Search Results (484)

This exploratory case study investigates the implementation and educational impact of a Virtual Reality (VR)- and Augmented Reality (AR)-based assistive technology developed to support learners with dyslexia. The intervention, delivered via mobile devices and VR headsets, incorporated gamified and interactive content aimed at enhancing cognitive skills such as attention, inhibition, narrative memory, and phonological awareness. Two in-depth case studies were conducted with primary school students formally diagnosed with dyslexia. Cognitive performance was assessed using the NEPSY-II neuropsychological battery, and user experience was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The results showed positive trends in executive function and language-related skills, as well as high motivation and satisfaction. While these findings suggest promising benefits of immersive educational technologies in dyslexia intervention, conclusions regarding efficacy cannot be drawn due to the limited sample size. Further research with larger and controlled designs is needed to validate these initial observations. Full article

Understanding the carbon emission efficiency of apple production (APCEE) is critical for promoting green and low-carbon agricultural development. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of APCEE in China remain inadequately explored. This study employs life cycle assessment, super-efficiency slacks-based measures, and a panel Tobit model to evaluate the carbon footprint, APCEE, and its determinants in China’s two major production regions from 2003 to 2022. The results reveal that: (1) Producing one ton of apples in China results in 0.842 t CO₂e emissions. Land carbon intensity and total carbon emissions peaked in 2010 (28.69 t CO₂e/ha) and 2014 (6.52 × 10⁷ t CO₂e), respectively, exhibiting inverted U-shaped trends. Carbon emissions from various production areas show significant differences, with higher pressure on carbon emission reduction in the Loess Plateau region, especially in Gansu Province. (2) The APCEE in China exhibits a W-shaped trend (mean: 0.645), with overall low efficiency loss. The Bohai Bay region outperforms the Loess Plateau and national averages. (3) The structure of the apple industry, degree of agricultural mechanization, and green innovation positively influence APCEE, while the structure of apple cultivation, education level, and agricultural subsidies negatively impact it. Notably, green innovation and agricultural subsidies display lagged effects. Moreover, the drivers of APCEE differ significantly between the two major production regions. These findings provide actionable pathways for the green and low-carbon transformation of China’s apple industry, emphasizing the importance of spatially tailored green policies and technology-driven decarbonization strategies. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

The rapid emergence of generative AI technologies has sparked significant transformation across educational landscapes worldwide. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of GAI in education, mapping scholarly trends from 2022 to 2025. Drawing on 3808 peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus, the analysis reveals exponential growth in publications, with dominant contributions from the United States, China, and Hong Kong. Using VOSviewer, the study identifies six major thematic clusters, including GAI in higher education, ethics, technological foundations, writing support, and assessment. Prominent tools, especially ChatGPT, are shown to influence pedagogical design, academic integrity, and learner engagement. The study highlights interdisciplinary integration, regional research ecosystems, and evolving keyword patterns reflecting the field’s transition from tool-based inquiry to learner-centered concerns. This review offers strategic insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers navigating AI’s transformative role in education. Full article

This study explores the potential of Intelligent Geographic Information Systems (GISs) in advancing educational practices through the integration of real-time data models. The objective is to investigate how GIS technology can enhance teaching and learning by providing interactive and dynamic learning environments. The research employs a bibliometric analysis based on the Scopus database, covering the period from 2000 to 2024, to identify key trends, the evolution of GIS applications in education, and their pedagogical impact. Findings reveal that GISs, particularly when incorporating real-time data, enable a more immersive learning experience, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and promote student engagement through project-based learning. However, challenges such as the lack of specialized training for educators and limitations in technological infrastructure remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The study concludes that Intelligent GISs have the potential to transform education by fostering personalized, interdisciplinary learning and enhancing educational management. It emphasizes the need for further research aimed at developing user-friendly systems and addressing ethical concerns to ensure the benefits of GIS technology are accessible to all students. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of GISs on student outcomes and explore their integration into diverse educational contexts. Full article

The sustainable development of higher education exhibits a strong and measurable association with the level of regional innovation capacity. Drawing on panel data covering 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2010 to 2022, we construct evaluation frameworks for both higher education and regional innovation capacity using the entropy weight method. These are complemented by kernel density estimation, spatial autocorrelation analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition, and the Obstacle Degree Model. Together, these tools enable a comprehensive investigation into the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of coupling coordination dynamics between the two systems. The results indicate the following: (1) Both higher education and regional innovation capacity indices exhibit steady growth, accompanied by a clear temporal gradient differentiation. (2) The coupling coordination degree shows an overall upward trend, with significant inter-regional disparities, notably “higher in the east and low in the west”. (3) The spatial distribution of the coupling coordination degree reveals positive spatial autocorrelation, with provinces exhibiting similar levels tending to form spatial clusters, most commonly of the low–low or high–high type. (4) The spatial heterogeneity is pronounced, with inter-regional differences driving overall imbalance. (5) Key obstacles hindering regional innovation include inadequate R&D investment, limited trade openness, and weak technological development. In higher education sectors, limitations stem from insufficient social service benefits and efficiency of flow. This study recommends promoting the synchronized advancement of higher education and regional innovation through region-specific development strategies, strengthening institutional infrastructure, and accurately identifying and addressing key barriers. These efforts are essential to fostering high-quality, coordinated regional development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Health literacy plays a fundamental role in adolescents’ health-related decisions and behaviors. The aim of our study was to assess the level of health literacy among 16–17-year-old students in Southern Hungary and to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the autumn of 2024 in Baranya and Somogy counties. A total of 133 students completed a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic variables and health behaviors. Health literacy was measured using the validated HELMA-H instrument. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Overall, 62.7% of the students demonstrated adequate, while 37.3% demonstrated inadequate levels of health literacy. No significant association was found between overall health literacy and sociodemographic variables; however, partial associations were observed on specific subscales. Boys reported better access to health information (p = 0.037), while children of mothers with higher educational attainment scored better in comprehension (p = 0.042) and appraisal (p = 0.036). In the case of the numeracy subscale, children of mothers with the lowest educational level showed significantly better results (p = 0.006). Students with higher health literacy levels were less likely to smoke or consume caffeine; however, a reverse trend was observed regarding alcohol consumption. Physical activity showed a positive association with healthier behaviors (p < 0.05). Discussion: The use of digital technologies, interactive learning strategies, and the involvement of family members—especially mothers—may support the development of health-conscious decision-making in adolescents. Consequently, health education programs should focus not only on knowledge transfer but also on fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. Full article

The present study explores the use of Instagram as an innovative strategy in the teaching–learning process in the context of animal reproduction topics. In the current era, with digital technology and social media transforming how information is accessed and consumed, it is essential for teachers to adapt and harness the potential of these tools for educational purposes. This article delves into the need for teachers to stay updated with current trends and the importance of promoting digital competences among teachers. This research aims to provide insights into the benefits of integrating social media into the educational landscape. Students of Veterinary Science degrees, Master’s degrees in Equine Sport Medicine as well as vocational education and training (VET) were involved in this study. An Instagram account named “UCOREPRO” was created for educational use, and it was openly available to all users. Instagram usage metrics were consistently tracked. A voluntary survey comprising 35 questions was conducted to collect feedback regarding the educational use of smartphone technology, social media habits and the UCOREPRO Instagram account. The integration of Instagram as an educational tool was positively received by veterinary students. Survey data revealed that 92.3% of respondents found the content engaging, with 79.5% reporting improved understanding of the subject and 71.8% acquiring new knowledge. Students suggested improvements such as more frequent posting and inclusion of academic incentives. Concerns about privacy and digital distraction were present but did not outweigh the perceived benefits. The use of short videos and microlearning strategies proved particularly effective in capturing students’ attention. Overall, Instagram was found to be a promising platform to enhance motivation, engagement, and informal learning in veterinary education, provided that thoughtful integration and clear educational objectives are maintained. In general, students expressed positive opinions about the initiative, and suggested some ways in which it could be improved as an educational tool. Full article

Advances in technology and changes in the way people entertain themselves have made video games a cultural agent on a par with more traditional games, including language learning. In addition, the use of video games in education is becoming increasingly common and numerous benefits associated with their use have been discovered. The aim of this article is to analyze the search trends in studies dealing with the use of video games in language learning. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was carried out by applying the traditional laws of bibliometrics (Price’s law, Bradford’s law of concentration, Lotka’s law, Zipf’s law and h-index) to documents published in journals indexed in the Core Collection of the Web of Science (WoS). Annual publications between 2009 and 2022 show an exponential growth R2 = 86%. The journals with the most publications are Computer assisted language learning (Taylor & Francis) and Computers and Education (Elsevier). Jie Chi-Yang and Gwo Jen-Hwan were the most cited authors. The United States and Taiwan were the countries with the highest scientific output. The use of video games in language learning has been of particular interest in recent years, with benefits found for students who use them in their classes, although more research is needed to establish criteria and requirements for each video game for its intended purpose. Full article

The accelerated transformations in the education system marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) require a rethinking of pedagogical approaches. The VUCA environment requires a new educational management system in line with new technological trends in order to respond effectively to all the internal and external factors that may affect the quality of teaching. A particularly important course of action is updating teaching methods by combining traditional teaching methods with new interactive methods that promote the introduction of certain digital applications during the teaching of new topics. In this sense, the quantitative research carried out in the present study among second-year students from the psycho-pedagogical program organized by the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, has highlighted the fact that innovative teaching methods are more effective, contributing to the development of personality and communication skills among pupils and students. Also, the results obtained after applying the Mann–Whitney test showed that there is a significant difference between students involved in different educational activities and those who do not have contact with the educational environment in terms of perceiving the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of the educational environment. At the same time, in the context of the VUCA world, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the teaching–learning process, teachers need to develop new skills such as stress management, adaptability, creativity, technological skills, and time management. Addressing the specific competencies that teachers need to acquire in order to improve their teaching and to respond effectively to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity in education, this study contributes to the creation of a sustainable education system, which is able to cope with all transformations (technological, legislative, socio-economic, etc.). The article is based on the results obtained in the postdoctoral research conducted at the end of 2024. Full article

Robotics has emerged as a transformative discipline at the intersection of the engineering, computer science, and cognitive sciences. This state-of-the-art review explores the current trends, methodologies, and challenges in both robotics research and education. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the evolution of robotics, tracing its development from early automation to intelligent, autonomous systems. Key enabling technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), soft robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and swarm intelligence, are examined along with real-world applications in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and sustainable smart cities. A central focus is placed on robotics education, where hands-on, interdisciplinary learning is reshaping curricula from K–12 to postgraduate levels. This paper analyzes instructional models including project-based learning, laboratory work, capstone design courses, and robotics competitions, highlighting their effectiveness in developing both technical and creative competencies. Widely adopted platforms such as the Robot Operating System (ROS) are briefly discussed in the context of their educational value and real-world alignment. Through case studies, institutional insights, and synthesis of academic and industry practices, this review underscores the vital role of robotics education in fostering innovation, systems thinking, and workforce readiness. The paper concludes by identifying the key challenges and future directions to guide researchers, educators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in advancing robotics as both technological and educational frontiers. Full article

The Global Talent Competitiveness Index is a system created by the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires, based on which we compared China’s talent competitiveness rankings with those of the G20 countries and analyzed the performance of each indicator. Thus, we analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of each country’s talent cultivation policies and then explored the factors affecting them based on their national conditions. The analysis shows that, despite fluctuations, China’s global talent competitiveness ranking is generally on an upward trend compared with other G20 countries. Further analysis of strengths and weaknesses shows that China’s talent competitiveness has advantages in government efficiency, market dynamism, education system, R&D investment, and technological innovation. This study develops an original matrix model to examine the internationalization level of China’s talent competitiveness. However, there are gaps between China and developed countries in terms of labor market policy effects, education matching, vocational education, and key human resources. Drawing from large-scale data, four strategies can be implemented in the future, namely piloting & enterprising, opportunity utilization, threat transformation, and disadvantage adjustment, to improve China’s talent competitiveness. Full article

Augmented reality is an educational technology mainly used in disciplines with a strong physical component, such as architecture or engineering. However, its application is much less common in more abstract fields, such as programming and algorithms. Some augmented reality apps for algorithm education exist, but their effect remains insufficiently assessed. In particular, emotions are an important factor for learning, and the emotional impact of augmented reality should be determined. This article inquires about the impact on students’ emotions of an augmented reality tool for learning Dijkstra’s algorithm. This investigation uses an artificial intelligence tool that detects emotions in real time through facial recognition. The data captured with this tool show that students’ positive emotions increased significantly, statistically surpassing negative emotions, and that some negative emotions, such as fear, were considerably reduced. The results show the same trend as those obtained with psychometric questionnaires, but both positive and negative emotions registered with questionnaires were significantly greater than those registered with the artificial intelligence tool. The contribution of this article is twofold. Firstly, it reinforces previous findings on the positive emotional impact of augmented reality on students. Secondly, it shows an alignment of different instruments to measure emotions, but to varying degrees. Full article

Amid the digital transformation of logistics and supply chains, Extended Reality (XR) technologies have emerged as promising tools for enhancing education and training. However, existing studies are fragmented, often limited to case-specific applications with minimal theoretical or longitudinal depth. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 1172 publications from 2009 to December 2024, using PRISMA protocols and VOSviewer-based text mining to identify trends and research gaps. A total of 59 peer-reviewed articles were selected for in-depth analysis based on relevance, methodological transparency, and educational scope. Five key themes emerged: immersive instructional innovation, XR-enabled safety training in high-risk logistics environments, simulation-based development of practical competencies, intelligent learning environments with personalized features, and competency alignment with Industry 4.0. These themes span higher education, vocational training, and community-based learning. A temporal analysis reveals a three-phase evolution: exploratory (2009–2013), applied implementation (2016–2020), and integrative innovation (2021–2024). Despite increasing interest, the field remains dominated by descriptive methods and lacks systematic evaluation frameworks. XR shows strong potential to bridge the theory–practice gap and support scalable, interdisciplinary education models. Future research should prioritize evidence-based frameworks and cross-contextual validation to support the effective adoption of XR in LSCM education. Full article

In the last decade, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has rapidly evolved and increasingly makes use of innovative technologies. This paper aims to explore and analyze the research on integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) within STEM education and outline key aspects and emerging trends. A complete picture of the recent ten years is gained by gathering bibliometric data from the Scopus and Web of Science scientific databases. Two search queries combining IoT, STEM education, and security were submitted to extract relevant publications and obtain insight into the explored area. The manual content analysis of the study results and publications outlines several key roles of IoT in implementing STEM educational practices, which are conceptualized to reflect user viewpoints. Widespread IoT applications in STEM at different educational levels are discussed and summarized. The special focus on security aspects showed that they are underrepresented, evidenced by the small number of publications related to IoT in STEM education. The importance of including topics aimed at designing and implementing secure IoT applications in STEM-oriented curricula and courses is also discussed. Full article