LMS vs social networks and EFL engagement
Among Beijing university EFL students, engagement dimensions predicted educational-technology engagement, and LMS users reported higher engagement means than social-networking-system users.
Source
The effect of two educational technology tools on student engagement in Chinese EFL courses
What they did
268 undergraduates/graduates in compulsory EFL courses completed an engagement questionnaire comparing learning management systems and social networking systems (e.g., WeChat/QQ), analyzing correlations, regression, and independent-samples differences.
What they found
Behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement correlated with and predicted educational-technology engagement (emotional engagement strongest). More students preferred LMS than SNS; LMS means were significantly higher across engagement aspects.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Self-selected tool preference and cross-sectional ratings cannot prove that switching platforms causes higher engagement or achievement.
Key terms
- Behavioral engagement
- Observable participation such as attendance, preparation, and class contribution.
- Cognitive engagement
- Investment in learning and positive academic self-perceptions/future outlook.
- Emotional engagement
- Belonging, connectedness, and positive affective ties to peers/campus learning.
- Learning management system (LMS)
- Institutional platform for course materials, feedback, and study activities (e.g., Xuexitong).
- Social networking systems
- Tools like WeChat/QQ used for notifying, sharing, and communication in courses.
- Educational technology engagement
- Students’ engagement specifically with the technology tools used for learning.
Flashcards
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Quiz yourself
Which two tool types are compared?
Common questions
Who participated?
268 EFL undergraduates/graduates at a Beijing university.
Which two tool types were compared?
LMS vs social networking systems.
Which tool was preferred more often?
LMS (173 vs 95 choosing SNS).
Which engagement type most strongly predicted tech engagement?
Emotional engagement.
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