Online Learning Self-Efficacy

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of flipped classrooms in improving online learning self-efficacy and academic engagement among teacher trainees at Farhangian University. The study used a semi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all Farhangian University students during the 2023-2024 academic year. Using available sampling method, two groups of 36 teacher trainees were selected from the Shahid Modarres Campus of Farhangian University in Sanandaj. One group was randomly designated as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The experimental group participated in flipped classroom sessions, while the control group received traditional teaching methods. Data collection tools included the Online Learning Self-Efficacy Scale (OLSES) by Zimmerman & Kulikowich (2016) with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88, and the Academic Engagement Questionnaire by Fredricks et al. (2004) with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86. Both the face validity and content validity of the questionnaires were evaluated by a panel of experts and confirmed. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22), employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), at a significance level of α=0.05. The results indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of all three dimensions of Online Learning Self-Efficacy: online learning, time management, and technology use. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significantly higher levels of behavioral and motivational engagement compared to the control group, while no statistically significant difference was found in cognitive engagement between the two groups. It is thus recommended that sufficient opportunities and resources be provided for Farhangian University instructors to implement this approach effectively and maximize the use of modern technologies

Navigating the technology-saturated landscape of language education poses a daunting task for present-day parents. As primary companions in EFL learners’ online learning journey, parents need to help them cultivate online language education. Guided by the parental mediation theory, the present study's primary objective was to examine any correlation between parental mediation strategies and Iranian EFL learners' online learning self-efficacy. Inspired by Vygotsky’s (1978) social development theory, which posits that knowledge is constructed within a social context, and Valkenburg et al.’s (2013) autonomy-supportive mediation, the second aim of the study was to uncover strategies that help promote digital parenting to foster learners’ self-efficacy in online language learning. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, data were gathered through questionnaires from 414 Iranian EFL learners aged between 12 and 18, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Additionally, 47 learners, their parents, and 15 EFL teachers were voluntarily interviewed. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that restrictive mediation and monitoring strategies reduced learners’ online learning self-efficacy while active mediation enhanced it. Reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews also revealed that digital parenting practices, which consider learners’ autonomy and encourage cooperative engagement between learners and parents, will nurture self-regulated online language learners. The findings could set a new benchmark for digital parents, helping them bring up children capable of judiciously leveraging online opportunities.