Effectiveness of instructional digital platforms in the light of employing simulation models to develop learners' cognitive achievement

Abstract

The instructional digital platforms are one of the most successful ways used in introducing the instructional content at many universities around the world at the recent time. Some specialists began to think about the possibility of improving the quality of the instructional content and the interaction capabilities in these digital environments. Attention is drawn to the importance of integrating simulation models in these environments, as they are not designed for this purpose. The possibility of creating simulation models leads to effective learning and training in a safe environment. The purpose of this research is to define the effectiveness of instructional digital platforms in the light of employing simulation models to develop learners' cognitive achievement at Umm Al-Qura University. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design "one group pretest posttest." The participants of the study consisted of (25) students from common first-year students at Umm Al-Qura University in the academic year 2021/2022. The results of the statistical analysis of the data from the pre and post-application of the research tool (achievement test) revealed that there is a statistically significant difference at the level (0.01) between the mean scores of the students in the two applications in favor of the post-application, and the value of h2 is 0.83. This means a high effect size of the independent variable (i.e., instructional digital platforms in the light of employing simulation models) on the dependent variable (i.e., cognitive achievement). The study findings contribute to enhancing the instructional digital platforms design. It is considered an initial step for more scientific research in this field, which could contribute to developing students’ satisfaction with eLearning Systems. Moreover, the study helps decision-makers and stakeholders at higher education institutions to plan and reinforce students' achievements in e-learning environments effectively.