Distance Technologies

Ben Williamson, R. Eynon, J. Potter

The first special issue of Learning, Media and Technology of 2020, entitled ‘Education and technology into the 2020s: speculative futures’, presented a series of papers looking to the future of cri...

Kerimbayev Nurassyl, Zhanat Umirzakova, R. Shadiev, Vladimir Jotsov

A literature review was conducted to develop a clear understanding of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning. The study aimed to address four research questions: What research experience already exists in the field of the student-centered approach in distance learning? What modern technologies are used in distance learning, and how are they related to the student-centered approach? What are the advantages and limitations of implementing the student-centered approach and modern technologies in distance learning? What recommendations can be derived from existing research for the effective implementation of the student-centered approach and modern technologies in distance learning? The purpose of writing this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning and its advantages. To conduct this review, a Web of Science and Scopus database was searched using the keywords “student-centered approach,“ “modern technologies,“ and “distance learning.“ The search was limited to articles published between 2012 and 2023. A total of 688 articles were found, which were selected based on their relevance to the topic. After the verification and selection process, 43 articles were included in this review. The main results of the review revealed that the student-centered approach to learning took various forms or was defined individually, and there were significant differences in the main research findings. The review results provide a comprehensive overview of existing studies, advantages and limitations of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning as well as examples of successful implementation in various educational institutions. The article also discusses the challenges that online and distance learning may pose to the student-centered approach, the modern technologies that support the student-centered approach, and suggests ways to overcome these challenges. The role of technology in facilitating the student-centered approach in online and distance learning is analyzed in the article, along with recommendations and best practices for its implementation. The student-centered approach is gaining increasing attention and popularity as a means to address these issues and improve the quality of online and distance learning.

M. Garlińska, M. Osial, K. Proniewska, A. Pręgowska

Recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education became mainstream. Many students were not prepared for this situation—they lacked equipment or were not even connected to the Internet. Schools and government institutions had to react quickly to allow students to learn remotely. They had to provide students with equipment (e.g., computers, tablets, and goggles) but also provide them with access to the Internet and other necessary tools. On the other hand, teachers were trying to adopt new technologies in the teaching process to enable more interactivity, mitigate feelings of isolation and disconnection, and enhance student engagement. New technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Extended Reality (XR, so-called Metaverse), Big Data, Blockchain, and Free Space Optics (FSO) changed learning, teaching, and assessing. Despite that, some tools were implemented fast, and the COVID-19 pandemic was the trigger for this process; most of these technologies will be used further, even in classroom teaching in both schools and universities. This paper presents a concise review of the emerging technologies applied in distance education. The main emphasis was placed on their influence on the efficiency of the learning process and their psychological impact on users. It turned out that both students and teachers were satisfied with remote learning, while in the case of undergraduate children and high-school students, parents very often expressed their dissatisfaction. The limitation of the availability of remote learning is related to access to stable Internet and computer equipment, which turned out to be a rarity. In the current social context, the obtained results provided valuable insights into factors affecting the acceptance and emerging technologies applied in distance education. Finally, this paper suggests a research direction for the development of effective remote learning techniques.

Z. Turan, S. Karabey

This study aims to conduct a systematic review that includes studies on the use of immersive technologies in distance education. For this purpose, 132 studies detected by searching Web of Science, Eric, Taylor & Francis and Education Full Text (EBSCO) databases were examined. The studies were analysed using the content analysis method. As a result of the analyses, it was observed that the first study investigating the subject was conducted in 2002, and the number of related studies increased over the years. In addition, these studies were primarily conducted quantitatively, were mainly journal articles, and originated mostly from China and the USA. Moreover, the sample groups of these studies consisted mostly of university students. Therefore, they mainly used academic performance and motivation variables. Furthermore, these studies were conducted primarily in the science and medical education disciplines. When the studies were evaluated in terms of publication journals, it was determined that they were published mostly in “Education Science” and “Computers & Education” journals. They were also included in the proceedings published within the scope of various conferences. When the application platforms in the studies were examined, it was determined that the UNITY and ARTUTOR platforms were mostly used. The findings of the studies revealed that the increase in academic performance and motivation was one of the most reported advantages of such technologies. On the other hand, the problems caused while using these technologies and the internet were the most reported difficulties in the studies. Finally, the review presented suggestions for future studies.

Kim Hamren, Suzanne Quigley