Search Results

Journal: International Journal of Research in E-learning

The Impact of Game-based Learning on Sustainability Education for Next Generations: a Case Study Analysis

Joanna Wójcik , Joanna Świętoniowska , Jacek Jakieła

Language: EN | Published: 30-06-2025 | Abstract | pp. 1-25

Higher education institutions face increasing pressure to equip students with the competencies needed to address complex sustainability challenges. Game-based learning (GBL) offers a promising approach to engaging students and fostering the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for sustainable development. This study examines the potential of the SEED simulation game, designed using the Octalysis Framework, to improve sustainability education. A mixed-methods study was conducted with 45 university students who participated in the SEED game and completed a post-game evaluation questionnaire. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations, and principal component analysis of motivational factors. Qualitative feedback was also analysed thematically. The results indicate that the SEED game fostered moderate to high levels of student engagement, motivation, and perceived sustainability knowledge gains. Development & Accomplishment and Social Influence & Relatedness emerged as the most effective motivational drivers. A strong positive correlation was found between engagement and motivation. Students particularly valued the game’s realism, personalization, and opportunities for social interaction. The findings underscore the value of integrating well-designed simulation games into sustainability education, especially for new generations who have specific learning preferences. They also highlight key considerations for future game design and educational practice, including the importance of transparent feedback mechanisms and addressing diverse learner expectations. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to leverage gamification to support transformative learning for sustainable development, highlighting benefits for students in terms of engagement and motivation, and for teachers who gain an innovative tool to explain complex sustainability issues. These findings are in line with similar experiences reported at European universities.

2025-06-30



Journal: International Journal of Research in E-learning

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Didactics and Academic Research: A Pilot Study Among Academic Lecturers in Poland

Tomasz Kopczyński

Language: PL | Published: 30-12-2024 | Abstract | pp. 1-18

This article presents the results of a pilot study on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in didactics and academic work among academic lecturers in Poland. The main objective was to identify the level of experience, barriers, and training needs related to AI among university lecturers. The study was conducted using a survey method (CAWI) on a sample of 120 academic lecturers from various higher education institutions. The analysis revealed that most participants have limited experience in using AI tools. The primary barriers include a lack of adequate training, insufficient time to learn new technologies, and inadequate technical support at the institution. Faculty members with higher academic titles and those who use AI tools less frequently display greater training needs. Academics from science and technical fields use AI more often compared to those from other disciplines. The results indicate the necessity of investing in training programs and technological support for academic lecturers to enhance the effective use of AI in education. Preferences regarding AI tools are strongly tied to their financial accessibility, suggesting a need to promote free or partially free tools. The findings can serve as a basis for developing strategies to support AI implementation in higher education, contributing to improved teaching quality and research efficiency.

2024-12-30



Journal: International Journal of Research in E-learning

Conditions of Effective Development of Information and Communication Competencies of Teaching Staff of the University

Artur Kocharyan

Language: EN | Published: 01-06-2015 | Abstract | pp. 33-44

The article summarizes the results of the pilot study on the implementation of the model of information and communication competencies of the university teaching staff that was conducted at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Ukraine, and describes the basic stages of the research and the conditions of an effective implementation of the model. The article examines ways of improving the quality of higher education in Ukraine in the context of European quality standards for university educational space. The European standards and guidelines are considered in relation to internal quality assurance. The author examines the model of ICT competencies of teaching and research stuff and describes structural components of this model: motivational target component, organizational and procedural com- ponent, contents and operational and technological component, diagnostic and effective components. The article suggests tools to measure the level of educators’ formation in the ICT competence of teaching and research stuff. The tools are considered in accordance with the form activities of teaching and research stuff. The tools are formed in accordance with the recommendations of UNESCO Stand­ards and Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, namely: understanding and awareness of the role of ICT in education, and basic use of ICT tools.

2015-06-01



Journal: International Journal of Research in E-learning

Carrying the Burden of Innovation in Education: Becoming Educational Events Organizers in Social Virtual Reality

Jan Waligórski , Sylwia Butkiewicz , Aleksandra Cząstkiewicz , Jowita Guja , Zofia Samsel

Language: EN | Published: 30-06-2025 | Abstract | pp. 1-25

Recent laboratory-based research increasingly explores the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in education. While these studies confirm the potential of VR tools, they often overlook the challenges educators encounter in real-world implementation, potentially hindering the broader adoption of VR. Our study employs collaborative and analytic autoethnography of five educational event organizers in social VR to address this gap. We identified limitations in the use of social VR related to discomfort and low accessibility of head-mounted displays, the non-inclusivity of platform features, the risk of reduced educational content quality, and the need to acquire new digital skills. Organizers experienced significant responsibility and stress from managing technical and formal issues, impacting their well-being and increasing workload. Nevertheless, they also reported a strong sense of purpose and personal development, which reinforced their academic identity. Despite the challenges of organizing events in this immersive environment, organizers experienced significant professional growth. Their involvement not only enhanced their skills but also fostered valuable collaborations across academic institutions, cultivated community, and promoted inclusivity in education. To address social VR limitations in higher education and mitigate negative impacts on organizers, the authors provide recommendations for educators.

2025-06-30



Journal: International Journal of Research in E-learning

The Analysis of the Moodle Platform E-learning Course Activity at the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Silesia

Małgorzata Przybyła-Kasperek , Jakub Sacewicz , Paweł Pawełczyk

Language: EN | Published: 30-06-2025 | Abstract | pp. 1-27

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of e-learning course activity on the Moodle platform at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Silesia. The primary objective was to evaluate the structure, engagement, and digital resource usage of online courses across various academic disciplines. The dataset, collected prior to the platform’s archiving process, included variables such as student enrollment, instructor login frequency, and the size of uploaded teaching materials. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U) were employed to assess differences between fields of study and the impact of course visibility on instructor engagement. Additionally, time series analysis using linear regression was conducted to identify trends in course creation and instructor participation from 2012 to 2024.The findings reveal significant disparities in course activity across disciplines, with some fields showing high student numbers and resource intensity, while others exhibited prolonged instructor inactivity. Contrary to expectations, course visibility did not significantly influence instructor engagement. A positive, though marginally significant, trend was observed in both the number of courses and instructor involvement over time, with a notable increase in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights underscore the need for customised strategies in digital course management, supporting institutional efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of e-learning environments.

2025-06-30