Benefits and impact of technology-enhanced learning applications in higher education in Middle East and North Africa: A systematic review

Q1 Social Sciences

Global Transitions Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.glt.2025.06.004

Nada Eltaiba , Samira Hosseini , Kingsley Okoye

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) uses digital tools and technologies to improve learning experiences by addressing educational challenges such as accessibility, equity, and quality. There is evidence that it comes with issues like digital divide, limited infrastructure, socio-technical and cultural challenges, particularly in low-and-middle income or low-tech regions like Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study explores the benefits and impact of TEL, and extent to its application in higher education in the MENA region. A systematic review using PRISMA methodology identified and analyzed 85 peer-reviewed studies from 2015 to 2024. Scholarly search for articles was done using Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Data analysis used trend analysis, geographical distribution, and thematic synthesis of TEL benefits, challenges, and implementation in MENA through methods such as Concept mapping and Text mining in VOSviewer, Tableau, and R statistics software. The results emphasize the transformative potential of TEL in MENA, but identifies critical research gaps, such as limited longitudinal studies, underexplored MENA contexts, limited training for educators, which hinders equitable adoption, and need for comprehensive strategies to address systemic barriers. TEL adoption varied across the MENA region, with resource-rich and high-tech countries leading the TEL integration process driven by national policies and strategic investment, while underrepresented nations face significant barriers, which require targeted interventions. The paper empirically sheds light on the theoretical and practical implications of the study toward effective application and adoption of TEL-based learning in MENA, expanding geographic or sectoral coverage, prioritizing of stakeholder perspectives, and exploring advanced TEL technologies to ensure inclusive and sustainable educational practices.

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中东和北非高等教育中技术增强学习应用的效益和影响：系统综述

技术增强型学习（TEL）利用数字工具和技术，通过解决可及性、公平性和质量等教育挑战，改善学习体验。有证据表明，它带来了诸如数字鸿沟、基础设施有限、社会技术和文化挑战等问题，特别是在中东和北非（MENA）等中低收入或低技术地区。本研究探讨了电话教学的好处和影响，以及它在中东和北非地区高等教育中的应用程度。一项使用PRISMA方法的系统综述确定并分析了2015年至2024年的85项同行评议研究。论文的学术搜索使用Scopus和Web of Science （WoS）数据库完成。数据分析通过VOSviewer、Tableau和R统计软件中的概念映射和文本挖掘等方法，使用趋势分析、地理分布和专题综合，分析了中东和北非地区TEL的利益、挑战和实施情况。研究结果强调了TEL在中东和北非地区的变革潜力，但也指出了关键的研究差距，如纵向研究有限、对中东和北非地区背景的探索不足、对教育工作者的培训有限（这阻碍了公平采用），以及需要制定全面的战略来解决系统性障碍。在中东和北非地区，电信的采用情况各不相同，资源丰富和高科技的国家在国家政策和战略投资的推动下引领着电信一体化进程，而代表性不足的国家则面临重大障碍，需要有针对性的干预措施。本文从实证角度阐述了该研究的理论和实践意义，包括在中东和北非地区有效应用和采用基于TEL的学习，扩大地理或部门覆盖范围，优先考虑利益相关者的观点，探索先进的TEL技术，以确保包容性和可持续的教育实践。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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