Many universities implemented blended and hybrid delivery for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such, the use of terms that relate to various manifestations and implementations of blended learning has increased significantly by all higher education stakeholders. However, the meaning ascribed to these terms is often inconsistent…

This case study describes the design and implementation of scenario-based focus groups run by a collaborative research team consisting of eight individuals spread across eight institutions within the United States. Originally intended to be face-to-face, the research team pivoted mid-study to adapt the scenario design for the fully online…

AI-powered chat technology is an emerging topic worldwide, particularly in areas such as education, research, writing, publishing, and authorship. This study aims to explore the factors driving students' acceptance of ChatGPT in higher education. The study employs the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) theoretical model,…

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education programs had to switch to synchronous online teaching. Teachers suddenly faced pressing unaddressed challenges, such as how to better transfer their "presence" from the traditional classroom to the online space in a way that keeps students engaged. This paper explores new…

Foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) is 'a distinct complex set of self-perceptions, beliefs, feelings and behaviours related to classroom language learning arising from the uniqueness of the language learning process' (Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope 1986: 128) [Foreign language classroom anxiety. "The Modern Language Journal" 70, no. 2:…

Facilitating discussions is an integral part of virtual, synchronous and asynchronous adult and higher education settings. This article offers effective strategies for supporting learners and guiding discussion, particularly about social and critical content.

As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most face-to-face instructions and services in higher education, universities struggled to continue teaching and serving students. In particular, student services like academic advising were significantly impacted, as most advising is conducted in person. The use of synchronous communication technology was…

In this study, two modes of communication for distance learning are discussed -Broadcast Media Technologies (one-to-many) and Communicative Media Technologies (many-to-many). In addition, the study sheds light on Synchronous Versus Asynchronous modes of communication. Further, the study evaluates the effectiveness of Digi skills' (an initiative by…

This scoping review summarizes studies on passive participation in collaborative online learning activities that used computer-mediated communication tools in school settings. A total of 42 articles spanning about 20 years were explored. ERIC and three main journal indexes from Web of Science were used to locate articles. For each year searched,…

This study examines a possible relationship between flexibility (content, teacher contact, and time) and student engagement (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) in distance learning in higher education. The study applies a quantitative approach to give a response to the hypothesis of the research whether flexibility in distance education is…

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for a full academic year, Zoom rooms became classrooms for synchronous online learning at schools and universities across the world. This shift in learning space required instructors to adopt new patterns of instructional communication. Grounded in research in instructional proxemics and learning spaces, this study…

Higher education (HE) institutions continuously evolve to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff to grow as global citizens. The recent pandemic put academic and research programs in stress. International partnerships and collaborations had to adapt to allow existing efforts to continue with many functions shifting to online. However,…

Decades of research suggests that institutional communication can dictate student success, but the COVID-19 pandemic exposed challenges to new demands. Institutions may not have been prepared to adjust communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, and given the ongoing nature of the pandemic, literature has yet to examine how higher education…

Purpose: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about rapid changes in higher education (HE) pedagogies, with universities adding online options to their core face to face offering. The use of technology to facilitate learning has been a mainstay in traditional distance education settings. The paper aims to understand student and teacher…

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and colleges in Canada have transitioned to remote instruction through various online platforms and software. Academic staff should be aware that these tools raise important privacy and intellectual property rights issues. The sections of this brief include: (1) surveillance; (2) collective…