Education Commons^™

Keeping The Course: Nursing Student Motivation During A Pandemic, Travis William Storey

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Nurses have always been at the frontline of any disaster or health crisis to hit the country, yet, as the United States battled the coronavirus pandemic, the nation saw its nursing shortage worsen. The emotional and physical toll faced by frontline nurses often became unbearable, leading to a skyrocketing of occupational and facility turnover. Concern grew that the pandemic would have an impact on nursing students as well, particularly on the supply of new graduate nurses. Yet, even in the face of such hazardous working conditions, nursing students persisted in their academic studies. The purpose of this quantitative non-experimental study …

Meditation And Cognitive Function Research Study, Darrin Landry

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Although research has shown that long-term guided meditation and mindfulness practices improve attention, memory, and processing speed, the research on the effects of short-term self-guided meditation on improving cognitive processing and memory is limited. This study examined whether a brief self-guided meditation practice improved cognitive processing speed and memory capacity. The participants engaged in a five-day program which consisted of taking an online mental speed test and memory recall test, then meditated for 15 minutes a day, for five days. After completing the five-day meditation program, the participants took the two cognitive processing tests again. The results on the test …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Educational Technology, Matthew Joseph Fugere

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Technology integration in modern classrooms continues to be an important aspect of teaching. However, even if long standing barriers to technology like access and funding are lifted, teachers do not always integrate technology in their classrooms. This action research study collected interview data from a single high school English Language Arts (ELA) department. Teachers were interviewed over Zoom using an interview protocol that contained 14 semi-structured questions. The interview questions asked teachers questions about how they perceive the technology they use in their day-to-day work and if that technology provides their students with meaningful learning experiences. The results of the …

Organizational Management Of Distance Learning: An Analysis Of Teacher Feedback Throughout Hampton Roads Public High Schools During The Covid-19 Pandemic Response, Cody P. Trudeau

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Public schools throughout the United States experienced closures and transitions to online curriculum in the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of the policies and strategies implemented to manage teaching faculty were hastily designed and employed out of necessity. This study sought to examine organizational management policies and strategies throughout public high schools in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia through teaching faculty perspectives. This cross-sectional study examined descriptive and correlational statistics of survey responses to determine and evaluate how schools managed communication, responsibilities and delegation, and training for distance learning in order to provide policy …

Virtual Classrooms Bridging Homeschooling To Public Schools, Dennis I. Norman

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

This research explored the preliminary results that show how technology through virtual classrooms has bridged the home and public-schooling systems. The research invites further reflection on the ways by which the home-learning process improves through the inclusion of other parameters such as the e-learning framework. Online education has been discussed extensively as a way of enabling the home-schooling with increased access to better teachers and learning materials.

The research identified the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a means of determining how new technologies in the online learning process compared to the virtual classroom learning experience. The research explored a case …

Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: Content Area In Relation To Middle School Teachers’ Job Satisfaction, Ashley Potter

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Retaining high quality teachers to counteract the teacher shortage happening across the nation has been a focus of the education system. Middle school educators require a certain skill set and knowledge to be effective at this vital time in their student’s lives. These specific set of educators have not been exempt from the shortage statistic. A teachers’ overall job satisfaction plays a major role in their decision making on a daily basis and their longevity in the profession. Although there are studies on teachers’ job satisfaction, there is minimal research available on how the content area a middle school teacher …

A Study To Determine How To Measure The Laser Safety Climate At Academic Institutions, John Settlemyer

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Statement of Problem

The purpose of this study was to determine if the laser safety climate can be measured at academic institutions and what factors would provide valid measures of the laser safety climate at academic institutions. Specifically, the study attempted to answer the following questions:

Research Questions

RQ1. Can laser safety climate be measured at academic institutions using a climate survey instrument?

RQ2. What factors should be measured by a laser safety climate instrument?

RQ3. What measures would provide actionable data for prescriptive intervention by laser safety professionals at academic institutions? (p. 4)

Relationship Of Supplemental Instruction And Attitude Of Students Enrolled In College Algebra, Kele Anne Mckaig

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the relationship of supplemental instruction on the attitudes of college algebra students at a Southeastern university. The population for this study consisted of college algebra students enrolled in M102 and M103 courses in the Summer 2018 semester. While M102 and M103 cover the same material, M103 requires mandatory tutoring in addition to the classroom instruction. A survey of these students provided data on their attitudes toward mathematics at the beginning and end of their college algebra course. The first research question of this study asked to what extent attitudes differ, if at …

Examining Effective Collaboration In Instructional Design, Melissa Sue Ferguson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the application of teamwork in instructional design to determine the frequency by which coordination, decision making, leadership, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and communication are applied in real-world instructional design teams. Instructional designers found on the social media network, LinkedIn, were asked to voluntarily complete the 36-item Teamwork Skills Questionnaire, which was distributed and returned electronically. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were calculated using Microsoft Excel.

The most frequently applied teamwork skills in instructional design teams were interpersonal skills (M = 3.57) and communication (M = 3.26). Each of the six skills …

A Case Study Of The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Sonia Vanhook

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of the study was to identify the impact that the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SWVHEC), located in Abingdon, has had on area residents in the past twenty years. The case study presented here is different from others that have been written in that it measures the number of courses offered, student registrations, and professional developments available to local residents. The data was collected and triangulated using different methods, such as structured interviews, archival records, newspaper articles, University websites, and participant-observations. The study included colleges and universities with either main campuses or satellite locations in Southwest Virginia and …

A Pilot Study On The Correlation Of Reading Improvement Using Colored Overlay Paper In Elementary Age Students With Reading Challenges, Tim Salyers

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

This study examined the use of colored overlay on reading abilities of students with reading deficits in the 5th grade at Lebanon Elementary School during the 2013-2014 school year. This study was guided by the previous research of which has shown that the use of colored overlay increases the reading abilities of students challenged by their reading deficits. The study was a quasi-experimental quantitative pilot research that compared the reading level before and after colored overlay paper was placed over reading passages in a sample size of six 5th grade students. These students were between nine and eleven years of …

The Influence Of Cognitive Load On Infotec Students Participating In Online Learning, Joe Price

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The theory of cognitive load has been developed to help educators, instructional designers, and developers of e-learning curriculum and materials, anticipate learning outcomes by fully understanding the cognitive capabilities and limitations of the learner. The theory is broad enough to be used in many educational environments because the focus is on making learning as effective and efficient as possible in regards to the human brain’s ability to process information. By reducing the complexity of the information to be learned and the manipulatives used to produce understanding, the curriculum developer can focus their energies on producing lessons that are streamlined and …

An Estimate On The Supply And Demand Of Marketing Education Teachers In The Next Five Years In The Hampton Roads, Virginia Area, Alison Danielle Briel

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

As of 2017, there is a lack of information about the number of Marketing Education teachers at the high school level employed in the Hampton Roads area of south eastern Virginia. Marketing Education is an essential subject to teach at the secondary level because it prepares students for careers in marketing and management. For this study, a survey was created to understand the current state of Marketing Education and the supply and demand of Marketing Education teachers. This study primarily focused on Marketing Education programs in the high school setting. A survey consisting of open-ended questions was developed and distributed …

Relationship Between Mathematical And Radiation Science Scores To Graduation Success With Southwest Virginia Community College Radiography, Donna Corns

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

A well trained radiographer is necessary in hospital settings, clinics and physician’s offices. It is necessary for radiologic technologists to have mathematical skills, to possess knowledge of radiation science, to graduate from an accredited radiology program and to pass the national registry certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. When looking at the attributes necessary for these individuals, a problem was determined. The problem of this study was to see if there is a correlation between grades of radiography students in mathematics and radiation science as predictors of program completion. To guide this study the following hypothesis …

Technological Literacy Programs In Elementary School, Natalie Soroka Emery

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

Technology and engineering design education is offered as an elective in most secondary school curriculums, however a primary school curriculum is not common. The Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEEA, 2007), which focus on technological literacy and engineering design, are not typically included in primary education.

The objectives of this study are to determine if teachers and administrators think technology and engineering education provide new opportunities for elementary students, how they feel about technology and engineering education, and what obstacles exist for successful implementation. A literature review provided the background on federal, state, and local technology initiatives that exist for Virginia …

Student Attitudes Toward The Transgender Community Following Restroom Reassignment, Kelly L. Duggins

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to investigate the effect recent changes to gender specific restrooms had on students’ attitudes toward the transgender community at a public research university in the southeastern United States. To determine if further education and/or inclusion actions should be implemented by university communities, an invitation to complete an electronic survey was sent by email to students at Old Dominion University’s main campus in Norfolk, VA. Participants responded to seventeen statements, each designed to collect data relating to one of the four research objectives of this study. The findings of this study may be used to …

A Study Of Old Dominion Student Opinions On Crimes Committed With Firearms By Convicted Felons, William Domebnick Euefueno

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine college student’s opinions regarding crimes committed by convicted felons with the use of firearms. This study was undertaken to determine if students support more aggressive legislation regarding the purchasing of firearms, specifically targeting convicted felons, to further prevent them obtaining weapons.

In identifying the methods to be used to obtain data for the study, the researcher reviewed the current laws pertaining to owning and possessing firearms, as well as national gun violence statistics for the past decade. This was broken down further by looking at criminal activity, and gun violence reported from …

Training Needs Of Licensed Veterinary Technicians Employed In Augusta County, Virginia, Jeannie Kay Skelton

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the training needs of Licensed Veterinary Technicians in Augusta County, Virginia to improve their knowledge and skills in the veterinary field. The study was guided by research questions that were developed to determine what the training needs of Licensed Veterinary Technicians are, what their preferred method is for obtaining continuing education credits, what methods they use to obtain new knowledge and skills, and if on the job training is effective. A survey was designed to determine what training methods are being used, what is preferred, and what training is needed in the …

Impacts Of Open Educational Resources On Enrollment Rates, Withdrawal Rates, And Academic Performance In The Virginia Community College System, Marcella Milhous Gale

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to evaluate the enrollment rates and academic performance of students in courses at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) that utilize Open Educational Resources (OER) to help determine if the use of such materials should be encouraged and expanded in the Virginia Community College System. The population for this study consisted of students enrolled in at least one course at CVCC during the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 semester, where there were courses that used OER as the course textbook. At the end of each semester, CVCC records enrollment, drop, and academic performance information for …

Attitudes Of Employers Toward Exceptional Students (Ages 14-17) In Vocational Education Programs, Eunice A. Ervin

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate attitudes towards exceptional education students participating in vocational employment internships within Prince William County public high schools.

Availability Of Tuition Assistance Funding Effects On Educational Pursuits, Geneva M. Dooley

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to investigate how the availability of tuition assistance funding effects the educational pursuits of marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico during fiscal years 2013 and 2014.

Training Needs Of A Worldwide Military Exchange Salesforce, Chelsea Camarda

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the training needs of a worldwide military exchange salesforce to enhance their ability to train store personnel on product knowledge and customer service at military exchange stores.

Relationship Between Central Virginia Community College Respiratory Therapy Technology Program Students Entrance Gpa And Their Graduation Success, Wendy Ayers

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the relationship between Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) Respiratory Therapy Technology Program students entrance GPA and their graduation success to determine if minimum entrance GPA should be increased from 2.0 to 2.5.

Non-Traditional Students Attitudes Toward Academic Advising And Its Affects On The Successful Completion Of Education Programs, Parisa Fetherson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine non-traditional student's attitudes toward academic advising and its effect on the completion of their education goal.

Self-Perception On Women's Fashion Decisions, Shannon Cokes

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine if a women's self-perception affects her fashion choices in order to direct marketing strategies toward the brands she wears.

Assessment Of The Transition From Pinyin To Hanzi In University Level Introductory Chinese Language Courses, Ronnie Hess

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of this study was to assess how Chinese language instructors transition from pinyin to hanzi when teaching Chinese as a second language to adult learners in a university setting.

Relationship Between Senior-Level Student Absences And Class Rankings, Stacie Davis

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to examine the effect of senior-level student absences on class ranking as measured by GPA.

Effectiveness Of The Near Miss Safety Program Relative To The Total Number Of Recordable Accidents In A Manufacturing Facility, Kristen Templeton

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine if the implementation of the Near Miss safety program at Delta Star, Inc. reduced the number of recordable accidents.

Preparing Highly Qualified Technology Education Teachers, Logan Foster

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to identify best classroom and modeling laboratory practices for preparing highly qualified secondary technology education teachers.

Automobile Industry Growth From 1916 To 1989: The Effect On Flint, Michigan Climate, Noel Bankston

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine if the automobile industry affected temperature and precipitation changes in the city of Flint, Michigan, from 1916 to 1989.