Je-LKS: Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society (Oct 2024)

Enhancing Students’ Research Skills Through AI Tools and Teacher Competencies: A Mixed-Methods Study

  • Najmeh Behnamnia,
  • Siavash Hayati,
  • Amirrudin Kamsin,
  • Ali Ahmadi,
  • Zahra Alizadeh

DOI
https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1135960
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 3

Abstract

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This mixed-methods study examines the relationship between the integration of the AI-driven educational platform BrainPOP, teacher digital competencies, and the development of students’ research skills in elementary and secondary education in Tehran, Iran. The study focuses on four primary objectives: (1) identifying strategies for integrating BrainPOP in teaching and learning, (2) assessing the influence of teacher digital competencies on successful BrainPOP integration, (3) analyzing the impact of BrainPOP on students’ research skills, and (4) exploring the interconnected roles of BrainPOP, teacher digital competencies, and students’ research skills development. Participants include 100 elementary and secondary school teachers and 200 students from Tehran, Iran. Data is collected using surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, and analyzed through descriptive statistics, regression, and thematic coding. Key findings for each objective include: 1. Diverse strategies for integrating BrainPOP in the classroom, 2. A positive correlation between teacher digital competencies and successful BrainPOP adoption, 3. Enhanced student research skills linked to the use of BrainPOP, and 4. The significance of a supportive learning environment that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability among students, teachers, and AI tools in Iran. This study highlights the need for different ways to use BrainPOP, improving teachers’ digital skills, and creating a supportive learning environment to help students improve their research skills in elementary and secondary schools. The results provide essential information for education practices and policies in Iran and other places, highlighting that AI tools like BrainPOP can significantly enhance how students learn and develop their research abilities.

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