Search Results (315)

In Indonesia, there is a significant gap between the skills, creativity, innovation abilities, and job awareness of college graduates as well as the demands of the modern workforce. This gap originates from a curriculum and learning design that has not kept pace with the rapidly evolving needs of society. In an era characterized by digitalization and the rapid development of technology, content, infrastructure, human, and environmental resources, it is essential to create an open and pervasive learning environment (PLE). Therefore, this research aimed to describe the design process and determine the feasibility and validity of a PLE model that integrated formal and informal cooperative social learning. Research and Development (R&D) for Education model was adopted in this study following the phases of analysis, design, development, and evaluation (ADDIE). Furthermore, the research procedure included two main stages, namely the development of the PLE model and validation of the product. The product validation process further included 13 experts in material design, 15 experts in learning media, and 95 students from state and private universities across Indonesia. Subsequently, descriptive statistical analysis was used in analyzing the obtained data from the validation process. The results showed that the developed PLE model design has utilized the power of technology, social interaction, and everyday environment, both formally and informally. The developed learning model design was suitable for implementation in educational settings. This learning design model offers a comprehensive, flexible, and inclusive learning ecosystem that is tailored to the needs of the twenty-first century. Full article

To address the urgent challenges of sustainability in our changing world, STEM education must evolve to integrate a stronger focus on socioenvironmental dimensions. This study examines how students in geomatics courses understand the nature of STEM (NoSTEM) in the context of meteorology and fire ecology—fields closely tied to sustainability. Using two validated mixed-method instruments comprising closed- and open-ended items, we assessed students’ comprehension across cognitive–epistemic and socio-institutional dimensions, framed within the family resemblance approach (FRA). Data collected from 44 students in meteorology and 57 in fire ecology were analyzed using descriptive statistics and phenomenographic methods. Our findings indicate that, while students demonstrate a stronger grasp of technical concepts, their understanding of socio-institutional implications is comparatively limited. These results highlight the need to align STEM education with sustainability education, emphasizing real-world applications and the integration of socio-institutional elements into the curriculum. Addressing these gaps is essential for preparing students to engage with complex sustainability challenges, such as those posed by climate change, resource management, and disaster mitigation. Future research should investigate long-term interdisciplinary educational strategies to foster a holistic understanding of NoSTEM and its role in promoting sustainable development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults are at an increased risk for suicide and suicidal ideation compared with cisgender/heterosexual adults. Due to the complexity of suicidal ideation, individual, social, and systemic factors must be considered. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of suicidal ideation among SGM adults using constructs from the Social–Ecological Model (SEM). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of data collected from 1034 SGM adults between 27 January and 7 February 2022, and variables reflected the four constructs of the SEM, including individual, family, community, and societal levels. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to enter the variables in blocks. Results: The final model explained 55% of the variance in suicidal ideation, and determinants of suicidal ideation were identified at all four levels. At the individual level, factors were depression (p < 0.001, β = 0.231), anxiety (p < 0.001, β = 0.279), vigilance distress (p = 0.036, β = 0.157), not being out/open (p = 0.046, β = 1.136), having some college education (p = 0.002, β = −1.875), and personal strength (p = 0.012, β = −0.131). Family of origin discrimination distress was significant at the family level (p = 0.016, β = 0.174). Social resources (p < 0.001, β = −0.113), victimization distress (p < 0.001, β = 0.795), and harassment/discrimination distress (p = 0.035, β = 0.179) were significant at the community level. At the social level, SGM protective state law score (p = 0.43, β = −0.35) and having a proposed or enacted transgender sports ban (p = 0.027, β = 1.480) were significant. Conclusions: Understanding the factors across the various levels of the SEM that influence suicidal ideation allows for the development of multi-level, social-ecological suicide prevention programs. Such programs can address the unique needs of SGM individuals and help mitigate suicidal ideation. Full article

The renewable energy market, particularly the photovoltaic sector, has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Higher education institutions must play a vital role in the training of professionals, which the sector is currently demanding and will continue to require in the future. A pivotal resource for understanding the performance of PV modules is the experimental extraction of the characteristic I-V curve in laboratory practices. This paper presents an innovative and low-cost I-V curve tracer which can be used in indoor laboratories for teaching purposes. The described measurement system presents the novelty of helping form an energy-harvesting IC to force a sweep of the voltage from values close to zero to the open voltage circuit (Voc). An Arduino Micro board interfaces the implemented electronics and a LabVIEW-based monitoring and control program. The system proved its reliability and accuracy when it was compared to a calibrated commercial I-V tracer. The experimental results show that for a low-power PV module illuminated by a lamp, the proposed I-V tracer only deviated 1.3% from the commercial one in measurements of the maximum power. Full article

This work introduces a novel custom-designed 16-bit RISC-V processor, intended for educational purposes and for use in low-resource equipment. The implementation, despite providing registers of 16 bits, is based on RV32E RISC-V ISA, but with some key differences like a reduced instruction set that is optimized for embedded systems, the removal of floating-point instructions, reduced register count, and modified data types. These changes enable the processor to operate efficiently in resource-constrained environments while still maintaining assembly-level compatibility with the standard RISC-V architecture. The educational aspects of this project are also a key focus. By working on this project, students can gain hands-on experience with digital logic design, Verilog programming, and computer architecture. The project also includes tools and scripts to help students transform assembly code into binary format, making it easier for them to test and verify their designs. Additionally, the project’s open-source nature allows for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge among students and researchers worldwide. Full article

The Megafauna3D project integrates advanced 3D scanning technologies and paleontological research to bring the extinct megafauna of Uruguay to formal and informal educational settings. Through the use of digitized fossil models, interactive education materials, and a web platform, the project engages the public and educational institutions in understanding the country’s paleontological heritage. This manuscript presents Megafauna3D’s multidisciplinary approach, its outreach initiatives, and the educational resources developed, such as 3D models and printed replicas, a book integrated with augmented reality, fanzines, and a teaching box. With a focus on open science, inclusivity, and accessibility, the project fosters public engagement with paleontological content and promotes fossil heritage conservation. Full article

Developing teacher self-efficacy can be supported through coaching, a process that guides and supports teachers in enhancing their confidence in teaching and learning skills. This study, part of the CONNECT project funded by the European Union and implemented in various countries, investigates how coaching improves teacher performance and self-efficacy within the context of open schooling for sustainability. The coaching process underpinned by the CARE-KNOW-DO framework focused on 45 coaches supporting a total of 790 teachers in the UK, Brazil, Romania, and Spain. A multilanguage digital platform provided resources, guidelines, video, and best practices on open schooling integrated with the Sustainable Development Goals for teachers’ educators and teachers. Through a qualitative study analyzing CARE-KNOW-DO practices in one-on-one dialogue-based strategies, collaborative participatory research, webinars, workshops, and professional development courses, our findings reveal both challenges and catalysts in coaching. Key features of the coaching model that boosted teachers’ self-efficacy included working with mixed-ability classes (UK), overcoming curriculum pressure (Spain), and addressing complex teaching challenges (Romania). Pedagogical changes involved the adoption and co-creation of open schooling materials, along with integrating CARE-KNOW-DO principles and the EU DigComp framework for green digital skills. These insights demonstrate that coaching in open schooling environments for sustainability can significantly enhance teachers’ self-efficacy and the quality of open schooling experiences by increasing teachers’ awareness of challenges, strategies, and outcomes, focusing on meaningful practices, enhancing teaching and learning competencies, and fostering collaborative personal development. Full article

This study examines the characteristics of green startups and the progression of their resource utilization patterns during the pandemic emergency, focusing on case studies from the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of the Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology (IITK). This study explores how these startups overcame lockdown challenges and identified the resources they utilized throughout various development stages. The findings reveal that the green startups in the sample share characteristics of visionary and inventive startups, often lacking formal business education but possessing strong technical skills and social engagement. They rely heavily on human and social resources in the early stages, leveraging their networks and stakeholder support to define and develop their green innovations. The research also highlights the importance of open innovation strategies, particularly in the product development stage, where startups leverage research labs and expertise within the IITK ecosystem. This study increases the literature on green startups and offers practical recommendations for young green entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of operating in familiar industries, building stakeholder networks, and utilizing open innovation strategies for successful green innovation development. Full article

The social impacts of prevailing circular economy (CE) strategies remain under-researched despite the considerable attention that CE has received from scholars and in industry. Existing CE indicators primarily focus on business models from a decision-making standpoint, overlooking consumer engagement and alternative solutions. Boasting one of the highest recycling rates globally, Taiwan faces challenges in optimizing collected resources. This study delves into recycling plastic waste by integrating consumer behavior within CE strategies, leveraging open-source resources and additive manufacturing technologies to align with the United Nations Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). These resources facilitate the transformation of plastic waste into reusable materials. Employing an exploratory and participatory action research approach, this research uses the Precious Plastic Universe (PPU) database to identify potential resources from post-consumer polymer waste. Subsequently, it explores tools for converting collected waste into usable polymers. Lastly, the study investigates integrating collected polymer waste into student design projects to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills for sustainable development, employing additive manufacturing tools at the National Taiwan Normal University Department of Design. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several recurring patterns, including the role of consumer behavior in plastic waste generation, the development of creativity and problem-solving skills among students, and the challenges of working with recycled materials. These themes were observed in quantitative data (collected single-use polymers) and qualitative insights from student observations and interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study highlights key factors contributing to successful CE integration, providing a model for future educational and industrial applications of sustainable design. Full article

In the context of 21st-century educational transformation, Massive Open Online Courses have emerged as a global and flexible learning opportunity. This study explores the impact of MOOC implemented at Instituto Super Técnico on student engagement and attendance, focusing on their effectiveness in higher education. A descriptive approach was applied, selecting three MOOC as the empirical field, combining quantitative data from participation logs and qualitative feedback from student surveys. The key characteristics, the challenges, and the effectiveness of educational resources were evaluated, particularly concerning student interaction and perceptions of course quality. The pedagogical analysis highlighted both successful strategies and areas for improvement. The findings offer valuable insights into the influence of MOOC on students and the institution, contributing to the broader understanding of Portugal’s educational landscape. This study also proposes a framework for enhancing MOOC strategies in higher education globally, considering the potential of technological innovations in the 21st century. Full article

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience an increased risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Recommendations to prevent and treat obesity for those with SCI follow those of the US Department of Agriculture to adopt a healthy eating pattern that includes eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein, plus limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Yet, people with SCI eat too many calories, fat, and carbohydrates and too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The study is based on secondary analyses of SCI participants (n = 122) who enrolled in a weight loss study to determine how SCI may impact their ability to prepare food at home. We hypothesize those with higher-level spinal injuries (specifically, those with cervical versus those with thoracic or lumbar/sacral injuries) experience significantly greater difficulty and are more likely to rely on others’ assistance to perform meal preparation tasks. Physiologic (weight, BMI, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c) and self-reported data (demographic plus responses to the Life Habits Short Survey and meal prep items) were collected at baseline and qualitative data were obtained from a subsample after the intervention during phone interviews. Participants’ average age was 50 ± 14.7 years old, they lived with SCI for an average of 13.0 ± 13.1 years, and their average BMI was 32.0 ± 6.5. Participants were predominantly white (76.1%) men (54.1%) who had some college education (76.3%), though only 28.8% worked. A substantial proportion of respondents (30% to 68%) reported difficulty across the 13 tasks related to purchasing and preparing meals, with a proxy reported as the most common assistance type used across all tasks (17% to 42%). Forty-nine percent reported difficulty preparing simple meals, with 29% reporting a proxy does the task. More than half reported difficulty using the oven and stove, though between 60% to 70% reported no difficulty using other kitchen appliances (e.g., coffee machine, food processor, can opener), the refrigerator, or microwave. There was a significant difference in kitchen function by injury level. Those living with cervical-level injuries had significantly greater limitations than those with thoracic-level injuries. Spouses, other family members, and caregivers were most likely to serve as proxies and these individuals exerted both positive and negative influences on respondents’ dietary intake, based on qualitative data obtained during interviews. The results suggest that many people living with SCI experience functional and environmental barriers that impact their ability to prepare food and use kitchen appliances. Future research should examine how SCI-related functional limitations, transportation access, accessibility of the kitchen, ability to use appliances, availability of financial resources, and assistance by others to prepare foods impact people’s ability to follow a healthy eating pattern. Full article

In recent years, the teaching of experimental science and engineering has been revolutionized by the integration of smartphone sensors, which are widely used by a large portion of the population. Concurrently, interest in solar energy has surged. This raises the important question of how smartphone sensors can be harnessed to incorporate solar energy studies into undergraduate education. We provide comprehensive guidelines for using smartphone sensors in various conditions, along with detailed instructions on how to calibrate them with widely accessible clear-sky satellite data. This smartphone-based method is also compared with professional reference measurements to ensure consistency. This experiment can be easily conducted with most smartphones, basic materials, and a clear, open location over a few hours (methods). The findings demonstrate that smartphones, combined with simple resources, can accurately measure solar irradiance and support experiments on solar radiation physics, atmospheric interactions, and variations in solar energy across locations, cloud cover, and time scales. This approach provides a practical and accessible tool for studying solar energy, offering an innovative and engaging method for measuring solar resources. Full article

Ever since bachelor’s competencies were introduced as a reference standard in Japan, many Japanese higher education institutions have been exploring and practicing liberal arts education for the 21st century. This study posits that incorporating new elements into university education has been a significant trend in liberal arts education for the 21st century. Building on the results of a comprehensive survey, primarily involving universities and industry, this study provides an in-depth analysis of how 21st-century liberal arts education is evaluated and expected by companies and others. A questionnaire survey was administered to universities regarding their provision of 21st-century liberal arts education and the status of reforms toward this education, and to companies and other members of society regarding their expectations and evaluation of 21st-century liberal arts education provided by universities, as well as the content they evaluate as learning outcomes for university students and the qualities and skills they consider when employing them. The findings from the survey of universities and companies indicate that the average scores for curriculum reform and establishment of new courses at universities and host companies are relatively low, as indicated by the relatively low average scores for keywords that companies place importance on. Undeniably, universities’ efforts toward reform and the reality of such efforts should be conveyed to the public. Through dialogue with the industrial sector, we can understand the necessity of sharing and realizing openness to developing human resources through collaboration and innovation. Full article

In view of professional learning and practical training in traditional electronic information education of application-oriented universities, this paper constructs electronic information–innovation practice teaching reform (EI-IPTR).In this scheme, by an integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled curriculum with a multi-mode integrated platform and open-style module, big data-based comprehensive education resources are optimally configured. We jointly perform the multi-mode construction of innovative practice teaching, professional education stage design, and teaching management improvement, respectively. Subsequently, new practice teaching mechanisms with information technology and its implementation and management methods are established to achieve better teaching effects. It first strengthens learning and intra-group competition to promote students’ innovation in competitions. Then, the AI technique, i.e., attention mechanism-aided long short-term memory (LSTM), is used to model individual students’ abilities. Thus, it accurately evaluates them for teachers to efficiently manage their teaching process in accordance with their aptitude. The teaching reform practice verifies that the AI-enabled big data optimization of teaching reform has a better effect by the above multi-mode innovation. It exhibits an obvious improvement in the quantity and quality of students’ professional knowledge, personal ability, teamwork, and innovative practice. It is also in accordance with the independent completion of practical course teaching in the analysis of big education data. In addition, it realizes high-quality practical teaching by combining multi-mode, multi-level, and open discipline foundations together with efficient, professional skills. Full article

This study addresses the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 10, and 12 by developing a resource-efficient tool that promotes equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, supports decent work and economic growth, reduces inequalities, and ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns. This study contributes to sustainable education by providing a tool that is designed to be easy to use, easy to modify, and resource-efficient, making it accessible to institutions with limited technological resources. The tool uses artificial intelligence and a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to provide personalized teaching, adapting to the unique learning styles of its users. A custom survey adapted from the Felder–Silverman model was used to track weekly learning style transitions among 72 engineering students at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Los Llanos. These data were used to build the LSTM model to predict learning style transitions over a 16-week semester. Two interfaces were created: one for instructors, integrating the LSTM model, and one for students, incorporating a custom survey. An OpenAI API-powered chat was also built into both interfaces to provide study advice to students according to their styles and enable professors to personalize their teaching methodologies in engineering education. Full article