Research Article
Mohamed Ali Elkot, Eltaieb Youssif, Omer Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi, Mohammed AbdAlgane, Rabea Ali
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 17, Issue 1, Article No: ep549
ABSTRACT
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology in educational institutions for students with mild intellectual disabilities offers promising avenues for enhancing this population’s learning outcomes and skill development. This study aims to investigate the effect of using generative conversational AI to improve English communication skills among students with mild intellectual disabilities. The study involved twelve students diagnosed with mild intellectual disabilities, divided equally into two groups. Six students engaged in guided conversations with AI, while the other six participated in free conversations with AI. These participants were randomly chosen from educational institutions specializing in intellectual disability education and mainstream schools. The results indicate that guided conversations significantly enhance English communication skills among participants. Additionally, the study highlights the development gains from engaging in guided conversations by AI applications. Statistical analysis reveals notable differences in the effect of guided versus free conversational approaches, with guided conversations yielding superior outcomes. This underscores the importance of structured guidance for comprehension and participation in different English communication skills among students with mild intellectual disabilities. Moreover, the study recommends the integration of AI tools in education to support students with disabilities, emphasizing the need for tailored AI applications to cater to diverse learning needs.
Keywords: conversational AI, intellectual disability, education, communication skills
Review Article
Ahmad Hamza Obidat
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 3, Article No: ep374
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of research on e-learning accessibility at the global level. The bibliometric literature was comprised of 1,325 documents, after data pre-processing, published in Scopus database, covering the period from 1985 to 2021. First, a performance analysis was conducted to assess the publication performance of authors, institutions, countries, and other actors. Second, a science mapping analysis was performed to reveal the structure and dynamics of the e-learning accessibility field. As a result, the most productive, sources, authors, institutions, and countries were identified. Also, the collaboration patterns between particular actors were assessed. Furthermore, the e-learning accessibility research themes and their interrelationships were uncovered. This study contributes to the literature by providing useful information about the e-learning accessibility research status quo and, helps policymakers to achieve effective research planning. That is, it helps in objectively identifying strengths and gaps in e-learning accessibility research in terms of its growth, development, themes, impact, and coverage.
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, e-learning, accessibility, disability, educational technology
Research Article
Sultan Aldehami
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 2, Article No: ep353
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to investigate levels of teachers’ assistive technology (AT) knowledge and skills use in classrooms for students with intellectual disability (ID). A total of 98 special education teachers of students with ID completed an online survey. Results indicate that the teachers’ levels of knowledge and skills related to AT use in classrooms for students with ID were reaching proficiency. Teachers’ levels of AT knowledge and skills statistically significantly differed based on gender, training, level of education, teaching experience, and school location but not on grade level. However, there were statistically significant differences in teachers’ professional development based on gender and teaching experience but not based on training, level of education, grade level, and school location. Furthermore, results indicate that teachers’ perceptions of AT significantly predicted teachers’ knowledge and skills related to AT use in educational environments.
Keywords: special education, intellectual disability, assistive technology, attitudes, special education teachers
Review Article
Malek Turki Jdaitawi, Ashraf F Kan'an
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep332
ABSTRACT
In higher education settings, students are required to use their own devices to record attendance interact with classes through online systems and other learning-teaching sources such as timetables, virtual learning environment. Real opportunity to use digital technology such as augmented reality AR technology have been used in several fields, uncovering diverse benefits regarding its usage. However, further research is needed to understand exactly how the AR enhance students learning. Focusing on individuals with special needs, AR is being used in higher education for the last few years to enhance physical, cognitive, personal, and social abilities. This systematic review presented an overview of the usage of AR technology in the special needs area in higher education literature published between 2011 and 2020 and focused on research indexed in 8 international databases. 36 studies were included for review. The results indicate that the majority of research showed positive outcomes as the AR technology proved to be effective with students with disabilities. The results also showed that AR technology was mostly used in intellectual disability setting. Finally, the result evidenced that AR assists students in enhancing their social skills, social relationships and their engagement. The results from this systematic review provide valuable information regarding to enhance individual with special needs. Future empirical research should ensure that all research is included, including settings, level of students and data collection methods such as quantitative and qualitative.
Keywords: special needs, disability, augmented reality, systematic review