Educational Technology

Drawing on the assumptions of socio-cognitive linguistics, focusing on the effective role of interaction in terms of reducing the cognitive burden in the process of learning, this quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) usage on the learning and retention of non-congruent collocations among 60 homogenized Iranian EFL learners, aged 18 to 24 years old. To this end, the sample selection procedure yielded two intact groups: the experimental group (N=30) who experienced learning collocations through the IWB and the control group (N=30) who learned them through the use of conventional board. The t-test results of the comparison between the two groups on both the immediate and delayed post-tests indicate that the experimental group outperformed the control group, suggesting the effectiveness of the IWB for the purpose of learning (Sig. value = 0.01; Eta squared = 0.10) and retention (Sig. value = 0.04; Eta squared = 0.06) of non-congruent collocations, thus providing support for the interactive function of instructional materials, such as IWB. The procedure and promising findings may provide insights for considering the integration of IWB into Iranian EFL learning settings.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of an educational technology called smart learning pen (i.e., iPen) as an ICT tool on young Iranian male and female EFL learners' speaking accuracy and fluency. A group of 180 young (6-9 years old) male and female learners with no previous formal education in English were randomly assigned into three different conditions: those who used the iPen in class and at home (IPC), at home only (IPH), and those who did not use the iPen at all (NIP). As gender was an independent variable, each condition had male and female groups. To address the research questions, the participants' performance on the oral sub-test of the posttest was put into analysis. The two-way ANOVA run on the effect of the independent variables (iPen and gender) and their interaction on the participants' speaking accuracy, and fluency revealed that using iPen helped the IPC and IPH participants significantly outperform the NIP group in terms of both accuracy and fluency. However, such an analysis did not show any significant effect for gender, nor did it show any significant effect when the interaction of gender and other variables was taken into account. The study has practical implications for policymakers, language teachers as well as software, hardware, and mobile phone application developers.

This study intended to explore the effect of Augmented Reality (AR) on lowering foreign language anxiety (FLA) in adult Iranian EFL learners. To this end, a triangulation study including a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design in the first phase, and an oral interview in the second phase was designed and implemented. Forty adult Iranian EFL learners took part in the quantitative study and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The authors developed and delivered the AR-infused materials through the Zappar application, an AR platform. The treatment involved the conventional language teaching method for the control and the AR-integrated one for the experimental group for 20 sessions. The anxiety level of learners in both groups was assessed before and after the treatment to check for any effects. Data on participants’ FLA has been gathered through Horwitz’s (1986) Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Survey (FLCAS) questionnaire and analyzed via ANCOVA in SPSS. Also, the participants in the experimental group were interviewed at the end of the experiment to provide feedback on their AR-integrated language learning experience. Results revealed that AR did not affect learners’ foreign language anxiety levels. Also, some learners found it not very relaxing and easy to use. This could be attributed to the novelty of the experience and the cognitive load imposed on learners. The study’s outcomes were in contrast to several previous research findings; however, since research in this area is still in its infancy, more research should be done on the impact of AR on language education.

Educational technology has grown appreciably in recent years and the number of books and articles published in this field is increasing day by day, and therefore the necessity of scientific research is determined. The current research is a kind of descriptive study that was carried out using scientometric indicators. the research area includes all the articles on Educational technology that were indexed in the Science Direct citation database from 1999 to 2022, and after filtering them, 7550 of them were analyzed with the help of Excel and VOS Viewer software. It was analyzed for analysis and display of data. The results of the research show that the number of articles has an upward trend and 2015 had the largest share in the number of articles. Also, Research articles (7,442), Journal Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences (2,111) and scientific field Social Sciences (3,220) were ranked first. 13 clusters were identified that the topics of lifelong learning, instructional design, secondary education, interactive learning environment, architectures for educational, and pedagogical are very popular and also Previous in the field of Elearning and subjects: COVID-19, artificial intelligence, gamification, learning analytics, augmented reality, and Distance learning are new in the field of Educational Technology.

Impressive speculation has been made to carry technology to schools and these ventures have for sure brought about a large number of “examples of overcoming adversity”. Nonetheless, there is one critical gap in the instructive purposes of technology that should be addressed. Research shows that although most teachers and students tend to use these tools in teaching language skills, they refuse to do so for fear of using technology tools in the classroom; therefore, to shed light on different aspects of this critical point, the present study reviewed the possible relationship between technology use and students’ fear and anxiety in the literature. The findings of this study showed that teachers and students who have a high level of computer knowledge are less afraid of technology. The findings also showed that another factor of the language learners’ reluctance of using technology is their teachers’ beliefs about the effectiveness of these tools. The results of the present study provide suggestions for training language teachers to educational planners about a more efficient process of language teaching due to the new needs in the use of technology in English language teaching. A significant implication, thusly, is that the training and preparation of teachers and directors ought to turn into a need in creating technology-related proficient turn of events.

Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to identify and analyze the factors affecting the maturity management of educational technology in Iranian schools. Methodology: The research method is mixed (qualitative-quantitative). To conduct this research, in addition to document study, thematic analysis technique with MAXQDA12 software was used to identify factors and components. The statistical population in this research were all experts in the field of educational management and educational technology, as well as regional managers with high experience and work experience in education, which was done after 14 theoretical saturation interviews. The interviews lasted between 75 and 120 minutes. Finally, the basic, organizing, and inclusive themes are extracted and in the quantitative part, the Dimtel technique is used to determine the effectiveness of the dimensions of educational technology. Findings: According to semi-structured interviews, 4 dimensions (educational technology knowledge management, educational technology resources and facilities, control and coordination on educational technology and educational technology infrastructure), 15 components (organizing themes) and 55 indicators (basic themes) In order to manage the maturity of educational technology in Iranian schools, it was extracted. After that, according to the questionnaire of paired comparisons to identify the influential and influential dimensions, it was determined that the dimensions of educational technology infrastructure, knowledge management of educational technology, control and coordination of educational technology, and resources and facilities of educational technology are respectively more influential. Conclusion: The findings of this study have many practical implications for managers and officials of the education system, and they based on the results of this study can take an effective step towards improving the maturity management of educational technology in Iranian schools.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify and delineate the competency model dimensions essential for faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. This research aimed to explore the specific competencies necessary to enhance the effectiveness and professional development of faculty in an educational setting. Methodology: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to gather data from 29 faculty members across various departments at Farhangian Universities in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure the comprehensiveness of the data collected. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts and identify key themes and categories representing faculty competencies. Findings: Five main themes representing essential faculty competencies were identified: ethical competencies, scientific competencies, research competencies, communication competencies, and information technology competencies. Each theme comprised several categories detailing specific competencies, such as individual integrity, pedagogical expertise, research skills, interpersonal communication, and technological proficiency. Conclusion: The study highlighted a comprehensive set of competencies required by faculty members at Farhangian Universities in Tehran to effectively fulfill their educational roles. These competencies span across ethical considerations, scientific knowledge, research capabilities, communication skills, and technological adeptness. Addressing these competencies through targeted development programs could significantly enhance faculty performance and, consequently, student learning outcomes.

Purpose: In the context of rapidly evolving digital landscapes, digital media literacy has become a foundational element in primary education, crucial for preparing students to navigate and influence their digital surroundings effectively. This study aims to identify and describe the key components of digital media literacy as taught in primary schools, focusing on the insights of faculty members from Iran to understand how these components are integrated into the educational system. Methodology: Employing a qualitative research design, this study gathered data through semi-structured interviews with 21 faculty members who are directly involved in teaching digital media literacy in primary schools across Iran. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure comprehensive coverage of the concepts. Data were analyzed using NVivo software to facilitate a thorough thematic analysis, identifying the core components of digital media literacy education. Findings: The analysis revealed five main themes central to digital media literacy in primary education: Transfer, Usage, and Digital Competence; Computer Fundamentals; Online Basics Skills; Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Presentation Skills; and Database and Data Security Skills. Each theme comprised several categories that detailed specific skills and knowledge areas essential for comprehensive digital literacy, ranging from basic computer operations to advanced data management and security. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of a robust digital media literacy curriculum in primary education, highlighting specific skills that are crucial for students' development as competent digital citizens. It also points to the need for ongoing teacher training to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to impart these essential skills.