Towards Total Quality Management in Universities: Quality Function Deployment Paradigm And Beyond

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : Towards Total Quality Management in Universities: Quality Function Deployment Paradigm And Beyond

Author Name : Isam Najib AlFuqaha

Synopsis :

This paper is an endeavor to develop a customised and computerized matrix of Quality Function Deployment paradigm (QFD) that has been applied in industry, with the aim of probing quality assurance and enhancement in Universities. Results of testing the new matrix proved that, it is efficient and time-saving while compared with a detailed field study conducted at Philadelphia University, Jordan by the Jordan Accreditation Council. Challenges facing the application of the diverse relevant methodologies are mainly the scarcity of communication technologies and lack of physical and financial resources. This paper supports the adoption of the customized paradigm, to point out the following such as, Hybrid edutainment should be implemented; offices of quality management should be given a role in decision-making in Universities; awareness programs regarding the methods of quality assurance and enhancement should be organized, the culture of collaboration and interactivity among faculty members should be supported; and formation of regional networks of quality management should be advocated.

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TMOC: A Model for Lecturers' Training to Management of Online Courses in Higher-Education

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : TMOC: A Model for Lecturers' Training to Management of Online Courses in Higher-Education

Author Name : Yaron Ghilay, Ruth Ghilay

Synopsis :

The study examined a new model called TMOC: Training to Management of Online Courses. The model is designed to train lecturers in higher-education to successfully create, deliver and develop online courses. The research was based on a sample of lecturers, who studied in a course based on the new model at the Mofet Institute in Tel-Aviv (n=20). The course included all components and characteristics of TMOC and learners were asked to answer a questionnaire focused on the following two basic constituents:

1. Required contents that should be studied in order to become a successful manager of online courses in highereducation.

2. Effective ways needed in order to achieve that mission.

The research reveals that according to faculty members' views, the new model is very helpful for them to become online course managers. Therefore, there is a significant worthiness to adopt it for training lecturers in higher-education to deal with online learning.

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The Development and Evaluation of a Network for Producing and Sharing Video Presentations

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : The Development and Evaluation of a Network for Producing and Sharing Video Presentations

Author Name : Alaa Sadik

Synopsis :

This paper describes the technology and methodology used in the development and evaluation of an online network to help the instructors to produce and share video presentations in a new and innovative way. The network offers an application and platform for recording and sharing video presentations. The application allows instructors to narrate and annotate PowerPoint slides and synchronize a variety of visual aids, including webcam footage, whiteboard, drawing board, and web browser. The platform uses ‘YouTube API’ to upload and integrate videos with scrollable slide thumbnails. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were implemented to collect data and report the usability of the network and effectiveness of the video presentations. The results of usability evaluation showed that, the network was perceived by instructors and students as effective, efficient, and relevance for self- production and sharing of video presentations. In addition, video presentations produced by participants met the criteria of quality of video presentations.

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Learning-Style Assessment in Online Courses: A Prerequisite for Academic Success

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : Learning-Style Assessment in Online Courses: A Prerequisite for Academic Success

Author Name : Gina Cicco

Synopsis :

Educational researchers have extensively documented the benefits of utilizing learning styles in the processes of teaching and learning from early childhood to Adult Education (Burke & Dunn, 2003; Cicco, 2009). This article examines the need to consider and employ learning-styles instruction in the online classroom. Adult learners are unique in that they have already developed strategies to navigate through their academic courses and to succeed, even in adverse conditions. As adult learners enter the world of online instruction, their techniques may or may not prove to be effective in allowing them to master course objectives (Kasworm, Rose, & Ross-Gordon, 2010). Introducing a learning-styles approach to differentiate the instruction in online courses may assist adult learners in recognizing their learning needs and preferences, while providing them with a repertoire of learning options which capitalize on their personal strengths. Implementation of learning-styles pedagogical methods in online courses offers educators and their adult students a new approach to de-mystify successful pathways for academic success (Cicco, 2009; Cicco, 2013; Fearing & Riley, 2005). Five important steps for integrating this proven method of instruction in online courses are discussed as prerequisites in contemporary Adult Education.

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What Major Search Engines Like Google, Yahoo And Bing Needs To Know About Teachers In The UK?

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : What Major Search Engines Like Google, Yahoo And Bing Needs To Know About Teachers In The UK?

Author Name : Ms. Faezeh Seyedarabi

Synopsis :

This article briefly outlines the current major search engines approach to teachers’ web searching. The aim of this article is to make Web searching easier for teachers when searching for relevant online teaching materials, in general, and UK teacher practitioners at primary, secondary and post-compulsory levels, in particular. Therefore, major search engines are strongly recommended to design and develope personalised search tools for teachers in addition to carrying out extensive studies on teachers' online searching needs and preferences in order to fully achieve search engine personalisation for individual teachers.

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Effects of Practice Type in the Here and Now Mobile Learning Environment

Vol.11  No.2

Year : 2014

Issue : Jul-Sep

Title : Effects of Practice Type in the Here and Now Mobile Learning Environment

Author Name : Jeremy I. Tutty, Florence Martin

Synopsis :

This generation of technology is characterized by mobile and portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers with wireless broadband access. Mobile technologies enable a new kind of learning called “here and now learning,” where learners have access to information anytime and anywhere to perform authentic activities in the context of their learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three levels of practice type (assessment Aligned, Reflective, None) on student performance and attitude in the here and now mobile learning environment. Results indicated that, the inclusion of practice activities in mobile instruction had a positive effect on student performance. Study participants who received either assessment aligned or reflective practice significantly outperformed the participants who did not receive practice. Further, the study results also indicated that, the inclusion of practice activities in here and now mobile learning has a positive effect on the students’ attitude. Through the systematic consideration of a specific element of instruction, this study begins the process of building the framework for the effective design and implementation of here and now mobile learning.

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Continuous Classroom Assessment At Primary Level

Vol.11  No.1

Year : 2014

Issue : Apr-Jun

Title : Continuous Classroom Assessment At Primary Level

Author Name : Imtiaz Ali, Dr. Manzoor Hussain Shah, Dr. Aijaz Ahmed Gujjar

Synopsis :

This study was designed to analyze the continuous classroom assessment at primary level in Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that the students' achievement of single class teacher in the subject of English, General science, Urdu and mathematics were almost on average and rubric observation during continuous classroom assessment ranked single class teacher performance asn fair. Overall, subject teacher students’ achievement in English, General science, Urdu and Mathematics was better as compared to single class teacher. In addition to this, rubric observation during continuous classroom assessment ranked as subject teacher performance was reported very good in the area of students' instruction, writing test items on the writing board, time management, class environment, use of instructional recourses and student record keeping during and after assessment. It was recommended that at primary level, there is need of subject wise teacher to teach students more effectively. It is also recommended that primary teachers should be familiar with the new curricular terms such as Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) used in curriculum 2006 and they can be trained to develop and use the new assessment tools that is, rubric in the classroom.

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A Novel Approach for Quality Education towards Industry Expectations

Vol.11  No.1

Year : 2014

Issue : Apr-Jun

Title : A Novel Approach for Quality Education towards Industry Expectations

Author Name : Santhiyakumari N, Mr.C.Babu , Gomathi , Rajesh.K , Shenbagapariya M

Synopsis :

This paper presents a new method to improve the quality in technical education in order to meet the industry expectations. The quality of education and training being imparted in the technical education institutions varies from excellent to poor, with some institutions comparing favourably with the best in the world. Few others are suffering from different degrees of faculty shortages infrastructure deficiencies, curricula obsolescence, lack of autonomy in academic, financial, administrative, and managerial matters poor involvement in knowledge creation and dissemination. Skillful manpower of high quality can play a major role in economic development and in export of technology and services, and observing the growing demand for Indian professionals particularly in the area of software and core engineering in all parts of the globe including the highly developed countries. It is necessary to give very high priority in providing quality technical education for Engineering and Technology. In order for the students to succeed, its necessary to prepare themselves for the ever changing world of work, which means not only college readiness, but also career readiness.

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Best Practices Of Leadership in Educational Technology

Vol.11  No.1

Year : 2014

Issue : Apr-Jun

Title : Best Practices Of Leadership in Educational Technology

Author Name : Loren Brown

Synopsis :

Leadership in Educational Technology is a relatively new field that is changing as fast as technology itself. Success for an educational leader includes maintaining a firm grasp of how to diagnose the needs of a district, a school, or a classroom while aligning policies, procedures, and protocols into a format that will empower the individual teacher efficacy and student learning outcomes. Being a leader in educational technology includes more than incorporating new technologies into the classroom. Leadership in educational technology requires an outlook that views technology not as a tool for every occasion, but as a tool that when used, will enhance the learning process. An approach of best practices is essential to maintain effectiveness as an educational leader, and yet there is very little research that includes a synthesis of the best practices or approaches that are certain to increase an educational leader's effectiveness. A best practices approach that relies on the use of constructivist teaching method, that strives for continuous improvement through the use of professional learning networks and communities, and that utilizes online professional development will produce the kind of effectiveness in teachers that is associated with positive student learning outcomes.

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Usage of E-Learning Tools: A Gap in Existing Teacher Education Curricula in India

Vol.11  No.1

Year : 2014

Issue : Apr-Jun

Title : Usage of E-Learning Tools: A Gap in Existing Teacher Education Curricula in India

Author Name : DEEPTY GUPTA, Dr. Gaurav Singh

Synopsis :

In India usage of internet in education is not an innovation, but it is still considered to be in initial stages. Government of India has taken lot of initiatives for the implementation of e-learning at all the levels of education from past many years, but still teacher education programme around the nation continue to be challenged to prepare prospective teachers for using technology meaningfully in their instruction, as they are not yet prepared to do so. National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (2009) has also embedded the part of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in the curricula of teacher education but there is disinclination for the usage by both teacher educators and trainee teachers. In order to explore deeper in the realm of it, the researchers had conducted a study to identify the status of e-learning in curricula of teacher education, infrastructural facilities, and usage of e- learning tools for instruction by teacher educators and trainee teachers. The findings of the study have revealed that though the curricula related to e- learning was ample in the selected university but the infrastructural facilities were not accomplished in many terms like internet connection and time provided to use it. The trainee teachers were skilled with the basic computer applications but they are lacking the skill of using various special skills required for e- learning. Also the usage of e-learning tools by teacher educators like email, chat, discussion groups, downloading the content was average but they are not involved in preparing online courses, taking online classes, video conferencing and uploading the educational content. Similar results were found in case of trainee teacher for which they are motivated to use the elearning tools.

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Tri–Center Analysis: Determining Measures of Trichotomous Central Tendency for the Parametric Analysis of Tri–Squared Test Results

Vol.11  No.1

Year : 2014

Issue : Apr-Jun

Title : Tri–Center Analysis: Determining Measures of Trichotomous Central Tendency for the Parametric Analysis of Tri–Squared Test Results

Author Name : James E. Osler II

Synopsis :

This monograph provides an epistemological rational for the design of a novel post hoc statistical measure called “Tri–Center Analysis”. This new statistic is designed to analyze the post hoc outcomes of the Tri–Squared Test. In Tri–Center Analysis trichotomous parametric inferential parametric statistical measures are calculated from statistically significant Tri–Squared Test data. The Tri–Squared Test was first introduced in i-manager’s Journal on Mathematics as a qualitative to quantitative transformative mixed methods data analysis procedure. Tri–Center Analysis is an advanced statistical post hoc holomorphic that rigorously examines trichotomous investigative inquiry outcomes as in–depth parametric relations.

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Students in a Teacher College of Education Develop Educational Programs and Activities Related To Intelligent Use of the Web: Cultivating New Knowledge

Vol.10  No.4

Year : 2014

Issue : Jan-Mar

Title : Students in a Teacher College of Education Develop Educational Programs and Activities Related To Intelligent Use of the Web: Cultivating New Knowledge

Author Name : Dr. Rivka Wadmany, Dr. Orit Zeichner, Dr. Orly Melamed

Synopsis :

Students in a teacher training college in Israel have developed and taught curricula on the intelligent use of the Web. The educational programs were based on activities thematically related to the world of digital citizenship, such as the rights of the child and the Internet, identity theft, copyrights, freedom of expression and its limitations, etc. This study examines the characteristics, advantages and shortcomings of the educational approaches used by 180 students. Most of the students chose balanced approaches for developing and teaching curricula on the subject, relating both to the benefits and dangers of using the Web. Quite a few chose a negative critical approach focusing on the dangers and harmful effects of the Internet. A marginal minority chose a positive approach stressing only on the beneficial uses of the Web. In light of the analysis of the students' reflection questionnaires, it is able to identify those factors that assist and those that inhibit the teaching of the subject based on each of the approaches. In addition, recommendations were made for optimally adapting an approach for developing and teaching sub-topics of the curricula, which enhance the advantages and reduce the disadvantages of using web.

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Enhancing Students' Learning and Self- Efficacy Through Blended Learning in a Teachers' Program

Vol.10  No.4

Year : 2014

Issue : Jan-Mar

Title : Enhancing Students' Learning and Self- Efficacy Through Blended Learning in a Teachers' Program

Author Name : Ahmed Abdelraheem

Synopsis :

Blended Learning (BL) strategies play an important role in collaboration, communication skills, motivation, attitudes, interaction with the subject and practical skills. However, their relationship with students' learning and self efficacy were not studied enough and this was the focus of this study. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning strategy on enhancing students' learning and raising their self efficacy. A sample of 28 students participated in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups. One group studied through blended learning (BL) strategy and the other through regular conventional methods. Both groups were asked to respond to a self efficacy scale and take achievement test. The results indicated that students in the blended learning strategy group outscored in grades significantly their counter partners in conventional method. However there were no significant differences among the two groups in the self-efficacy measures. Within the scope of this study, the results implied that BL in teacher education might be applied in order to provide better learning environment.

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Leadership in Educational Technology

Vol.10  No.4

Year : 2014

Issue : Jan-Mar

Title : Leadership in Educational Technology

Author Name : Rhonda Puckett

Synopsis :

In life, one will come across diverse types of leaders. While each leadership type has positive and negative qualities, each style fits appropriately in distinct situations. Supervisors must determine how to manage their staff in constructive ways, engaging and motivating them to learn more and do more within their specific professional area. The purpose of this research is to define the various types of Educational Leadership and their pros and cons, compare and contrast various ways to manage educators, how to engage others, and to identify best practices in Educational Technology. The writer will also define professional learning networks/communities and identify their purpose. Questions involved with this research include: What are the various kinds of leaders and the pros and cons that apply to those leadership styles? How can Educational Technology superiors effectively manage their staff? How can they motivate their staff? What are PLNs/PLCs and why are they important? The conclusion of this work will highlight the importance of technology leaders within the educational realm.

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Solving the Mega-Crisis in Education: Concrete, Cost-Effective Solutions

Vol.10  No.4

Year : 2014

Issue : Jan-Mar

Title : Solving the Mega-Crisis in Education: Concrete, Cost-Effective Solutions

Author Name : Hershey Friedman, William Hampton-Sosa, Linda Weiser Friedman

Synopsis :

The United States will lose its ability to compete in the global knowledge economy if its educational system is not th significantly improved. It now ranks 13 in college graduation rates. In a recent 24-country Survey of Adult Skills, the U.S. th st ranked 16 in literary proficiency and 21 in numeracy proficiency. Without an intervention, the United States will continue to lose its ability to compete in the global knowledge economy. The objective of this paper was to examine the problem and various potential solutions. The research methodology employed was a search of the scholarly and professional literature. The authors discuss cost-effective solutions that include expanding early childhood education programs, changing the school calendar, home schooling, and online learning options.

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Impact of Computer Technology on Design And Craft Education

Vol.10  No.4

Year : 2014

Issue : Jan-Mar

Title : Impact of Computer Technology on Design And Craft Education

Author Name : Gisli Thorsteinsson

Synopsis :

This research aims to answer the question, 'How has the use of computer technology benefited the compulsory education system, focusing on Design and Technology?' In order to reply this question, it was necessary to focus on interactive whiteboards, e-portfolios and digital projectors as the main technology formats. An initial literature review was carried out to establish the views of academics on this subject area and therefore direct the primary research in a useful way. An online survey including 10 questions was created to collect data in order to answer the questions and to maximise the number of people that this survey became available for. The questionnaire included questions about general technology use within the Design and Craft classroom as well as specific quantifiable questions concerning interactive whiteboards and digital projectors. The research, among other things, concluded that using advanced technology inside Design and Craft relies on teacher is imagination and creativity to truly make full use of the products available. The products advertise themselves as tools for teaching and learning that enhance children's performance in a simplistic way, but this can only be done by well trained teachers who are willing to adapt their teaching style to incorporate them.

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Comparing Two Types of Text-Tracking Design for Young Learners’ E-Books

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Comparing Two Types of Text-Tracking Design for Young Learners’ E-Books

Author Name : Pei-Yu Wang

Synopsis :

This study examined the impact of e-book text-tracking design on 4th graders’ (10-year-old children’s) learning of Chinese characters. The e-books used in this study were created with Adobe Flash CS 5.5 and Action Script 3.0. This study was guided by two main questions: 1) Is there any difference in learning achievement (Chinese character writing, lexical comprehension, and lexical usage) between groups with different e-book text-tracking designs? 2) Is there any difference in learning motivation (attention, confidence, relevance, satisfaction) between groups with different e-book text-tracking designs? This study was an experimental design where the independent variable was text-tracking design for e-books: word-based tracking or line-based tracking. A sample of forty-nine 4th graders participated in the study and participants were randomly assigned into these two groups. They were asked to do a pre-test, and then they read their assigned e-books for forty minutes. After they finished reading, they were gave a post-test and motivation survey. The result showed that students in the line-based tracking design group performed better in Chinese character writing and lexical comprehension. There was no significant difference in learning motivation between groups. This study hopes to contribute to e-book design principles for young learners and serve as a reference for elementary school teachers and e-book publishers.

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Educational Technology and Its Effective Use

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Educational Technology and Its Effective Use

Author Name : Rhonda Puckett

Synopsis :

Technology is becoming more and more prevalent in the American classroom. Students are becoming extremely knowledgeable of computer programs, iPads, and their applications in an increasing manner. The reasoning behind the push for such technology in the classroom is for students to become accomplished twenty-first century learners, college- or career-ready upon graduation. The motivation of this research is to determine the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Questions used in this inquiry include: What subject areas can technology successfully be integrated into; is technology an effective source of individualized instruction to create a successful learning atmosphere; and what types of technology are most effective in educational settings? Concluding evidence determined that technology can be highly effective with various forms of implementation in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grades. Further research would be helpful in the various ways that technology can be implemented more successfully for individualized instruction and whether particular types of technologies are superior to others.

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Effect on E-Content Learning Package in Mathematics Education for the Prospective Teachers

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Effect on E-Content Learning Package in Mathematics Education for the Prospective Teachers

Author Name : D. R. Robert Joan

Synopsis :

E-content learning package will progress the learning process of students in formal or informal setting. It allows us to sort out the information to analyse and make meaning for conceptualization and applications which is suitable for individual learners. The objectives of the study was to measure the effectiveness of the E-content learning package in learning Mathematics for prospective teachers and the experimental research is essential for finding out into effective from the population of prospective teachers, the investigator selected 30 students from a college of education in Tamil Nadu. Tools used were E-content learning package for Mathematics prospective teachers developed by the investigator and pre-test in Mathematics developed by the investigator. In the experimental group, students learn the subject Mathematics by using this E-content learning package for Mathematics. The control group student teachers were taught using conventional method. Findings of the study showed that there was significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores for the experimental group in learning Mathematics. That is experimental group Prospective Teachers have achieved high in post- test than the Pre-test. And also there was significant difference in the Post-test Scores of the experimental and control group. That is experimental group Prospective Teachers have achieved high in post- test than the control group Prospective Teachers. The investigator concludes that the experimental group is more effective than the control group. Thus E-content learning package in Mathematics Education for the prospective teachers is more effective.

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Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Online Discussions: Implications for Instructors

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Online Discussions: Implications for Instructors

Author Name : Dr. Raji Swaminathan, Thalia Mulvihill

Synopsis :

This paper is based on a qualitative study that investigated graduate student perspectives of online discussions in higher education courses. The data are drawn primarily from interviewsand student journal entries. The study examined student experiences of online discussions from a “technorealist” perspective thereby taking into account not only the potential but also the limitations of online spaces for teaching and learning. This paper focuses on some of the popular claims of asynchronous discussions as presented in the literature; along with findings from a study of student perspectives of the same. Finally, the implications of the findings for online instructors are discussed.

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Integrating Digital Technologies in Teaching Learning Process

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Integrating Digital Technologies in Teaching Learning Process

Author Name : Nagarajan, DR K VELMANIRAJAN, K.Sankesh Kanna

Synopsis :

India has made impressive strides in the application of information and communication technology in recent years and this is reflected in a vibrant and fast growing economy. It is now an acknowledged world leader in the knowledge industry. In this paper an attempt is made to highlight the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teacher education. A brief introduction to ICT, and the role of ICT in teacher education and herewith presented. Some suggestive ideas for designing the teacher education course are also presented. ICT is a generic term referring to technologies, which are being used for collecting, storing, editing and passing on information in various forms. Information and Communications Technologies are one of the major contemporary factors shaping the global economy and producing rapid changes in society. Research and evaluation indicate that exposure to ICTs has really changed the lives of lectures and students in tremendous and positive ways. The teacher training institute is providing the teachers of the future and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) assumes that teachers are the new figures in arranging learning process. At the degree level an entire paper on ICT titled “Educational technology and Computer Education” is offered to the students.

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Tri–Squared Mean Cross Comparative Analysis: An Advanced Post Hoc Qualitative and Quantitative Metric for a More In–Depth Examination of the Initial Research Outcomes of the Tri–Square Test

Vol.10  No.3

Year: 2013

Issue: Oct-Dec

Title : Tri–Squared Mean Cross Comparative Analysis: An Advanced Post Hoc Qualitative and Quantitative Metric for a More In–Depth Examination of the Initial Research Outcomes of the Tri–Square Test

Author Name : James E. Osler II

Synopsis :

This monograph provides an epistemological rational for the design of an advanced novel analysis metric. The metric is designed to analyze the outcomes of the Tri–Squared Test. This methodology is referred to as: “Tri–Squared Mean Cross Comparative Analysis” (given the acronym TSMCCA). Tri–Squared Mean Cross Comparative Analysis involves the computation and in–depth study of means extracted from an initial Tri–Squared Test. The Tri–Squared Testhad an established level of statistical significance that provided the grounds for further Post Hoc investigation. The TSMCCA statistic is an Advanced Post Hoc test of the transformative process of qualitative data into quantitative outcomes through the Tri–Squared Test first introduced in the Journal on Mathematics. Advanced statistical analytics are involved in the TSMCCA mathematical model that allows for critical analysis of mean scores on item results.This type of in–depth post hoc statistical analysis permits a higher level of Tri–Squared meta–analytical investigative inquiry.

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Determining Online Graduate Student Expectations: The Use Of Met Expectations Hypothesis

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : Determining Online Graduate Student Expectations: The Use Of Met Expectations Hypothesis

Author Name : Claretha Hughes, Patrice Bax , Marty Brack , Dennis Beck

Synopsis :

This study presents the results of a grounded theory, multi-case, descriptive study. Transcript analysis was conducted of graduate students' responses to questions regarding their expectations of courses in which they were enrolled. Responses were captured within an expectations discussion board forum upon students' entry to the course. The researchers used met expectations hypothesis to help understand and assess graduate students' expectations. Analysis of transcripts revealed that graduate students' expectations were to compare and contrast previous learning to the content of current courses, learn about course topic, achieve degree or course requirement, and gain useful, applicable knowledge. Graduate students wanted to contribute to courses by sharing their personal and/or professional experiences, providing their own, different perspective, contribute to the course environment. Doctoral students wanted to contribute by learning the content. There was not a lot of commonality expressed with regards to expectation changes; the student simply wanted to express that they had made a change. In addition, the researchers developed a stacked matrix in a multi-case format categorized by masters and doctoral students' expectations of course, contribution to course, expectation changes and themes to provide a comparison of groups to triangulate the data. The results of the study illustrate that students do bring their own expectations to a course which may or may not align with course descriptions and/or objectives outlined in a syllabus.

Preservice Teachers In Special Education: Using Edublogs For Transition Collaboration

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : Preservice Teachers In Special Education: Using Edublogs For Transition Collaboration

Author Name : Janice Seabrooks-Blackmore, Karen B Patterson

Synopsis :

This was an exploratory study that examined the introduction and use of Edublogs as a collaborative communication tool in an undergraduate preservice special education course. Participants were enrolled in a course that addressed transition and the development of individualized transition education plans for students with disabilities. Pre-and-post surveys were given to determine participants’ knowledge, feelings, and experiences with the use of Edublogs, as well as their attitudes before and after the introduction and use of Edublogs. Inferential and qualitative data analyses were used to analyze results. Using a 7-point Likert scale with multipleitem pairs, results of pre-and post-survey ratings indicated that participants’ attitudes were significantly different in five out of fifteen variable pairs. Post-survey comments on knowledge, thoughts, and experiences revealed overall positive themes about the use of this Web 2.0 technology for collaboration.

Faculty Development On Online Instructional Methods: A Protocol For Counselor Educators

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : Faculty Development On Online Instructional Methods: A Protocol For Counselor Educators

Author Name : Gina Cicco

Synopsis :

This article will address the importance of properly training faculty members to teach online courses within graduate counseling programs. The number of online course offerings among graduate education programs is steadily increasing across colleges and universities. This trend is of particular interest for counselor educators because counseling courses, particularly those that teach and assess counseling skills and techniques, have traditionally been delivered in the face-to-face classroom setting. Converting skills-based courses to the online modality requires appropriate faculty preparation, ongoing and strategic planning, and frequent evaluation exercises (Cicco, 2013; Fish & Wickersham, 2009). This article will present counseling and other education faculty members with a protocol for faculty development on online instructional methods. The protocol consists of five major steps including an introduction to navigating through online courses, learning-styles training, online course simulation experiences, review of tools for relationship-building, and finally the launching of an actual online course under the supervision of a mentor. Faculty members that are assigned to teach online courses should complete a series of training sessions, such as those presented in this sample protocol, prior to the start of their first online course. The protocol is intended to serve as a training model for novice online instructors, who have not previously taught completely online courses, especially those who have a commitment to teaching within the online classroom. Participation in this type of faculty development is encouraged because appropriate training and preparedness typically result in improved levels of faculty and student performance and satisfaction in online courses (Cicco, 2012; Santovec, 2004).

A Comparison Of Traditional And Cooperative Learning Methods In Online Learning

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : A Comparison Of Traditional And Cooperative Learning Methods In Online Learning

Author Name : Lori Kupczynski, Marie Anne Mundy , Alberto Ruiz

Synopsis :

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Community of Inquiry framework through an in-depth examination of learning comprised of teaching, social and cognitive presence in traditional versus cooperative online teaching at a community college. A total of 21 students participated in this study, with approximately 45% having taken online courses previously. Repeated Measures ANOVA were completed for all analyses via the SPSS General Linear Model – Repeated Measures with alpha set at α = .05 across all tests Cooperative learning (Mean = 72.18, SD = 12.31) was significantly higher than traditional learning (Mean = 70.91, SD = 12.70). The effect size of .22 as measured by Partial Eta Squared was quite large, with 22% of the difference in variance explained by overall learning. CL in teaching presence (Mean = 33.62, SD = 5.17) was significantly higher than traditional in teaching presence (Mean = 32.82, SD = 5.74). The effect size of .46 as measured by Partial Eta Squared was very large, with 46% of the difference in variance explained by teaching presence. Social and cognitive were not statistically significant (p>.05). Future studies should examine different designs of teaching presence, such as allowing students to choose their own groups, which may lead to increased social presence and cognitive presence and in turn increased learning.

Technology Engineering Online Learner Metrics To Analyze Instructional Efficacy

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : Technology Engineering Online Learner Metrics To Analyze Instructional Efficacy

Author Name : James E. Osler II, Mahmud A. Mansaray

Synopsis :

The online deployment of Technology Engineered online Student Ratings of Instruction [SRIs] by colleges and universities in the United States has dynamically changed the deployment of course evaluation. This research investigation is the fourth part of a post hoc study that analytically and psychometrically examines the design, reliability, and validity of the items used in the delivery of an SRI instrument online during the 2012 Spring Semester at a United States Historical Black College and University [HBCU]. The sample under analysis consisted of 7,919 distributed Student Ratings Instruments with a Grand Total of 56451 analyzed instrument items. The application of several statistical measures was used to validate the Technologically Engineered SRI instrument used in the study. Results of the study included: a Cronbach's Alpha Test that yielded an extraordinarily high internal consistency of the student rejoinders to the items on the rating scale; and a Tri–Squared Test supported the research findings attributed to the Cronbach's Alpha Test results. This research is the continuation of in–depth investigations into Technology Engineering as discussed in iManager's Journal on School Educational Technology, further explored in iManager's Journal of Educational Technology, and data analyzed with the Tri–Squared statistical measure first introduced in iManager's Journal of Mathematics.

Examining Teachers' Role In Using Virtual Learning Environment To Support Conventional Education In Icelandic Schools

Vol.10 No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Jul-Sep

Title : Examining Teachers' Role In Using Virtual Learning Environment To Support Conventional Education In Icelandic Schools

Author Name : Gisli Thorsteinsson

Synopsis :

Running Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) classes using Virtual Learning Environments s (VLEs) has become a high priority project for many educational institutions, as it offers opportunities for online education and support for conventional education. However, acquiring and deploying a VLE is a difficult task that concerns teachers' responsibilities and their mindset. The author has run a series of studies to recognize pedagogical issues of applying a Virtual Learning Environment to support educational activities in school education.The main aim of the studies was to identify regarding the teacher'swork that illustrates his mindset and responsibilities during ICT classes in an Icelandic elementary school. The research was based up on the following research questions: 

(i) Which issues influence the teachers' role in using ICT to support school education? 

(ii) How do these issues affect his mindset and responsibilities during ICT classes? 

(iii). How can a teacher effectively manage these issues? 

These questions were viewed using a range of explicit techniques in an action research mode. Data was collected from three, triangulated, studies. The data was analysed and used to formulate a new set of research questions and a more advanced exploration using a following series of case studies.The research indicates that teachers are not always able to make full use of ICT because they lack self-confidence, role conflicts, workload and time for preparation and skill to manage the technology inside the classroom.They need to have diverse capabilities, in order to enter the schoolroom with wide-ranging capabilities. The research also indicated that the teacher lacked self-confidence, in terms of knowledge and skill in ICT, but he was capable of solving most problems during the research. The teacher's work was complex and his multiple roles and responsibilities were not pre-defined. Therefore self-criticism became a part of his general mindset that affected his self-confidence and self-efficacy.