions showed varied results. High performance was registered in architects’ ability to handling work stress and cultural adaptability. Also, architects demonstrated a fairly high performance in dealing with uncertain or unpredictable work situations. However, in the cases of learning work tasks, technologies and procedures, interpersonal adaptability and handling crisis and emergency situations, architects were deemed to have low and fairly low adaptive performance among project teams.

Originality/value

Given the vagueness and complexities in understanding adaptability among teams and its assessment, through the use of fuzzy set theory based on a suitable set of linguistics terms, the study presents a novel understanding of the level of architects’ adaptive performance in project teams in project delivery. The findings are extremely useful in helping architects adapt and cope with changing competitive work environment by developing the right cognitive behaviours for task functions and organizational roles, disruptions and aiding their ability to self-regulate.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Muddesar Iqbal, Sohail Sarwar, Muhammad Safyan and Moustafa Nasralla

The purpose of this study is to present a systematic and comprehensive review of personalized, adaptive and semantic e-learning systems.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a systematic and comprehensive review of personalized, adaptive and semantic e-learning systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Preferred reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines have been used for a thorough insight into associated aspects of e-learning that complement the e-learning pedagogies and processes. The aspects of e-learning systems have been reviewed comprehensively such as personalization and adaptivity, e-learning and semantics, learner profiling and learner categorization, which are handy in intelligent content recommendations for learners.

Findings

The adoption of semantic Web based technologies would complement the learner’s performance in terms of learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation of the proposed framework depends upon the yearly batch of learners and recording is a cumbersome/tedious process.

Social implications

E-Learning systems may have diverse and positive impact on society including democratized learning and inclusivity regardless of socio-economic or geographic status.

Originality/value

A preliminary framework of an ontology-based e-learning system has been proposed at a modular level of granularity for implementation, along with evaluation metrics followed by a future roadmap.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Santosh Kumar B. and Krishna Kumar E.

Deep learning techniques are unavoidable in a variety of domains such as health care, computer vision, cyber-security and so on. These algorithms demand high data transfers but…

61

Abstract

Purpose

Deep learning techniques are unavoidable in a variety of domains such as health care, computer vision, cyber-security and so on. These algorithms demand high data transfers but require bottlenecks in achieving the high speed and low latency synchronization while being implemented in the real hardware architectures. Though direct memory access controller (DMAC) has gained a brighter light of research for achieving bulk data transfers, existing direct memory access (DMA) systems continue to face the challenges of achieving high-speed communication. The purpose of this study is to develop an adaptive-configured DMA architecture for bulk data transfer with high throughput and less time-delayed computation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology consists of a heterogeneous computing system integrated with specialized hardware and software. For the hardware, the authors propose an field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based DMAC, which transfers the data to the graphics processing unit (GPU) using PCI-Express. The workload characterization technique is designed using Python software and is implementable for the advanced risk machine Cortex architecture with a suitable communication interface. This module offloads the input streams of data to the FPGA and initiates the FPGA for the control flow of data to the GPU that can achieve efficient processing.

Findings

This paper presents an evaluation of a configurable workload-based DMA controller for collecting the data from the input devices and concurrently applying it to the GPU architecture, bypassing the hardware and software extraneous copies and bottlenecks via PCI Express. It also investigates the usage of adaptive DMA memory buffer allocation and workload characterization techniques. The proposed DMA architecture is compared with the other existing DMA architectures in which the performance of the proposed DMAC outperforms traditional DMA by achieving 96% throughput and 50% less latency synchronization.

Originality/value

The proposed gated recurrent unit has produced 95.6% accuracy in characterization of the workloads into heavy, medium and normal. The proposed model has outperformed the other algorithms and proves its strength for workload characterization.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Jianyong Liu, Xueke Luo, Long Li, Fangyuan Liu, Chuanyang Qiu, Xinghao Fan, Haoran Dong, Ruobing Li and Jiahao Liu

Utilizing electrical discharge machining (EDM) to process micro-holes in superalloys may lead to the formation of remelting layers and micro-cracks on the machined surface. This…

Abstract

Purpose

Utilizing electrical discharge machining (EDM) to process micro-holes in superalloys may lead to the formation of remelting layers and micro-cracks on the machined surface. This work proposes a method of composite processing of EDM and ultrasonic vibration drilling for machining precision micro-holes in complex positions of superalloys.

Design/methodology/approach

A six-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool was developed, whose software control system adopted a real-time control architecture that integrates electrical discharge and ultrasonic vibration drilling. Among them, the CNC system software was developed based on Windows + RTX architecture, which could process the real-time processing state received by the hardware terminal and adjust the processing state. Based on the SoC (System on Chip) technology, an architecture for a pulse generator was developed. The circuit of the pulse generator was designed and implemented. Additionally, a composite mechanical system was engineered for both drilling and EDM. Two sets of control boards were designed for the hardware terminal. One set was the EDM discharge control board, which detected the discharge state and provided the pulse waveform for turning on the transistor. The other was a relay control card based on STM32, which could meet the switch between EDM and ultrasonic vibration, and used the Modbus protocol to communicate with the machining control software.

Findings

The mechanical structure of the designed composite machine tool can effectively avoid interference between the EDM spindle and the drilling spindle. The removal rate of the remelting layer on 1.5 mm single crystal superalloys after composite processing can reach over 90%. The average processing time per millimeter was 55 s, and the measured inner surface roughness of the hole was less than 1.6 µm, which realized the  micro-hole machining without remelting layer, heat affected zone and micro-cracks in the single crystal superalloy.

Originality/value

The test results proved that the key techniques developed in this paper were suite for micro-hole machining of special materials.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Tamai Ramírez, Higinio Mora, Francisco A. Pujol, Antonio Maciá-Lillo and Antonio Jimeno-Morenilla

This study investigates how federated learning (FL) and human–robot collaboration (HRC) can be used to manage diverse industrial environments effectively. We aim to demonstrate…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates how federated learning (FL) and human–robot collaboration (HRC) can be used to manage diverse industrial environments effectively. We aim to demonstrate how these technologies not only improve cooperation between humans and robots but also significantly enhance productivity and innovation within industrial settings. Our research proposes a new framework that integrates these advancements, paving the way for smarter and more efficient factories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks into the difficulties of handling diverse industrial setups and explores how combining FL and HRC in the mark of Industry 5.0 paradigm could help. A literature review is conducted to explore the theoretical insights, methods and applications of these technologies that justify our proposal. Based on this, a conceptual framework is proposed that integrates these technologies to manage heterogeneous industrial environments.

Findings

The findings drawn from the literature review performed, demonstrate that personalized FL can empower robots to evolve into intelligent collaborators capable of seamlessly aligning their actions and responses with the intricacies of factory environments and the preferences of human workers. This enhanced adaptability results in more efficient, harmonious and context-sensitive collaborations, ultimately enhancing productivity and adaptability in industrial operations.

Originality/value

This research underscores the innovative potential of personalized FL in reshaping the HRC landscape for manage heterogeneous industrial environments, marking a transformative shift from traditional automation to intelligent collaboration. It lays the foundation for a future where human–robot interactions are not only more efficient but also more harmonious and contextually aware, offering significant value to the industrial sector.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Augustino Mwogosi and Cesilia Mambile

The study aims to explore the utilisation of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools in Tanzanian healthcare facilities by identifying the tools used, the challenges encountered and…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore the utilisation of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools in Tanzanian healthcare facilities by identifying the tools used, the challenges encountered and the adaptive strategies employed by healthcare practitioners. It utilises an Activity Theory (AT) approach to understand the dynamic interactions between healthcare providers, CDS tools and the broader healthcare system.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative approach in two prominent regions of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. It involves semi-structured interviews with 26 healthcare professionals and key stakeholders across ten healthcare facilities, supplemented by document reviews. The study employs AT to analyse the interactions between healthcare professionals, CDS tools and the broader healthcare system, identifying best practices and providing recommendations for optimising the use of CDS tools.

Findings

The study reveals that Tanzanian healthcare practitioners predominantly rely on non-computerised CDS tools, such as clinical guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Health. Despite the availability of Health Information Systems (HIS), these systems often lack comprehensive decision-support functionalities, leading practitioners to depend on traditional methods and their professional judgement. Significant challenges include limited accessibility to updated clinical guidelines, unreliable infrastructure and inadequate training. Adaptive strategies identified include using non-standardised tools like Medscape, professional judgement and reliance on past experiences and colleagues’ opinions.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation was constrained by access limitations because it was challenging to get some respondents to share information. However, a sufficient number of individuals participated in the interviews, and their knowledge was very beneficial in understanding the procedures and tools for clinical decision support.

Originality/value

This study contributes to AT by extending its application to a low-resource healthcare setting, uncovering new dimensions of the theory related to socio-cultural and technological constraints in healthcare facilities in Tanzania. It provides valuable insights into the practical barriers and facilitators of HIS and CDS tool implementation in developing countries, emphasising the need for context-specific adaptations, robust training programs and user-centred designs. The findings highlight the resilience and imagination of healthcare practitioners in adapting to systemic limitations, offering recommendations to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient care outcomes in Tanzania.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

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