Using Adobe Connect Platform: A Case of Iranian English Learners and Teachers in Sirjan
الموضوعات :
Zahra Abdollahi
1
(Department of English Language, Sirjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran)
Marjan Moiinvaziri
2
(Department of English Language, Sirjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran)
الکلمات المفتاحية: E-Learning, Online Teaching, Adobe Connect, E-learning Platform,
ملخص المقالة :
The COVID-19 pandemic has created the most significant disruption of education systems in human history worldwide. In the present condition, E-learning platforms have gained more importance and become a permanent part of teachers’ and students’ lives. Consequently, studying E-learning platforms from a systemic approach gained the most prominence. One of the available and most used online platforms in Iran is “Adobe Connect”. Therefore, this study has investigated the challenges and benefits of using “Adobe Connect” in the Iranian E-learning system from the point of view of EFL students and teachers. This is a case study in which an in-depth understanding of language learning through the mentioned online platform was sought. The participants consisted of 10 EFL teachers and 158 students studying English at Islamic Azad University and Ilia Language Institute in Sirjan, who were selected based on purposive sampling. The data were collected using a researcher-made five-Likert scale questionnaire, including 27 items and semi-structured interviews. The results indicated a moderately positive attitude of language learners’ toward “Adobe Connect”. In addition, the EFL teachers presented a series of advantages and disadvantages of this platform. The obtained outcomes could serve the online platform creators and developers, teachers and learners as users of this platform and as a model for countries with similar technology infrastructure and cultural features wishing to improve their e-learning systems.
Abbasi Kasani, H., Shams Mourkani, G., Seraji, F., Rezaeizadeh, M., & Abedi, H. (2020). E-Learning Challenges in Iran: A Research Synthesis. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 21(4), 96–116. https:// doi. Org /10. 191 73/i rrodl .v21i4.4677
Al-Anezi, Y. H., & Alajmi, S. M. (2021). Factors that influence English teachers’ acceptance and use of e-learning technologies. International Education Studies, 14(9), 15-27. https://doi.org/ 10.5539/ies. v14n9p15
Ali, W. (2020). Online and remote learning in higher education institutes: A necessity in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Higher Education Studies, 10(3), 16-25. https://doi.org/10.5539/ hes. v10n3p16
Al-Mubireek, S. (2019). E-Learning in the English Classroom: Comparing Two E-Learning Platforms Impacting Preparatory Year Students’ Language Learning. CALL-EJ, 20(2), 19–37
Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Irvine, C. S. K., & Walker, D. (2013). Introduction to Research in Education (9th ed.). Cengage Learning
Berman, P. & Cerreta, D. (2006). E-learning concepts and techniques. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Bryant, S. M., and J. E. Hunton (2000). The use of technology in the delivery of instruction: implications for accounting educators and education research. Issue in Accounting Education 15 (1), 129-162.
Carrington V & Robinson M (eds.) 2009. Digital literacies: Social learning and classroom practices. Thousand Oakes, CA: SAGE Publications.
Cidral, W. A., Oliveira, T., di Felice, M., & Aparicio, M. (2018). E-learning success determinants: Brazilian empirical study. Computers & Education, 122, 273–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.12.001
Craig, R. J., & Amernic, J. H. (2006). PowerPoint presentation technology and the dynamics of teaching. Innovative Higher Education, 31(3), 147-160.
De Crook, M. et al, “Active Learning for Adaptive Internet – State of the art”, Project Deliverable Report, 2002
Elisabeta, P. M., & Alexandru, M. R. (2018). Comparative Analysis of E-Learning Platforms on The Market. 2018 10th International Conference on Electronics, Computers and Artificial Intelligence (ECAI). https://doi.org/10.1109/ecai.2018.8679004
Englehart, D. (2015). Explorations in online learning using Adobe Connect. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 14(2), 99–110.
Heidari-Shahreza, M., Najafi, M., & Ketabi, S. (2021). The effect of adobe connects virtual classrooms on medical students’ technical vocabulary learning: Achievements and challenges. International Archives of Health Sciences, 8(3), 196. https://doi.org/10.4103/iahs.iahs_15_21
Kast, J., Lindner, K. T., Gutschik, A., & Schwab, S. (2021). Austrian teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs regarding at-risk students during home learning due to COVID-19. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 36(1), 114-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257. 2021.1872849
Keller C. and Cernerud, L. (2002) Student's Perceptions of e-Learning in University Education, Journal of Educational Media, vol. 27, no.1-2, pp. 55-67.
Krüger S 2006. Students' experiences of e-learning: a virtual ethnography into blended online learning. Paper presented at the Networked Learning Conference, Lancaster University, UK, 10-12 April. Available at http:// www. Networked learning conference. org.uk/past/nlc2006/abstracts/pdfs/P22%20Kruger.pdf. Accessed 11 November 2015.
Richard, H., & Haya, A. (2009). Examining student decision to adopt web 2.0 technologies: theory and empirical tests. Journal of computing in higher education, 21(3), 183-198.
See Yin Lim, J., Agostinho, S., Harper, B., & Chicharo, J. (2014). The engagement of social media technologies by undergraduate informatics students for academic purpose in Malaysia. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 12(3), 177–194. https://doi.org/10.1108/jices-03-2014-0016
Karim, F., Goodwin, R., "Using Cloud Computing in e-learning Systems," International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science & Technology (IJARCST), Vol. 1 Issue 1 Oct-Dec 2013, pp.66-67.
Liaw, S. S., Huang, H. M. and Chen, G.D. (2007) Surveying Instructor and Learner Attitudes Toward E-learning, Computers and Education, vol. 49, no.4, pp. 1066 1080. [online] Available from: www.sciencedirct.com[Accessed13/6/2010].
Liu, C.-H., "The comparison of learning effectiveness between traditional face-to-face learn-ing and e-learning among goal-oriented users", in Digital Content, Multimedia Technology and its Applications (IDC), 2010 6th International Conference on. 2010. IEEE.
Liu, Y., & Wang, H. (2009). A comparative study on e-learning technologies and products: from the East to the West. Systems Research & Behavioral Science, 26(2), 191–209
Marttunen M & Laurinen L 2007. Collaborative learning through chat discussions and argument diagrams in secondary school. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 40(1):109-126.
Mahmoodi-Shahrebabaki, M., & Yaghoubi-Notash, M. (2014). E-learning in Iran as a developing Country: Challenges Ahead and Possible Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION METHODOLOGY, 6(2), 787795.
Mulyanti B, Purnama W, Pawinanto RE. Distance learning in vocational high schools during the COVID-19 pandemic in West Java Province, Indonesia. Indones J Sci Technol. 2020;5(2):271–82. doi:10.17509/ijost. v5i2.24640.
Ninsiana, W., Gabidullina, F. I., Widodo, M., Patra, I., Pallathadka, H., Alkhateeb, D. A. A. M., Zainal, A. G., & Gheisari, A. (2022). High School Students’ Attitudes towards E-Learning and Impacts of Online Instruction on Their General English Learning: Challenges and Issues. Education Research International, 2022, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9103862
Ostad, S. N., Ahmady, S., Mohammadi, A., Sabzevari, O., Mojtahedzadeh, R., Razavizadeh, M., & Norouzadeh, A. N. (2019). Evolution of e-learning in Iran’s medical sciences universities: Formation of Virtual University of Medical Sciences. Teb va tazkiye, 27(4), 233-243. Retrieved from http://www.tebvatazkiye.ir/article_83481_en.html
Piotrowski, M. (2010). What is an E-Learning Platform? In Kats, Y. Learning Management System Technologies and Software Solutions for Online Teaching: Tools and Applications. (pp 31). Information Science Reference (an Imprint of IGI Global), Hersey, PA.
Smith D & Smith K 2014. The case for 'passive' learning - the 'silent' community of online learners. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 17(2):86-99. Available at http://www.eurodl.org/?p=current&article=649. Accessed 17 November 2015.
Tare, M., Golonka, E. M., Vatz, K., Bonilla, C. L., Crooks, C., & Strong,R. (2014). Effects of interactive chat versus independent writing on L2 learning. Language Learning & Technology, 18(3), 208–227. Retrieved from http:// llt. msu. edu/ issues/ october 2014/ tareetal.pdf
Thakker, S. V., Parab, J., & Kaisare, S. (2020). Systematic research of e-learning platforms for solving challenges faced by Indian engineering students. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 16(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-09-2020-0078
Ziaul Hoq, Mohammad. “E-Learning during the Period of Pandemic (COVID-19) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Empirical Study.” (2020). American Journal of Educational Research, 8(7), 457–464. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-8-7-2
