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Full-Text Articles in Education

Extending Teacher Professional Development Through An Online Learning Community: A Case Study, Wei Liu, Ronald L. Carr, Johannes Strobel Jun 2009

Extending Teacher Professional Development Through An Online Learning Community: A Case Study, Wei Liu, Ronald L. Carr, Johannes Strobel

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) at Purdue University in the U.S. was established in 2006 to integrate engineering and engineering thinking into the Pre-Kindergarten-12th grade education. The institute provides elementary teachers with pioneering professional development in engineering education through a week-long face-to-face Summer Academy and an online professional development program. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of the P-6 engineering education teacher professional development, and meanwhile, present a set of design principles to extend teacher professional development through an online learning community.


Efficacy Of Interaction Among College Students In A Web-Based Environment, Ching-Wen Chang Jun 2009

Efficacy Of Interaction Among College Students In A Web-Based Environment, Ching-Wen Chang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

In order to investigate the efficacy of interaction among college students in a Web-based learning environment, three interactive tools (discussion board, e-mail, and online chat) were evaluated regarding the level of interaction and tool preference among a diverse group of college students in terms of age, gender, and online learning experience. A survey instrument was developed and used to assess and encourage interactive qualities in distance courses. A four-factor split-plot ANOVA was applied to analyze the data. The survey’s questions were repeated across each of the three tools in order to determine interaction efficacy levels in a Web-based environment. Discussion …


The Development Of A Sms-Based Teaching And Learning System, Simon So Jun 2009

The Development Of A Sms-Based Teaching And Learning System, Simon So

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The short message service (SMS) technology is one of the most stable mobile technologies around. Most of our tertiary students carry mobile phones with SMS facilities and can be used for teaching and learning. There are many projects of using SMS technologies in education as outlined in the literature review, but many publications do not provide the possible underlying technologies to implement such the teaching and learning systems. In this paper, the development of a SMS-based teaching and learning system is presented. The underlying technology of using GSM modems to build the SMS-based teaching and learning system is revealed. The …


Integrating Second Life Into An Efl Program: Students’ Perspectives, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Hongbo Song, Fangli Xia, Qiaoqiao Yan Jun 2009

Integrating Second Life Into An Efl Program: Students’ Perspectives, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Hongbo Song, Fangli Xia, Qiaoqiao Yan

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Second Life (SL) is a three dimension virtual world imagined and created by its users. To explore various facets of language learning within SL, faculty members of an American university and a Chinese university took an evaluation research approach to search for appropriate ways to integrate SL into an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program. This paper reports a part of the research efforts with a focus on the Chinese students’ perspectives of an EFL Program in SL. Specifically included in this paper are (a) the Chinese students’ perceived technology readiness to use SL for EFL learning, (b) their …


Exploring Dynamics Between Instructional Designers And Higher Education Faculty: An Ethnographic Case Study, Cheng-Chang (Sam) Pan, Kelvin Thompson Jun 2009

Exploring Dynamics Between Instructional Designers And Higher Education Faculty: An Ethnographic Case Study, Cheng-Chang (Sam) Pan, Kelvin Thompson

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study concentrated on individual and team traits of an instructional design team in the presence of a robust relationship between the team members and faculty at a southeast state university in U.S.A. Three exploratory themes emerged from the interpersonal dynamics observed in this qualitative inquiry: (1) expertise, (2) work motivation, and (3) team culture. Preliminary results first suggested that professionalism with a mix of task mental models, assertiveness, and proactivity be implanted in the instructional designers. Then, instructional designers’ growth and survival needs allow for active learning and continuous reflection on curriculum development and instruction delivery in the e-Learning …


Effectiveness Of Professional Development In Teaching Mathematics And Technology Applications, Taralynn Hartsell, Sherry Herron, Houbin Fang, Avinash Rathod Jun 2009

Effectiveness Of Professional Development In Teaching Mathematics And Technology Applications, Taralynn Hartsell, Sherry Herron, Houbin Fang, Avinash Rathod

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study investigated whether a four-week professional development workshop for math teachers helped improve their ability to integrate technology into instruction and teach math concepts. Instruments for data collection included four different types of surveys that asked questions concerning their technology skills and confidence in teaching various math topics. Results of the study revealed that the professional development workshop did improve their technology skills in using graphing calculators and different software programs, as well as increasing their overall confidence in teaching different math topics such as fractions, percentages, real numbers, etc.


A New Model Of Productive Online Discussion And Its Implications For Research And Instruction, Fei Gao, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Yanling Sun Jun 2009

A New Model Of Productive Online Discussion And Its Implications For Research And Instruction, Fei Gao, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Yanling Sun

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

We develop a new model of productive online discussion based on a brief review of research literature on online discussion. As compared to previous discussion models, the new model provides a more systematic and comprehensive framework to understand how learning occurs through online discussion. Based on the new model, we propose several directions for research on improving the quality of online discussion and learning.


Considerations Of Distance Education Integration: A Qualitative Study, Jennifer L. Styron, Shuyan Wang, Ronald A. Styron Jr. Jun 2009

Considerations Of Distance Education Integration: A Qualitative Study, Jennifer L. Styron, Shuyan Wang, Ronald A. Styron Jr.

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

As higher education institutions determine whether or not to initiate or expand distance education offerings, there are many considerations and levels of decision making that need to be measured. This study investigated the role of key administrators at the departmental chair and dean levels in expanding distance education offerings. Findings of this study included faculty and student considerations, resources and external support, and integration costs of distance education offerings as major considerations within distance education decision making. Furthermore, the need for realistic timelines, planning for the associated costs of distance education offerings, and current tenure and promotion policies are discussed. …


Online Counseling And Its Effectiveness, Leigh C. Sullivan Mar 2009

Online Counseling And Its Effectiveness, Leigh C. Sullivan

Perspectives In Learning

In this overview of recent research, the usage of online counseling is investigated. A variety of researchers sought to find the effectiveness of online counseling, to determine the clients most likely to utilize online counseling, and to investigate the ethical implications of the practice. Conclusive evidence illustrates that the predominant advantages of online counseling consist of the anonymity offered, the convenience of the practice, and the ability to reach clients who traditionally could not or would not attend a traditional therapy session. However, alarming disadvantages to online counseling include a poorly established therapeutic relationship, delivery of services by unqualified practitioners, …


About This Issue, Jan Burcham Mar 2009

About This Issue, Jan Burcham

Perspectives In Learning

This is a summary of the contents of this issue.


Effective Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports: The Key To Dramatic Changes In Student Behavior, Evelyn Blalock, Greg Blalock Mar 2009

Effective Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports: The Key To Dramatic Changes In Student Behavior, Evelyn Blalock, Greg Blalock

Perspectives In Learning

As education professionals continue to focus on the critical issue of behavior management, a number of schools are turning toward the use of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). As over a decade of research indicates, SWPBIS provides an effective, evidence-based approach to behavior management utilizing universal screening and the teaching of prosocial behavior across the campus. Reliance on data-based decision making has resulted in dramatic gains in positive student behavior for many schools utilizing a SWPBS program. As explained here, implementation of such a program requires specific but flexible steps that lead to the establishment of a SWPBS …


Book Review, Rochelle P. Ripple Mar 2009

Book Review, Rochelle P. Ripple

Perspectives In Learning

Bruce, M.H., & Miller, H.B. (2007). Straight talk to beginning teachers: An instant mentor in print for secondary teachers. Willow Grove, PA: Journey Publications.


Table Of Contents Mar 2009

Table Of Contents

Perspectives In Learning

This is the table of contents.


Editorial Board Mar 2009

Editorial Board

Perspectives In Learning

This is a listing of the members of the Editorial Board.


Brain-Based Learning: Revolutionary Science Or Common Sense?, Sheena Baker Mar 2009

Brain-Based Learning: Revolutionary Science Or Common Sense?, Sheena Baker

Perspectives In Learning

The purpose of this article is to examine the brain-based approach to teaching and learning. The approach is defined, and common misconceptions and criticisms of brain-based learning are explored. Also presented are implications for classroom teachers striving to meet accountability demands while attending to the diverse needs of all students. Justification for implementing brain-based strategies is provided in light of the ever-changing landscape of 21st- century learning.


The Role Of Emotions In The Classroom, Miracle Underwood Mar 2009

The Role Of Emotions In The Classroom, Miracle Underwood

Perspectives In Learning

Emotions play a large role in the classroom. However, teachers often do not consider the important role that emotions play. Student behavior is regulated by emotions. To perform effectively, students need a classroom that is safe. They need to feel free to be themselves and take risks. Students need to have a relationship with their teacher that is based on the foundation of respect and expectation. By coupling academics and emotions as the focus of a classroom, teachers will see a great improvement in both achievement and behavior.


Multicultural Counseling Issues: Practicing Outside Boundaries Of Competence, Patricia G. Hays Mar 2009

Multicultural Counseling Issues: Practicing Outside Boundaries Of Competence, Patricia G. Hays

Perspectives In Learning

This article examines issues of practicing outside boundaries of competency with regards to multicultural counseling. Using current research from the fields of counseling and psychology, the significance to the field of counseling, attributes of a multicultural counselor, and training necessary for competent multicultural counseling are addressed. Briefly outlined are the three dimensions of counseling competencies needed to be a culturally skilled counselor as well as consideration of the problems in the field of counselor education. This article concludes with a summary of researchers’ suggestions on how to ensure counseling students acquire the appropriate training in developing multicultural competencies to practice …


Understanding And Encouraging Student Diversity: Involving The Community, Rochelle Ripple, José A. Villavicencio Mar 2009

Understanding And Encouraging Student Diversity: Involving The Community, Rochelle Ripple, José A. Villavicencio

Perspectives In Learning

The Committee on Diversity in the Collegeof Educationof ColumbusStateUniversityhas been involved in several programs since 2004 to increase the diversity in the college, both with students and faculty/staff. This has been accomplished by involving the community in and around Columbus, Georgia. This article addresses the committee’s work to adapt several strategies to develop a three-pronged approach: (1) acceptance of diversity within our ranks, (2) partnering with One Columbus, a community organization to promote diversity, racial harmony, and unity in Columbus, and (3) participation with CHISPA, a Hispanic organization intended to recruit and retain Hispanic students at CSU and to build …


You Are What You Eat: Healthy Practice For Young Children, Vikki K. Collins, Sallie A. Miller, H Marguerite Yates Mar 2009

You Are What You Eat: Healthy Practice For Young Children, Vikki K. Collins, Sallie A. Miller, H Marguerite Yates

Perspectives In Learning

All young children can benefit from proper nutrition and physical activity. Because children spend so much time in schools, teachers can play important roles in educating children about nutrition, dietary behavior, and physical activity to foster their optimal growth and health. Eating healthy, nourishing food fosters physical growth, enhances emotional stability, and improves school performance. By planning and implementing developmentally appropriate integrated lessons, teachers can help promote healthy practice for young children.


Support Network Involvement, Rebekah Byrd Mar 2009

Support Network Involvement, Rebekah Byrd

Perspectives In Learning

Support can be derived from a variety of relationships as a way to encourage clients in therapy. It is capable of providing significant furtherance in a client’s search of becoming empowered to make autonomous decisions during therapy and after therapy is terminated. This article examines various support networks in current literary research including family, friend, and religious/spiritual/community involvement. The studies presented examine the amounts these support networks were involved with the client during and after treatment in an attempt to determine a positive effect. Research suggests that support network involvement is associated with positive outcomes for the client.


Counselor Emotional Intelligence: A Look At Counselor Impairment Issues And The Importance Of Assessment, Sarah Haase Mar 2009

Counselor Emotional Intelligence: A Look At Counselor Impairment Issues And The Importance Of Assessment, Sarah Haase

Perspectives In Learning

This article examines the importance of Emotional Intelligence in assessing and managing counselor impairment. The signs and symptoms of counselor impairment, the importance of assessing impairment, and Emotional Intelligence as a way to judge and manage possible impairment are discussed. Emotional Intelligence identifies an individual’s ability to look at the emotions of self and others and can, therefore, be used as a tool for the assessment of counselor impairment.