Comparative Research on Diversity in Virtual Learning: Eastern vs. Western Perspectives: (Advances in Mobile and Distance Learning)

In today’s modern world, it is crucial to ensure diversity and inclusion are present in all forms of education. This can be particularly difficult to achieve in virtual learning environments as educators and students adjust to this new way of teaching and learning. Further study on how schools and institutions across the globe are promoting diversity in online environments is necessary to discover the best practices and ensure education as a whole remains inclusive. Comparative Research on Diversity in Virtual Learning: Eastern vs. Western Perspectives collects lived experiences of stakeholders from different countries regarding their experiences with teaching in diverse virtual learning environments. The book identifies characteristics of diversity in virtual online learning and explores the best practices of teaching and learning in said environments. Importantly, the reference covers experiences from both Eastern and Western countries and compares the challenges and opportunities afforded to both. Covering topics such as student engagement, computational thinking, and diverse environments, this reference work is ideal for teachers, administrators, policymakers, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

About the Author :
Zuheir N. Khlaif , Ph.D. in instructional design and technology, is a distinguished scholar and researcher at An-Najah National University in Palestine. As a dedicated educator, he imparts knowledge in educational technology courses and contributes significantly to the Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Research Center at the University. With a keen focus on the intersection of technology and education, his research delves into areas such as technology integration, technostress, and the application of AI in educational assessment. Khlaif has delivered more than 50 lectures and workshops about e-learning and AI in higher and public education in international and local conferences and symposium. Khlaif’s expertise extends to the publication realm, with more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His contributions not only advance academic discourse but also have practical implications for the effective use of technology in education in various context in the global south. Mageswaran Sanmugam acquired his B.Sc. (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn in 2005 and Master’s degree in Educational Management in 2012 from Universiti Utara Malaysia and Ph. D in Educational Technology in 2017 from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He worked as an Educator in both Primary and Secondary schools from 2008-2018, before being appointed as a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (from 2018- till 2021). Currently he is the Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Networking in the Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (from 2022- till now). His research interests encompass educational technology, ludology, game-based learning, gamification and game theory. He also serves as an exco-member in the Malaysian Educational Technology Association (META), and as a Senior Member under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Jamil Itmazi is Associate Professor. He gained Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, specifically in the development of e-Learning software, from the Granada University, Spain, 2005. He is working as a lecturer at IT College, Ex-Dean of Scientific Research and chair of eLearning center at Palestine Ahliya University in Bethlehem. Palestine.