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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