The article entitled “The influence of web-mediated, blended and pure
online learning on EFL learners' writing achievement in the Iranian context:
A comparative study” by Masoumeh Dousti and Zahra Amirian explores the impact of different teaching methods on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' writing skills) in Iran. The study compared the effectiveness of web- mediated learning, blended learning, and pure online learning in improving EFL students' writing achievement. This study shows that integrating technology- enhanced instruction (TEI) such as web-mediated learning, blended learning, and pure online learning can improve EFL learners' writing skills by providing innovative learning and teaching opportunities. This article highlights the importance of writing skills in EFL learning and the challenges faced by learners. It emphasizes the potential of technology-enhanced instruction in improving writing skills and compares the effectiveness of web-mediated learning, blended learning, and pure online learning in the Iranian context. These findings suggest that integrating TEI can have a positive impact on EFL students' writing achievement. In the research, the author discusses the importance of writing skills in language teaching and learning. They emphasize that writing requires cognitive abilities and a good command of the target language to express thoughts and ideas effectively. However, writing is considered one of the most challenging language skills for EFL learners due to the complex cognitive processes involved and the need for integration of various aspects of language such as grammar, spelling, and organization. To address these challenges, researchers proposed the integration of technology-enhanced instruction (TEI) to improve EFL learners' writing skills. They argue that TEI can provide students with more engaging and interactive learning opportunities, expose them to authentic material, and increase the activation of their prior knowledge. This study focuses on three specific TEI modes: web-mediated learning, blended learning, and pure online learning. Web- mediated learning refers to the use of the World Wide Web to enhance traditional teaching. Blended learning combines online learning with face-to-face teaching, allowing learners to benefit from both modalities. Pure online learning, as the name suggests, involves completely online teaching without any face-to-face interaction. The authors attribute differences in achievement to various factors. They discuss technology-related dimensions, where the use of web-mediated and blended learning allows learners to interact with digital resources and engage in online activities that enrich their writing skills. The interaction dimension emphasizes the collaborative and communicative aspects of blended learning, which may contribute to better writing outcomes. Finally, the authors mention the conventional perspective regarding educational dimensions, suggesting that the combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and online learning may have provided a more comprehensive learning experience for the WML and EVBL groups. Overall, this research highlights the potential of TEI in improving EFL learners' writing skills and provides insights for educators and stakeholders to consider the use of more technologically advanced approaches in EFL contexts. By utilizing the benefits of web-mediated learning, blended learning and purely online.
The article titled "A Study of Changes in Vocational Training Education
Considering the Key Capabilities Needed in the 21st Century Fourth Industrial Revolution - Focusing on Architectural Vista Design" explores the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on vocational training education and suggests necessary changes in higher education. The study specifically focuses on the field of architectural vista design within the context of urban planning and architectural planning. The article emphasizes the importance of developing core competencies, including problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, in students to prepare them for the changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It highlights the need to analyze various factors such as color, spatial form, noise, lighting, and traffic lanes in the urban landscape environment. Additionally, understanding local urban planning, architectural laws, and broader societal and environmental aspects is deemed crucial. The research methodology involves analyzing relevant data and papers related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, employing theory and practice in educational engineering. The article discusses the characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as the fusion of technologies and its transformative effects on economic and social structures. Furthermore, the article addresses the evolution of student evaluation methods over time, noting the shift from tutor- based teaching and learning to the current system of knowledge transfer and assessment. It highlights the role of professors as mentors who understand and cater to students' curiosity and learning styles, as opposed to the contemporary emphasis on grades and reputation. To adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the article suggests that universities need to revise their teaching and learning processes to equip students with the core competencies required in this era. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and internet connectivity across various industries. Consequently, the job market undergoes changes, with some jobs being lost and new ones emerging. The authors propose that universities focus on developing competencies such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, human resource management, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and logical judgment to prepare students for success in this new landscape. The article argues that traditional approaches to education, which primarily focus on imparting academic knowledge, fall short in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Instead, education should emphasize competency- based learning and encourage professors to act as partners in students' learning journeys, helping them realize their full potential. While information and communication technology (ICT) has made access to knowledge easier, the article cautions that academic knowledge alone is insufficient due to its constant evolution and potential obsolescence. Therefore, the focus should be on teaching students how to acquire, analyze, and apply knowledge effectively. The research article titled "Blended Learning Model in TEFL Workshop to Students of English Language Education Department: A Case Study" explores the application of a blended learning model in a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) workshop for students in the English Language Education Department. The study aims to address the challenges faced by students in practicing teaching skills in an online learning environment and proposes the blended learning model as a solution. The research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach and involves students from the 2018 cohort as participants. Various instruments, such as observation guidelines, online platforms (Virlenda LMS), offline classroom interactions, and questionnaires, are used to evaluate the learning process and student opinions. The collected data are analyzed descriptively. The findings indicate that the blended learning model provides an appropriate teaching method for conducting the TEFL workshop in the new normal era. The model combines online and offline activities, integrating technology-based learning media and face-to-face interactions. Before the face-to- face sessions, students engaged in online activities that included lecture contracts, assignments, and assessments. During the face-to-face sessions, students discussed tutorial videos, presented assignments, and participated in guided student practicums. After the face-to-face sessions, students submitted video recordings of their work through platforms like YouTube and Google Drive. It enhances student engagement, enables self-study and self-discipline, and facilitates the achievement of learning goals. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating technology in language teaching and learning. The researchers also observed that more than 50% of students faced difficulties in comprehending online-only teaching materials and lacked confidence in integrating teaching techniques with technology-based learning media. To address these challenges, the researchers proposed the use of a Blended-Learning Model, which combines online and offline activities to create a more comprehensive learning experience. The study highlighted the benefits of the Blended-Learning Model, as identified in previous research. These benefits include the success of the learning process, the shift from lecturer-based to student-based learning, motivation for self-study and self-discipline, practical and efficient learning, and diverse learning methods. The model also emphasized the use of various technology-based media and the collaboration between students and lecturers through online learning applications. Overall, the research study demonstrates the effectiveness of the blended learning model in enhancing the teaching and learning process in the TEFL workshop, promoting student-centered practices, and addressing the challenges posed by the online learning environment.