Digital Commons Network^™

Digital Technology And The Disengaged Student: Enhancing The Motivation Of Students With Behaviour Needs, Ray Handley

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Increasing the level of participation in secondary education, prompted by the realisation that a workforce with a significant level of education and training is needed for the demands of a future dependent on technology, provides the context for this research project. The responses of governments in Europe and Australia are explored to explain these expectations and questions are raised about the means for increasing the retention rate of young people in education and training. The issue of disengagement becomes the focus of this discussion and the use of technology as a means to re-engage young people for whom school provides …

Investigating How An Authentic Task Can Promote Student Engagement When Learning About Australian History, Peter Edward Morrissey

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The importance of learning about National history has been well recognised and has led to public debate about the content and how it should be presented to students. A perceived lack of student engagement with history has led to suggestions that a change in classroom pedagogy from teacher to student-centred activities is warranted. This study investigated the research problem of defining design principles to assist teachers in motivating and engaging students in the study of Australian History through the use of technology to support authentic tasks.

The study employed a design-based research (DBR) approach to investigate how an authentic task …

Improving Mathematics Education In The Middle East: A Focus On Technology, Learning Design And Professional Development, Bothaina Bukhatwa

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This research is motivated by the challenges faced in the best design of eLearning sites to increase student understanding of educational processes and in providing appropriate professional development to academic staff. The particular focus in this research is “How can tertiary mathematics education in Middle Eastern countries, specifically Libya and Oman, be enhanced through the integration of technology into teaching and learning?”

The researcher, of Libyan origins was immersed in the Australian culture and education system, working sometimes as a research assistant engaged in the development of learning materials, and research student conducting evaluations, and interviews with staff and students …

Examining Digital Natives: An Investigation Of University Students’ Engagement With Technology, Linda Corrin

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The expanding role of technology in supporting teaching and learning in higher education has prompted educators to consider how young people engage with technology across the multiple contexts of their lives. Early discussion of this topic was heavily influenced by generational assumptions, based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Labels such as ‘digital natives’ and the ‘Net Generation’ were used to refer to a generation of young people who were said to have a natural ability with and motivation to use technologies in all aspects of their lives (Prensky, 2001; Tapscott, 1998). Over time, the homogenous nature of this group was challenged …

Investigating Secondary School Students’ Understanding Of Climate Change, Lorna Elaine Jarrett

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

A large body of international research confirms that misconceptions about the science of climate change remain common, despite the topic having been part of many science syllabi for more than a decade. This study explored students’ ideas about the key scientific concepts underlying the topic.

To do this, I developed the Climate Change Concept Inventory (CCCI), a 27 item multiple-choice diagnostic instrument. The concepts addressed by the CCCI were determined through a Delphi study of experts in secondary science teaching and climate science, and a review of research literature on students’ understanding of the topic. I applied a rigorous methodology …

Examining The Ways That Primary Teachers (K-2) Use Interactive Whiteboards In Connection With Their Literacy-Based Pedagogical Practices, Kay Hannelore Prcevich

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In recent times there has been a significant increase in the use of interactive whiteboard (IWB) technology in NSW school classrooms. The upsurge of IWB technology has resulted in the expectation of major changes in educational settings, however, the literature indicates a different reality, suggesting that IWBs have not been used to their potential (Fitzallen, 2005; Kent, 2006; Kervin & Jones, 2009) with some papers suggesting the technology has been somewhat mislabelled (Burden, 2002; Lee & Boyle, 2003).

The purpose of this inquiry was to explore the ways that IWB technology has been implemented in NSW primary schools within literacy-based …

Modelling Secondary Mathematics Teacher's Use And Non Use Of Technology In Teaching, Rebecca Hudson

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis investigated the barriers faced by teachers which prevent them from using technology in the classroom. To this end teachers at 26 public secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia, were surveyed. These secondary schools were located in all areas of New South Wales. One hundred and fourteen secondary mathematics teachers of the New South Wales Department of Education and Training responded to the survey regarding their use or non use of technology in teaching.

A ‘mixed-method’ methodology was used which combined both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative method used was statistical modelling. In particular, logistic and linear …

Enhancing Human Capital For Technological Development: A Comparative Study Of A Selected Public University, A Large Local Corporation And An Industry-Public Sector Initiative In Malaysia, Suzana Ariff Azizan

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

In 1991 the Malaysian government launched a long term plan known as Vision 2020 it emphasized building capability in technology. Building this capacity also requires building Malaysia’s human capital, something which various critics have suggested Malaysia has been not doing adequately. In response to these concerns, Malaysia has started to invest heavily in programs to develop its human capital. Investments have been focused particularly on higher education. This has been done by increasing university student intake, increasing funds for education and skills development programs, and the creation of skills development funds. This thesis works in the context of these concerns …