International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Game-based instruction and English vocabulary knowledge of Iranian EFL exceptional children: teachers challenges  
  by Shima Ghobadi 
  Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the challenges of Exceptional Students Teachers and to help students with English vocabulary learning disabilities gain vocabulary skills in and after school programs. To this end, 30 special needs education teachers were selected. The thirty exceptional student teachers who worked in special education schools were interviewed to elicit the needed information for the study and then the teachers were answered the questionnaire. For this purpose, teachers perceptions and practices of the game-based apps to support exceptional students were examined. Thus, the study addressed the issue of students with disabilities by reviewing the challenges faced by teachers who teach students with disabilities and how they overcome these challenges. A mixed method was used. Findings have illuminative implications for many EFL teachers applying an effective method of teaching new words. The course designers can also benefit from the findings of this study. They can supplement their courses for Exceptional learners with instructional strategies.
  Keywords: English vocabulary learning; game-based app; teacher’s challenges; technology.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2026.10079130
   
  
• First-year undergraduates’ experiences using the Sakai learning management system at the University of Ghana  
  by Jonathan Odame 
  Abstract: This study examined first-year undergraduate students’ experiences using the Sakai Learning Management System (LMS) at the University of Ghana. Employing a qualitative exploratory descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 students from multiple colleges. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes and three sub-themes: challenges with digital literacy, difficulties navigating the LMS, and reliance on peer support. While students appreciated the accessibility of course materials, many struggled to use the platform independently and depended on classmates for guidance. The findings highlight that successful LMS engagement requires more than technological access; it depends on students digital readiness, consistent institutional support, and teaching approaches that integrate LMS use into learning. These results offer practical implications for higher education institutions, including the need for structured LMS orientation, peer support programs, and ongoing digital skills development, and contribute to global discussions on technology-supported transitions in higher education.
  Keywords: LMS; learning management systems; first-year undergraduate students; Sakai; digital literacy; higher education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2026.10079248
   
  
• Educational data mining in a dynamic business simulation game: a machine-learning approach  
  by Henrik Kallio 
  Abstract: In managerial economics decision making is studied with concepts related to economic theories. Business simulation games offer a less-studied option to research decision-making behaviour. Learning of management skills is one important goal in business games. This study is based on data gathered from the playing of a business simulation game. The simulation in question is a clock-driven dynamic business simulation game where decisions are made in real-time. Using data from the simulation game, this study explores whether educational data mining with machine-learning methodology can identify groups reflecting differences in the game participants’ decision-making behaviour. Results indicate that successful simulation gaming share some decision-making features in a dynamic environment. Educational data mining offers new theoretical insights into analysis of simulation games including decision-making strategies and from practical point methodology can be used as an effective tool in enhancing managerial teaching and learning outcomes through advanced analytics.
  Keywords: managerial economics; dynamic environment; decision making; learning theories; managerial learning; business games; debriefing; educational data mining; machine learning; artificial intelligence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2026.10079402
   
  

Special Issue on: Digitalisation of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Applications of Smart Educational Technologies

• The efficacy of immediate metalinguistic explanation in a synchronous online context: an exploratory study on EFL learners knowledge of pronoun  
  by Hamed Barjesteh, Hossein Isaee, Neda Fatehi Rad 
  Abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of synchronous online metalinguistic explanation versus direct corrective feedback on English as a Foreign Language learners knowledge of pronouns. The study included 82 EFL learners from a fully online language school in Iran where the teachers communicate with learners in real-time using Skyroom. Initially, to assess the consistency of the participants, they were sent a KET test via the Google Form Platform. Randomly, the participants were divided into 2 equal classes: an experimental class and a control class. Over 10 synchronous online sessions, the experimental group was exposed to immediate metalinguistic explanations, and the control group was exposed to immediate direct correction feedback. The data collected was analysed using SPSS. The findings suggest that providing immediate metalinguistic explanations during online classes improves EFL learners pronoun accuracy. This opens up opportunities for further research into the effects of online corrective feedback on language competence.
  Keywords: explicit correction feedback; metalinguistic corrective feedback; oral corrective feedback; synchronous online context.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2025.10074079