International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning
type: channel
description: ISSN: 2232-5107 (print), 2232-5697 (online) Editor-in-Chief: Andrej Flogie Editorial board The International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning (IJMKL) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal publishing research in management, organizational learning, education, and entrepreneurship. The journal publishes original and review scientific articles, empirical research, and professional papers in English, shaping the global dialogue on contemporary management and pedagogical approaches. All articles are freely available in accordance with the principles of open access and the DORA declaration, making the research widely accessible and visible in the international academic environment. The journal operates on a Diamond Open Access model, meaning that we do not charge APCs at any stage of submission, peer review, or publication, and thus adheres to the principles of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. We invite you to submit your research to the International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning (IJMKL) for our special section on "Metaverse and AI in Management Research and Education" section. Share your insights and contribute to shaping the discourse in these dynamic fields. For submission guidelines and more details, please check HERE. Kasetsart University, Thailand (Local Co-Organiser), International School for Social and Business Studies, Slovenia, Pegaso International, Malta, and Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland would like to cordially invite you to participate at the MakeLearn and TIIM International Conference 2025. Academics, scientists, professionals, managers and editors from all over the world will have the opportunity to share experiences, bring new ideas, debate issues, and introduce their latest develop- ments in the largely multidisciplinary fields of research embraced by the MakeLearn and TIIM scientific commu- nities, from social, organizational and technological perspectives. MakeLearn & TIIM Conference takes place in M…
publisher: ToKnowPress
language: en
publication name: International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning
issn: 2232-5107
items: Institutional Support for Sustainable Art Education through Material Reuse
items: Does Higher Education Dropout in Slovenia Increase? An Empirical Assessment Using Robust and Bayesian Methods
items: Digital Transformation of Companies in the Western Balkans
items: Educational Technologies, Student Engagement and Challenges in Blended Learning During the Recovery Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
items: AI‑Optimized, CX‑Driven: High‑Volume Hiring for Sales, Retention, Support and Operations
items: Proficiency of teachers’ digital content creation
items: E-Portfolios in South African Higher Education: Fostering Autonomy and Lifelong Learning in Remote Contexts
items: Abstracts in Slovene
items: Exploring Legitimation Practices in Numeracy Education Curriculum: A Specialisation Code Analysis of Knowledge and Dispositions in a South African University of Technology
items: Human-centered approaches to technology: a review within a tourism context
items: Diverging and converging perspectives: Exploring the leadership of informal learning in knowledge work
items: Building HE Institutional QA system and QA offices: the QA-SURE Project in Kosovo and Albania
items: The Role of Effective Leadership on the Employees of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana
items: Empowering Engineering - Technology and Practice Teachers: Joining Virtual Exchanges for Enriched Learning
items: Exploring The Role of Engagement in Learning Within a Rescue Department Community of Practice
items: Attitudes of Engineering and Technology Teachers Towards the Use of Humanoid Robots in Education
items: Modern Slavery in the Gig Economy: Analysing the Exploitation of Gig and Freelance Workers through AI-Driven Communication Strategies and Automated Surveillance
items: Redesigning Knowledge Creation Support in Online Environments: An Empirical Study on Process Structures and Adaptive Strategies
items: The Role of AI, Blockchain, Cloud, and Data (ABCD) in Enhancing Learning Assessments of College Students
items: Personality Factors Impact on Success in the Mentor-Protégé Relationship
items: The Effectiveness of AI-Powered Sentiment Analysis in Corporate Communication in Improving Stakeholder Engagement
items: Exploring ESP University Students’ Critical Thinking Skills through Films
items: Learning Analytics: A Case Study on Exploring Social Interaction and Problem-Solving Strategies
items: Academic Motivation of Students in Secondary Economic Education: Adaptation of the AMS
items: Data Protection in Pre-Tertiary Schools In Ghana
items: Transitioning to a Cashless Economy: Drivers and Inhibitors of Electronic Payment System Adoption among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
items: Assessing the Relationship between Young Professionals' Perceptions of Cyber security and Their Online Shopping Behaviour on E-Commerce Platforms in Koronadal City, Philippines
items: Exploring Post-COVID-19 Teacher Experiences: Advancing Technology-Driven Professional Development for Contemporary Education
items: WhatsApp and Wellness: Exploring the Motivations and Challenges in Health Literacy and Health Information Seeking Among African Immigrants

Institutional Support for Sustainable Art Education through Material Reuse
type: item
description: The sustainable transformation of education increasingly demands systemic approaches that connect environmental awareness, social equity, and creative learning. Art education offers a distinctive context where these dimensions converge through the creative reuse of materials and reflective, participatory practice. This study examines how schools enable or constrain sustainability-oriented initiatives in art education across four European countries—Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, and Türkiye. Drawing on a cross-national, cross-sectional survey with a quantitative descriptive–comparative design, the research uses descriptive statistics and non-parametric group comparisons to analyse teachers’ responses on institutional support and social accessibility. Results reveal significant cross-national differences in organisational conditions, with Slovenian teachers reporting particularly strong leadership engagement and strategic support, and Turkish teachers perceiving high levels of social accessibility in art education. Across all four countries, teachers widely recognise material reuse as an effective way to enhance accessibility for financially disadvantaged students and to promote inclusive participation in art projects. The findings indicate that sustainability in art education relies not only on teacher creativity but also on systemic conditions such as leadership, infrastructure, and community collaboration. The study highlights art education’s dual role in fostering ecological responsibility and social inclusion, offering insights for school development and educational policy.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: educational policy
  topic: keywords
subject: institutional support
  topic: keywords
subject: material reuse
  topic: keywords
subject: social justice
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: teacher development
  topic: keywords
creator: Maja Kerneža
creator: Boris Aberšek
creator: Metka Kordigel Aberšek
creator: Dejan Zemljak
creator: Dario Assante
creator: Dagnija Vigule
creator: Tija Zīriņa
creator: Murat Gürkan
creator: Durson Uçan
creator: İhsan Metinnam
creator: Fikred Yıldız
creator: Özlem Alp
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Maja Kerneža, Boris Aberšek, Metka Kordigel Aberšek, Dejan Zemljak, Dario Assante, Dagnija Vigule, Tija Zīriņa, Murat Gürkan, Durson Uçan, İhsan Metinnam, Fikred Yıldız, Özlem Alp https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-12-11
publication date: 2025-12-11
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.450-470

Does Higher Education Dropout in Slovenia Increase? An Empirical Assessment Using Robust and Bayesian Methods
type: item
description: Purpose: The study aims to assess whether dropout rates in Slovenian higher education have increased over time, focusing on persistence and potential trends between 2011 and 2019. It also seeks to evaluate how robust and Bayesian statistical methods can improve dropout analysis when only limited data are available. Study design/methodology/approach: The research uses aggregated dropout data from nine consecutive student cohorts (2011–2019) within the Targeted Research Programme (CRP V5-2360). The analysis combines descriptive statistics, robust methods (Theil–Sen estimator with bootstrap confidence intervals), and Bayesian regression modelling with weakly informative priors. This mixed methodological framework is particularly suitable for short time series and allows probabilistic interpretation of results. Findings: The results reveal that dropout in Slovenia is persistently high, averaging around 51%. Two distinct phases were identified: a decline between 2011 and 2015, followed by renewed growth from 2016 onwards. While classical robust methods yielded inconclusive results regarding a linear trend, Bayesian analysis indicated with high posterior probability (>95%) that dropout has been increasing by about one percentage point per year since 2015. Originality/value: This study contributes substantively by confirming that Slovenia belongs to the group of European countries with exceptionally high and persistent dropout levels. Methodologically, it demonstrates the added value of applying robust and Bayesian approaches to small-sample educational data, offering more reliable and nuanced insights than conventional frequentist techniques.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: higher education dropout
  topic: keywords
subject: dropout persistence
  topic: keywords
subject: trend analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Theil–Sen estimator
  topic: keywords
subject: Bayesian approach
  topic: keywords
subject: Slovenian higher education system
  topic: keywords
creator: Rado Pezdir
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rado Pezdir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-29
publication date: 2025-08-29
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.285-299

Digital Transformation of Companies in the Western Balkans
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of this research is to assess the state of digital transformation among companies in the Western Balkans and identify key opportunities and barriers. The study aims to inform strategies that enhance competitiveness, support sustainable development, and facilitate closer integration with the European Single Digital Market. Study design/methodology/approach: The methodology is a comparative, indicator-based assessment of digital transformation in the Western Balkans, combining statistical data, policy analysis, and a focus on SMEs and national strategies. Findings: The study reveals pronounced disparities in digital transformation across the Western Balkans, with Croatia and Slovenia approaching EU benchmarks, while Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia continue to lag due to limited digital skills and underdeveloped infrastructure. Strengthening human capital, enhancing business adoption of digital tools, and reinforcing supportive policy frameworks are critical for advancing competitiveness and fostering deeper integration into the European digital single market. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comparative, indicator-based analysis of digital transformation in the Western Balkans, a region that remains underexplored. It offers original insights into the role of SMEs, structural barriers, and policy frameworks, highlighting how digitalization can enhance competitiveness, promote sustainable development, and facilitate integration into the European single digital market.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: digital transformation
  topic: keywords
subject: digitalization
  topic: keywords
subject: companies
  topic: keywords
subject: digital world
  topic: keywords
subject: Western Balkans
  topic: keywords
creator: Teodora Kelečević
creator: Dušan Lesjak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Teodora Kelečević, prof. dr. Dušan Lesjak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-10
publication date: 2025-09-10
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.387-398

Educational Technologies, Student Engagement and Challenges in Blended Learning During the Recovery Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
type: item
description: Purpose: This scoping review explores the relationship between educational technologies and student engagement in blended learning environments during the post-acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to identify the most effective technologies, their impact on engagement, and the challenges institutions face when implementing these tools. Study design/methodology/approach: The review adheres to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and follows the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework, which has been enhanced by Levac et al. (2010). A systematic search was conducted across the prescribed journals using keywords such as "blended learning," "student engagement," and "Covid-19." The inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024, yielding 17 selected studies. Findings: The review emphasises key technologies such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), video-conferencing tools, and interactive multimedia resources that promote flexibility, active learning, and collaboration. Challenges included the digital divide, technical skill gaps, and alignment issues in pedagogy. Social and emotional support emerged as essential for maintaining engagement. Originality/value: The study provides universities with insights to optimise blended learning by addressing technological and pedagogical challenges. It underscores the need for inclusive strategies to support diverse student needs, fostering equitable and engaging learning experiences in the post-pandemic era.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Blended learning
  topic: keywords
subject: student engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: educational technologies
  topic: keywords
subject: Covid-19 pandemic
  topic: keywords
creator: Takawira Ndofirepi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Takawira Ndofirepi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-10-26
publication date: 2025-10-26
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.435-449

AI‑Optimized, CX‑Driven: High‑Volume Hiring for Sales, Retention, Support and Operations
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a hiring pipeline designed to be cost effective and improve customer experience (CX)—with an emphasis on candidate experience—to increase time to hire, candidate satisfaction, and eventual first year retention across supporting functions in sales, support, and operations in high-volume hiring firms. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods design was utilized and was derived from ATS, CRM logs, industry standards, and AI simulations. Quantitative information was based on a before-and-after quasi-experimental design. In contrast, qualitative information was based on natural language processing (NLP) of recruiter-candidate exchanges using total AI and anonymized candidate surveys. Human-in-the-loop controls and bias checks (metrics) assured flexibility in AI deployment. Findings: Implementation of AI resulted in significant operational and experiential gains. Time to hire decreased from 28.4 to 14.7 days (−48.2%), candidate satisfaction was increased by 40% (6.2 to 8.7), and first-year retention was increased by 19% (72.5% to 86.3%). Qualitative data confirmed operational efficiencies, personalization, and increased perceived fairness. Research limitations/implications: The study was limited to a single large service-focused company, which is based on a pre–post design, without a randomized control group design, and therefore, the findings are not generalizable. Future research should examine AI-driven CX-enhanced hiring in more diverse organizational contexts and longitudinal or controlled experimental designs. Practical implications: With proper AI governance (e.g., bias audits, oversight checkpoints, and transparency), large volume hiring organizations can reduce hiring cycle time; improve retention; and reduce cost via AI-CX. Originality/value: This study demonstrates how AI can jointly improve efficiency and the candidate experience and identifies governance practices needed for ethical…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: Customer Experience
  topic: keywords
subject: High Volume Hiring
  topic: keywords
subject: Talent Acquisition
  topic: keywords
subject: First Year Retention
  topic: keywords
subject: Human in the Loop
  topic: keywords
creator: Oriana Valentina Rodriguez Guedes
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Oriana Valentina Rodriguez Guedes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-11
publication date: 2025-09-11
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.369-386

Proficiency of teachers’ digital content creation
type: item
description: In this paper, we explore the proficiency in digital competencies of around 1,400 Slovenian teachers from 70 primary and secondary schools. Our main research question was: How proficient are teachers in the area of Digital content creation and what differences are observed across various projects? A quantitative survey methodology was employed to assess teachers’ competence in creating digital content. The findings reveal that teachers generally demonstrate basic to intermediate proficiency that varies across specific sub-competencies. Programming is by far the least developed sub-competence. The results highlight the ongoing need for targeted teachers’ professional development of digital competencies in order for students to benefit.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
creator: Vanesa Korže
creator: Vesna Skrbinjek
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Vanesa Korže, Vesna Skrbinjek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-09
publication date: 2025-09-09
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.353-367

E-Portfolios in South African Higher Education: Fostering Autonomy and Lifelong Learning in Remote Contexts
type: item
description: Purpose: This study explores the transformative role of e-portfolios in South African higher education, particularly in promoting lifelong learning and fostering self-directed, autonomous students. It addresses the gap in understanding academics’ perceptions of e-portfolios' effectiveness in remote learning environments. Study design/methodology/approach: A qualitative interpretive systematic review was conducted, grounded in experiential learning theory, to analyse existing literature on e-portfolios and their impact on student development in remote contexts. Findings: E-portfolios enhance learning by encouraging goal-setting, progress tracking, and critical self-reflection, which support the development of both soft and technical skills. Academics view them as valuable tools for promoting student independence. However, challenges such as limited digital literacy and inadequate support systems hinder adoption, especially in under-resourced areas. Originality/value: This study contributes to the limited body of research on academic perspectives of e-portfolios in remote learning. It highlights their potential to enrich educational experiences and foster autonomy, while also identifying barriers that must be addressed to ensure equitable access and effectiveness.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: E-portfolios
  topic: keywords
subject: Remote learning
  topic: keywords
subject: Higher Education
  topic: keywords
subject: Soft and technical skills
  topic: keywords
subject: self-directed learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Oluwatoyin Ayodele Ajani
creator: Welile Msimango
creator: Zanele Mtshali
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatoyin Ayodele Ajani, Welile Msimango, Zanele Mtshali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-14
publication date: 2025-09-14
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.399-413

Abstracts in Slovene
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
creator: Andrej Flogie
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Editor-in-chiefe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-03
publication date: 2025-09-03
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.A1-22

Exploring Legitimation Practices in Numeracy Education Curriculum: A Specialisation Code Analysis of Knowledge and Dispositions in a South African University of Technology
type: item
description: This study explores the integration of nursing within higher education curricula, using a case study from a South African University of Technology. It investigates how academic staff across faculties conceptualise, plan for, and embed numeracy in their teaching practices, particularly in the context of curriculum transformation and widening access. Drawing on Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) as the primary analytical framework, the study employs a qualitative case study approach, analysing interviews, curriculum documents, and planning artefacts. The findings highlight varying levels of awareness, conceptual clarity, and pedagogical strategies among lecturers when it comes to numeracy integration. The study identifies challenges including disciplinary silos, lack of shared understanding, and limited institutional support. However, it also surfaces promising practices, such as interdisciplinary collaborations and reflective curriculum design, that offer pathways for embedding numeracy meaningfully. The study argues that planning for numeracy requires both epistemological and social accountability, particularly in universities serving diverse student populations. It concludes by proposing a framework for enhancing numeracy through deliberate curriculum planning, cross-faculty dialogue, and professional development. The insights aim to inform higher education policy and practice in contexts grappling with curriculum transformation, equity, and academic literacy in quantitative reasoning.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Numeracy integration
  topic: keywords
subject: Legitimation Code Theory
  topic: keywords
subject: Curriculum transformation
  topic: keywords
subject: South African higher education
  topic: keywords
creator: Oluwatoyin Ayodele Ajani
creator: Shobal Rathilal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Oluwatoyin Ayodele Ajani, Shobal Rathilal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-09
publication date: 2025-09-09
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.338-352

Human-centered approaches to technology: a review within a tourism context
type: item
description: Purpose: This paper lays the groundwork for future research by clarifying how a human‑centered perspective can be applied in tourism to harness digital technology for stakeholder value creation and enhanced human experience. Study design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol was conducted across Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, and Hospitality & Tourism Complete to identify studies addressing human‑centeredness in tourism. Findings: The concept is at an embryonic stage in tourism scholarship. Terminology is inconsistent and few studies apply human‑centered theory in depth; gaps exist around technology‑supported co‑creation, network integration, and human agency in digital environments. Originality/value: By unifying the historical emancipatory view of human‑centeredness with tourism research, the study offers a reference framework for critically assessing digital technology adoption beyond profit‑driven narratives.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: Tourism; Technology; Human‑centered; Digital humanism; Review; CriticalTourism
  topic: keywords
creator: truls engstrom
creator: Anne-Sofie Engelschiøn
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Truls Engström, Anne Sofie Engelschiøn https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-09
publication date: 2025-09-09
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.328-337

Diverging and converging perspectives: Exploring the leadership of informal learning in knowledge work
type: item
description: Purpose: This study examines how experiences of informal learning and its management diverge and converge across organizational levels in a knowledge-intensive organization. The study bridges a gap in comparative perspectives concerning informal learning leadership by examining managerial and employee points of view. Study design/methodology/approach: The study employed a qualitative, cross-sectional case study design with 18 semi-structured interviews with managers and employees from within a multinational IT and consulting organization. Data analysis was conducted by an inductive thematic analysis, enabling the emergence of themes related to informal learning, learning modalities, leadership engagement and organizational support structures. Findings: The findings indicate a consensus among managers and employees that informal learning is important, but there is significant disagreement regarding its visibility, support and linkage to career development. Managers tended to depict their role as enabling autonomy, while employees perceive a lack of structured support and recognition. Informal learning was found to be prevalent but extremely invisible in formal organizational processes. Originality/value: This study deepens understanding of the leadership of informal learning by highlighting the concept of "symbolic autonomy", where support for learning is rhetorically there without substantive mechanisms. It provides a theoretical contribution by positioning the relational and systemic aspects of informal learning leadership in the front line and offering practical understanding of how informal learning can be embedded more effectively within organizational practice.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Informal learning
  topic: keywords
subject: knowledge work
  topic: keywords
subject: leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: self-directed learning
  topic: keywords
subject: symbolic autonomy
  topic: keywords
subject: organizational learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Oona Vuorio
creator: Arto Reiman
creator: Päivi Kekkonen
creator: Hannele Lampela
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Oona Vuorio, Arto Reiman, Päivi Kekkonen, Hannele Lampela https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-10
publication date: 2025-09-10
doi: 10.53615/10.53615/2232-5697.14.312-327

Building HE Institutional QA system and QA offices: the QA-SURE Project in Kosovo and Albania
type: item
description: Through the Erasmus+ QA-SURE project, this study examines the institutional development of internal Quality Assurance (QA) offices and systems in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kosovo and Albania. The initiative concentrated on creating or improving specialised QA offices at three HEIs in Albania and two in Kosovo, as opposed to more general national QA system changes. The study emphasises the ways in which training, participatory governance, strategic planning, and infrastructure support aided in the development of institutional capacity, drawing on ESG 2015. Results show advancements in digitisation, student and stakeholder interaction, and quality culture. The report makes the case that system alignment with European standards and sustained academic success are made possible by institution-driven QA systems.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
creator: Nada Trunk Širca
creator: Albana Ndreu Halili
creator: Lejla Abazi Bexheti
creator: Merita Shala
creator: Anica Novak Trunk
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Anica Novak Trunk, Nada Trunk Širca, Albana Ndreu Halili, Lejla Abazi Bexheti, Merita Shala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-16
publication date: 2025-09-16
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.414-425

The Role of Effective Leadership on the Employees of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana
type: item
description: Purpose: Leadership style is one of the most crucial human resource-related outcomes and one of the most studied topics in management. The study assessed the role of effective leadership on employee performance on the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Study design/methodology/approach: A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study constituted 480 SME’s but 205 participants responded to the questionnaire. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze and present the data in tables and chart for easy interpretation. Findings: The findings indicated that, transformational, transactional, democratic, laissez-faire and autocratic are some of the leadership styles exhibited by the SME operators in the Metropolis. It was revealed that, the factors influencing employee performance were planning and controlling ability, role model and self-confidence, standards of performance for group members, rewarding achievement and influence by subordinates. Finally, it was disclosed that, leadership styles exhibited by the SME operators positively influences employees’ performance. Originality/value: This study is useful to the SMEs operators and the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) in Ghana to create policies on the leadership styles that will increase employee engagement and performance which will improve the economy growth in the country.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Effective leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: Employees
  topic: keywords
subject: SME’s
  topic: keywords
subject: Cape Coast Metropolis
  topic: keywords
subject: Ghana
  topic: keywords
creator: Jane Arthur-Sam
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jane Arthur-Sam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-09-08
publication date: 2025-09-08
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.300-311

Empowering Engineering - Technology and Practice Teachers: Joining Virtual Exchanges for Enriched Learning
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of the research was to explore how virtual exchanges can empower teachers of engineering and technology and practical subjects. The aim was to determine whether and how these teachers see virtual exchanges as an opportunity for personal and professional development, improvement of teaching, and exchange of good practices. Study design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year with interviews conducted via online video calls. The sample included 16 teachers and 2 students (future teachers of engineering and technology). Before the interviews, participants received an introductory presentation of the concept of virtual exchanges, and then answered four pre-prepared questions that focused on the perception and meaning of these exchanges for teachers. Findings: The results show that most teachers perceive virtual exchanges as a useful experience for exchanging ideas and good practices, learning about new pedagogical approaches, obtaining teaching materials, improving intercultural communication and professional and personal development. Teachers expressed interest in learning how subjects such as engineering and technology are taught elsewhere in the world, especially in terms of practical work. Some also raised concerns about the additional workload, but the overall responses were mostly positive. Originality/value: The paper is important because it focuses on a less researched area - the use of virtual exchanges in the context of technical education that includes practical work. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers valuable insights for the development of international collaboration among teachers of technical subjects and for the design of supporting platforms, tools and policies that would enable and promote this collaboration.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Virtual Exchange
  topic: keywords
subject: Engineering & Technology
  topic: keywords
subject: Teachers
  topic: keywords
subject: Enriched Learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Dejan Zemljak
creator: Borut Čampelj
creator: Urška Martinc
creator: Maja Kerneža
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Dejan Zemljak, Borut Čampelj, Urška Martinc, Maja Kerneža https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.426-434

Exploring The Role of Engagement in Learning Within a Rescue Department Community of Practice
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how engagement in a CoP within the rescue department could support learning, knowledge sharing and professional development. Study design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study based on focus group interviews was conducted exploring the context of work and learning in the rescue department. The two groups represented firefighters and fire officers. Findings: Engagement in the CoP is shaped by peer support, facilitation, intrinsic motivation and flexible participation, while organizational structures and leadership practices influence sustainability. Originality/value: This paper provides new insights into CoP dynamics in the emergency services, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices, adaptive leadership, and digital facilitation to foster engagement.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Workplace learning
  topic: keywords
subject: Communities of Practice
  topic: keywords
subject: engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: Knowledge Management
  topic: keywords
creator: Filip Sever
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Filip Sever https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.207-219

Attitudes of Engineering and Technology Teachers Towards the Use of Humanoid Robots in Education
type: item
description: Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes of teachers of technical and engineering subjects towards the use of humanoid robots in the learning process. The aim was to find out whether these teachers are more willing to integrate robots in the classroom than teachers of other subjects, and whether they perceive concrete possibilities to use robots in different learning situations (e.g. substituting in the absence of a student). Study design/methodology/approach: The survey was quantitative and conducted through an online questionnaire, which was completed by 206 teachers of different subjects and levels of education in Slovenia. The questionnaire contained two sets of statements - one on the willingness to incorporate robots, the other on the concrete possibilities of their use. The analysis of differences between teachers of technical and non-technical subjects was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U-test, using IBM SPSS software. The questionnaire had high internal reliability (Cronbach α = .912). Findings: The results showed statistically significant differences in the expressed willingness to incorporate robots, with teachers of technical and engineering subjects showing higher willingness than other teachers. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the perception of concrete possibilities for the use of robots, such as helping to work with students remotely, assisting teachers with administrative tasks, etc. Teachers of technical subjects expressed more interest and openness to the use of robots in the classroom. Originality/value: The research provides important insights into a specific segment of teachers (engineering and technology teachers) who, due to the nature of the subject, are more inclined to make practical use of new technologies such as humanoid robots. This is one of the few studies that comparatively analyses the attitudes of different groups of teachers towards this topic. The results have value for t…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: engineering and technology
  topic: keywords
subject: humanoid robots
  topic: keywords
subject: STEM
  topic: keywords
subject: education
  topic: keywords
creator: Andrej Flogie
creator: Jakob Škrobar
creator: Dejan Zemljak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Andrej Flogie, Jakob Škrobar, Dejan Zemljak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-14
publication date: 2025-06-14
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.277-284

Modern Slavery in the Gig Economy: Analysing the Exploitation of Gig and Freelance Workers through AI-Driven Communication Strategies and Automated Surveillance
type: item
description: Purpose: In modern corporate slavery, especially in Gig and freelance there is a significant gap concerning the critical analysis of AI-driven communication technologies and automated surveillance instruments in continued exploitation. This article aims to explore how modern communication and AI technologies contribute to modern slavery within the gig economy by focusing on understanding the mechanisms through which AI-driven communication systems and automated surveillance techniques impact the autonomy, earnings, and rights of gig and freelance workers. Study design/methodology/approach: Through qualitative research, this article responds to how AI-driven communication and automated surveillance practices aggravate or mitigate the exploitation of gig and freelance workers. The authors interviewed twenty-two gig and freelance workers and six managers who employed gig and freelance employees. Moreover, Foucault's Theory of Surveillance (Panopticism), Labour Process Theory (LPT), and Technological Mediation Theory (TMT) helped to understand the crossroad between technological control, economic exploitation, and moderated communication. Findings: The results demonstrated that AI-powered communication systems improve efficiency and task distribution. However, they concurrently create power imbalances. Besides, this encourages continuous monitoring and algorithmic control, which creates employee dissatisfaction and marginalization. Originality/value: This research reinforces the discourse on labor practices within the digital economy by emphasizing the convergence of AI and modern slavery. On the other hand, it offers organizations insights into ethical AI usage for transparent communication practices in corporate slavery.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: modern corporate slavery
  topic: keywords
subject: gig economy
  topic: keywords
subject: freelance
  topic: keywords
subject: communication
  topic: keywords
subject: AI
  topic: keywords
creator: Ioseb Gabelaia
creator: Ramunė Bagočiūnaitė
creator: Viktorija Navickienė
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ioseb Gabelaia, Ramunė Bagočiūnaitė, Viktorija Navickienė https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.221-235

Redesigning Knowledge Creation Support in Online Environments: An Empirical Study on Process Structures and Adaptive Strategies
type: item
description: Purpose: This study aims to theorize and empirically validate a recursive and mediated support process for online knowledge creation in organizational contexts. Drawing on the IEM model—which comprises internalized expression, explicit collaboration, and mediated integration—the research challenges the conventional assumption that face-to-face interaction is a prerequisite for effective knowledge generation. Study design/methodology/approach: A large-scale nationwide survey was conducted with 2,408 business professionals in Japan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships among the IEM model constructs, including a feedback loop structure from mediated integration to internalized expression. Findings: The analysis revealed that all three phases—internalized expression, explicit collaboration, and mediated integration—are not only sequentially connected but also mutually reinforcing. The recursive feedback from mediated integration to internalized expression was statistically significant, underscoring the adaptive and cyclical nature of digital knowledge creation. Originality/value: This study introduces a theoretically grounded and empirically validated IEM model for online knowledge creation. By demonstrating that effective knowledge generation can be sustained through digitally mediated, empathy-supported processes, the study provides a novel framework with strong implications for remote collaboration and knowledge management in hybrid work environments.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Knowledge Creation
  topic: keywords
subject: Online Communication
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital Collaboration
  topic: keywords
creator: Kouichi Hayashi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Kouichi Hayashi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.265-275

The Role of AI, Blockchain, Cloud, and Data (ABCD) in Enhancing Learning Assessments of College Students
type: item
description: Purpose: This study attempts to examine how ABCD (Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud, and Data) technologies influence postsecondary learning measurements. It specifically examines students' beliefs, behavior, and action intentions, and how the ABCD technologies impact customized learning, academic integrity, collaboration, and belief in grading. Study design/methodology/approach: A quantitative design was applied with a structured survey distributed to university students. Statistical tests of correlation and regression tests were carried out to test the relationships between Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), and Behavioral Intention (BI) in the adoption of ABCD technologies. Findings: Results did not imply a strong correlation between Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Behavioral Intentions, stating students' adoption of ABCD technologies is less likely to be accounted for by individual factors, i.e., institutional support, infrastructure, and faculty participation. Although students are aware of potential benefits of ABCD technologies in terms of enhancing assessment efficiency and security, concerns over fairness, usability, and engagement remain barriers to greater adoption. Originality/value: The present research adds to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Constructivist Learning Theory (CLT) by emphasizing the role of context and institutional drivers in the adoption of technology. It presents pragmatic advice to educational institutions for improving faculty development, digital infrastructure, and policy mechanisms for efficient and moral utilization of ABCD technology in assessment in learning.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: technology adoption
  topic: keywords
subject: higher education
  topic: keywords
subject: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
  topic: keywords
subject: Constructivist Learning Theory (CLT)
  topic: keywords
subject: digital transformation
  topic: keywords
subject: education
  topic: keywords
creator: Joel Mark Rodriguez
creator: Genesis Austria
creator: Glen Millar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Joel Mark Rodriguez, Genesis Austria, Glen Millar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.179-194

Personality Factors Impact on Success in the Mentor-Protégé Relationship
type: item
description: Purpose: Based on theory from the literature, an inventory for perceived success was created to analyse the relationships between personality factors and mentoring outcomes. Study design/methodology/approach: A written questionnaire was developed incorporating the Big Five Personality Dimensions and the inventory for perceived success. The analysis examined influencing patterns between personality factors and mentoring outcome. Findings: The model predicting relationships between personality factors and mentoring outcome was supported. Additional relationships were discovered between perceived success and both age discrepancy and gender constellations. Originality/value: The study provides a three-perspective framework for analysing mentoring relationships: the personality discrepancy between participants, each individual's personality separately, and an individual's personality in relation to their counterpart's perception of mentoring outcomes.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: personality
  topic: keywords
subject: mentoring
  topic: keywords
subject: learning
  topic: keywords
subject: knowledge
  topic: keywords
subject: management
  topic: keywords
creator: Truls E. J. Engström
creator: Mitja Gorenak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Truls E. J. Engström, Mitja Gorenak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-14
publication date: 2025-06-14
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.249-263

The Effectiveness of AI-Powered Sentiment Analysis in Corporate Communication in Improving Stakeholder Engagement
type: item
description: Purpose: There is limited research on Artificial intelligence and its distinctive and measurable impact on corporate communication and stakeholder engagement. Besides, existing and new research frequently lacks industry-specific insights, practical case studies, and cross-disciplinary insights. This article is the first of two articles on corporate communication and artificial intelligence developed by the authors. This article explores the effectiveness of integrating artificial intelligence into corporate communication to improve stakeholder engagement. Study design/methodology/approach: The authors used a mixed methodology, quantitative surveys (n = 241), and qualitative interviews (n = 7) with corporate communication managers. Convenience and Snowball sampling was used. Findings: AI-powered instruments significantly improve the capability to identify key sentiments, permitting organizations to respond proactively and maintain positive stakeholder relationships. Moreover, integrating AI in sentiment analysis improves feedback management processes, reducing response times and encouraging a more dynamic communication environment. Originality/value: in the times of AI, this research contributes to the practical and theoretical characteristics of improving stakeholder engagement in corporate communication, and offers recommendation for actionable decisions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: AI
  topic: keywords
subject: corporate communication
  topic: keywords
subject: AI-driven strategies
  topic: keywords
creator: Ioseb Gabelaia
creator: Migle Smaidziunaite
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ioseb Gabelaia, Migle Smaidziunaite https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.237-248

Exploring ESP University Students’ Critical Thinking Skills through Films
type: item
description: Purpose Critical thinking as a new educational trend has been much discussed and proposed by theorists and educators in the recent decades and particularly in foreign language settings (Tarvin & Al-Arishi, 1991; Halpern, 2003; Liaw, 2007). The changing economic context has placed new demands on higher education as employers are in demand of new skills and abilities in future graduates among which critical thinking skills (McNair, 1997; Avis, 2010). So if we aspire to prepare our future graduates for the workplace and life, ESP teachers are not to be different to this new demanding situation. Thus, the purpose of the study was to embark in a new teaching learning experience with the aim of exploring the use film as a content material to help ESP students enhance their critical thinking skills along language learning. Study design/methodology/approach The study is the report of a qualitative action research that aimed at exploring how critical thinking skills could be enhanced within first year ESP students through the study of film viewing and analysis. Data was mainly gathered by means of interviews, classroom observations and students’ artifacts. Findings The study revealed that the participants were able to enhance their critical thinking skills after the film viewing and analysis experience. The study also suggested that film, as a content material can be an effective teaching tool to engage students to analyze, interpret and discuss. Thus, providing insight into a useful teaching approach that can help English language learners enhance their critical thinking skills.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: ESP
  topic: keywords
subject: university students
  topic: keywords
subject: critical thinking
  topic: keywords
subject: films
  topic: keywords
creator: Dorsaf Selmi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Dorsaf Selmi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-05-06
publication date: 2025-05-06
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.129-149

Learning Analytics: A Case Study on Exploring Social Interaction and Problem-Solving Strategies
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to preliminarily verify the concept of personalised and collaborative learning and to formatively observe students' knowledge, skills, problem-solving strategies and social dynamics in the classroom. Study design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted with 8th grade students (N=21) using the ClassRoom Analytica (CRA) application as part of a thematic unit on ionic bonds. Students participated in digitally facilitated group problem-solving activities guided by predefined parameters for accessing information. Findings: The use of the CRA application proved highly beneficial in a heterogeneous class as it was responsive to all students and provided the teacher with detailed information about each individual’s role within the class. Originality/value: This study presents CRA as a novel integration of learning analytics and domain-specific visualisations in the science classroom.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: learning analytics
  topic: keywords
subject: social interaction
  topic: keywords
subject: problem-solving
  topic: keywords
creator: Vladimir Grubelnik
creator: Nataša Rizman Herga
creator: Mihaela Brumen
creator: Marko Marhl
creator: Dejan Dinevski
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Vladimir Grubelnik, Nataša Rizman Herga, Andrej Flogie, Mihaela Brumen, Marko Marhl, Dejan Dinevski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-05-11
publication date: 2025-05-11
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.79-87

Academic Motivation of Students in Secondary Economic Education: Adaptation of the AMS
type: item
description: Purpose: This study aims to examine differences in academic motivation among students in secondary economic education, focusing on gender differences, the relationship between motivation and academic performance, and the most prevalent types of motivation. Study design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was used, employing an adapted version of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS-HS 20). Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and statistical methods such as t-tests, Pearson correlation, and one-way ANOVA were applied to test the hypotheses. Findings: The study found that male students exhibit significantly higher intrinsic motivation and interest in economics than female students. Additionally, a positive correlation exists between interest in economics and academic motivation. However, no statistically significant differences in motivation were found based on academic performance. Originality/value: This study contributes to the understanding of academic motivation in secondary economic education. The findings provide valuable insights for educators to develop strategies that foster both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among students.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: academic motivation
  topic: keywords
subject: ams
  topic: keywords
subject: secondary education
  topic: keywords
subject: economic education
  topic: keywords
creator: Andraž Konc
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Andraž Konc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.195-205

Data Protection in Pre-Tertiary Schools In Ghana
type: item
description: Purpose: The study examines data protection practices in pre-tertiary schools in Ghana, specifically focusing on compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). Study design/methodology/approach: It adopts a mixed-method approach, surveying representatives from one hundred schools and interviewing representatives from sixteen schools and two education offices. Respondents were staff assigned to manage school data from three strata: the basic school level, senior high school level, and the Ghana Education Service. Findings: The findings reveal a general awareness of data protection laws among staff handling and managing data. However, it also uncovers a significant gap in their understanding of principles and legal obligations. The study also identifies a lack of coordination, formal guidance, inadequate consent procedures, and fragmented implementation strategies in data protection practices. Furthermore, the use of varied data protection mechanisms by different schools suggests a lack of standardised security protocols, which is likely to result in security gaps. This is particularly noteworthy considering the frequent data transfers and the challenging data protection environment that combines physical and digital storage methods in potentially unsecured locations across multiple schools. Originality/value: The findings can contribute to developing a standardised data protection policy for Ghanaian pre-tertiary schools, enhanced employee training, and increased awareness to ensure effective compliance and protection of personal data in Ghana’s pre-tertiary education system, thereby mitigating potential risks of data breaches and privacy violations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: data protection
  topic: keywords
subject: pre-tertiary schools
  topic: keywords
subject: Ghana
  topic: keywords
creator: Ephrem Kwaa-Aidoo
creator: Elizabeth Serwaa Baah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ephrem Kwaa-Aidoo, Elizabeth Serwaa Baah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-05-06
publication date: 2025-05-06
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.89-98

Transitioning to a Cashless Economy: Drivers and Inhibitors of Electronic Payment System Adoption among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
type: item
description: Purpose: This study investigates the adoption of electronic payment systems among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Koronadal City, focusing on identifying the drivers and inhibitors influencing this shift toward a cashless economy. Study design/methodology/approach: The research employs a descriptive multivariate correlational design, surveying 351 registered MSMEs across various sectors in Koronadal City. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated for reliability and analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine significant predictors of electronic payment adoption. Findings: The results reveal a low adoption rate of electronic payment systems, with cash transactions remaining dominant. Key drivers include customer demand, internet accessibility, digital infrastructure, and government incentives, while perceived security concerns act as significant inhibitors. The regression model explains 68.4% of the variance in adoption levels, highlighting customer demand as the most significant predictor. Originality/value: This study provides critical insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by MSMEs in smaller cities transitioning to digital payments. The findings contribute to the discourse on financial inclusion and digital transformation, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and MSMEs to address barriers and promote adoption in regional contexts.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: Cashless Economy
  topic: keywords
subject: Electronic Payment System
  topic: keywords
subject: SMES
  topic: keywords
creator: Jayson Diaz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jayson Diaz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.161-178

Assessing the Relationship between Young Professionals' Perceptions of Cyber security and Their Online Shopping Behaviour on E-Commerce Platforms in Koronadal City, Philippines
type: item
description: Purpose This study investigates the relationship between young professionals' perceptions of cyber security and their level of online shopping on e-commerce platforms in Koronadal City. Study design/methodology/approach A descriptive-correlational research design was employed to assess the socio-economic profile, cyber security concerns, and personal risk mitigation practices of 68 young professionals. Data were collected using a structured survey instrument and analyzed through frequency distribution, weighted mean, standard deviation, and simple linear regression. Findings The majority of respondents were aged 27 to 30, earned below PHP 10,000 monthly, and were primarily self-employed. Participants expressed high concerns regarding the security of personal and financial information, with data security being the highest concern (mean = 4.57). A significant inverse relationship was found between cybersecurity concerns and the level of e-commerce usage (β = -0.179, p = 0.046), indicating that greater concerns about cybersecurity led to lower online shopping frequency. Personal risk mitigation practices were moderate, with respondents frequently updating passwords and exercising caution with suspicious links, though the use of two-factor authentication remained inconsistent. Originality/value This study provides empirical insights into how cybersecurity concerns influence online shopping behavior among young professionals. The findings emphasize the need for e-commerce platforms to enhance security measures and transparency to improve consumer confidence. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of targeted cybersecurity education to encourage safer and more frequent e-commerce engagement.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Business & Management
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: cyber security
  topic: keywords
subject: online shopping
  topic: keywords
subject: young professionals
  topic: keywords
creator: Jayson Diaz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jayson Diaz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-05-06
publication date: 2025-05-06
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.115-127

Exploring Post-COVID-19 Teacher Experiences: Advancing Technology-Driven Professional Development for Contemporary Education
type: item
description: Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the post-COVID-19 experiences of teachers regarding technology-driven professional development activities. It aims to explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for equipping teachers with the digital competencies necessary to navigate online and blended learning environments effectively. The study seeks to provide actionable insights for enhancing teacher professional development in the evolving digital landscape of education. Study Design/Methodology/Approach This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesise existing research on technology-focused professional development activities for teachers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It critically analyses literature on the challenges faced by teachers, the strategies employed to address these challenges, and the outcomes of professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing their digital skills. Findings The study highlights the heightened demand for technology-driven professional development, driven by the increased reliance on digital tools for teaching. Key challenges identified include limited access to technological resources, time constraints, and resistance to change. However, the study also identifies effective strategies for overcoming these barriers, such as personalised learning pathways, peer collaboration, and ongoing support systems. These approaches empower teachers to integrate technology into their pedagogy, improving learner engagement and learning outcomes. Originality/Value This research provides valuable insights into the critical role of technology-driven professional development in the post-COVID-19 educational landscape. It emphasises the necessity of cultivating a technologically proficient teacher workforce and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and educators. By addressing the intersection of teacher professional development and technology integration, th…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: E-Learning
  topic: keywords
subject: Online
  topic: keywords
subject: Professional development
  topic: keywords
subject: active participation
  topic: keywords
creator: OLUWATOYIN AJANI
creator: Samantha Govender
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 OLUWATOYIN AJANI, Samantha Govender https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-05-06
publication date: 2025-05-06
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.99-114

WhatsApp and Wellness: Exploring the Motivations and Challenges in Health Literacy and Health Information Seeking Among African Immigrants
type: item
description: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate health information seeking behavior of African Immigrants in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Methodology: Survey research design was employed in this study. Web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from 32 participants who are members of a WhatsApp Group for African Immigrants in Vancouver BC. Descriptive statistics of simple percentage was used to analyze the data. Findings: The study examined motivation for using WhatsApp as a source of health information seeking, familiarity with and affordability of healthcare plan in Vancouver BC, and the healthcare access challenges of African immigrants. While most respondents reported familiarity with the healthcare system in Vancouver, BC, only a few of them had a family physician, indicating a gap between perceived knowledge and practical engagement with healthcare professionals. Many participants relied on WhatsApp for health information; however, such platforms often provide only temporary solutions, underscoring the importance of professional healthcare consultations. Limitations: The study’s participants were selected through purposive sampling which cannot be representative of the population as a whole. Also, using a Web-based questionnaire as a data collection instrument and focusing on the participants who are members of a Whatsapp Group restricted the size of the sample. Originality: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the use of Social Media beyond mere social interaction. It also creates a call-to-action for healthcare stakeholders in multicultural societies on the need to rethink culturally-appropriate healthcare access.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Education & Training
  topic: category
subject: Technology
  topic: category
subject: Whatsapp
  topic: keywords
subject: Health literacy
  topic: keywords
subject: Health information seeking
  topic: keywords
creator: Sunday Olaniran
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Sunday Olaniran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-25
publication date: 2025-06-25
doi: 10.53615/2232-5697.14.151-160

Abstracts in Slovene
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31