Abstract

Materials/methods – This study is a review article, which presents a brief literature review on the possible applications and functionalities of artificial intelligence in education.

Practical implications – One of the prominent emerging challenges in education consists of proposing models and propositions for the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning processes, based on solid didactic and pedagogical principles. Meeting this challenge appropriately and effectively may help to create more flexible, personalized, and sustainable learning environments.

Conclusion – The integration of artificial intelligence within education should be approached from a strong pedagogical approach in which not only algorithms should converge, but also emotions and appropriate values.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, education, didactics, pedagogy, sustainability.

Abstract

Materials/methods – Phenomenological study, as one of the qualitative research methods, was applied in the current study. A semi-structured interview form was prepared as a data collection tool, and then interviews were conducted with 15 first-grade elementary school teachers.

Results – The study analyzed problems experienced during the emergency distance education program under the categories of focusing, learning losses, homework, textbooks, curriculum, equipment problems, screen time, hardware deficiencies, Internet access, connectivity problems, absenteeism, communication problems, home conditions, expectations from the state, inadequate family support, and security problems. It also examined problems experienced during the face-to-face training process under the categories of facemasks, social distancing, hygiene, adaptation problems, socialization, and parents.

Conclusion – The most significant problem that the participant teachers experienced during the emergency distance education was reported to be the learning losses of students. The other problems were determined to be the long periods of time students spent in front of a screen, educational materials not having been prepared for distance education, and not providing teachers with fundamental necessities for lessons such as Internet connectivity. In face-to-face education, the anxiety caused by fear of contracting the virus, and the difficulties of students to adapt to face-to-face education was seen to negatively affect the teachers.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus, pandemic, elementary school first-grade, distance education, face-to-face education.

Abstract

Materials/methods – The methodology used was a systematic review of literature on competence, competency-based learning and the assessment of competency-based learning.

Conclusion – This paper provides an overview of the main issues and tensions involved in clearly defining competency within higher education programmes and assessing competence, along with two clear recommendations for practice. The recommendations have significance for all higher education teaching staff involved in programmes of competency-based learning.

Keywords: Higher education, competency, competence, competencies, assessment, competency-based learning.

Abstract

Materials/methods – This study is a review article, which presents a brief literature review on the potential impact of emergency remote teaching due to COVID-19 on disadvantaged students in higher education.

Practical implications – This study may help to provide researchers and practitioners with a roadmap for potential future work on the impact of emergency remote teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on disadvantaged groups. From this perspective, the potential effect of emergency remote teaching on disadvantaged students in higher education is examined and recommendations put forwards for solutions aimed at educational administrators and decision-makers.

Conclusion – The emergency remote teaching put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the widening of the digital divide among higher education students. Therefore, integrating the digital and distance education approach into the higher education system correctly and effectively may both facilitate the achievement of instructional goals and also help to eliminate digital inequality in the higher education student population.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus, emergency remote teaching, disadvantaged students, higher education, online teaching, online learning, distance education.

Abstract

Materials/methods – Three measurement tools were used to perform analyses regarding the purpose of the research; the Communication Anxiety Scale, the Self-efficacy Scale, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Along with these variables, the moderating effect of COVID-19 fear was examined. IBM’s SPSS 25 package program and Hayes’s process were used to perform the analysis. Data from 393 participants were included in the analysis within the scope of the research.

Results – In the model in which the moderating effect of COVID-19 fear was examined, it was concluded that fear of COVID-19 worsened the relationship between communication anxiety and self-efficacy. In addition, a negative and significant result was obtained between communication anxiety and self-efficacy.

Conclusion – According to the results obtained from this research, fear of COVID-19 increases communication anxiety and decreases self-efficacy. At the same time, fear of COVID-19 had a negative moderating effect on the relationship between communication anxiety and self-efficacy. This research was completed by analyzing the variables, presenting the results, forming a discussion, and with suggestions put forward.

Keywords: COVID-19, COVID-19 fear, communication anxiety, self-efficacy, moderator.