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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of The Phoenix Alternative Program, Jason Dethor Laffitte Dec 2008

The Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of The Phoenix Alternative Program, Jason Dethor Laffitte

Dissertations

Many school districts throughout the United States utilize alternative schools for students who have not been successful in a traditional school setting. The Phoenix Program is a second chance alternative school in Mobile, Alabama that provides educational opportunities to students who are at risk of dropping out or school or under a long-term suspension from a regular school program.

This study was conducted to determine the perceptions of the effectiveness of the Phoenix Program on students who have been suspended from their assigned school for a long term. Participants in this study included 36 principals and assistant principals, 30 students, …


Barriers In Educating Homeless Children And Youth, Gloria Elaine White Adams Dec 2008

Barriers In Educating Homeless Children And Youth, Gloria Elaine White Adams

Dissertations

Across America, homeless students face a myriad of barriers that impede education and school access and success of homeless children. The purpose of this study was to determine the barriers to enrollment and school success for homeless students. The ultimate goal was to provide information to parents, teachers, administrators, and school districts that could serve as a vital resource tool in educating homeless students while removing barriers.

The participants consisted of 215 certified teachers, school administrators, and homeless liaisons in 23 school districts representing the populations that provide afterschool instruction to homeless students. The study was conducted in the spring …


Factors Related To Nonacademic Adjustment Of Freshmen Students, Nykela Horne Jackson Dec 2008

Factors Related To Nonacademic Adjustment Of Freshmen Students, Nykela Horne Jackson

Dissertations

Student retention remains a major concern of higher education institutions. With decreasing state funding, higher education institutions have implemented creative strategies and methods to recruit students. Once students are recruited it is critical that they be retained. Research has confirmed that student withdrawals can be attributed to the lack of successful transition and adjustment to the college environment. Numerous studies have focused on how demographic factors (socioeconomic status, race, employment, and parental education level) affect retention with the major focus on academic adjustment. Current research has shown that nonacademic adjustment (social adjustment, personal/emotional adjustment, and institutional attachment) plays a significant …


The Influence Of Career-Technical Student Organizations On Non-Traditional And Traditional Community College Students, Suzanne Lee Johnson Dec 2008

The Influence Of Career-Technical Student Organizations On Non-Traditional And Traditional Community College Students, Suzanne Lee Johnson

Dissertations

Student organizations have been contributing to adult education for years. The need to recruit non-traditional students and retain them is very important to the financial support of the career and technical program. If a career-technical student organization (CTSO) can encourage retention and completion of traditional and non-traditional students in a field of study, the state might realize the need to increase the funding provided to the advisers/instructors of the CTSO and the financial support of the CTSO. This study investigated what motivates a student to become an active member in a CTSO and to what extent the CTSO contributed to …


The Perceptions Of Superintendents Regarding The Need For Graduate Business Classes In Educational Leadership, Howard Leland Smith Dec 2008

The Perceptions Of Superintendents Regarding The Need For Graduate Business Classes In Educational Leadership, Howard Leland Smith

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the comprehensiveness of educational leadership programs regarding the extent of appropriate business knowledge attained by public school administrators. Portions of the study included a discussion of current licensing practices, academic governance, basic business requirements for leadership and management, and basic financial literacy. A further purpose was to measure the perception of how the inclusion of specific business-oriented graduate education in the certification process might increase the initial success of administrators.

The literature review supported the concept that superintendents understand change management and fiscal responsibility. Survey respondents supported these concepts by indicating the …


Adopting Cell Phones In Efl Teaching And Learning, Guoqiang Cui, Shuyan Wang Jun 2008

Adopting Cell Phones In Efl Teaching And Learning, Guoqiang Cui, Shuyan Wang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Though Mobile Learning (ML) has a brief history of no more than four decades, the medium is developing rapidly with the upgrading of different mobile devices. Among all the devices, cell phones have great potential in language teaching and learning. This article explores the different devices especially cell phone use in ML. The paper also reviews teaching and learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in China and discusses potential applications of cell phones in Chinese EFL teaching and learning.


Students’ Online Interaction Styles: Can They Change?, Dazhi Yang, Jennifer C. Richardson Jun 2008

Students’ Online Interaction Styles: Can They Change?, Dazhi Yang, Jennifer C. Richardson

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Past studies indicate that students demonstrate different online interaction styles, which consist of the ways or habits students acquire knowledge from computer-mediated discussions (Sutton, 2001). Such interaction styles include the active interaction style (Beaudion, 2002), the vicarious interaction style (Sutton, 2001), and the mixed or balanced-interaction style. The purpose of this exploratory study was to further investigate whether students’ online interaction styles changed during a course utilizing asynchronous computer-mediated discussions; and if so how and why they changed. Results indicate that such changes did take place as 44% of participants adjusted to more active learning styles as the courses progressed. …


Teachers’ Belief Changes In A Technology-Enhanced Pedagogical Laboratory, Yuxin Ma, Guolin Lai, Douglas C. Williams, Louise Prejean Jun 2008

Teachers’ Belief Changes In A Technology-Enhanced Pedagogical Laboratory, Yuxin Ma, Guolin Lai, Douglas C. Williams, Louise Prejean

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Preservice teachers who were enrolled in a technology integration course facilitated student-centered lessons to K-12 students in a pedagogical laboratory. A quantitative instrument, Teachers’ Beliefs Regarding Technology Use Survey (TBTUS), was employed to measure the impact of the pedagogical laboratory experience on preservice teachers’ beliefs regarding technology integration. The impact was largely insignificant. The qualitative data suggest that changes might be incremental and TBTUS might not be sensitive to the changes that occurred after 22-hour treatment, with only six hours of real teaching experience. Moreover, unlike vicarious experiences, personal teaching experiences may be different for each candidate, so they might …


A Theoretical Basis For Learning In Massive Multiplayer Virtual Worlds, Stephen W. Harmon Jun 2008

A Theoretical Basis For Learning In Massive Multiplayer Virtual Worlds, Stephen W. Harmon

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

One of the most compelling affordances of information communications technologies for education is the combination of social interaction, simulation, and creative play offered by online games. Although massive multiplayer online games have been in existence for some time, only with the widespread adoption of highspeed Internet access has their potential has begun to be realized. This article focuses on the affordances of massive multiplayer virtual learning environments (MMVLEs) for education by examining the benefits of a theoretical understanding of learning, and then discussing the concept of affordances. An exploration of the theoretical framework supporting learning in MMVLEs as seen the …


Being Ethical In Instructional Technology Co Nsulting, Charles Xiaoxue Wang Jun 2008

Being Ethical In Instructional Technology Co Nsulting, Charles Xiaoxue Wang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

As new technologies merge everyday and become part of our lives, instructional technology consulting that provides professional services to help clients use technologies for learning and performance improvement becomes more popular and important. Being ethical in consulting has been recognized as a crucial and important part of consulting services by many professional organizations, consulting firms, consulting professionals, and their clients. Corresponding to the theme of AECT Convention 2008, professional ethics, the paper examines the meaning of being ethical in instructional technology consulting from the lived experiences of instructional technology consultants and discusses implications for promoting the ethical practice of instructional …


Student Response Systems In Higher Education: Moving Beyond Linear Teaching And Surface Learning, Harry L. Dangel, Charles Xiaoxue Wang Jun 2008

Student Response Systems In Higher Education: Moving Beyond Linear Teaching And Surface Learning, Harry L. Dangel, Charles Xiaoxue Wang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Over the past decade, instructors in colleges and universities increasingly have used Student Response Systems (SRSs)--typically in large classes to increase the level of student engagement and learning. Research shows that both students and instructors perceive SRSs to be beneficial, although evidence of improved learning has been less clear. Experts emphasize that instructors must consider how technology might enhance good pedagogy in order for increases in learning to occur. SRSs do increase student engagement and provide prompt feedback—two key practices that promote learning. However, professional groups propose goals for students in higher education that focus on deep learning rather than …


A Guide To Publication In Educational Technology, Steve Chi-Yin Yuen, Patrivan K. Yuen, Xiaojing Duan Jun 2008

A Guide To Publication In Educational Technology, Steve Chi-Yin Yuen, Patrivan K. Yuen, Xiaojing Duan

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This guide provides journal information to over 40 journals that are appropriate for the publication of articles in educational technology. Also, it discusses the process of planning and writing a journal article, submitting to journals, the peer reviewing process, and steps toward publishing in academic journals within the field of educational technology. Furthermore, the guide provides tips to getting published and offers helpful suggestions.


R2d2 Model: Creating Diverse Online Instructions, Ke Zhang Jun 2008

R2d2 Model: Creating Diverse Online Instructions, Ke Zhang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

With the increasing applications of online learning at all levels in training and education in Chinese-speaking countries and regions, together with the diversity of online learners in terms of age, background, and learning style, educators are faced with a critical challenge: how to design and implement online learning experiences to meet the varied needs of highly diverse online learners. This article introduces a highly practical, easy-to-apply model, the R2D2 model (Bonk & Zhang, 2006, 2008) to the Chinese readers in particular, for the creation of diverse online learning activities. R2D2 (Read, Reflect, Display, and Do), is a new model particularly …


Engaging Diverse Secondary Students In International Collaborative Networked Learning, C. Candace Chou, Chi-Syan Lin, Mark Van ‘T Hooft, Yi-Me Lin Jun 2008

Engaging Diverse Secondary Students In International Collaborative Networked Learning, C. Candace Chou, Chi-Syan Lin, Mark Van ‘T Hooft, Yi-Me Lin

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study examines the processes of engaging a group of highly diverse 7th and 8th grade students in the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) for collaborative activities through a global networked learning environment called APEC Cyber Academy. Thirty-six middle school students went through a nine-week project-based learning program that aimed at improving ICT skills and promoting international peer learning. Although students showed strong interest in learning about ICT, the findings suggest that students need to be coached in collaboration skills, given appropriate roles to ensure proper division of labor, and supervised closely to ensure the completion of tasks.


A Study On The Acceptance Of Mobile Phones For Teaching And Learning With A Group Of Pre-Service Teachers In Hong Kong, Simon So Jun 2008

A Study On The Acceptance Of Mobile Phones For Teaching And Learning With A Group Of Pre-Service Teachers In Hong Kong, Simon So

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Ubiquitous devices offer new teaching and learning opportunities from K-12 to higher education settings. The integration of mobile facilities and Web technologies allows researchers and educators to explore different possibilities in m-Learning. In this study, a group of pre-service IT teachers in Hong Kong were introduced to the field of m-Learning by participating in a series of m-Learning activities. Three applications were designed and programmed with XTHML-MP/ WAP 2.0 technologies and supported by server-side Web technologies of PHP and MySQL. The research aimed at providing the opportunities for the teachers to explore this new trend in teaching and learning and …


Perceptions Of Sources Of Pressure And Reasons For Dismissals Of Mississippi High School Head Coaches, Michael Keith Pigott May 2008

Perceptions Of Sources Of Pressure And Reasons For Dismissals Of Mississippi High School Head Coaches, Michael Keith Pigott

Dissertations

The coaching profession is like a roller coaster ride. A person pays to get on the ride, sacrifices their life, enjoys the highs, and survives the lows. It is a job filled with long hours, stressful days, sacrifices of health and family, and moments of adrenaline rushes that make an individual want to stay in this profession forever.

The primary focus of this study was to identify the perceived sources of pressure on high school head coaches in the state of Mississippi. This study provides feedback regarding reasons for coaching dismissals and perceived sources of pressure. Two hundred and thirty …


Differences In Learning Motivations Of Professionals And Nonprofessionals Participating In Two South Mississippi Institutes For Learning In Retirement, Constance Marie Farmer May 2008

Differences In Learning Motivations Of Professionals And Nonprofessionals Participating In Two South Mississippi Institutes For Learning In Retirement, Constance Marie Farmer

Dissertations

This study investigated the differences in learning motivations of (a) professional and nonprofessional, and (b) urban and rural members of two south Mississippi Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILR) programs in an attempt to expand C. O. Houle's conceptual model of continuing professional education into the retirement years and to determine if the life transitions of the older adult unite the learning orientations of these subpopulations into self-actualizing (growth) motives as part of the maturation process identified y Abraham Maslow.

Ninety urban ILR and 60 rural ILR members were recruited. Professional was defined as having completed a bachelor's degree or …