The role of educational technology in developing the cognitive and communicative skills of university students: A Saudi Arabian case

Abstract

This academic research explores the transformative potential of educational technology platforms, including virtual reality, gamification, and artificial intelligence, in revolutionizing the education sector. Existing literature has indicated that educational technology holds the promise of enhancing cognitive and communicative skills among university students. However, a research gap exists, as previous studies have primarily concentrated on school children, leaving a dearth of empirical evidence in this specific context. To address this gap, our current study conducted a comprehensive survey of 305 university students in Saudi Arabia. Employing quantitative methods, we assessed the impact of educational technology on university students' cognitive and communication skills, yielding noteworthy findings. The results revealed a significant positive influence of educational technology on both cognitive (p-value 0.016) and communication skills (p-value 0.014) among university students in Saudi Arabia. This research significantly contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of educational technology's accessibility and effective utilization in fostering the development of university students' cognitive and communication abilities. Furthermore, it sheds light on the implications of these findings for Saudi Arabia, a nation that has made considerable investments in educational technology and the accreditation of academic programs at its universities. Additionally, the study's outcomes suggest that educational technology can play a crucial role in facilitating the accreditation of academic programs in Saudi Arabian universities through its positive impact on university students' cognitive and communicative capabilities. This insight holds the potential to further advance the educational landscape in the country and beyond, emphasizing the need for continued integration and optimal utilization of educational technology in higher education settings.