Education Commons^™

A Generic Intelligent Architecture For Computer-Aided Training Of Procedural Knowledge, Freeman A. Kilpatrick Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) development is a knowledge-intensive task, suffering from the same knowledge acquisition bottleneck that plagues most Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. This research presents an architecture that requires knowledge only in the form of a shallow knowledge base and a simulation to produce a training system. The knowledge base provides the basic procedural knowledge while the simulation provides context. The remainder of the knowledge required for training is learned through the interaction of these components in a state-space scenario exploration process and inductive machine learning. These knowledge components are used only at the interface level, allowing the internal …

Integrating Multimedia Education Into Learning Activities For Students Ages Five Through Seven, Sandra Jean Riley

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project was to adapt curriculum activities that integrate Internet technology with activities for children ages five through seven. Review of selected literature, relevant to the integration of technology was conducted. Findings presented support the integration of multimedia technology into the instruction of young childre.n. Portions of the Washington State Essential Learnings for reading, writing, and communication were incorporated in the development of the activities for use in the early childhood classroom.

Multimedia Prereading Strategies, Mary J. Wise

All Graduate Projects

Prereading activities are important in enabling students to comprehend and enjoy the books they read. Teachers are always in need of good prereading activities, and the increasing popularity of computers offers opportunities to fill this need, however, technology is not keeping up with educators' needs in this area. While there is an overwhelming quantity of commercially produced computer software programs, they are invariably generic in nature. No software relating to prereading strategies appears to be available. A CD containing multimedia prereading activities was produced to accompany a selected list of elementary level trade books. The CD is intended to be …

Active Learning On The Internet : Flexible Development Framework For Museum Web Site Activities, H. Courtney White

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Provides museum professionals with a flexible framework for developing museum web site activities and allows them to question, evaluate, and change their web site in response to the museum's and visitors' needs.

The Vital Element, Jennifer Mcnab

Graduate Research Papers

Integrating technology into curriculum requires educators to have a working knowledge of using technology in the educational setting. However, technology integration is often an oversight in staff development. Educators are more likely to use technology to their full potential if a support system is in place and proper training of how to use technology in their classroom is available.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators use computers to enhance the learning experience for students. Educators from around the United States answered the request for sharing motivational ideas for incorporating computers into the classroom. These innovative activities …

Computer Mediated Communication: Elements Impacting Sustained Usage By Iowa Elementary And Middle School Teachers, Philip M. Hibbard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to examine, using a case study methodology, interactions among a group of Iowa teachers involved in a computer mediated communication project, to better understand those elements which may impact sustained usage of computer mediated communication. The study involved examination of one year's worth of on-line journal postings and interactive conferences, and interviews with the 22 teachers involved in the project.

The multiple sources of data collected were analyzed using a methodology known as constant comparative, and the analysis presented according to the following themes:

1. What topics did the participants discuss while using computer mediated …

Technology In The Mathematics Classroom: "Glorified Toys" Or Educational Tools?, Jason W. Perry

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Teachers today are faced with an ever-changing and growing group of challenges when teaching their students. A continued trend toward the mainstreaming and inclusion of students with special needs into general education classroom, along with the increasing number of students being labeled "At-Risk" have created a demand and necessity for innovative and creative teaching strategies. A somewhat recent phenomenon has been an increased emphasis on the implementation and utilization of "technology" in classroom instruction. Teachers at all levels and all subjects are facing this "push" toward technology, but this project focuses on the teaching of mathematics, particularly at the secondary …

In The (Not So) Distant Future: Fiber Optic Distance Learning At The University Of Northern Iowa, Mary Bozik

Faculty Publications

Currently every Area Education Agency; community college; and Regent University in Iowa is connected by a fiber optic system known as the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). Every semester; 7 to 13 college credit classes have been offered at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) via the ICN since 1993. In the Spring of 1995 seven classes (six graduate; one undergraduate) were offered on the ICN by UNI; all were taught by a different instructor; each of whom had participated in a 3-day preparatory workshop. All 168 students were surveyed and 103 responded. Students reported their instructors used a variety of …

Evaluating The Integration Of Learning Technology In Queensland State Schools: A Case Study Of The Queensland Sunrise Centre, Glenn D. Finger

Digital learning research

This thesis provides information, implications, and recommendations, derived from an evaluation of the Queensland Sunrise Centre (QSC), which will assist educational policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation strategies for integrating learning technology into the school curriculum. In addition, the thesis makes a theoretical contribution to school level evaluations through the development, implementation, and appraisal of an evaluation model based on fourth generation evaluation (4GB) principles by directly involving stakeholders in the evaluation process. The establishment of the Queensland Sunrise Centre (QSC) in 1990 involved the creation of innovative technology-rich learning environments for students and teachers in which each of them had …

The Effect Of Technology-Rich School Environments On Academic Achievement And Attitudes Of Urban School Students, Charles R. Grimm

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of technology-rich educational environments on student academic achievement and attitude. The primary independent variable was the type of school (technology-rich school (TRS) and traditional school (TS)). Additional independent variables included gender, ethnicity, and computer ownership. The dependent variables were: (1) student academic achievement (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (4th-grade), Virginia's Literacy Passport Test (6th-grade), and Tests of Achievement and Proficiency (11th-grade)) and (2) and student attitudes (questionnaire).

The design examined the differences between TRS and TS (N = 1088). Compared were 4th-grade elementary school students attending a TRS (n = …

A Meta-Analysis Of The Effect Of Computer-Assisted Instruction On The Academic Achievement Of Students In Grades 6 Through 12: A Comparison Of Urban, Suburban, And Rural Educational Settings, Edwin Patrick Christmann

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This meta-analysis analyzed grades 6 through 12 school students' academic achievement effect sizes from experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational studies that examined the effects of microcomputer-based computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the academic achievement of urban, suburban, and rural students across various subjects. Those studies compared secondary students who were exposed to CAI with those who were exposed to traditional instructional strategies.

A total of 3,476 students participated in 24 studies which resulted in 35 conclusions. The sample size ranged from 28 to 425; the mean sample size was 140 students.

The mean effect sizes of urban, suburban, and rural students uncovered …

The Impact Of Follow-Up Discussion On Student Learning From Channel One, Gary Arthur Borlaug

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Channel One, a news and features program delivered via satellite to over 40% of junior and senior high school students in the United States, has been the subject of persistent scrutiny regarding the educational value of its daily 10-minute presence in schools. Channel One’s curriculum includes three major components: (a) current events; (b) social issues such as drug abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, prejudice, and so on; and (c) commercial advertisements. Previous studies have been conducted to examine the impact of the current events and advertisement components but not of the social issues component.Studies designed to measure how much students learned …

An Investigation Of Changing Concerns Toward Instructional Computer Use During Student Teaching, Roderick E. Winters

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated hypothesized change in the concerns of student teachers toward instructional computer use during an eight week student teaching experience. In Phase 1, information concerning seven variables which have the potential to influence teacher computer utilization was collected from student teachers and their cooperating teachers. In addition, seven dimensions of concern toward employment of instructional computer use were examined by administering the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) before and after the student teaching experience.

Multiple regression analysis indicated that change in only one of the seven stages of concern (concerns toward collaboration) could be predicted by any of …

A Model For Assessing The Quality Of Learning In Distance Education, George C. Lassetter Iii

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The factors contributing to the quality of learning in distance education were investigated. These factors were used to develop an empirically based model for the assessment of the quality of learning in distance education. The affective, cognitive, and conative domains of learning and the ethical domain of distance education were defined and used as the theoretical foundation for a search of distance education studies and evaluations that identified over 150 variables that potentially affected quality of learning. A Delphi technique was used to validate the variables and construct a survey instrument. Surveys were distributed to 3 groups totaling 523 students …

Advanced Educational Methods In The Department Of Defense: Application Of Case Theory And Computer-Assisted Instruction To Business Process Reengineering, Brian A. Brown, Susan M. Brown, Karen L. Cook

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to create a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) prototype tutorial to teach the fundamental principles of integrated, computer-aided manufacturing definition activity modeling (IDEFO), a component of business process reengineering within the Department of Defense. To accomplish this, the authors evaluated current instructional material related to IDEFO, then adapted the material to a computerized learning environment using the Authorware Professional™ authoring software and a hybrid methodology which incorporated elements both of instructional design and software development. One of the most notable characteristics of this hybrid model was a series of iterations at each phase of development, which …

Computer Networks And The Teaching Of English As A Second Language: How Networks Affect Second Language Acquisition, Kirstin J. Reed-Perez

English Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Tech Prep: To Investigate And Develop An Analysis Of Two On-Site Visits, Sandra C. Birchfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There was no educational plan that served as a comprehensive model to more adequately prepare students for economic success as defined by securing and retaining employment in existing and prospective business settings. Tech Prep Professionals were asked questions on existing programs to investigate and develop an analysis of two on-site visits. The research questions were as follows: (1) What components comprised other Tech Prep Programs? (2) What differences and commonalties existed in the Tech Prep programs? (3) What impact, if any, did the demographics of the region have on the existing Tech Prep programs? (4) What procedures were followed in …

An Examination Of The Relationships Among Learning Style, Attitudes, And Outcomes Of Computer-Assisted Instruction, Daniel Glen Wilson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was based upon a hypothesized AptitudeTreatment Interaction (ATI). More specifically, the research investigated the relationships between student learning style (aptitude) and student outcomes with computer-assisted instruction (treatment). These outcomes included student achievement with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and student attitude toward CAI.

To examine these relationships, a researcher-developed CAI program on light and color theory was validated and administered to 144 students in an educational media course at the University of Northern Iowa. Participants in the study were first asked to complete the Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales (GRSLSS) inventory along with a demographic survey. Next, each participant completed …

Technology: Connecting People And Places, Richard Stahlhut

Faculty Publications

The College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) established collaborative partnership agreements with nine major school districts in Iowa where UNI student teachers were placed. One collaborative project connected the campus coordinator with the nine off-campus sites through the campus computer network (Caucus). In the 1993-94 school year the transition to Internet is being made. This paper describes: (1) how the UNI computer network (Caucus) was developed and extended; (2) projects that caused practitioners to become active partners in the UNI Teacher Education program; (3) projects such as newsletters; establishment of mentor programs for student teachers; and …

Using Computer Conferencing Technology To Assist Collaboration Between Higher Education Faculty; Student Teachers And K-12 Practitioners, Richard Stahlhut, Richard R. Hawkes

Faculty Publications

The College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) created collaborative partnerships with nine major school districts in Iowa in order to establish several kinds of relationships between practitioners and university faculty which computer networks facilitated. A new "Cobra" computer conference system was expanded to the nine regional off-campus centers where UNI student teachers were working; and modem-equipped portable computers were linked to the campus through a WATTS telephone line. Personnel; including field-based personnel and practitioners; were then able to communicate with nearly all offices on UNI campus through E-mail and computer conferences. Further programs have recruited teachers …

Development Of A Hypermedia Database For The Elementary Classroom, Jane Pattison Brown

All Graduate Projects

A hypermedia database including selected flora and fauna in Kittitas County, Washington, was developed using HyperCard software for researching information about 400+ species. students had the opportunity to use the database in school libraries and in the author's fifth-grade classroom. The database cards accessed videodisc images where available. On the basis of limited study to date, it appears that when studying the environment, student learning was enhanced by the use of database material created by the author.

A Manual For Teacher Trainers Of The Trace™ Program, Michele Pennington Wadeikis

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to develop a manual to assist teachers in the training of fellow teachers on the management of student records. The program creates a time saving method in the training of a computerized gradebook found within the trACE™ program. The gradebook component of the trACE™ program offers a variety of report formats which assist with classroom organization and instructional planning. Included are lesson plans that show the training procedures for this project.

A Study To Identify Selected Factors Affecting The Implementation Of Computer-Aided Design And Drafting In Industrial Technology Baccalaureate Programs, Tsung-Juang Wang

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze selected factors affecting the present status of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and those factors which were needed to reach a desired level of CADD implementation in Industrial Technology Baccalaureate Programs (ITBPs) in the United States. The intent of this study was to identify and analyze selected factors which facilitate the implementation of CADD in ITBPs within the United States.

One hundred and sixty-four ITBPs institutions from the 1992 National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) Directory were used for participation in this study. A questionnaire identifying both current and …

A Technologically Assisted Integrated Curriculum In The Seventh Grade, Laurie Kay Miller

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop interdisciplinary learning units for middle level students which utilize the latest in educational technology. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature on interdisciplinary education and technology in education were reviewed. The learning units were developed for actual use by all seventh graders in seventh grade block classes at West Valley Junior High School in Yakima, Washington. The results of this type of learning have been very encouraging.

Learning With Personal Computers: Issues, Observations And Perspectives, Helga A.H. Rowe, Irene Brown, Isabel Lesman

Digital learning research

The empirical study discussed in this book was conducted in the Sunrise classrooms at Coombabah State School, Queensland in 1991-92, in which each student had their own laptop computer. Part I provides a theoretical framework for learning and teaching with computers. Part II deals with issues relating to the acquisition of computer literacy. Part III describes the empirical study conducted with 115 Year 6 and Year 7 students, and Part IV deals with issues relating to the professional development of teachers who teach students with computers and with the evaluation of computer software by teachers.

Math Student Teachers: How Well Prepared Are They?, Richard G. Stahlhut

Faculty Publications

This study was conducted to find out how well mathematics majors at the University of Northern Iowa were prepared in the foundations of effective teaching practices and how well they performed during the student teaching experience. Data were gathered from mathematics student teachers (N=22) who were observed; interviewed; and asked to keep daily journals. Results suggest that mathematics teacher education students: (1) be required to create practical problems for pupils for every mathematics course in grades 7-12; (2) be required to take a course that deals with writing across the curriculum so they can better incorporate English into their classroom …

Instructional Logistics And Chunque-Based Learning Systems, Ian A. Mcarthur

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Existing instructional design and curriculum design strategy components were synthesized to provide a comprehensive set of design models for the development of learning systems. The term instructional logistics was coined to define the management of student progress through a series of customized learning experiences. Strategies were developed for the design of student-centered learning systems by partitioning a curriculum into meaningful and manageable pieces (called chunques) and by manipulating those pieces to create personalized and individualized paths through a series of self-contained learning experiences. Strategies were developed to organize a collection of chunques into a path based on initial simplified mental …

Ua35/5 Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1, Wku Center For Teaching & Learning

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by and about WKU Center for Teaching & Learning.

Emerging Practices In K-6 Multimedia Methods Of Instruction In The Bethel School District, Gelnn E. Malone

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess and describB the conditions and practices in the Bethel School District's elementary schools with regard to the use of a multimedia approach to instruction. A sample of the 260 classroom teachers, 13 principals, and 13 learning resource center specialists in the Bethel School District's 13 elementary schools (K-6) were surveyed using questionnaires covering the implementation of multimedia methods of instruction. The results showed current multimedia methods of instruction are rare in the elementary classrooms of the Bethel School District because of a lack of technological inservice and current multimedia hardware.

The Uses And Effectiveness Of Computers In Educational Administration, Steven W. Warren

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the uses and effectiveness of computers in educational administration. Principals from the high schools of Washington State's Mid-Valley AA League responded to a questionnaire regarding the uses of computers in their buildings and the perceived effectiveness of computers used for administrative tasks. Survey results indicated that the majority of high schools in the Mid-Valley AA League have used computers for common administrative tasks, and principals found that these tasks were accomplished more effectively with a computer.