Study progression and degree completion of autistic students in higher education: a longitudinal study [Scholarly Article - Higher Education, March 2022]

Title:

Study progression and degree completion of autistic students in higher education: a longitudinal study 

 

Authors:

Theo Bakker, Lydia Krabbendam, Sandjai Bhulai, Martijn Meeter & Sander Begeer 

[All from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands]

 

Published:

Higher Education, 12 March 2022

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10734-021-00809-1

 

Abstract:

Individuals with autism increasingly enroll in universities, but researchers know little about how their study progresses over time towards degree completion. This exploratory population study uses structural equation modeling to examine patterns in study progression and degree completion of bachelor’s students with autism spectrum disorder (n = 101) in comparison to students with other recorded conditions (n = 2,465) and students with no recorded conditions (n = 25,077) at a major Dutch university. Propensity score weighting is applied to balance outcomes. The research shows that most outcomes (grade point average, dropout rates, resits, credits, and degree completion) were similar across the three groups. Students with autism had more no-shows in the second year than their peers, which affected degree completion after 3 years. The overall performance of autistic students appeared to be adequate and comparable to their peers. However, addressing participation and inclusivity is vital to improve academic support for students with autism. These insights can enable universities to develop appropriate and timely support for all talented students to progress in their studies and complete their degrees.

Exploring Students' Acceptance of Google Classroom during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Using the Technology Acceptance Model in West Sumatera Universities [Scholarly Article - EJEL, 2021]

Title:

Exploring Students' Acceptance of Google Classroom during the Covid-19 Pandemic by Using the Technology Acceptance Model in West Sumatera Universities

 

Authors:

Ahmad Fauzi, Raju Wandira, Domi Sepri & Afdhil Hafid

 

Published:

Electronic Journal of e-Learning (EJEL), Volume 19, Number 4, 11 August 2021

https://academic-publishing.org/index.php/ejel/article/view/2348

 

Abstract:

The learning process in West Sumatera, Indonesia, changed into an online-based system due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which involved educators and students using many platforms of e-learning for teaching and learning. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the use of e-learning platforms among students at universities in West Sumatera, Indonesia, during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly widely used Google Classroom. This research employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by considering relevant external factors related to the pandemic situation and examining their effects on the acceptance of Google Classroom. A questionnaire was distributed from December 11th to December 31st, 2020, to collect data via an online-based survey. Using Cochran's formula with a confidence level of 95%, 383 students were selected as samples, while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied as a method for data analysis. The result showed that the facility had made the learning process easy for students, which influenced its usefulness. The facility is related to the possession of the required tools and knowledge to utilize the technology, alongside the significant effect on ease of use and usefulness. When adequately provided, the ease and benefit of using Google Classroom are maximally felt when distance learning is ongoing. Consequently, the ease of use positively influenced the benefits of the platform as its features were simple and benefited the students during the learning process. The usefulness of Google Classroom also had a positive influence on attitude towards the platform, and this variable finally determined the intention to use, which was significantly influenced by the perceived usefulness of e-learning. Therefore, this study shows that factors that determine facility, such as the internet, devices used by students, or knowledge to use Google Classroom, are important in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scholarly Article (2020) - Predicting the Determinants of Dynamic Geometry Software Acceptance: A Two-Staged Structural Equation Modeling - Neural Network Approach

Title:
Predicting the Determinants of Dynamic Geometry Software Acceptance: A Two-Staged Structural Equation Modeling - Neural Network Approach

Author:
Chiu-Liang Chen

Published:
International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 10(6), 2020
http://www.ijiet.org/show-139-1634-1.html

Fact from the abstract:
"This research examined the predictors of dynamic geometry software adoption by using GeoGebra as a case study. The proposed model incorporated basic predictors of the technology acceptance model such as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and attitude toward usage (ATU), as well as predictors relating to students’ mathematics attitudes, namely self-confidence in mathematics, perceived value of mathematics (VAL), and enjoyment of mathematics."