Education Commons^™

Investigating The Use And Effectiveness Of The Istation Advanced Reading Program With Fourth-Grade At-Risk Struggling Readers, Andres Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of computer-based-instruction (CBI) and multimedia when used as an intervention with upper elementary students experiencing reading difficulties on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Reading Assessments. The researcher employed a quantitative, causal-comparative research design for this study. A Texas supplemental reading program, the Istation Advanced Reading Program, was used as a Response to Intervention (RTI) for those at-risk students of failing their Reading STAAR Test in the fourth grade and to sustain an effective reading program district-wide.

Archived data was collected from three South Texas Title I …

The Expatriate And Transnational Distance Student Phenomenon: A Series Of Investigations, William H. Stewart Iii

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The scale and scope of distance education has changed significantly over the last 250 years. Technology, from the early days of correspondence courses to radio, television and satellite broadcasting, has continually increased the scope, scale, and access potential to education. Distance courses and programs, however, were typically serving local, regional, or national communities. The Internet, by contrast, has transformed distance education by enabling access to education by virtually anyone, anywhere in the world. Students are no longer limited or constrained by geography or residency, yet how such potential has been conceptualized, identified, and subsequently researched has been limited by homogenous …

The Effect Of The 1:1 Initiative On School-Wide Performance Level Percentages In Secondary U.S. History, Samuel J. Kassinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the 1:1 initiative on school-wide performance level percentages among secondary school students in the social sciences. The 1:1 initiative, where every student has a laptop, tablet, or portable electronic device, is a part of the 21st-century learning model. Twenty-first century learning is a model that teaches students to thrive in today’s society with critical thinking skills and digital literacy. The dependent variable of school-wide performance level percentages in social sciences was monitored using a longitudinal, descriptive design. The population sample for this study consisted of mostly Caucasian students in …

Simulations In Educational Leadership Internship Programs, Stefanie Shames

Faculty Publications

This brief describes the state of educational leadership internships. Immersing future leaders in virtual reality simulations has the potential to standardize performance expectations and is explored as a method of harnessing the power of technology to provide practice in responding to actual situations while learning to lead.

The Impact Of Structural Supports On The Success Of Students Of Color In The K-16 Educational System, Brandis Jones, Sherry Holmes

Dissertations

Collective Abstract

This collective dissertation contains the efforts of two practitioners in the field of education who possess a shared vision for designing student experiences with the mission of preparing all students for success in secondary and post-secondary education. The researchers believed that by creating structural supports for students in underserved populations, these same students will increase their educational attainment and access to long-term career opportunities. With successful completion of postsecondary education and with increased career opportunities, students can improve their lives, their families’ lives and the lives of members of their community.

Many students struggled on their educational journeys …

Broadening The Stem Identity, Sarah Moss

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Tribal Colleges: Influences On Native American Students Completing Stem Degrees, Daniel J. Henry

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of 13 Native American higher education students attending a Tribal College and University (TCU) and pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The case study also investigated a focus group of TCU faculty members who taught STEM courses. The case study also contains an observation of 13 Native American students during a bridge program activity at a TCU, used as a recruitment tool and preparation strategy for potential STEM students. The research was intended to explore the influence and strategies currently employed by TCUs to help Native American students successfully …

Technology In University Physical Activity Courses: A Mini-Ethnographic Case Study, Dannon G. Cox, Jennifer M. Krause, Mark A. Smith

The Qualitative Report

As younger generations become increasingly reliant on technology, higher educational institutions must continually attempt to stay with or ahead of the curve to foster 21st century teaching and learning. College and university physical activity courses (PACs) are encouraged to incorporate technology for effective pedagogical practices. No qualitative research has specifically examined the culture of PACs instructors’ attitudes and experiences with technology as a pedagogical tool. A mini-ethnographic case study explored the use of technology among seven graduate teaching assistants who shared their pedagogical experiences, teaching practices, and perceptions of technology within PACs. Using an interpretive phenomenological analysis, composite narrative accounts …

Secondary Teachers’ Descriptions Of Blended Learning And Professional Development: A Case Study, Melinda Payton

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Teachers who were born before the proliferation of computers are a large part of the education workforce. Therefore, it is important to understand how that group of teachers describes the use of technology in their classroom, as well as professional development that they have taken which focused on the implantation of blended learning in their classrooms. The purpose of the qualitative descriptive single case study was to understand how teachers describe technology and blended learning in their classrooms, as well as their descriptions of professional development that focuses on technology regarding blended learning. The overlying research question for the study …

The Effects Of Early Technology Use On The Development Of Young Children, Kara E. Avis

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

With technology becoming a prevalent part of daily life, early childhood experts, teachers, and parents have concerns as to what is appropriate for young children to do and use. Research shows both benefits and potential risks associated with technology use. Benefits can include enhanced creativity and collaboration with peers and adults, literacy achievement gains, language and vocabulary development, and opportunities for independence. These benefits generally occur in purposeful situations with developmentally appropriate educational content alongside adult guidance and scaffolding. Risks include health factors, cognitive and behavioral challenges, displacement of traditional developmental activities, and fewer personal interactions. These risks are more …

How Can Second-Grade Students Learn Algorithmic Thinking And Pattern Recognition Through Collaborative Learning?, Christine Walth

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In today’s technology-filled world, employers seek applicants with strong computational thinking (CT) skills and computer science (CS) backgrounds. The demand for CT education reaches all the way to the elementary level. Wing (2006) states “computational thinking is a fundamental skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists” (p. 33). Though researchers are continuing to define all aspects of CT, the major elements include: algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, decomposition, and abstraction. The digital age has also caused an increase in screen time, time children spend in front of a device, which has prompted studies on the negative physical and psychological effects …

Using A Fun And Frugal Approach For Teaching 21st Century Digital Literacy Skills To Teachers, Rochelle Lockridge

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

With the high-value placed on digital learning and the consequential need for accompanying 21st-century digital literacy skills, effective teacher professional development is crucial. Surveys report that K-12 teachers are largely dissatisfied with their current training options. They prefer collaborative learning experiences that are energizing, supportive, and hands-on; focusing less on presentations and lectures and more on opportunities to apply learning through demonstrations, modeling, and practice. An underfunded public education system combined with a perceived “tech bloat”, the juggling of too many digital tools, exacerbate training and support issues. The 10-week professional development curriculum designed for this project facilitates the development …

Fogler Library: Maine's Business, Science And Technology Library, Raymond H. Fogler Library, University Of Maine

UMaine Video

Raymond H. Fogler Library at the University of Maine is Maine's designated library for Business, Science, and Technology. Fogler Library provides free resources, expertise, and support for Maine business owners. A portal of free, handpicked resources is available through the Maine Business, Science, and Technology website.

Perspectives Of Secondary Science Teachers And Adult Secondary Science Students On Technology Integration In A Science Curriculum, Tamekia Whitfield

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This qualitative intrinsic case study explored the perspectives of secondary science teachers and adult secondary science students on technology integration in a science curriculum in a high school program at a community college in North Carolina (NC). The researcher sought to answer the following research questions: How do secondary science teachers practice technology in a science curriculum in a high school program at a community college in North Carolina? How do adult secondary science students in a high school program at a community college in North Carolina experience technology in their science curriculum? Data were gathered utilizing three sources: individual …

Using Apple Watch To Increase Behavior Specific Praise And Promote A Positive Learning Environment, Andrew M. Markelz, Benjamin S. Riden

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Effective classroom management is pivotal in special education teachers’ successful interactions with students who frequently engage in inappropriate and undesirable behaviors. One evidence-based strategy to promote positive social and academic outcomes is behavior specific praise (BSP). Yet, regardless of the evidential benefits of BSP, teachers continue to use low rates of praise because frequent student disruptions and general off-task behaviors reinforce teachers to reprimand. Apple Watch is at the forefront of a growing wearable industry and is increasingly common on special education teachers’ wrists. With the assistance of a publicly available application (app), the Apple Watch easily becomes a tactile …

Supporting Student Knowledge Using Formative Assessment And Universal Design For Learning Expression, Lisa A. Finnegan, Katie M. Miller, Kathleen M. Randolph, Kristina D. Bielskus-Barone

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This article demonstrates an approach for teachers to use outcomes from activities using the universal design for learning expression principle to evaluate student knowledge in content areas. Based on the student’s level of explanation using a variety of expression methods, teachers can determine whether students need additional support for re-teaching a concept or whether students are ready for additional practice or challenge. Various levels of technology can be used for formatively assessing student understanding, from no technology (e.g., paper and pencil) to mid- or high-technology tools found in most classrooms, including computers and tablets.

Infusing Technology Throughout Teacher Preparation Programs To Support Preservice Teacher Development, Aftynne E. Cheek, Whitney A. Idol, Jennie L. Jones, Kara B. Holden

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Teacher preparation programs must be systematic in the way they teach content and pedagogy while providing preservice teachers the tools they need to both be successful and want to stay in the field. Reports such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE, 2010) Blue Ribbon Panel report call for teacher preparation programs to use technology to support preservice teacher development of best practice. However, research indicates that there is a disconnect between what is expected of preservice teachers and the way they are taught, especially in the area of technology (Barak, 2017). In an effort to guide …

Law School News: 'Rwu Law Is Essential To The Vision' 8-30-2019, Michael M. Bowden

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

It's Not A Fad: Incorporating Mobile Devices Into The Classroom, Makiba Foster, Jaleh Fazelian, Ron Cytron

Jaleh Fazelian

According to a 2013 survey, about 40% of college students have used tablets for coursework and two-thirds have used a smartphone. Students also report that they would like to use their mobile devices more often in their courses. This session will provide the opportunity to learn about strategies for incorporating the use of mobile devices in the classroom, including WU-texter, an application developed and implemented by Ron in a computer science course.

Does The Parcc Exam Alter The Landscape Of A School In Grades 3-6 In The Areas Of Evaluation, Curriculum, Staffing And Technology?, Michael Stefanelli

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study explored whether the New Jersey PARCC exam altered evaluation, curriculum, staffing, and technology in Grades 3 to 6 of the state’s public schools. Semistructured interviews were implemented to determine whether administrators and teachers believed that the PARCC test changed the landscape of public schools. Fifteen administrators and teachers were recruited to participate in this study from a consortium of schools in northern New Jersey. The interview instrument for this study was based on existing literature.

Four major themes emerged from the interview data. The first related to PARCC’s influence on staff morale due to the tests direct …

Correlation Study Between School Administrators’ Technology Leadership Preparation And Technology Integration, Jaime Villarreal

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Technology in the classroom takes many innovative and creative forms and inevitably many different roles. Since the turn of the century educational technology is perceived as possessing an exceeding potential to change the delivery of instruction but more significantly the student learning process. Strategies to implement the use of technology in the classroom continue to evolve with results ranging from effective use of technology that enhances learning to poor use of technology that has no effect on student learning. Past studies focused on teacher roles in technology implementation generated significant data that continues to guide new integration strategies without significant …

Integration Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Into A Food And Nutrition Curriculum In Utah, Cathy A. Merrill, Becki G. Lawver

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

In 2014, Family and Consumer Sciences teachers in Utah revised the Food and Nutrition Sciences curriculum to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)‐related content. This study is a needs assessment of the state implementation of the STEM‐enhanced curriculum in 2015–2016. A Borich needs assessment model was used to analyze mean weighted discrepancy scores between teacher‐perceived levels of importance and teacher‐perceived competence for each objective in the new curriculum. The results showed that although teachers felt moderately competent to teach the new curriculum, the highest ranked need for professional development was in Standard 1: Kitchen Safety Procedures and Sanitation. Professional …

Stem Opportunities - High School 2019, Huey-Xian Kelly Wong, Madeleine Rauhauser, Annie Morgan Nelson

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

This publication details the lesson plan for the “Opportunities in STEM” club for the summer of 2019. This club began out of a desire to educate high school students about the opportunities and careers available in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Often, students feel that the prospect of entering a STEM field is daunting and out of their grasp. What it means to be a scientist is often unclear, and students never consider opportunities out of the fear of the unknown, particularly when science is associated with complexity and difficulty. This lesson plan integrates experiments with a wealth …

Tech For Understanding: An Introduction To Assistive And Instructional Technology In The Classroom, Taylor Caldwell

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

This paper examines the different types of assistive and instructional technology available to students who are classified with one or more of the thirteen disabilities outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (referred to as, IDEA). While the roles of assistive and instructional technology are different, there are many instances where their uses may overlap. Thus, while these two categories will be discussed separately, it should be noted that some information may be applied to each category and more than one piece of technology. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the world of assistive …

Technology: Engagement And Motivation In The Elementary Classroom, David Nieuwsma

Master of Education Program Theses

This action research study examined how increased levels of technology use in the elementary classroom affected student engagement and motivation. Fifth grade students were observed using minimal levels of technology in math and reading lessons for three weeks, then using high levels of technology for three additional weeks. In addition to data collected by observations, students answered a survey about their views of technology in the subjects of math and reading before and after the study was performed. The results of the study suggest that one positive benefit of implementing technology in lessons in the elementary classroom may be increased …

How Does Pre-Teaching Of Vocabulary And The Use Of Technology Increase Student Learning In Science, Jennefer A. Hilgenkamp

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

Understanding science vocabulary is one of the key components leading to student success in mastering science content. This study looks at the research surrounding pre-teaching vocabulary and the use of technology in the classroom. The purpose is to further investigate and deepen knowledge of science vocabulary. This research will use mixed methods of data collection. The study reports aggregated data on twenty-seven students of varying academic levels and needs (Regular Education, English Language Learners (ELL), Special Education), within Team 6A, of the 6^th grade and data for seven students, who consented for the project, will be evaluated further, through …

Integration Of Technology Within Intervention Strategies For Students With High Functioning Autism: A Phenomenological Approach To Analyzing Educators’ Viewpoints, Kathy Dempster

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

There is a phenomenon that exists within the Maryland State Public School System regarding technology integration within intervention strategies for students with high functioning autism (HFA). Educators have attested that there is minimally available technology for consistent use when working with their students during intervention strategies and services. Thus, when stakeholders understand the actual experiences of the professionals that work with students that have HFA on a daily basis, positive reform may occur at the immediate level by administrators within school buildings. The purpose of this study was to examine how general and special educators experienced technology use during interventions …

New Approach To Chinese Writing: An Exploratory Study Of Writing Performance On Social Q&A Online Community, Lin Zhu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Many studies have investigated how the online community has informed language acquisition and teaching. In the scholarship of Computer-Mediated Communication Theory (CMC), while most of the studies have emphasized second language English writing using the CMC framework, evidence is shown to support CMC in foreign language instruction. However, there is a lack of research on how feedback from native speakers of Chinese influences Chinese learners’ writing in a web environment. In response to the research gap, drawing on sociocultural and CMC, the current exploratory study probes the nature of feedback on Zhihu, the largest Chinese social question-and-answer website, and how …

Digital Strategies And Tools To Increase Information Literacy In Ninth Grade Students, Melissa Simmons

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Research consistently supports that students are not being explicitly taught the digital skills that they need in order to be successful after high school. This curriculum is designed to address this gap in digital knowledge of high school students in order to answer the research question: What digital strategies and tools does the research recommend be added to an existing argument unit to increase students’ information literacy? Based on the work of technology implementation in the classroom by Howell (2016), Darling-Hammond, Zielezinski, and Goldman (2014), and Huang (2014), this four-week curriculum is created to give students the knowledge and tools …

The Effectiveness Of Student-Centered Technology Use During Early Elementary Small Group Math Instruction, Brenna Lind

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine whether students would show more growth when using paper and pencil activities or technology during small group instruction in mathematics, specifically on the skill of telling time. Data was collected from ten second-grade students over a five-week period. The two intervention groups involved in the study met for equal amounts of time and were given the same tests for data collection purposes. The test questions were randomized pictures of clocks that required students to tell time to the nearest five minutes. One intervention group practiced the skill of telling time …