Acta Pedagogia Asiana

The Significance of Higher Education in Facilitating Labour Market and Student Migration in Fiji

Sharnit Gosai — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In Fiji, labour shortages have significantly increased over the past decade. As the education system improved, many individuals opted to migrate in search of better educational opportunities and job prospects abroad. The policy brief focuses on the impact of migration on individuals seeking adequate education and training. It is evident that a growing number of people chose to pursue further education by moving abroad. As highlighted in the National Economic Summit, migration abroad for educational, employment, or permanent purposes is a significant factor. This poses a considerable challenge to Fiji's economic progress, as the country faces a shortage of skilled and educated workers to meet the demands of the labour market. As Fiji advances in its development, these shortages could have serious implications for the nation's future. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, economists, and other professionals, to play their part in addressing these issues. Without enough skilled and educated workers, Fiji may struggle to maintain its position. Over time, the country may have fewer local individuals contributing innovative and creative ideas, leading to a decline in human capital formation, which could persist as a long-term issue. The present study constitutes an analytical research paper that investigates the effects of student and labour migration on economic development and labour market dynamics. Special attention is given to the role and contributions of higher education in shaping these impacts.

Hybrid and Blended Learning Models: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions in Education

Robert Mulenga, Helvi Shilongo — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rise of hybrid and blended learning models has transformed educational practices, combining the strengths of in-person and online learning. This review explores recent innovations, challenges, and future directions in these models. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive learning platforms, and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping the delivery of hybrid education by offering personalized learning experiences, automating assessments, and creating interactive simulations. Pedagogical shifts, including flipped classrooms and competency-based education, are becoming central to hybrid learning environments, emphasizing student-centered approaches and maximizing active engagement. The integration of microlearning and modular course design further enhances flexibility, catering to diverse learning styles and paces. Despite these innovations, significant challenges remain. Issues of equity and access persist, with underprivileged students facing barriers due to lack of internet connectivity and digital resources. Additionally, instructors face increased workloads and must adapt to new technologies, often requiring further training to manage hybrid classrooms effectively. Maintaining student engagement, particularly in asynchronous settings, also presents difficulties. The review highlights best practices, such as the use of interactive learning strategies, continuous assessment, and offering flexible learning paths to support student success in hybrid settings. Looking forward, the future of hybrid and blended learning points towards greater personalization through AI, enhanced sustainability by reducing the reliance on physical infrastructure, and the integration of immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize hybrid learning, making education more accessible, engaging, and adaptable to a variety of learning environments.

Microlearning and its Effectiveness in Modern Education: A Mini Review

Ahmed Mostrady, Eva Sanchez-Lopez, Andres Filipe Gonzalez-Sanchez — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The modern educational environment is increasingly moving toward using innovative teaching approaches. One such approach is microlearning, which is characterized by delivering small, focused portions of information that can be quickly consumed and easily retained. Microlearning fits well within the context of digitized education. Its flexibility and adaptability make it a good match for the kinds of short, attention-limited spans that today's learners tend to have. This review will look at the concept of microlearning, the technological platforms that can be used for it, and the effectiveness of microlearning for improving learning outcomes. Several studies have shown that microlearning improves knowledge retention, lowers cognitive load, and allows learners to consume content at their own pace. These studies have established microlearning as a highly effective and flexible modern pedagogical practice. The dissemination of microlearning is now largely in the hands of digital tools—mobile apps, e-learning platforms, and social media—making it more accessible and convenient than ever before. In conclusion, microlearning presents a promising model for modern education, offering substantial cognitive benefits when applied effectively. However, it is essential to balance its use with more in-depth learning strategies to ensure comprehensive understanding.