Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies

Exploring the influence of demographic factors on use of superstar learning App among college students in Liaoning province under second digital divide

QingHao Wu, Norhayati Mohd Yusof, Yuen Fook Chan — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This paper aims to explore the influence of demographic factors on the use of Superstar mobile learning apps among college students. It examines the differences in the frequency of usage of mobile learning apps among college students under second digital divide based on genders, household location registration, and major discipline. Hopefully, this study will provide policymakers in China an opportunity to identify factors that will affect the equal access to mobile learning apps among college students. This study can lead to the reduce of education and social inequality. This study adopts a quantitative method of survey using online questionnaire to collect data from college students of a private university in Liaoning Province. After the data has collected, the SPSS.26 was used to analyze the data using independent sample t-tests based on genders, household location registration, and major discipline to conduct the differentiation analysis.
There was no significant difference identified in the frequency of usage of SuperStar Learning app among college students based on genders, household location registration or major discipline. However, science and technology students showed a greater dispersion in the frequency of usage of SuperStar Learning App compared to humanities and social science students. The study suggests that overall most of the college students have achieved moderate level of usage ability in the use of Superstar learning app, however the usage of Superstar learning app varied based on the demographic factors.The findings indicate that demographic factors did not have any influence on the use of Superstar Learning App among the college students. Hence, the university might not need to design the training programs based on demographic factors of the college students. This is encouraging from a digital equity perspective, as it shows that Superstar Learning App is able to be accessed and used by a broad group of students, regardless of their background.

An in-depth study on students’ perceptions of key factors influencing their willingness to communicate in EFL classrooms

Afifah Marshalina — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Communicative competence has become a primary objective in second and foreign language education. A crucial component of achieving this competence is learners’ Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in the target language. This study aims to explore the perceptions of students regarding the factors that influence their WTC in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. The main objective is to identify and analyze internal and external elements that contribute to students' decisions to engage in classroom communication using English. This research employed a qualitative case study design to gain deep insights into the subject matter. Two secondary school students were purposefully selected as participants based on contrasting backgrounds in English language exposure. One participant had extensive experience and exposure to English since early childhood, while the other had limited exposure and began learning English more recently. This purposeful sampling allowed the researcher to gather diverse and detailed perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews to elicit rich, open-ended responses. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes related to WTC. The analysis revealed several key factors influencing students’ WTC, including affective elements (such as confidence and anxiety), the classroom environment, linguistic competence, the nature of classroom tasks, and the teacher’s role and encouragement. The findings suggest that WTC in EFL settings is shaped by a combination of personal, social, and instructional dynamics. Students are more inclined to communicate when they feel emotionally secure, supported by their peers and teachers, and when the learning environment promotes engagement. The study concludes that fostering a positive emotional and instructional environment is essential for increasing WTC. The research highlights the importance of teacher sensitivity to student needs and recommends further studies involving more participants to enhance generalizability and explore additional influencing factors.

Effective strategies for enhancing English speaking competence among learners in English education study programs

Yuslinda Sari Zega — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study aims to evaluate the English-speaking skills of 5th-semester Class B students enrolled in the English Education Study Program at the University of Nias. The main objective is to assess students’ speaking proficiency using a standardized speaking test assessment rubric and to classify their performance into various levels of competence. The evaluation focuses on determining the mean score, mode, and categorization of students’ speaking abilities to provide a clearer understanding of their proficiency distribution. A quantitative research method was employed in this study, involving 41 students as research participants. Data collection was conducted through a structured English-speaking test administered in an interview format. The test assessed several components of speaking competence, including fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. The results were then analysed statistically to determine overall performance trends. The analysis revealed a diverse range of speaking proficiency among the students. Out of the 41 participants, 5 students (12.2%) demonstrated very good speaking skills, 10 students (24.4%) were categorized as good, 25 students (61.0%) were identified as having sufficient proficiency, while only 1 student (2.4%) was categorized as insufficient. The mean score indicated a moderate level of overall proficiency among the class, while the mode score aligned with the “sufficient” category, indicating that this was the most common level among the group. The study concludes that while a majority of students possess adequate speaking skills, there remains significant room for improvement. These findings underscore the importance of differentiated instruction and targeted speaking activities to enhance language competence. Educators are encouraged to implement tailored pedagogical strategies that address the specific needs of learners across all proficiency levels. The results of this study provide valuable insights for curriculum developers and instructors seeking to improve spoken English instruction within similar academic contexts.

Flavours without borders: A cultural and gastronomic exploration of global cuisines, culinary diversity, and fusion experiences in food courts

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The food court at Jimbaran, Bali, is a vibrant culinary hub offering a diverse array of local and international cuisines. This study explores the culinary experiences within the food court, examining visitor preferences, food variety, and the cultural significance of the dishes. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the research incorporates direct observations, interviews with food vendors and visitors, and thematic analysis of the available culinary options. The findings highlight a unique blend of traditional Balinese cuisine, Indonesian specialties, and international dishes catering to both local and foreign tourists. Popular choices include seafood grills, Balinese lawar, and globally influenced street food-style offerings. Additionally, the study identifies key factors contributing to customer satisfaction, such as food quality, pricing, ambiance, and service. The research concludes that Jimbaran’s food court is more than a dining space—it serves as a cultural attraction reflecting Bali’s dynamic culinary landscape. The fusion of traditional and modern flavours enhances its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Future research could examine the impact of culinary tourism on local businesses and the sustainability of food sourcing in commercial dining spaces.

Empowering local wisdom for enhancing students' social skills in the global era

Dewi Satria Ahmar, Muhammad Fath Azzajjad — Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

In the era of globalization, preserving local cultural identity poses a significant challenge, especially within the educational context. This study aims to explore how integrating local knowledge into the classroom can enhance the social skills of secondary school students in Palu City, particularly in fostering empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. The research employed a quantitative methodology involving a survey of 152 students from various educational institutions, including public and private high schools, vocational schools, Islamic schools, and Islamic boarding schools. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed both offline and online. The instrument comprised five variables focusing on the application of local wisdom and the development of students’ social skills. The analysis revealed that students perceive a positive correlation between the use of local knowledge and the improvement of their social competencies. Approximately 70% to 80% of respondents agreed that incorporating values such as mutual respect, cooperation, and adat-based leadership into learning had positively impacted their behaviour and interactions. The findings highlighted significant improvements in students’ empathy, collaborative abilities, and conflict resolution skills when local cultural principles were embedded in educational content. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that empowering local wisdom within the classroom environment not only contributes to the preservation of cultural identity but also plays a critical role in nurturing essential social skills among students. By embracing local knowledge, educators can better equip students to navigate the challenges of a globalized world while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage. This approach serves as a strategic educational response to globalization, promoting both cultural sustainability and student development.

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi): Opportunities for disruption in traditional financial models

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) represents a transformative shift in the global financial landscape, challenging traditional financial models and offering new possibilities for a more inclusive and efficient financial system. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges that DeFi poses to the conventional financial sector, focusing on its impact on banking, credit systems, investments, and payment systems. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including secondary data analysis, expert interviews, and first-hand experience with DeFi protocols such as lending, borrowing, and arbitrage. The findings highlight the significant potential of DeFi in creating alternative financial models that can increase financial inclusion, enhance access to capital, and reduce transaction costs. Recent data indicates that the Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi platforms has surged to over $50 billion as of January 2025, reflecting growing adoption. Additionally, daily transaction volumes across major DeFi platforms have reached approximately $10 billion, with active users exceeding 4 million globally. However, the research also identifies critical challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, security vulnerabilities, and the complexity of DeFi platforms, which pose barriers to mainstream adoption. This paper contributes to the understanding of how DeFi can reshape the financial ecosystem, offering insights into its future potential, the risks involved, and the steps required to address the existing challenges. Furthermore, it underscores the need for ongoing research into the regulatory aspects of DeFi and its collaboration with traditional financial institutions.