Research Article

Students’ perceptions of the impact of interactive technology on engagement in STEM classes

Karim Ragab 1 2 * , Enrique Martínez-Jiménez 1 , Elvira Fernandez-Ahumada 1
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1 University of Córdoba, Córdoba, SPAIN2 Al-Ittihad Private School–Mamzar, Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES* Corresponding Author
Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(4), October 2025, ep602, https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17408
Published: 10 November 2025
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ABSTRACT

This study explores students’ perceptions of their engagement with interactive technologies in STEM classes at an applied technology school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Specifically, the interactive technology (IT) involves artificial intelligence and virtual reality, along with collaborative digital platforms that incorporate AI elements such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Nearpod. The focus is on understanding how students perceive changes in cognitive, social, reflective, and goal-oriented engagement after using these technologies. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 126 male students from grades 9-12. The quantitative phase employed a pre-post survey with paired sample t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance to assess changes in engagement. In contrast, the qualitative phase included focus group discussions to explore student perceptions. The results revealed that students perceived a significant improvement in various dimensions of engagement, including cognitive, social, reflective, and goal-oriented engagement, post-intervention following the use of IT. The findings suggest that interactive technologies can positively shape students’ learning experiences, as these technologies cater to diverse student needs, improving academic outcomes and providing a more fulfilling educational experience. The results align with the UAE’s educational goals of fostering a knowledge-based economy through innovative practices.
Keywords: interactive technology, student engagement, stem education, artificial intelligence, virtual reality

CITATION (APA)

Ragab, K., Martínez-Jiménez, E., & Fernandez-Ahumada, E. (2025). Students’ perceptions of the impact of interactive technology on engagement in STEM classes. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(4), ep602. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/17408

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