Education Commons^™

Exemplary High School Teacher's Utilization Of Web-Facilitated Instruction: A Multiple-Case Study, Tracy A. Platt

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Technology and the web are becoming as necessary to the education of “digital natives” (Prensky, 2001) as the textbook. This qualitative multiple case study focused on the manner in which web-facilitated technologies influenced instruction through planning, preparation, and instructional practices of secondary teachers. Three high school teachers were selected as participants based on their administrator recommending them as an exemplary teacher utilizing web-facilitated technology. A multiple case qualitative design was employed where 8 to 9 observations occurred over a 2-month period. Observations were concluded by researcher journaled thoughts, feelings, and general impressions of what was observed. Post observation interviews queried …

Use Of Cognitive Artifacts In Chemistry Learning, Ilker Yengin

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In everyday life, we interact with cognitive artifacts to receive and/or manipulate information so as to alter our thinking processes. CHEM/TEAC 869Q is a distance course that includes extensive explicit instruction in the use of a cognitive artifact. This study investigates issues related to the design of that online artifact. In order to understand design implications and how cognitive artifacts contribute to students’ thinking and learning, a qualitative research methodology was engaged that utilized think aloud sessions. Participants’ described constrained and structured cognitive models while using the artifact. The study also was informed by interviews and researcher's field notes. A …

Examining The Role Of The Introductory Video In The Development Of Teaching Presence In Online Instruction, Bojan Lazarevic

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study presents and discusses findings regarding the benefits of video delivery in online instruction. Specifically, the study addresses whether the implementation of a short asynchronous introductory video in a primarily text-based online course has an effect on students’ perception of teaching presence. In addition, the second aim of this study is to test whether an asynchronous introductory video can enhance student’s course engagement and performance. Finally, the study seeks answer if there is an interrelationship between teaching presence, student’s engagement and student’s performance.

This study utilizes a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design. The study also includes elements of …