Search

Innovating higher education teaching and learning is challenging due to structural, cultural, and resource-related reasons, and research indicates that university innovation benefits from a bottom-up approach as well as strategic alignment with university objectives. In this paper, we investigate such bottom-up innovation processes within higher education as supported by a specific tool: the University Innovation Canvas (UIC). Adapted from the Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas, the UIC is designed to promote educational technology innovation and foster alignment of the innovation process with strategic objectives of the university: namely, sustainability and user orientation. An evaluation of the UIC based on interview and questionnaire data shows that its usage differs between innovation teams (on paper vs. digital, individual vs. collaborative, co-located vs. remotely, and synchronous vs. asynchronous). UIC usability is linked with these differences and with teams' experience in realizing innovations. Overall, the UIC is perceived to be useful by (particularly, less-experienced) innovation teams and is successful at supporting sustainable and user-oriented innovations, as 14/15 innovations are still in use after up to four years since completion. To maximize its potential, more effort needs to be devoted to improving understanding of the UIC and supporting different workflows of innovation teams in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions have been investing in teachers' professional development and pedagogical innovation, on the one hand, aiming to promote the quality of institutions and, on the other hand, aiming to promote students' personal and academic development. One of the methodologies that has received particular attention is service-learning, which aims to promote students' learning by providing a service to vulnerable community groups. In this study, we aim to present the results of the application of this methodology in a fourth-year social work course. To this end, a mixed-methods study was conducted with 10 students in the Contemporary Social Work III course using the service-learning methodology. Students experienced between 15 and 30 h of service-learning, most of them for 7 weeks or more in an elder care institution, with varied activities such as social consulting and home visits. When we tried to understand the students' perceived impact, we found higher mean scores in the post-test, with statistically significant differences on several dimensions, particularly self-confidence, problem solving, adaptability and flexibility, dealing with diversity and multiculturalism, understanding complex social issues, and a sense of purpose and life. These data are aligned with the qualitative analysis, which identified six themes such as the integration of practice and theory, development of skills, positive impact on academic training, valuing practical experience, reflective and meaningful learning, and support and guidance. The results highlight the value of pedagogical innovation for students' skills, especially when it is aligned with the identity and mission of the institution and the values of the study program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the backdrop of contemporary conflicts and hostilities unfolding across various regions globally, the landscape of higher education is confronted with a myriad of novel challenges and prospects. War initiates the need for rapid and effective innovations in education to ensure access to learning in times of crisis. The objective of this article is to assess and scrutinize the application of modern technologies in higher education amid periods of conflict, focusing specifically on their influence on educational accessibility and quality within nations grappling with wartime circumstances. To achieve this goal, an analysis of scientific literature and publications was conducted. The conducted research revealed that the utilization of modern technologies in higher education during the war contributes to increasing the availability and quality of education. These technologies make it possible to provide distance learning using remote forms of communication and learning. The conclusions show, that the utilization of modern technologies in education is a key factor in ensuring continuous learning during war and conflict. These technologies allow efficient use of resources and provide a high-quality educational environment for students in difficult conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current conditions, the digitalization of education in almost all countries of the world has become a vital strategy for the total restructuring of traditional forms, tools, methods and technologies of education. At the same time, the issue of financial literacy is one of the priorities in education since the level of social welfare and the level of economic development of the country depend on the level of financial literacy. The article is devoted to a thorough scientometric review of scientific publications on the digitalization of financial education, highlighting key ideas, trends in developing scientific views, prospects, and opportunities for further research. The bibliometric analysis was carried out using specialized methods and tools, in particular, in-built Scopus and WoS databases tools, VosViewer software, and the Google Trends web application. Publications were extracted from the two scientometric databases, Scopus and WoS, in the time interval from 1990 to February 2024. A dynamic analysis of research articles showed their intensive growth since 2020, which is due to increased attention to digital education in the context of global transformations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and military conflicts. A transnational representation of the research was identified, with key geographic centres in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. A country-by country analysis confirmed the connection between researchers due to similarities in educational strategies and geographical proximity. Using the results of the constructed bibliometric map, the thematic analysis identified 4 key clusters that confirm the central role of digitalization in financial education. Within the clusters, thematic groups of scientific publications were identified (innovations in education and digital technologies, socio-economic challenges in education, leadership and competitive advantages in education, financial and economic aspects of education, etc. The analysis identified promising research areas, including strategies to improve access to educational resources during crises, studying the impact of Industry 5.0 on financial education, studying financial innovations in education, and researching inclusive digital education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long pursuit of university education in northern Canada has seen a variety of methods used to deliver higher education to northerners. One such approach, Inter Universities Services (IUS), has been supporting university course delivery in northern Manitoba since 1972-73. This article argues that IUS has evolved progressively over its fifty years from an initiative offering a disjointed set of university course options to become part of a coordinated, if unplanned, approach to university education in northern Manitoba. This article outlines the history of IUS, including origins, structure, issues, and key events, before looking to the future. Conclusions suggest that IUS has been central to the growth and stability of higher education in northern Manitoba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The ever-changing and enigmatic future is taking form through a continuous wave of worldwide trends, advancements, and revolutionary ideas. Moreover, the rapid spread of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdown measures have accelerated the pace of technological advancements, significantly impacting multiple facets of our existence, employment, and connections. In the realm of learning, there has been an astounding and rapid transition from conventional classrooms to virtual platforms and groundbreaking advancements. Consequently, it becomes imperative for mankind to acknowledge and evaluate the profound influence of these developments, specifically within the domain of education. This innovative research project seeks to investigate the impressive capabilities of metaverse technology in addressing an unforeseen hurdle. Its main aim is to examine the deep influence of extended reality technologies on future education and assess if incorporating metaverse technology in learning will transform the higher education, generating notable progress and enhancing the quality of instruction. Materials and Methods: The study aimed to comprehensively understand the research topic and its context by gaining insight into the participants' perspectives and experiences. To achieve this, a qualitative research was used with 63 purposefully selected participants. The participants included Iranian male and female EFL university professors, EFL university students, educational technology specialists, and futurists in science and technology. Data was collected by conducting focused-group discussions and episodic narrative interviews, as well as utilizing narrative inquiry methods on the Telegram network. Data collection continued until saturation was achieved, resulting in 25 participants for interviews and 38 individuals for narrative inquiry. To analyze the data and identify recurring themes, thematic analysis was conducted, involving initial coding, focused coding, and axial coding. Findings: Findings revealed that metaverse technology plays a crucial role in the field of education and has a significant influence on higher education. Surprisingly, while analyzing the data, four main categories were identified, surpassing initial expectations. These categories include: 1) Empowering experiences: XR heightens sense of immersion, presence, and agency; 2) The immersive power of XR: Boosting enjoyment, interest, motivation, and self-efficacy; 3) Exploring boundaries of perception: XR triggers the illusion of body ownership and embodiment in virtual environments; and 4) The metamorphosis of the self: XR revolutionizes attitudes, behaviors, cognition, and physical body. Each of these categories represents the impacts of metaverse on future education. Understanding and embracing XR's impact on education is vital for educators, as harnessing the metaverse's potential benefits can greatly enhance teaching and learning experiences through more captivating and immersive environments. Conclusions: The outcomes of this research carry significant implications for policymakers, educators, managers, leaders, practitioners, and all stakeholders involved in the field of education. They provide valuable insights into global trends, emerging technologies, innovations, and developments, and how they will likely shape the future of higher education. Given the rapid advancements in technology and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to embrace these technologies and implement necessary changes in learning and teaching method to improve the quality of education. The hope is that this study will be a trusted source and offer guidance to future generations, helping them meet the evolving requirements of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]