Integrating Emerging Technologies in Virtual Learning Environments: A Comparative Study of Perceived Needs among Open Universities in Five Southeast Asian Countries

2025-06-01

AI Summary

Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, students at Southeast Asian open universities urgently require emerging technologies to enhance learning engagement and professional competence within virtual learning environments. Method: This study employs a large-scale, cross-national survey across five open universities, complemented by needs-priority analysis, grounded in established educational technology adoption models and learning analytics frameworks. It constitutes the first empirical, comparative investigation of its kind in the region. Contribution/Results: Findings reveal that interactive e-textbooks and learning analytics tools are the two highest-priority technological functionalities identified by students. Based on these results, the study proposes a learner-centered, data-driven, and experience-oriented regional technology adoption roadmap. This framework offers both theoretically grounded insights and actionable guidance to support pedagogical innovation and digital transformation in Southeast Asian open universities.

Technology Category

• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis
• Application Domains: Humanities & Computational Social Science
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Responsible Web: Data and user privacy-enhancing technologies for the Web
• Security and Privacy: Privacy-enhancing technologies

Abstract

Amid the growing need to keep learners abreast of rapid technological advancements brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this study explores perceived needs of students in virtual learning environments supported by emerging technologies. A survey was conducted across five leading open universities in Southeast Asia. The study aimed to identify student preferences regarding features of their virtual learning environments that could better prepare them as productive citizens and professionals. Findings indicate strong interest in interactive books and learning analytics, underscoring the importance of enhancing learner engagement and data-informed instruction. The results inform the development of a strategic roadmap to guide open universities in prioritizing technological and pedagogical innovations aligned with the evolving expectations of digital-age learners.

Problem

• Exploring student needs in virtual learning with emerging technologies
• Identifying preferred virtual learning features for professional preparation
• Enhancing engagement via interactive tools and data-driven instruction

Innovation

• Surveyed student preferences in virtual learning
• Focused on interactive books and analytics
• Developed roadmap for pedagogical innovations