International Journal of Educational Technology and Artificial Intelligence

QR Code-based Bible Stories Development: Accessing Metaverse for Children Bible Learning Enhancement

Hadi Sutopo — 2025-08-10

This study aims to develop a learning prototype based on QR codes to enhance Bible learning in Sunday Schools, particularly by integrating mobile-accessible video, augmented reality, and metaverse-based Bible stories for children. Bible education, as a form of lifelong learning starting from early childhood, is traditionally delivered face-to-face in churches, schools, families, and Christian communities. However, engaging with the Bible is often perceived as tedious and abstract, posing a challenge for young learners. To address this, the study adopts the Research and Devel-opment (R&D) methodology outlined by Borg and Gall, which includes ten stages: need assess-ment, planning, early product development, initial testing, product revision, field testing, further revisions, operational testing, final revision, and implementation. Through this approach, the re-search identified the potential and challenges of using QR codes to support Bible learning. The need assessment stage gathered children’s informational needs, guiding the development of a QR code-based prototype. This prototype allowed students to access rich multimedia content—videos, augmented reality, and metaverse experiences—using their mobile devices. The findings suggest that QR code-based Bible learning can increase motivation, facilitate access to Bible stories anytime and anywhere, and support teachers by providing engaging digital resources tailored to children’s learning needs.

Mixed method Analysis on Dream of Smart Urbanism

Ahmad Al-Mansouri — 2025-08-10

The rapid pace of global urbanization has intensified the need for innovative solutions that enhance the livability, sustainability, and governance of cities. This study investigates the evolving landscape of smart urbanism by exploring how digital technologies—such as IoT, AI, and big data—are integrated into urban systems to address growing challenges. Adopting a mixed-method research design, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across global smart cities to capture citizen perceptions, technological impacts, and governance implications. NVivo software is employed for thematic analysis of qualitative data, revealing dominant themes such as convenience, digital access, mobility, and trust in technology. Findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges of smart urbanism, including issues of digital inclusion, data security, and institutional readiness. The study offers practical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and technologists aiming to implement citizen-centric, inclusive, and sustainable smart city strategies.

Integrating Problem-Based Learning with Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Student-Centered Education in the Digital Era

Luka Novak — 2025-08-10

This article explores the integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create an innovative, student-centered educational model. In an era where critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy are essential, combining PBL—a constructivist approach to learning—with AI technologies can enhance personalization, collaboration, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. The paper discusses the theoretical underpinnings of PBL and AI, identifies the pedagogical benefits of their synergy, and presents models for implementation in higher education. A case study approach is used to illustrate practical applications, followed by a discussion of challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating problem-based learning (PBL) with artificial intelligence (AI) in a university-level environmental engineering course. By engaging students in a real-world challenge—designing a sustainable water system for a drought-prone region in Slovenia—the study revealed how AI-supported simulations and data-driven decision-making can deepen understanding of complex environmental issues. Students utilized AI tools to access region-specific data, simulate multiple climate scenarios, and evaluate the feasibility and resilience of solutions such as rainwater harvesting and retention ponds.

Exploring Discord as an Educational Tool: Student Insights and Perspectives

Lia Ai — 2025-08-10

The rise of social media has significantly influenced various aspects of daily life, including education. Among these platforms, Discord stands out due to its interactive features and community-building capabilities. Initially designed for communication in gaming contexts, Discord has recently attracted interest as a potential educational tool. This study explores its educational viability by examining student experiences and perceptions.Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 50 students from the National University – Dasmariñas, combining quantitative data on Discord usage patterns with qualitative insights into its educational effectiveness. The survey revealed that 70% of respondents used Discord frequently, with 60% employing it for learning. Preferred subject areas included Science and Math, aligning with Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, which highlights the advantages of combining auditory and visual information. Qualitative data offered deeper insights into student motivations, highlighting Discord’s accessibility, informal nature, and engaging format as key factors. Students appreciated the platform’s ability to present complex topics in bite-sized, digestible formats. However, concerns were raised about the limitations of short-form content, particularly regarding depth and accuracy. The study concludes that while Discord holds significant potential as a supplementary educational tool, particularly for initial knowledge acquisition and visual learning, it should be thoughtfully integrated with traditional learning methods to address its limitations.

Harnessing Digital Urbanism and Blockchain for Smart Urban Transformation

Omar El-Masry — 2025-08-10

This case study explores Cairo City’s transformation into a digitally empowered metropolis through the integration of blockchain technology and data-driven urban research. As one of the largest cities in the Global South, Cairo faces significant challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic disparities. The study investigates how emerging technologies—particularly blockchain, alongside qualitative and quantitative research tools like NVivo 12—are being used to address issues in urban governance, service delivery, and citizen participation. Through interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the research highlights improvements in transparency, efficiency, and trust in systems such as land registration, subsidy distribution, and digital identity management. Findings show increased confidence in digital services, particularly among youth and educated populations, though barriers such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and limited institutional capacity remain. Cairo’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating blockchain with inclusive, evidence-based policymaking. The study underscores the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, legal frameworks, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure equitable and sustainable urban governance in megacities worldwide.