Exploring Technology-Enhanced Learning: A Comparative Study of Online and Offline Interactive Practices in the Iranian Higher Education System

Authors

Naser Rashidi, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Mohamad Reza Farangi, Kashmar Higher Education Institute, Kashmar, Iran
Ali Hosseini, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

This study explored how interactive teaching and learning are enacted through technology-enhanced methods in Iran’s higher education system. Using an exploratory qualitative design, it investigated the pedagogical strategies employed by instructors and examined whether these practices align with the principles of Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) across online and in-person contexts. Data were collected through the analysis of 263 class reports and 37 semi-structured interviews with university instructors. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA revealed six cohesive and interpretive themes: fostering human connection, empowering student voices, learning as dialogue, adaptive teaching, multimodal engagement, and feedback as dialogue. These themes reflect a holistic view of interactivity, encompassing emotional rapport, student agency, instructional flexibility, digital literacy, and reflective assessment. The findings suggest that interactive teaching is not solely dependent on tool usage or activity design, but is rooted in relational, inclusive, and context-sensitive pedagogies. This study offers practical and theoretical insights for instructors, administrators, and policymakers aiming to cultivate more engaging and student-centered higher education environments.

Keywords

active learning, exploratory qualitative research, higher education, interactive practices, MAXQDA, technology-enhanced app

Author Bio(s)

Naser Rashidi (Corresponding Author; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4898-5243) is a Professor in the Faculty of Languages and Literature, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Please direct correspondence to naser.rashidi@shirazu.ac.ir

Mohamad Reza Farangi (Corresponding Author; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5481-7815) is an Assistant Professor of Applied linguistics in the Faculty of Applied Humanities, Kashmar Higher Education Institute in Kashmar, Iran. Please direct correspondence to dr.farangi@kashmar.ac.ir

Ali Hosseini, Ph.D., is with the Faculty of Languages and Literature, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Please direct correspondence to alihosseini953@gmail.com

Acknowledgements

The authors in this study are grateful of all the participating university instructors and students at Shiraz University who kindly helped us in conducting this study.

Publication Date

8-31-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7757

Recommended APA Citation

Rashidi, N., Farangi, M. R., & Hosseini, A. (2025). Exploring technology-enhanced learning: A comparative study of online and offline interactive practices in the Iranian higher education system. The Qualitative Report, 30(8), 4168-4185. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7757

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5481-7815