In higher education, designing online courses aligned with students’ preferences impacts learning... more In higher education, designing online courses aligned with students’ preferences impacts learning effectiveness. Our research aimed to investigate which learning design elements can affect the quality of online learning. To achieve this, we followed a systematic literature review, identified current trends and conducted an online survey outlining university students’ opinions. The results revealed that students’ preferences agree with universal learning design principles, acting as course quality determinants. These elements relate to the structure, appearance, content, interactivity of the course and support in the online setting. We recommend that courses are well organised and include authentic resources, activities and assessments, divided consistently into smaller, topic-based chunks that resemble experiences drawn from real life. The objectives need to be communicated while the expected behaviours are known to students. The respective workload must be equally distributed acros...
The reopening of schools and the returning to normal after the emergency experience of online tea... more The reopening of schools and the returning to normal after the emergency experience of online teaching brought to the line new realities in educational
practice for both teachers and students. It is now crucial to reflect on the consequences of this experience and rethink the prospects of using digital tools and
online learning. The previous remote learning experience could be conceived as an
opportunity for the educational community to take advantage of the benefits online
teaching offers and adopt those practices that could further develop the teaching
experience. This paper examines the reality in K-12 schools after the pandemic
investigating the incorporation of seven digital teaching strategies into teachers’
daily routines. The study adopts a mixed methodology approach analysing quantitative data from an online survey of 392 in-service teachers and qualitative data
from two focus groups. The results show that an essential percentage of teachers
continue to use some practices of the distance learning model to enhance learning
and communication in the classroom. The use of these strategies was directly and
indirectly affected by teachers’ attitudes towards the distance learning model and
their perceptions of the challenges faced during the pandemic. Implications for
policy and practice are drawn.
This is the raw data collected for an ERP study on field<br> dependence-independence. Field... more This is the raw data collected for an ERP study on field<br> dependence-independence. Field dependence-independence (FD-I) is a widely<br> studied dimension of cognitive styles designed to measure an individual's<br> ability to identify embedded parts of an organized visual field as entities<br> separated from that given field. The aim of the research is to determine<br> whether the brain activity features that have been found to be perceptual<br> switching indicators could serve as robust features, differentiating<br> field-dependent from field-independent participants. Previous research suggests<br> that various event related potential (ERP)-related and frequency features are<br> associated with the perceptual reversal occurring during the observation of<br> a bistable image. In this study we combined these features in the context of<br> a different experimental scheme using ambiguous and unambiguous stimuli dur...
This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social network... more This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social networks use by higher education students as a medium to understand the effects of gender identity on the use of technology. The statistic outputs of 252 students declare that no significant gender-related differences are found towards the actual usage of social networking sites. Moreover, the outcome demonstrates the old gender gap shrinkage being subsumed, at least in specific areas of SNS use by some students and outlines the potential of students' social networking for education. Although the unequal gender percentage of the sample strongly supported gender inequality, the results however clearly revealed that the evolution of social networks in students’ lives is oriented towards gender-equality. Additionally, the paper gives an added value in the literature of social media and gender issues, and it shapes future directions for research on this trend.
The paper acknowledges the great potential of blogging, thus it proposes a methodological approac... more The paper acknowledges the great potential of blogging, thus it proposes a methodological approach which integrates blogs as tools that promote the development of blended collaborative learning environment where the interdisciplinary approach is employed to address a specific problem. The proposed approach was pilot tested in May 2013 during the 9th Joint Technology Enhanced Learning Summer School before its full implementation in Fall 2013. During pilot testing, classroom and blogs’ observations were conducted and a brief description of the preliminary results is presented. Blog potential to be used as a tool for collaboration, discussion and problem solving was revealed since various interesting ideas were developed to address the problem given. The authors revised the proposed methodology considering various emerged elements.
The nature of the workshop encompasses the diverse nature of the participants’ disciplines, resea... more The nature of the workshop encompasses the diverse nature of the participants’ disciplines, research interests and research activities, which are formed within the interdisciplinarity field of Technology Enhanced Learning and its related areas. Blogs provide and facilitate Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) which disseminates an interdisciplinary forum for the debate and exchange of ideas concerning theoretical, practical, technical, and social issues. By the completion of the course the participants will gain knowledge and skills on developing and using blogs as an online space to present and discuss their research interests and research activities. More specifically, through the blog developed the doctoral students will have the opportunity to interact, debate, comment, reflect and exchange ideas and thoughts. The target audience that is doctoral students will be engaged in hands-on assignments and activities in order to achieve the learning objectives of the course presen...
Proceedings of the 2015 ACM SIGCHI Conference on Creativity and Cognition, 2015
This eye tracking study investigated the association between individuals' field dependence-indepe... more This eye tracking study investigated the association between individuals' field dependence-independence cognitive style and level of creative thinking based on users' eye movement behaviour while interacting with a set of visual perceptual tasks. Subjects FD-I cognitive style and creativity were measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT) and Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). The psychometric methods and the eye trackingderived data were statistically examined demonstrating a relationship between users' cognitive style, creativity attributes and eye gaze behaviour. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of Human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design and suggests future directions for research.
Cases on Teacher Identity, Diversity, and Cognition in Higher Education
Educational blogs have remained a noteworthy component, even in an age of rapid technological dev... more Educational blogs have remained a noteworthy component, even in an age of rapid technological development. The chapter makes an in-depth description of the blogging phenomenon as it tackles the most important findings of the international literature. It provides insights into the connection between teacher identity, within the context of higher education, by incorporating aspects of theory and practice. The practical tone reports on three case studies on the use of blogs in education. A set of evaluation criteria on blogging for educational purposes and a theoretical framework for utilizing blogging as a problem solving approach are addressed. Moreover, it stresses necessity for the development of a pedagogical framework that will guide blog integration as a learning-cognitive tool in achieving specific learning outcomes. The results underscore the importance of essential training for the effective implementation of educational blogging in teaching and learning environments. A compe...
Handbook of Research on Education and Technology in a Changing Society
The rapid growth and the popularity of Social Network Sites (SNSs) are increasingly attracting th... more The rapid growth and the popularity of Social Network Sites (SNSs) are increasingly attracting the attention of millions of students for many different purposes. The chapter reviews the background of the current social media research in relation to the international literature and tackles the most important findings. The practical part of the chapter outlines the results of a survey on social media services. The findings provide real research evidence on online social technology use amongst university students. The chapter has educational and theoretical significance and shapes future directions for research on this issue. A compendium of terms, definitions, and explanations of concepts is clearly explained.
Nowadays, there is an increase of studies that examine individuals' cognitive characteristics in ... more Nowadays, there is an increase of studies that examine individuals' cognitive characteristics in correlation to visual perception. The present study investigated the association between cognitive abilities and Web page complexity. Specifically, differences within simple, medium and complex Web pages were observed among the field dependent, independent and mixed cognitive groups via a task completion time with the use of the eye tracking technology. The results showed that task completion time is significantly different in medium and complex pages between the FD and FI users, while, in the simple pages, no statistical differences appeared. Furthermore, it was supported that users' FD-I cognitive construct style can be identified using innovative techniques like eye tracking studies by analyzing users' scan path and heat maps.
ABSTRACT Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is a significant dimension of cognitive styles. Th... more ABSTRACT Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is a significant dimension of cognitive styles. The paper presents results of a study that seeks to identify individuals’ level of field independence during visual stimulus tasks processing. Specifically, it examined the relationship between the Hidden Figure Test (HFT) scores and the eye tracking metrics. Moreover, it explored whether differences exist among the cognitive groups, in terms of the time taken to complete the given tasks. A sample of 16 PhD students recruited from a Public University in Cyprus was classified into Field-Dependent, Field-Independent and Field-Neutral learners. Data were collected and analysed through the use of eye tracking and SPSS statistics. Results revealed a statistical significant correlation between the scores retrieved from the HFT and the Eye tracker. Additionally, the FD and the FI groups differ with respect to the tasks time completion. The findings revealed the potential of eye tracking to be used as a tool in assessing users’ cognitive traits. Finally, the vision of further agenda and some practical implications for instructional designers and educators are addressed.
The notion that users' characteristics such as the cognitive ability affect their visual informat... more The notion that users' characteristics such as the cognitive ability affect their visual information processing is continuously increasing. This eye tracking user study investigated the association between adults' (N = 54) cognitive style and eye movement (EM) patterns while interacting with a set of visual tasks. Users' cognitive type was measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT), which classifies them into field dependent (FD), field neutral (FN) and field independent (FI) individuals. Overall, the psychometric measures and the eye tracking-derived data were statistically examined revealing significant differences and large effect sizes among the two variables tested. Particularly, the findings demonstrated that the field dependence group exemplifies a more disoriented and disorganized EM activity. Hence, greater numbers of fixations and saccades are generated, contrary to the FN or FI users'. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design by identifying how users' differences in cognitive style can be manifested in eye gaze patterns. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS • Field dependence-independence (FD-I) cognitive style affects eye movement (EM) behaviour. • EM behaviour differs significantly between different cognitive groups. • Field dependence (FD) group produces a disoriented EM activity. • FD group generates the greatest numbers of fixations and saccades. • FD-I style can be used as a prospective component of user-centred design.
This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social network... more This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social networks use by higher education students as a medium to understand the effects of gender identity on the use of technology. The statistic outputs of 252 students declare that no significant gender-related differences are found towards the actual usage of social networking sites. Moreover, the outcome demonstrates the old gender gap shrinkage being subsumed, at least in specific areas of SNS use by some students and outlines the potential of students ' social networking for education. Although the unequal gender percentage of the sample strongly supported gender inequality, the results however clearly revealed that the evolution of social networks in students ’ lives is oriented towards gender-equality. Additionally, the paper gives an added value in the literature of social media and gender issues, and it shapes future directions for research on this trend.
Virtual reality has attracted the interest of the research community due to the endless possibili... more Virtual reality has attracted the interest of the research community due to the endless possibilities it offers in the educational arena. Although a wide range of applications already exists, further research is required to establish effective practices for a fruitful classroom implementation. This quantitative research of a sample of 37 primary school students explores the educational affordances and students’ perceptions of virtual reality systems as supportive tools for teaching English as a foreign language. To address the objective of the study, an evaluation test and a questionnaire were administered to the participants. The results showed a positive outcome on students’ performance, since it motivated them to visualize abstract knowledge within the virtual world without having to leave the comfort zone of their classroom. The current work revealed the growing potential of VR in the teaching and learning practices and can serve as a reference point for studies to follow. The v...
In higher education, designing online courses aligned with students’ preferences impacts learning... more In higher education, designing online courses aligned with students’ preferences impacts learning effectiveness. Our research aimed to investigate which learning design elements can affect the quality of online learning. To achieve this, we followed a systematic literature review, identified current trends and conducted an online survey outlining university students’ opinions. The results revealed that students’ preferences agree with universal learning design principles, acting as course quality determinants. These elements relate to the structure, appearance, content, interactivity of the course and support in the online setting. We recommend that courses are well organised and include authentic resources, activities and assessments, divided consistently into smaller, topic-based chunks that resemble experiences drawn from real life. The objectives need to be communicated while the expected behaviours are known to students. The respective workload must be equally distributed acros...
The reopening of schools and the returning to normal after the emergency experience of online tea... more The reopening of schools and the returning to normal after the emergency experience of online teaching brought to the line new realities in educational
practice for both teachers and students. It is now crucial to reflect on the consequences of this experience and rethink the prospects of using digital tools and
online learning. The previous remote learning experience could be conceived as an
opportunity for the educational community to take advantage of the benefits online
teaching offers and adopt those practices that could further develop the teaching
experience. This paper examines the reality in K-12 schools after the pandemic
investigating the incorporation of seven digital teaching strategies into teachers’
daily routines. The study adopts a mixed methodology approach analysing quantitative data from an online survey of 392 in-service teachers and qualitative data
from two focus groups. The results show that an essential percentage of teachers
continue to use some practices of the distance learning model to enhance learning
and communication in the classroom. The use of these strategies was directly and
indirectly affected by teachers’ attitudes towards the distance learning model and
their perceptions of the challenges faced during the pandemic. Implications for
policy and practice are drawn.
This is the raw data collected for an ERP study on field<br> dependence-independence. Field... more This is the raw data collected for an ERP study on field<br> dependence-independence. Field dependence-independence (FD-I) is a widely<br> studied dimension of cognitive styles designed to measure an individual's<br> ability to identify embedded parts of an organized visual field as entities<br> separated from that given field. The aim of the research is to determine<br> whether the brain activity features that have been found to be perceptual<br> switching indicators could serve as robust features, differentiating<br> field-dependent from field-independent participants. Previous research suggests<br> that various event related potential (ERP)-related and frequency features are<br> associated with the perceptual reversal occurring during the observation of<br> a bistable image. In this study we combined these features in the context of<br> a different experimental scheme using ambiguous and unambiguous stimuli dur...
This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social network... more This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social networks use by higher education students as a medium to understand the effects of gender identity on the use of technology. The statistic outputs of 252 students declare that no significant gender-related differences are found towards the actual usage of social networking sites. Moreover, the outcome demonstrates the old gender gap shrinkage being subsumed, at least in specific areas of SNS use by some students and outlines the potential of students' social networking for education. Although the unequal gender percentage of the sample strongly supported gender inequality, the results however clearly revealed that the evolution of social networks in students’ lives is oriented towards gender-equality. Additionally, the paper gives an added value in the literature of social media and gender issues, and it shapes future directions for research on this trend.
The paper acknowledges the great potential of blogging, thus it proposes a methodological approac... more The paper acknowledges the great potential of blogging, thus it proposes a methodological approach which integrates blogs as tools that promote the development of blended collaborative learning environment where the interdisciplinary approach is employed to address a specific problem. The proposed approach was pilot tested in May 2013 during the 9th Joint Technology Enhanced Learning Summer School before its full implementation in Fall 2013. During pilot testing, classroom and blogs’ observations were conducted and a brief description of the preliminary results is presented. Blog potential to be used as a tool for collaboration, discussion and problem solving was revealed since various interesting ideas were developed to address the problem given. The authors revised the proposed methodology considering various emerged elements.
The nature of the workshop encompasses the diverse nature of the participants’ disciplines, resea... more The nature of the workshop encompasses the diverse nature of the participants’ disciplines, research interests and research activities, which are formed within the interdisciplinarity field of Technology Enhanced Learning and its related areas. Blogs provide and facilitate Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) which disseminates an interdisciplinary forum for the debate and exchange of ideas concerning theoretical, practical, technical, and social issues. By the completion of the course the participants will gain knowledge and skills on developing and using blogs as an online space to present and discuss their research interests and research activities. More specifically, through the blog developed the doctoral students will have the opportunity to interact, debate, comment, reflect and exchange ideas and thoughts. The target audience that is doctoral students will be engaged in hands-on assignments and activities in order to achieve the learning objectives of the course presen...
Proceedings of the 2015 ACM SIGCHI Conference on Creativity and Cognition, 2015
This eye tracking study investigated the association between individuals' field dependence-indepe... more This eye tracking study investigated the association between individuals' field dependence-independence cognitive style and level of creative thinking based on users' eye movement behaviour while interacting with a set of visual perceptual tasks. Subjects FD-I cognitive style and creativity were measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT) and Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT). The psychometric methods and the eye trackingderived data were statistically examined demonstrating a relationship between users' cognitive style, creativity attributes and eye gaze behaviour. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of Human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design and suggests future directions for research.
Cases on Teacher Identity, Diversity, and Cognition in Higher Education
Educational blogs have remained a noteworthy component, even in an age of rapid technological dev... more Educational blogs have remained a noteworthy component, even in an age of rapid technological development. The chapter makes an in-depth description of the blogging phenomenon as it tackles the most important findings of the international literature. It provides insights into the connection between teacher identity, within the context of higher education, by incorporating aspects of theory and practice. The practical tone reports on three case studies on the use of blogs in education. A set of evaluation criteria on blogging for educational purposes and a theoretical framework for utilizing blogging as a problem solving approach are addressed. Moreover, it stresses necessity for the development of a pedagogical framework that will guide blog integration as a learning-cognitive tool in achieving specific learning outcomes. The results underscore the importance of essential training for the effective implementation of educational blogging in teaching and learning environments. A compe...
Handbook of Research on Education and Technology in a Changing Society
The rapid growth and the popularity of Social Network Sites (SNSs) are increasingly attracting th... more The rapid growth and the popularity of Social Network Sites (SNSs) are increasingly attracting the attention of millions of students for many different purposes. The chapter reviews the background of the current social media research in relation to the international literature and tackles the most important findings. The practical part of the chapter outlines the results of a survey on social media services. The findings provide real research evidence on online social technology use amongst university students. The chapter has educational and theoretical significance and shapes future directions for research on this issue. A compendium of terms, definitions, and explanations of concepts is clearly explained.
Nowadays, there is an increase of studies that examine individuals' cognitive characteristics in ... more Nowadays, there is an increase of studies that examine individuals' cognitive characteristics in correlation to visual perception. The present study investigated the association between cognitive abilities and Web page complexity. Specifically, differences within simple, medium and complex Web pages were observed among the field dependent, independent and mixed cognitive groups via a task completion time with the use of the eye tracking technology. The results showed that task completion time is significantly different in medium and complex pages between the FD and FI users, while, in the simple pages, no statistical differences appeared. Furthermore, it was supported that users' FD-I cognitive construct style can be identified using innovative techniques like eye tracking studies by analyzing users' scan path and heat maps.
ABSTRACT Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is a significant dimension of cognitive styles. Th... more ABSTRACT Field dependence/independence (FD/FI) is a significant dimension of cognitive styles. The paper presents results of a study that seeks to identify individuals’ level of field independence during visual stimulus tasks processing. Specifically, it examined the relationship between the Hidden Figure Test (HFT) scores and the eye tracking metrics. Moreover, it explored whether differences exist among the cognitive groups, in terms of the time taken to complete the given tasks. A sample of 16 PhD students recruited from a Public University in Cyprus was classified into Field-Dependent, Field-Independent and Field-Neutral learners. Data were collected and analysed through the use of eye tracking and SPSS statistics. Results revealed a statistical significant correlation between the scores retrieved from the HFT and the Eye tracker. Additionally, the FD and the FI groups differ with respect to the tasks time completion. The findings revealed the potential of eye tracking to be used as a tool in assessing users’ cognitive traits. Finally, the vision of further agenda and some practical implications for instructional designers and educators are addressed.
The notion that users' characteristics such as the cognitive ability affect their visual informat... more The notion that users' characteristics such as the cognitive ability affect their visual information processing is continuously increasing. This eye tracking user study investigated the association between adults' (N = 54) cognitive style and eye movement (EM) patterns while interacting with a set of visual tasks. Users' cognitive type was measured with the use of the Hidden Figures Test (HFT), which classifies them into field dependent (FD), field neutral (FN) and field independent (FI) individuals. Overall, the psychometric measures and the eye tracking-derived data were statistically examined revealing significant differences and large effect sizes among the two variables tested. Particularly, the findings demonstrated that the field dependence group exemplifies a more disoriented and disorganized EM activity. Hence, greater numbers of fixations and saccades are generated, contrary to the FN or FI users'. This research study adds further to the evidence and theory base of human-computer interaction for applications in the user-centred design by identifying how users' differences in cognitive style can be manifested in eye gaze patterns. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS • Field dependence-independence (FD-I) cognitive style affects eye movement (EM) behaviour. • EM behaviour differs significantly between different cognitive groups. • Field dependence (FD) group produces a disoriented EM activity. • FD group generates the greatest numbers of fixations and saccades. • FD-I style can be used as a prospective component of user-centred design.
This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social network... more This paper examines, elaborates and presents data around gender issues relating to social networks use by higher education students as a medium to understand the effects of gender identity on the use of technology. The statistic outputs of 252 students declare that no significant gender-related differences are found towards the actual usage of social networking sites. Moreover, the outcome demonstrates the old gender gap shrinkage being subsumed, at least in specific areas of SNS use by some students and outlines the potential of students ' social networking for education. Although the unequal gender percentage of the sample strongly supported gender inequality, the results however clearly revealed that the evolution of social networks in students ’ lives is oriented towards gender-equality. Additionally, the paper gives an added value in the literature of social media and gender issues, and it shapes future directions for research on this trend.
Virtual reality has attracted the interest of the research community due to the endless possibili... more Virtual reality has attracted the interest of the research community due to the endless possibilities it offers in the educational arena. Although a wide range of applications already exists, further research is required to establish effective practices for a fruitful classroom implementation. This quantitative research of a sample of 37 primary school students explores the educational affordances and students’ perceptions of virtual reality systems as supportive tools for teaching English as a foreign language. To address the objective of the study, an evaluation test and a questionnaire were administered to the participants. The results showed a positive outcome on students’ performance, since it motivated them to visualize abstract knowledge within the virtual world without having to leave the comfort zone of their classroom. The current work revealed the growing potential of VR in the teaching and learning practices and can serve as a reference point for studies to follow. The v...
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Papers by Efi Nisiforou
practice for both teachers and students. It is now crucial to reflect on the consequences of this experience and rethink the prospects of using digital tools and
online learning. The previous remote learning experience could be conceived as an
opportunity for the educational community to take advantage of the benefits online
teaching offers and adopt those practices that could further develop the teaching
experience. This paper examines the reality in K-12 schools after the pandemic
investigating the incorporation of seven digital teaching strategies into teachers’
daily routines. The study adopts a mixed methodology approach analysing quantitative data from an online survey of 392 in-service teachers and qualitative data
from two focus groups. The results show that an essential percentage of teachers
continue to use some practices of the distance learning model to enhance learning
and communication in the classroom. The use of these strategies was directly and
indirectly affected by teachers’ attitudes towards the distance learning model and
their perceptions of the challenges faced during the pandemic. Implications for
policy and practice are drawn.
practice for both teachers and students. It is now crucial to reflect on the consequences of this experience and rethink the prospects of using digital tools and
online learning. The previous remote learning experience could be conceived as an
opportunity for the educational community to take advantage of the benefits online
teaching offers and adopt those practices that could further develop the teaching
experience. This paper examines the reality in K-12 schools after the pandemic
investigating the incorporation of seven digital teaching strategies into teachers’
daily routines. The study adopts a mixed methodology approach analysing quantitative data from an online survey of 392 in-service teachers and qualitative data
from two focus groups. The results show that an essential percentage of teachers
continue to use some practices of the distance learning model to enhance learning
and communication in the classroom. The use of these strategies was directly and
indirectly affected by teachers’ attitudes towards the distance learning model and
their perceptions of the challenges faced during the pandemic. Implications for
policy and practice are drawn.