Research Article
Sumie Tsz Sum Chan, Noble Po Kan Lo, Alan Man Him Wong
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep541
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the effects of large language model (LLM) based feedback on the essay writing proficiency of university students in Hong Kong. It focuses on exploring the potential improvements that generative artificial intelligence (AI) can bring to student essay revisions, its effect on student engagement with writing tasks, and the emotions students experience while undergoing the process of revising written work. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial, it draws comparisons between the experiences and performance of 918 language students at a Hong Kong university, some of whom received generated feedback (GPT-3.5-turbo LLM) and some of whom did not. The impact of AI-generated feedback is assessed not only through quantifiable metrics, entailing statistical analysis of the impact of AI feedback on essay grading, but also through subjective indices, student surveys that captured motivational levels and emotional states, as well as thematic analysis of interviews with participating students. The incorporation of AI-generated feedback into the revision process demonstrated significant improvements in the caliber of students’ essays. The quantitative data suggests notable effect sizes of statistical significance, while qualitative feedback from students highlights increases in engagement and motivation as well as a mixed emotional experience during revision among those who received AI feedback.
Keywords: LLMs, feedback, student engagement, student motivation, generative AI
Review Article
Othman Abu Khurma, Fayrouz Albahti, Nagla Ali, Aiman Bustanji
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 2, Article No: ep503
ABSTRACT
This PRISMA-based literature review aims to assess and analyze the measurement of student engagement dimensions within AI ChatGPT interactions. The central question is how to effectively evaluate these dimensions using established methods and leverage insights to enhance AI ChatGPT’s capacity to foster student engagement. The systematic review of PRISMA methodology identifies 16 relevant peer-reviewed research. All relevant and eligible research according to PRISMA methodology are analyzed to comprehend the intricacies of student engagement in AI ChatGPT interactions. The synthesis of these findings unveils the current state of knowledge on AI ChatGPT’s influence on student engagement and uncovers opportunities for future research. This review underscores AI ChatGPT’s potential as an educational tool, offering personalized experiences that bolster student engagement and learning outcomes. The systematic review established that, even though using ChatGPT has many advantages such as enhancing student engagement and academic involvement and supporting inquiry-based learning. However, there are some negative aspects such as lacking empathy and human emotions, limited contextual understanding, increased technology dependence and possibility of Inaccurate or Biased Information. In summary, this PRISMA-based review contributes to understanding the measurement of student engagement within AI ChatGPT. It identifies best practices, laying the foundation for further research and development. By optimizing AI ChatGPT’s effectiveness, educators and developers can craft more engaging and tailored learning experiences, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, teaching, learning, student engagement
Research Article
Naureen Shehzad, Tendai Charles
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep484
ABSTRACT
Digital pedagogies have impacted traditional approaches towards teaching and as this phenomenon continues to expand, a clearer understanding of the role of instructors’ social presence in online learning environments is imperative. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, this study investigates instructor social presence and its impact on student engagement at higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates. The study includes data collected through a survey, which was distributed amongst faculty members (n=30), followed by several in-depth interviews. The study explores the relationship between constructs of instructor social presence and student engagement. Findings suggest that instructor social presence positively influences student engagement and attrition. The study also identifies different strategies and barriers instructors face in establishing their online social presence. The study has practical implications for stakeholders and curriculum designers seeking to improve and enhance the learning outcomes in online education.
Keywords: higher education, social presence, student engagement, community of inquiry
Research Article
Waleed Alenezi, Thomas M. Brinthaupt
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep340
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to explore the use of social media by students in the Faculty of Education, University of Kuwait. The study was conducted within the context of the socio-cultural characteristics of Kuwait, and was underpinned by Alsaied’s (2017) Social Media - Learning Performance model, designed for female Arab students. A volunteer sample of 35 Kuwaiti undergraduate students (88.6% female) was interviewed. Students reported frequently using social media informally for socialization and entertainment, but less frequently as a formal educational tool. Most of the students perceived that social media facilitated interaction with peers, interaction with faculty, engagement, and collaborative learning. However, technical difficulties, and certain negative attitudes towards women using social media, were identified. We recommend that Kuwait University needs to harness the full benefits of social media for teaching and learning and to formulate official guidelines to control the use of social media by all faculty members and students.
Keywords: social media, Kuwait, learning performance, interaction with peers, interaction with faculty, student engagement, collaborative learning
Research Article
Shivani Inder
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep336
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study is to develop and validate the scale for measuring the extent of student engagement for online courses. The study draws a battery of variables from literature on student engagement. The study proposes a 6 construct based scale with 26 items. A total of 1602 university students completed the responses for the scale. All participants had a minimum of two months of experience for online courses for inclusion in survey. Firstly, exploratory factor analysis on the initial scale has been carried out and then confirmatory factor analysis has been carried out for testing the validity and reliability of the scale. After establishing the validity of the scale, a scale with six main constructs has been confirmed. The results indicated that skills, emotional, participation and performance engagement along with value to students are the main drivers of student engagement for online courses. The scale can provide an insight to educators about the main factors that can lead to enhanced levels of engagement while delivering courses online and improve the learning experience for students.
Keywords: online courses, student engagement, confirmatory factor analysis, skills, participation
Research Article
Tanju Deveci, David Dalton, Asli Hassan, Saeed Talep Amer, Samuel Cubero
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp. 1-21
ABSTRACT
Today’s digital natives enthuse educators to consider the impact of technology on learning and plan proper instruction, involving the use of laptop along with other technologies. However, implementing laptop use in classrooms without adequate support from administration, IT and faculty can have limited benefits. This article presents the results of a project conducted to identify the perceptions of students and faculty about ways in which the laptop use affects the learning environment at the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi for two courses: Strategies for Team Based Engineering Problem Solving and Communication. Sixty-four freshman students, six instructors and two IT members were involved in the project. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from students and faculty using a student survey, weekly electronic faculty-feedback logs, and electronic student journals. Data revealed that the use of laptops in the classrooms enhanced the feedback process on team-assignments in particular. Instructors felt that integration of laptops facilitated syllabus delivery and classroom management. Results also indicated challenges related to technical issues such as battery-life and Wi-Fi interference. It was further found that initial student and faculty training is essential for the project to have greater success. Results are discussed and recommendations are made for effective integration of the laptop in active learning environments.
Keywords: Laptop, Active learning, Student engagement, Team learning