Information Technologies and Learning Tools 

About: Information Technologies and Learning Tools is an academic journal published by Institute for Digitalisation of Education of the NAES of Ukraine. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Competence (human resources). It has an ISSN identifier of 2076-8184. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 766 publications have been published receiving 2174 citations. The journal is also known as: ИТЛТ & ÌТЗН.

Enhancing english language learners’ motivation through online games

Abstract: In this article, we examine the potentials of online games which teachers can employ in order to motivate their students and summarize the positive effects of playing learning games. The study addresses the question of how gamified learning is applicable to learning English as a second language. The other research questions refer to the reasons that make language learners want to play a learning game and the influence of particular game elements onto players. All of these questions are investigated on the example of Kahoot web resource. The study suggests that online learning games can foster intrinsic motivation and help engage students in learning activities. The use of online games in English as a second language learning shows the direct relationship between a high energy level of fun competition and increased motivation.

Use of facial emotion recognition in e-learning systems

Abstract: Since the personal computer usage and internet bandwidth are increasing, e-learning systems are also widely spreading. Although e-learning has some advantages in terms of information accessibility, time and place flexibility compared to the formal learning, it does not provide enough face-to-face interactivity between an educator and learners. In this study, we are proposing a hybrid information system, which is combining computer vision and machine learning technologies for visual and interactive e-learning systems. The proposed information system detects emotional states of the learners and gives feedback to an educator about their instant and weighted emotional states based on facial expressions. In this way, the educator will be aware of the general emotional state of the virtual classroom and the system will create a formal learning-like interactive environment. Herein, several classification algorithms were applied to learn instant emotional state and the best accuracy rates were obtained using kNN and SVM algorithms.

The conceptual basis of the university cloud-based learning and research environment formation and development in view of the open science priorities

Abstract: This article explores the scientific and methodological background of the creation and development of the cloud-based learning and research environment in the context of open science priorities and the European Research Area (ERA) formation. The conceptual and terminology body of the cloud-based environment investigation and the main features of such an environment are delineated. The main methodological principles of the environment design and development, for instance, the principles of open science, open education and also the specific principles inherent to the cloud-based systems are described. The study aim is to analyze the conceptual body, principles, and features of the formation and development of the cloud-based educational and research environment in the context of the open science concept. The objective of the study is to determine the prospects of cloud technologies that are used to support educational and scientific activities and to outline the principles and technologies of open science use and explore their broader application in pedagogical systems of higher educational institutions. The research methods are the analysis of official international documents, publications on the research, observation, comparison, the analysis of the experience of the educational and scientific application of cloud technologies, and experimental studies. The results of the research substantiate cloud technologies in the principles of creation and development of the learning and research environment (LRE) of a higher education institution. The concept of the cloud-based environment is explained; the characteristic features of its functioning are outlined. Additionally, the prospects and estimation of the cloud-based LRE development in the aspect of open science are defined. Conclusions and recommendations encompass the application of cloud-based open science technologies covering European research infrastructures, scientific and educational networks, European open science cloud, and also cloud services for collecting, submitting and processing data as a topical and promising trend for the development and modernization of the learning and research environment of higher education institutions.

The students’ academic writing skill after implementing blended learning using facebook

Abstract: Almost all students use smartphone for their daily activities. Nowadays, the student’s literacy on information technology is very good, but sometimes it has not been considered in school learning. One of the essential competencies of undergraduate school is academic writing skill. There is a gap between the student competencies and the learning strategy in certain learning subjects. The aim of this research is to examine the effectiveness of blended mobile learning activity using Facebook to improve student writing skill. This research used timed essay examination to measure the writing skill after one semester learning activity using this strategy and student satisfaction responses to learning. There were four aspects used as criteria of writing skill: ideas, organization, wording, and flavor. The results showed that this learning approach had shown good results in some aspects, particularly in improving the skill of shaping ideas and organizing the ideas into written form. The uses of various learning strategies that make students more active and centered on students tend to increase the ability of students to search for new ideas creatively. Among others, the positive aspect is the students have the knowledge and understanding of new concepts that can support the idea of writing in the aspect of idea and various choices of words.

Mobility: a systems approach

Abstract: A comprehensive study on the problem of mobility in the socio-educational and technical systems was carried out: the evolution of the concept of mobility in scientific sources of XIX–XXI centuries was analyzed and the new sources on the issue of mobility introduced into scientific circulation, the interrelation of the types of mobility in the socio-pedagogical and technical systems are theoretically grounded, an integrative model of mobility in the information society is proposed. The major trends in academic mobility are identified (the transition from student mobility to mobility programs and educational services providers), the new mobility programs (franchising, double/joint degrees, combinations, nostrification etc.) are characterized. The new types of mobility providers are reviewed and attention is focused on virtual universities that are now the basis of virtual mobility of students and activities which are based on the use of new ICT in higher education, especially – the Internet and mobile learning environments.