How Technology Reshapes Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Post-Digital Education in China

Abstract

In the age of post-digital education, technology has been integrated into the learning environment, porting the traditional learning paradigm into a new era. Using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework, the current study examines the impact of prior knowledge, student engagement, and integrating technology on learning beyond the classroom. Using the structural equation modeling approach, data were collected from 211 participants (students and educators) at higher education institutions in China. A path coefficient of 0.341 (t = 12.729, p = 0.000) was strongly positive between Prior Knowledge towards Learning Outcomes beyond the Classroom.  By examining the path coefficient of Student Engagement and the Learning outcomes beyond Classroom, 0.240 (t = 8.405, p = 0.000), it is clear that participant engagement does affect learning outcomes in a broader context. Another hypothesis results of the path coefficient (t=11.693; p=0.000) revealed a significant relationship between prior knowledge in learning and Technology Integration in Learning against the Prior Knowledge. Whereas Technology Integration in Learning impact on Student Engagement has the strongest relationship as expressed in the path coefficient of 0.372 (t = 14.423, p = 0.000). This signals the central role of technology in promoting student engagement, a key factor for successful learning settings. The direct effect on Learning Outcomes beyond the Classroom was significant, with a path coefficient of 0.185 (t = 10.700, p = 0.000).The findings are consistent with previous literature and strengthen the case regarding the CoI framework for post-digital educational contexts. However, this study helps expand the CoI framework. It provides practical implications for designing technology-driven, learner-centered educational models and provides theoretical contributions Theoretically, future research directions are to validate the framework with moderating factors such as cultural diversity and technological access. Beyond the classroom, technology's transformative role in the education landscape is a subject.