Preface

*Technology in Learning* brings together theory and practice in one single text. It examines the basic rudiments of technology and how they are integrated into teaching and learning. It provides case studies and critical reflection exercises to facilitate novice researchers' understanding of how to apply technology-integrated teaching and learning tools in practice. This book represents a novel approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning in that it addresses basic technology integration as well as blended spaces.

Section 1, "Theorization of Technology in Teaching and Learning", includes four chapters.

Chapter 1, "The Role of Modern Technologies in Improving the Quality of Education", focuses on the role of modern technologies in improving the quality of education. It explains various forms and patterns of e-learning that have emerged, including blended learning, which has become the focus of attention for many universities. Blended education focuses on providing learning in interactive, flexible, and interesting ways and helps to create suitable learning environments for students.

Chapter 2, "Influence of Information Technologies on the Quality of Study Programs in Higher Education", explores how modern information technology influences the quality of study programs at higher education institutions. It highlights the importance of technology in study programs and explains how such technology is accepted by students and teaching staff. Furthermore, it discusses challenges faced when applying such technologies, what ideas students support, and what teaching staff is needed to successfully utilize new technologies in higher education.

Chapter 3, "Virtual Reality and Creativity: Lessons Learned from a Luminaire Design Project", examines the use of virtual reality (VR) in design education, which studies have shown leads to greater creativity in students. However, some studies show only a partial impact of VR on student creativity. The Luminaire Design Project used video data analysis (VDA), whereby the authors examined a half-hour excerpt of a recorded VR learning experience from a previous study on interior design students. The chapter explains the impacts of VR on students' creativity via observing and interpreting one participant's interaction with VR and the context of the virtual environment.

Chapter 4, "Holistic Thinking in the Implementation of Digital Learning Activities, with Due Regard to Implementation of a Learning Management System and Digital Learning Course: A Field Report", describes seven steps for developing a digital learning (DL) approach. It provides tips from fieldwork that address the different areas of a company, such as learning strategy, roles, and responsibilities.

The second section of the book "Case Studies Using Technology-Integrated Learning in Context" provides case studies showcasing the application of technology-integrated learning in context.

beginning of each chapter. Try to get a feeling about the different sections regarding research philosophies, research designs, different types of methods, and other important issues in this book. If you are involved in a research project, try to revisit some of the topics if needed for further clarity. Each chapter provides specific self-assessment activities to further your understanding of the content of each chapter. If additional information is needed, consult the list of further readings and concepts at the end

I hope that readers will find this book a valuable resource whether working on research

**Micheal van Wyk**

College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Full Professor of Economics Education,

of each chapter.

or engaging in scholarly pursuits.

Chapter 5, "Ludus Reading and RoboKind™ Robots Increase Early Literacy Rates", examines a new model for impacting reading instruction by combining Ludus Reading and RoboKind Robots on first-grade students' phonics skills and attitudes toward reading. Ludus Reading phonics instruction involves explicit and systematic lessons with underpinnings in play-based, technology, and multisensory techniques. In this case study, the RoboKind Robots were programmed to act as teaching assistants and help the teacher during the Ludus Reading phonics lesson.

Chapter 6, "Using Information and Communication Technology and Developing the Creative Abilities of Social Work Students", employs a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate students' creative competence. This chapter reports the impact of using information and communication technology (ICT) on developing the creative abilities of social work students, such as high readiness to use ICT. It suggests that reliance on ICT improves academic and personal performance.

Chapter 7, "The Influence of Social Media Networking Platforms on Promoting EFL Learners' Lexical Competence Repertoire: An Exploratory Study", reports that language learning is significantly influenced by social media. The growth of social media has become an international phenomenon. The chapter concludes that using social media platforms serves the educational and instructional settings for both teachers and learners. Social media supports and increases student learning performance.

Chapter 8, "Perspective Chapter: The Relationship of Technology and Creativity in Childhood Period", discusses creativity as a phenomenon that can be utilized in the conscious use of technology. It explains the importance of support in using creativity for enhancing the abilities of children. In supporting creativity, the use of technology is important, and teachers can use this phenomenon in their lessons.

Chapter 9, "Developing Creativity via LEGO and AI Robotics", reports on a longitudinal study that investigated the impacts of robotics programs on developing creativity among elementary school students. The introduction of LEGO robotics intervention proved significantly effective in developing creative thinking skills of fluency, flexibility, and elaboration of learners.

Chapter 10, "Digital Platforms in Teaching Arabic Dialects", gives an overview of Moodle as a digital platform. Moodle teaches didactic material in Arabic. The use of teaching platforms and accessible online materials is a response to the increasing demand for distance training courses. The chapter explains the need for innovation in the methodological, technical, and strategical approaches to language teaching.

Readers can use this book as a practical manual that explains the theoretical underpinnings of technology and its implications for practice. It is recommended to read through the book in order, focusing on the learning objectives formulated at the

beginning of each chapter. Try to get a feeling about the different sections regarding research philosophies, research designs, different types of methods, and other important issues in this book. If you are involved in a research project, try to revisit some of the topics if needed for further clarity. Each chapter provides specific self-assessment activities to further your understanding of the content of each chapter. If additional information is needed, consult the list of further readings and concepts at the end of each chapter.

I hope that readers will find this book a valuable resource whether working on research or engaging in scholarly pursuits.

> **Micheal van Wyk** Full Professor of Economics Education, College of Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

**1**

Section 1

Theorization of Technology

in Teaching and Learning

Section 1
