Education Commons^™

Creating A User Friendly Website For The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Black Hawk County, Kimberly M. Carter

Graduate Research Papers

Website design can be overwhelming for many viewers. Many times viewers discontinue using sites, because it.is not easy to navigate through the site. In creating the website for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County, user-friendliness was the focal point of the project. The Chief Professional Officer along with the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs assisted with the development of a website by providing information that was to be included on the site. To ensure a professional look the designer relied on the four basic principles of design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. The design simplicity …

The Production Of A School District Video For Promotional Purposes, Rodney R. Zehr

Graduate Research Papers

Video production for educational purposes is becoming more popular in American schools today because of the advancement of technology. With the development of digital cameras, digital video, and various forms of digital-editing software for the computer, American schools can now tap into a new and growing form of media that will continue to grow in popularity as technology continues to advance in the future. 1 The video project for the Mason City Community School District in Mason City, Iowa was initiated as a graduate project through the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This project was started because …

Linking The Literacy Curriculum With Technology, Scot J. Surprenant

Graduate Research Papers

Evaluating the process and needs of linking literacy and technology in the educational setting. The technology is presented as the driving force of change in the literacy. Teachers, administrators, and parents need to formulate a plan for training sessions along with organizing supportive people around them to integrate technology into the curriculum. They need to design professional development to empower teachers to use technology, in the curriculum. Understanding that students are exposed to multimedia literacy, technology will be a medium to motivate and synthesize learning. Teachers facilitate students to be responsible and empowered learners for their own learning. There is …

Literature Review : Using Humor With Children, Carol J. Aswegen Thornhill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the literature on humor, particularly as it relates to interactions with children. Often adults, whether they are parents or teachers, devalue the use of humor in dealing with children. Research supports that humor is a beneficial component of social interactions, especially with children. Studies have shown that children are receptive to humor beginning at very young ages, and that their sense of humor is developed and finely tuned as they mature. Findings show that by using humor in social situations, stress levels can be de-escalated, defensive reactions are reduced--which in …

Second Language Learning With Computer Software, Sonia Uppal

Graduate Research Papers

This article addresses diversity in the classrooms and the need for technology for English language learners. Language acquisition and English language learning are overviewed with highlights of the different stages in language learning and various methods used for language. Integrating the role of technology in learning English as a second language is presented as a practical way in which to instruct English language learners. However, selection of software is seen as a critical aspect of effectively using technology for English language instruction. Various important aspects for evaluating a software program for English language learners are presented. A software evaluation form …

Family Literacy Programs, Julie Van Meeteren

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of family literacy programs on increasing literacy behaviors in young children and adults. Benefits and various approaches of effective family literacy programs were discussed, as well as concerns associated with implementation, funding, and cultural and linguistic differences concerning these programs. Guiding principles were presented for family literacy instructors to facilitate. literacy behaviors in young children and adults. Conclusions were drawn from reviewing the literature, and recommendations were made for the future implementation of family literacy programs.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Audrey Wallican-Green

Graduate Research Papers

All eyes are watching school leaders every day. According to Betty Hollas (2001) in Keeping Your StaffMotivated, administrators are the "CEO's (Chief Example for Others)" (p. 7). Staff, students, parents and the school community are examining and interpreting everything principals do and don't do, say, wear, and our overall behavior. Since administrators are under watchful eyes, we have to be positive, energetic, fair, and confident. My life experiences, including the education I received in the principalship program at the University of Northern Iowa and my goals as a future administrator based on the Iowa Standards for School Leaders have influenced …

Developing An E-Commerce Strategy For Beverage Industry Professionals, Keith D. Wendl

Graduate Research Papers

A 278% increase in Internet traffic has moved providing a permanent ecommerce presence from an option to an imperative (Molitor, 2001). The Internet can generate new business if an effective e-commerce plan is a keystone component of an organization's overall business plan. This paper examines four roles an Internet professional can employ to match up with the appropriate stages a buyer is at in the buying process. The four roles include a) student; b) architect; c) counselor; and d) negotiator. With the dynamic support of e-commerce tools, these roles are important because they define how the Internet professional will help …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven A. Winters

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine how the role of the administration, teachers, community, and students, communication, staff development, and safety all affect the school's climate and culture. As Lyman (2000) found, the "culture of a school has important and far-reaching effects on the thinking and actions of students and teachers" (p. 145).

The Constructivist-Based Approach : The Better Choice For Learning, Consuella Eugene

Graduate Research Papers

With the integration of technology in the classroom, the constructivist-based approach encourages students to utilize their minds in a scholastic and a creative manner. Students are encouraged to learn via creativity, experience, experimentation, and teamwork. Teachers are able to organize information around conceptual clusters of problems and questions as opposed to learning facts in isolation. This approach is based upon the idea that students construct their own knowledge, rather than reproducing someone else's knowledge.

The advantages of the constructivist-based approach will be clearly noted and described by this researcher exploring the learning environments for students, students learning, student involvement, evaluation …

Universal Design For Learning, Julie Hill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, diverse learning styles, assistive technology/ tools for learning in the regular education classroom. This paper will focus on teachers reevaluating their current curricula and how they should start looking at the presentation of materials within their curriculum and consider the barriers their students might have to each of these presentation types. This paper will go into depth about universal access and how important it is in the planning and purchasing of new curriculum materials. It will also discuss the importance of assistive …

The Importance Of Behavioral Interventions And Stimulant Medication Effects On Reducing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Elizabeth Alvarez

Graduate Research Papers

Overall, various avenues of research state that ADHD is a complex disorder that requires treatment by multiple modalities. Most research states that a combination of medication and behavior therapy is necessary to resolve the symptoms. It should be noted that the dose of stimulant medication prescribed to a child with ADHD should be adjusted based on the child's response to a behavioral intervention, as well as the combination of the behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Rapport et al. (1982), as well as others, have found that medication alone will not "cure" ADHD. But with multiple methods of treatment the symptoms will …

Helping Families To Capitalize On Literacy In Their Homes, Paula K. Azinger

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy events of some sort occur most everyday in every home. Most schools have not considered some children's homes to be a source of rich literacy experiences, yet literacy practices are embedded within the daily routines of almost every family (McCarthey, 1997). The opportunities provided for children's participation in literacy practices in the home environment are closely related to parents' own literacy use at home. This article presents case studies of four families that each had a child involved in America Reads, a federally funded after-school program. The case studies are the result of an ongoing investigation of families' perceptions …

Aggression In The Classroom, Heid Reaman

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined how aggression in the classroom influenced the learning climate. Types of aggression and causal factors were discussed. Guidelines for teachers on the successful management of student aggression were presented. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made to help teachers in the classroom by improving their skills concerning student aggression.

Guided Reading Staff Development Training Manual, Anita L. Reisner

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to provide a training manual for the topic of guided reading within a balanced literacy program for an elementary school. A broader goal was to use collaboration and reflection when providing training in guided reading. The teachers at my school started asking me questions about guided reading: What is guided reading? How do you get started? How can it help all of my students? What does a guided reading lesson look like? I wanted to prepare a workshop that would give them the knowledge they need.

Technology Staff Development, Paul A. Rabara

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional staff development does not suffice for emerging technologies and evolving pedagogy for teacher use of technology in instruction. Societal changes have produced new needs. Change causes a need to systematically look at progress and the attributes associated with the diffusion of innovations (Rogers, 1995). Roswell (1997) is only one of several schools who have dedicated considerable resources to developing a technology staff development plan with results in higher percentages of teachers using technology in the classroom. Technology staff development should have characteristics in models that coincide with the attributes of diffusion. Technology staff development can bridge the use and …

Music And Software Piracy : Issues And Solutions For Music Teachers And Media Intensive Educators, Chad Criswell

Graduate Research Papers

The rampant piracy of digital materials is not just a problem for the individual home user. In today's world it is increasingly a concern for educators and their school district as a whole. Many recent court actions have been brought against school districts based the illegal use of unlicensed software and other copyrighted materials. This project presents the issues of music and software piracy and the legalities of the United States Copyright Act. It presents common examples for use in the music or media intensive classroom, as well as legal usage requirements including the payment of royalties and purchase of …

Retention In The New Millennium, Pat Davison

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of retention in regards to children's academic success. The features of retention, research and literature associated with retention, and the benefits and disadvantages were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers, along with the appropriate strategies to use in grade level retention. In addition, conclusions were drawn from literature and recommendations for the future facilitation of retention policies.

Dvd Technology For Educational Purposes, Donald J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is about the technology of the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Provided is a brief overview of information in the area of DVD technology world, the evolution of DVD technology, areas that have enhanced educational advancement, and directions to be explored.

Corporate Universities : What Companies Should Know, Megan Riley

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the research conducted about corporate universities. Our society lives in constant change, in regards to roles, skills, careers, and technology. Continual staff development seems to be requiring technology, as corporate universities are becoming more evident throughout the business world. Corporate universities differ from traditional training programs by providing employees with cutting edge information, in order to keep the company competitive. The research cited in this paper addresses the need to constantly update and transform their training programs, so that employees maintain and enhance their role as a productive and lifelong learner.

Best Teaching Practices In Reading Methods Courses, Stacey Ruff

Graduate Research Papers

Recently, I made an occupational change to instructing at the college level while still completing work on my Masters in Reading Education. My journey has led me to this research project, a search for the best practices in teaching reading methods courses.

The questions guiding my research were: 1) What do the Higher Education professors of reading methods courses in a mid-sized Midwestern city's three colleges think are the most effective teaching practices being utilized in their reading methods courses to prepare pre-service teachers to be successful teachers? 2) How do these methods compare to research on the most effective …

A School Psychologist's Role In Decreasing Eating Disorder Prevalence In School-Aged Children, Natalie Muth

Graduate Research Papers

Eating disorders have dramatically increased over the last 20 years, resulting in prevalence rates exceeding other high-incidence medical conditions treated in the educational setting. Chapter 2 presents a review of literature covering eating disorder identification, history, prevalence and epidemiological data. Theoretical perspectives, risk and protective factors, symptoms, and medical complications are also reviewed. Current assessment measures used for screening and diagnosing anorexia and bulimia is additionally presented along with a summary of school-based primary prevention programs. The second chapter concludes with a brief overview of eating disorder treatment.

A summary is presented in chapter 3 along with implications for school …

Teaching Nctm Standards Through Subject Areas In The Kindergarten Classroom, Elizabeth Tata O'Neil

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers are being expected to provide a full range of experiences for their students. But in reality, many early childhood programs have reading readiness and literacy as the only focus. In many situations, mathematics instruction is an afterthought. Many students are not given quality instruction because little time in the school day is left, once language arts instruction is completed. This is even more true for students in half-day programs.

One way to alleviate this disparity is to incorporate math instruction within other subject areas. This can be achieved if teachers are educated in the National Council of Teachers of …

Intime Video Field Production And Editing, Jennifer Mohlis Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

The Integrating New Technologies into the Methods of Education (InTime) project is a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The main function of this grant is to produce and deliver videos, via the Internet, of teachers using technology with their students. The target audience is pre-service and practicing teachers.

In order to capture on tape real teachers in real classrooms with real students, many things need to be considered. Determining what activities and teachers must be included in the project, which elements of the model are to be illustrated, and how to facilitate access to the videos and lesson …

How Does Childhood Incest Affect The Interpersonal Relationships Of Adult Females, Lyle Potter

Graduate Research Papers

Incest has been occurring in families for many years, often behind a cloak of secrecy and fear of disclosure. More recently, the taboo in talking about incest has diminished, and many survivors of incest have come forward with their experiences to seek needed help. A major portion of the research has dealt with trying to understand the family dynamics. But a growing number of studies are beginning to look at the long term effects of the abuse, and some of them focus on adult interpersonal relationships. It is in this direction that this literature review and study will focus.

Best Practices In Social Skills Training With Preschool Children, Kathleen M. Twohig

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature focuses on several aspects of social skills training with preschool children. The importance of positive social skills is discussed. Numerous definitions are offered, and a clarification is made between social skills and social competence. The review highlights how social skills deficits may be classified and common dimensions of social skills. Issues and methods in assessment are explained. Finally, effective interventions that have received empirical research support are described as well as issues in generalization. Further research should address the following questions: What specific social skills are appropriate for certain ages? How do boys and girls differ …

Home-School Collaboration : An Effective Intervention For Facilitating Homework Completion?, John D. Warrington

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains a review of literature on the utilization of home school collaboration as an intervention tool to improve the existing low homework completion rates of many students in our school systems. Due to the fact that homework is one of the most longstanding educational traditions, provides a natural link between the home and the school, and has been implicated as a tool for increasing overall rates of academic achievement, it is important to investigate past and present instruments and modes of assistance that involve both the home and school contexts in a shared partnership. There are a large …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary/Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Xina N. Zanders

Graduate Research Papers

All students need a safe and nurturing environment to receive a quality education. Principals should treat students as individuals judged by their character and learning style as well as their capabilities. To be an effective administrator and to establish a strong foundation, the principles of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) are used as guides. I will discuss each of the ISSL principles and explain how they influence my philosophy of educational leadership.

Specific Problem Solution And Distant Learning, David L. Kastler

Graduate Research Papers

This document is an overview of a project to identify the cause of a coolant overheating complaint on a diesel engine that powers a mechanical lift machine, implement a short-term solution and place into action a long-term solution. The short-term correction was to make necessary repairs in the field, long-term solution includes distant training of the mechanical lift machine assembly line and training on the proper assembly procedure of assembling the alternator pulley to the alternator shaft.

The project utilized problem evaluation (Root Cause Analysis), implementing corrective action (short term and long term), and training through distant communication via Internet …

Removing Dust Bunnies And Expensive Paperweights From The Classroom : Effective Staff Development In Educational Technology, Margaret F. Krzywicki

Graduate Research Papers

With major funding directed toward putting technology in the classroom and training students to be tomorrow's workers, there needs to be an effective technology staff development program in place for the teachers. Developers of staff development programs need to include the learning style of adult learners (andragogy), instead of pedagogy. Successful staff development for the teachers must include innovation, release time, and quality equipment. The learning styles of adult learners should be foremost in the development of courses and workshops. Staff development is more than just the technical side of the technology. It should provide teachers with the tools to …