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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

U.S. History Curriculum Project Using Blended Learning To Improve Formative Feedback, Timothy Kennealy

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Kennealy, T. U.S. History Curriculum Project Using Blended Learning to Improve Formative Feedback. (2019)

This capstone project leverages a 1:1 device classroom setting to create opportunities for effective teacher-to-student formative feedback. Classroom feedback is complex and proven effective but the practice of giving excellent feedback is rare, even for the most dedicated K-12 teachers. The implementation of effective feedback is rare but there is significant and specific research that identifies important characteristics and formats for offering effective formative feedback. A 1:1 classroom using blended learning offers opportunities to implement excellent feedback practices by allowing teachers more time for conversation with …

Utilizing Technology With Nature-Based Learning In The Elementary School Classroom, Caroline Labate

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone is How can nature-based learning and technology be combined to enrich learning experiences in elementary school classrooms? Through extensive research in literature review, this project has set out to find that nature-based learning and technology combined does help to enrich learning experiences in elementary school classrooms. It examines the pros and cons of technology and nature-based learning as separate entities, and then finally examines how nature-based learning and technology combined can help enrich the learning experiences in elementary school classrooms. The project described in this paper is an informative and user-friendly website for …

Improving Language Skills Through Digital Storytelling For Primary Students, Stefanie Topinka

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The guiding question addressed in this project is how can we improve language skills through digital storytelling for primary students? The main idea of this capstone is to address the changes that are occurring in classrooms today and how students can gain confidence in the reading and writing process. Throughout this project capstone, there are multiple examples of how young children can benefit from extending literacy elements through the process of digital storytelling using technology tools. The research for this capstone is based on early childhood psychology and aspects of how incorporating digital storytelling into the classroom can benefit children …

Smartphones In The Classroom, Isaac Flynn Buggs

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Research has shown that districts, schools, and teachers routinely ban students’ smartphones from the learning environment. Students see their smartphone as their most important possession. This project incorporates students’ preferred device within the academic environment. Bringing smartphones into the classroom, in a controlled way, can engage students and teach them to use their phones responsibly. The project involves modifying Pearson’s iLit ELL curriculum with Mentimeter presentations and G Suite for Education homework assignments. The Mentimeter presentations allow students to engage in the content and to launch class discussions using their smartphones. Homework is also assigned using G Suite for Education …

Ipad Initiatives In The Elementary Classroom Enhancing Literacy Instruction, Vanessa Forsman

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project answers the question: How can the use of iPads in the elementary classroom enhance literacy instruction? The paper reviews how to best implement technology, motivation for using it and how technology has evolved. Research has demonstrated that a balance of technology and traditional print has the greatest benefits for students. These resources show how and why technology can be used to guide, differentiate and enhance student learning. The framework of the website was created for teachers to explore all areas of literacy with ideas, lessons and information on how to include technology. The website will be most beneficial …

Designing Visually Interactive Learning Modules To Promote Students' Critical Thinking In Mathematics, Linda Vu, Ying Xie

Master of Science in Computer Science Theses

This Innovative Practice Full Paper presents our study of promoting critical thinking and achievement in mathematics with the use of technology via easily accessible resources. We believe that creating easy-to-use learning modules that are accessible for students everywhere is a great way to help students comprehend abstract logic process in problem solving. More specifically, we developed a series of learning modules that interactively visualize and illustrate the steps of Geometry proofs by using GeoGebra, a dynamic learning platform for mathematics [5, 10]. Survey study shows that our interactive learning modules are beneficial in promoting students’ learning interests and ability of …

The Effect Of Coaching On Teachers’ Instructional Technology Use In A 1:1 Environment, Michael L. Mitchell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Current research has reported the benefits of integrating technology into the learning experience for students to promote greater engagement and collaboration. Schools across the country have begun implementing one-to-one learning environments in which each student uses a mobile computing device. However, use of technology in the classroom has failed to produce the expected transformational benefits. In order for technology to be integrated effectively, current research suggests that teacher pedagogy must adjust to the one-to-one classroom approach, and requires professional development to facilitate growth in their instructional practices while integrating technology. Research shows that coaches working one-to-one with teachers can be …

Perception Of African-American Adult Learners Toward Using Technology In Education, Kaira J. Bullock

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The problem this study explored was how do African-American adult learners perceive using technology in higher education to increase their academic success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how African-American adult learners perceive using technology in higher education. This study was important because it provides an understanding of how African-American adult learners use technology in higher education because perceptions plays a significant role in the learning process, as it is the process where individuals interpret things based on their experiences. to further their academic achievement. This study was also significant because it provides a means for educators …

Creating A Systemic Approach To Technology Integration Through Job-Embedded Professional Growth, Andrew Kohl

Dissertations

This change plan employs Wagner’s (2008) change leadership model to assess culture, context, conditions, and competencies of a small suburban school district and to develop a systemic plan for implementing job-embedded professional development in the area of technology integration. However, this plan is meant to be applicable to all content areas. This plan is informed by data that I collected as part of my program evaluation of a one-to-one technology program and also applies additional survey data and interviews with building principals, to examine staff attitudes towards professional development and understanding of instructional coaching models. Using this plan, I hope …

One-To-One Learning - Success Factors For Meaningful Technology Integration, Andrew Kohl

Dissertations

This paper explores an evaluation of the Grove School District’s one-to-one iPad program, for the purpose of understanding the relationship between teacher support for the program and classroom use. The evaluation also explores the various factors that impact a successful one-to-one program, including leadership attitudes and professional development. The attitudes of the teaching staff were compared to classroom observation data and focus group input. The research design followed a case study approach with a combination of survey, focus group, and observation methodologies. The goal was to determine to what extent the attitudes of teaching staff towards the one-to-one program impact …

Establishing A Program For Teacher Micro-Credentials To Support Individual Professional Learning, Andrew Kohl

Dissertations

This policy advocacy document discusses a change in local board of education policy in a school district to require the annual approval of a professional learning program which includes options for a micro-credentialing, a self-directed, job-embedded professional learning practice which allows teachers more freedom to choose a focus and pacing for their learning experiences. Currently, board policy directs the creation of a staff development committee to plan professional learning activities but does not require an approved formal plan or the establishment of a credentialing system to evidence teacher learning. A local policy that requires the annual approval of a professional …

Multimodal Dissertations: Opportunities For Multimodality In Higher Education, Annie Tran

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

multiliteracies, multimodality, higher education, technology, communication, dissertations, graduate education

In an era when communication and higher education are rapidly changing, there is much to learn about multimodality and the dissertation. For example, how can multimodality be used to forward an argument or inform research in a dissertation? How is technology changing the format of the dissertation? And how might multimodality and technology change the experience of composing a dissertation? This study addresses dissertations and the problem of understanding how research can be argued, represented, and presented in multimodal ways, and considers the lived curriculum of Ph.D. graduate students. My work …

Technology Counts: Assessing Barriers Of Integrating Technology Into Instruction At A Private University In New Jersey, Benjamin Zirra

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Information technology has evolved enormously over the past three decades. Throughout the world, information technology has become important in all aspects of life, including all strata of education from primary through higher education. With the worldwide circulation of technology, it is expected to be utilized effectively in institutions of higher education and to offer many advantages. The perceived benefits of technology in higher education are not limited to instruction and learning. Despite such optimistic views of the benefits of technology in higher education, several problems remain in determining whether such benefits are actually occurring. According to the literature, reasons for …

Ielts 360°: Increasing Fluency, Accessibility, And Familiarity For The Ielts Speaking Exam Through Virtual Reality And 360 Degree Videos, Kevin Zaragoza

Master's Projects and Capstones

IELTS 360 helps increase fluency, accessibility, and familiarity, to the speaking portion of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. By integrating 360-degree videos, virtual reality, and the YouTube platform, the content created targets English Language Learners prepare for the interview by placing the viewer/learner in the virtual environment (VE). Through my experiences outside of class in ESL settings, my students mentioned speaking to be the hardest language skill to conquer and so this project aims to help anyone viewing the content practice as much speaking as possible given the time constraints.

The content may be viewed on any …

Digital Portfolio Use In The First-Grade Classroom: Perceptions Of Seesaw, Rachel L. Drennan

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

In this study, the researcher discusses the use of a digital portfolio application, Seesaw, that is used in her first-grade classroom. During her clinical teaching year, her cooperating teacher was using Seesaw as a digital portfolio. She formed a question that focused on student and teacher perceptions. When building her study, she began by conducting a survey to understand initial feelings towards Seesaw. After this, the researcher conducted two focus groups, three student interviews and one interview with the classroom teacher. The researcher kept a teacher journal to keep a daily reflection. Additionally, screenshots were taken of submissions …

The Impact Of 1:1 Technology Initiatives On Lesson Planning, Michael Amick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Districts across the country are quickly moving toward a 1:1 student to laptop ratio. Where computer labs or carts were once the norm, many districts are now purchasing all students a laptop to start the year. This movement is occurring at a rapid pace, despite a growing body of research that shows that increased technology does not automatically lead to achievement gains. The teacher plays a vital role in student outcomes, with or without technology. In particular, the manner in which teachers plan lessons is significant to classroom outcomes. This is evident in that the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching …

Technology For The 21st Century Workforce: A Case Study Of A Rural East Tennessee Workforce Community, Kim Bolton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess technology use, on-the-job technology training, education levels, and salary ranges of employees in low-, middle-, and high- skill jobs in a rural county in East Tennessee to create an example of a small town workforce. For this study, technology included computers, robotics, and mobile technology. A survey determined the technology used, training provided, salaries, and job skill levels based on education obtained and required by major employers. The study identified the level of jobs requiring more technology skills and salaries or training related to these job skill levels. Participants included 336 persons …