Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments

A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102). This special issue belongs to the section "Technology Enhanced Education".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 October 2025) | Viewed by 6965

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YD, UK
Interests: emerging and leading-edge technologies supporting educational practices; how digital technologies support learning and teaching; innovative and inclusive practices; inside and outside classrooms; in homes and in community settings; across the age range
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, on ‘Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments’, focuses on learners across the age range—whether learners are in primary, secondary, further, vocational, tertiary or lifelong education. Over the last four decades, digital technologies have continued to enable learning practices to be adapted, added to and developed in a range of ways. The Internet has enabled wide access to courses and to specific details of interest, shifting search patterns for many learners. Video conferencing platforms have enabled remote learners to gain access at times and in places to suit their situations. Mobile devices have supported learning outside classrooms and in locations of a learner’s choice.

Emerging technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual and augmented realities, continue to offer opportunities that can support learners and learning in different and additional ways. Some learners using these forms of digital technologies are experiencing important supplementary opportunities, such as being able to practice and develop specific industrial, commercial, language, dental or health skills and competencies in safe and secure environments, gaining rapid feedback and forward support.

It is important that research draws out how existing and emerging digital technologies are supporting the engagement of learners and learning, especially for those who may not have had opportunities to engage easily or previously. This Special Issue seeks research articles that highlight these opportunities and outcomes. Articles should align with the aims and scope of the journal Education Sciences, which are detailed here: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/education/about.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • How far learner engagement is supported by a specific digital technology;
  • Forms of learner engagement that are specifically supported by digital technologies and those that are not;
  • How outcomes from learner engagement are identified or assessed in technology-rich environments;
  • Whether wider groups or individuals are now able to engage in learning, perhaps for the first time or more easily;
  • Whether emerging digital technologies enhance learning engagement opportunities for learners who have previously found it difficult to engage;
  • How the width of digital technologies in technology-rich environments need to be implemented, developed or managed to support wider learner engagement;
  • Gaps in the current literature that detail ‘Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments’.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Don Passey
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • learner engagement
  • learning engagement
  • digital technologies enhancing learning engagement
  • digital technologies supporting learner engagement
  • emerging technologies and learner engagement
  • learning engagement outcomes in technology-rich environments
  • technology-rich environments widening learning engagement opportunities

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 342 KB  
Article
A Pilot Practitioner’s Inquiry into Students’ Reflections on AI-Generated Podcasts in Higher Education
by Cassandra Sturgeon Delia
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15121680 (registering DOI) - 13 Dec 2025
Abstract
This pilot practitioner inquiry examines the use of AI-generated podcasts within a higher education research module. The study investigated two questions: (1) How do students experience, perceive, and make use of AI-generated podcasts as part of their learning? (2) What opportunities, challenges, and [...] Read more.
This pilot practitioner inquiry examines the use of AI-generated podcasts within a higher education research module. The study investigated two questions: (1) How do students experience, perceive, and make use of AI-generated podcasts as part of their learning? (2) What opportunities, challenges, and pedagogical considerations emerge for the educator when designing and integrating AI-generated podcasts into teaching practice? Google’s NotebookLM was used to create short recordings that summarised lecture topics, addressed student queries, and offered assignment guidance. Data were gathered from both the educator’s reflective journal and a student focus group. Findings suggest that students valued the novelty, accessibility, and supportive tone of the podcasts. They described the recordings as helpful in revisiting key ideas, clarifying uncertainties, and managing study along with other responsibilities. The educator found the podcasts practical to produce and noted that they contributed to more focused classroom discussions. At the same time, both students and the educator identified limitations, including the constraints of an audio-only format, the need for transparency when using AI, and the additional time required. As a pilot study, the findings provide indicative insights rather than generalisable conclusions. The work points to the potential of AI-generated podcasts as a supplementary resource that may reinforce understanding and support independent study, while also highlighting considerations around inclusivity, educator workload, and responsible AI use in higher education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments)
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19 pages, 448 KB  
Article
Are Teachers Ready to Adopt Deep Learning Pedagogy? The Role of Technology and 21st-Century Competencies Amid Educational Policy Reform
by Muh Fitrah, Anastasia Sofroniou, Novi Yarmanetti, Indriani H. Ismail, Hetty Anggraini, Ita Chairun Nissa, Bakti Widyaningrum, Irul Khotijah, Prabowo Dwi Kurniawan and Dedi Setiawan
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101344 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 3381
Abstract
The transformation of national education policy during Indonesia’s governmental era has led to regulatory disruptions through the rapid revocation of previous policies and swift introduction of new ones. This landscape requires teachers to possess technological proficiency as well as 21st-century competencies and pedagogical [...] Read more.
The transformation of national education policy during Indonesia’s governmental era has led to regulatory disruptions through the rapid revocation of previous policies and swift introduction of new ones. This landscape requires teachers to possess technological proficiency as well as 21st-century competencies and pedagogical readiness to adopt innovative learning. This study examines the influence of technological knowledge and 21st-century competencies on teachers’ readiness to adopt deep learning pedagogy, while also exploring perceptions of opportunities and challenges. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, involving a survey of 802 teachers from regions of Indonesia. The instrument comprised 25 items across three variables, validated by experts, and tested with confirmatory factor analysis, which showed acceptable fit and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, while qualitative insights came from interviews with 30 teachers and analyzed thematically. Results indicate that 21st-century competencies (β=0.639, R2=0.432) exert stronger influence than technological knowledge (β=0.575, R2=0.310) in shaping readiness. The integration of connecting and embedding strategies revealed personal, structural, and cultural complexities in implementing deep learning. The study recommends localized training and partnerships with professional organizations, higher education institutions, and NGOs to generate systemic support for school reform toward learning organizations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments)
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Review

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38 pages, 560 KB  
Review
Beyond Technology Tools: Supporting Student Engagement in Technology Enhanced Learning
by Olga Rotar
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1617; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15121617 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 663
Abstract
As digital technologies become integral to higher education, understanding how they support student engagement is increasingly important. This article presents a critical review of 50 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025, examining how specific technology tools foster student engagement. The analysis revealed [...] Read more.
As digital technologies become integral to higher education, understanding how they support student engagement is increasingly important. This article presents a critical review of 50 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025, examining how specific technology tools foster student engagement. The analysis revealed a persistence of conceptual ambiguity and inconsistency of the definitions of student engagement. Most studies focus on behavioural engagement, with cognitive, social, collaborative and emotional aspects receiving less attention. Technological and agentic engagement are rarely discussed. Additionally, the majority of studies lack a clear theoretical foundation, reflecting a persistent emphasis on technological application rather than theoretical advancement. The review argues for a more theoretically grounded and humanised approach to technology-enhanced learning that prioritises pedagogical care and a strategic use of technology tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments)
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26 pages, 957 KB  
Review
Looking for Answers: A Scoping Review of Academic Help-Seeking in Digital Higher Education Research
by Chris Gillies and Jim Turner
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091095 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1673
Abstract
As Higher Education (HE) institutions expand their digital resources, students may be struggling to engage effectively with these tools. Academic help-seeking (AHS) is a useful framework for exploring help-seeking behaviour and could be applied to HE contexts, yet its application has been reported [...] Read more.
As Higher Education (HE) institutions expand their digital resources, students may be struggling to engage effectively with these tools. Academic help-seeking (AHS) is a useful framework for exploring help-seeking behaviour and could be applied to HE contexts, yet its application has been reported as inconsistent. Given the possible utility of this concept to support the growth in technology, a review of how academic help-seeking theory is applied in digital contexts can help to consolidate current understanding and guide future research. This scoping review examines the intersection of AHS and digital technology use in HE through analysis of peer-reviewed literature (2019–2024). Several gaps emerge: bias towards human-centred support, limited investigation of help-avoidance behaviours, insufficient attention to early help-seeking stages, and few studies examining spontaneous help-seeking in authentic digital learning environments. These findings indicate the need for expanded theoretical frameworks that better reflect modern learning behaviours and environments, alongside more diverse research approaches to understand how students integrate both human and non-human help sources in contemporary HE contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments)
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Other

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19 pages, 1086 KB  
Systematic Review
Can Learners’ Use of GenAI Enhance Learning Engagement?—A Meta-Analysis
by Kaili Wang and Zhencheng Guo
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15121578 - 24 Nov 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into educational contexts has sparked significant interest in its potential to enhance learning engagement. However, empirical findings remain inconsistent, and a systematic synthesis of its effects across distinct engagement dimensions is lacking. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence [...] Read more.
The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into educational contexts has sparked significant interest in its potential to enhance learning engagement. However, empirical findings remain inconsistent, and a systematic synthesis of its effects across distinct engagement dimensions is lacking. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from 31 empirical studies (91 effect sizes), with the core aim of investigating the relationship between learners’ GenAI use and learning engagement, alongside the role of key moderating variables. Results indicate that GenAI exerts a significant positive effect on overall learning engagement, demonstrating the strongest impact on cognitive engagement, followed by affective and behavioral engagement. Moderator analyses reveal nuanced, sub-dimension-specific effects: the positive influence is most pronounced in higher education, shows significant benefits across all three sub-dimensions in basic education, and is non-significant in continuing education; medium-duration interventions (1 day–1 month) yield the largest effects; and teacher intervention significantly amplifies gains in cognitive engagement. Both learning mode and interaction approach exert significant positive effects on overall learning engagement, while their impacts on the sub-dimensions did not show significant heterogeneity. This study enriches the theoretical system of educational technology integration by clarifying the directional effect and moderating mechanisms of GenAI on learning engagement and provides a nuanced evidence base for designing context-sensitive implementations, offering valuable insights for fostering personalized and engaging learning experiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supporting Learner Engagement in Technology-Rich Environments)
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