Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

How It Course Improves Digital Competencies: An Experimental Study In Science Education, Mustafa Tevfik Hebebci, Helen Crompton

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The rising significance of technology in society has caused a surge in the requirement of individuals possessing digital competencies. In the current era, digital skills are progressively vital for both personal and occupational growth. Governments have acknowledged the value of digital competencies and have incorporated them as part of fundamental proficiencies in numerous countries. Pre-service teachers have a paramount role in molding forthcoming generations, highlighting their necessity to possess robust digital competencies. This research centers on how an "Information Technologies in Science Education" course influences the digital competency progression in pre-service teachers. The study deployed a pre-test post-test experimental design …

Examining The Impact Of Online Math Games On Student Performance And Attitudes, Tian Luo, Catherine Hickman, Pauline Muljana

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Low mathematics scores in the U.S. have been pressing the educators to find engaging strategies and effective tools to promote math performance. While emerging technologies, such as digital math games, show promises in improving mathematical education, existing studies have garnered mixed findings and thereby necessitating further investigation. This study aims to examine the impact of skill-based online math games on students’ math performance and attitudes, as well as students’ perceptions of the games. Thirty-eight students ranging from fifth to eighth grade participated in the study. The results showed a mixed picture of the impact of the online games on math …

Digital Educational Modules Development For The Career And Technical Cybersecurity Pathways During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Vukica Jovanović, Murat Kuzlu, Otilia Popescu, Petros Katsioloudis, Linda Vahala, Michael Wu, Deborah Marshall, Michael Crespo, Mary Addison

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Virtual learning has been used now for several decades, but it has never had a bigger impact on student learning than in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities and schools faced shutdowns all around the world, and teachers had to adapt rapidly to online mode of instruction. Many educators were faced with a triage approach with no previous experience in distance learning, a lack of resources for professional development, and already existing shortages of current educational modules that could assist them in their day-to-day jobs. This gap was especially evident in areas such as career and technical education (CTE) …

A Literature Review Of Quantum Education In K-12 Level, Yuming He, Shenghua Zha, Wu He, Theo Bastiaens (Ed.)

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

Quantum computing is an emerging technology paradigm of computing and has the potential to solve computational problems intractable using today’s classical computers or digital technology. Quantum computing is expected to be disruptive for many industries. The power of quantum computing technologies is based on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, such as quantum superposition, quantum entanglement, or the no-cloning theorem. To build a highly trained and skilled quantum workforce that meets future industry needs, there is a need to introduce quantum concepts early on in K-12 schools since the learning of quantum is a lengthy process. As fundamental quantum concepts derive …

Safety Training For Career And Content Switchers, Philip A. Reed, M. Kathleen Ferguson

STEMPS Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Lights, Camera, Activity! A Systematic Review Of Research On Learner-Generated Videos, Bridgette Shade Epps, Tian Luo, Pauline S. Muljana

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Aim/Purpose

The current literature discusses the use and benefits of learner-generated videos (LGVs). However, it rarely addresses any correlation between the types of subjects that are best suited for using these videos or what techniques should accompany the use of LGVs.

Background

This systematic review synthesizes current literature to identify patterns and implications that develop from the use of LGVs so that their future use can be both consistent and effective. This paper also reviews the studies to establish the most consistent educational benefits that emerge from this activity.

Methodology

Employing the Preferred-Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses …

Standards For Technological And Engineering Literacy: Addressing Trends And Issues Facing Technology And Engineering Education, Johnny J. Moye, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article offers information on addressing trends and issues facing technology and engineering education. It mentions future challenges, students need to "have a broad conceptual understanding of technology and its place in society, enabling them to be active participants in the technological world and careful creators and users of technology.

Welcome To Normalton: Leveraging Effective E-Learning Principles For Adult Learners, Robert L. Moore

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This design case details the critical design decisions used in the development of an e-learning module library for North Carolina local government officials focused on land use regulations. These modules cover topics from an introduction to land use regulations, to evidentiary hearing conduct guidelines, defining vested rights, and explaining how to adopt and amend an ordinance. This project was in response to the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) members’ increased requests for training in this subject area. This organization requested the assistance of the two faculty members at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government …

How Can Career Switchers And Teachers Without Formal Training Be Quickly Prepared To Teach Engineering And Technology Education?, Kathleen Ferguson, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Old Dominion University (ODU) provides a six-hour, hands on workshop to train technology education teachers in design-based learning, production laboratory safety, and laboratory management. The teachers are provided with information about technology education content and pedagogy as well as safety contracts, legal liability, and machine use and maintenance. Teachers in this workshop learn (or update) important laboratory safety procedures and tool skills through instruction, demonstrations, and an active learning project.

The workshop is co-hosted by the ODU Technology Education Program and the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association (VTEEA). Three workshops have been held and program interest is increasing. The …

Mobile Learning And Cognition, Helen Crompton, Diane Burke

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The rise of mobile learning in schools during the past decade has led to promises about its power to extend and enhance student cognitive development – for example, by providing greater pedagogical opportunities for students (Mifsud, 2014). However, others claim that mobile devices are most often used to support traditional pedagogical approaches whereby students only passively consume content (Cochrane & Antonczak, 2014; Frohberg, Goth & Schwabe, 2009; Rushby, 2012). As schools invest resources in providing students with opportunities to use mobile devices as tools for learning, it is important to critically examine their use in practice.

Incorporating Diegetic Elements To Increase Engagement In Games For Engineering Education, Katherine Smith, Yuzhong Shen, Anthony W. Dean

VMASC Publications

One of the difficulties in developing educational games is maintaining player engagement. This engagement is critical for games to provide effective learning experiences. One way to increase engagement in games is to limit interruptions during game play. In educational games, this can be accomplished by incorporating learning or problem-solving elements diegetically. Diegetic elements are those that are part of the game scene. With this in mind, a series of games for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has been developed focusing on content in courses that are prerequisites to the engineering curriculum. These games cover topics in pre-calculus, calculus, …

Distance Education And Technology Infrastructure: Strategies And Opportunities, Robert L. Moore, B. P. Fodrey

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Distance education provides a wealth of opportunities and areas for innovation, but it also presents unique challenges for implementation and eventual success. To mitigate these challenges, this chapter will present four critical components—systems, objectives, evaluation, and personnel—that combine into one to create a technology infrastructure that can support distance delivery. Through this chapter, e-learning leaders will gain the knowledge to not only identify key features of tools used for distance delivery, but also understand and appreciate the correlation between a holistic infrastructure approach and quality distance delivery. The absence of one of these critical components will likely result in an …

Reflections On Stem, Standards, And Disciplinary Focus, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article offers information concerning STEM education, technology education discipline, and standards for technological literacy. It discusses a revision of the "Standards for Technological Literacy" transcending the existing K-12 focus as well as including PreK, informal and extracurricular technology education, adult learning, and other settings.

Research Trends In The Use Of Mobile Learning In Mathematics, Helen Crompton, Diane Burke

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The use of mobile learning in education is growing at an exponential rate. To best understand how mobile learning is being used, it is crucial to gain a collective understanding of the research that has taken place. This research was a systematic review of 36 studies in mobile learning in mathematics from the year 2000 onward. Eight new findings emerged: (1) The primary purpose of most studies was to focus on evaluating mobile learning. (2) Case studies and experimental design were the main research methods. (3) Most studies report positive learning outcomes; (4) Mobile phones were the mobile device used …

Toys Redesigned: The Intersection Of Industrial Technology And Service-Learning Principles, Jill Stefaniak, Petros Katsioloudis, Basim Matrood

STEMPS Faculty Publications

To provide students with a situated learning experience that encouraged them to develop creative design solutions, the authors created a service-learning activity that required industrial technology students to apply design principles and procedures to design and develop toys to be given to pediatric patients at a local children's hospital. The following are excerpts from student reflections addressing the technological skills used and key takeaways from the project: * "I was able to use my mechanical skills in this project by knowing how to operate the drill press and by cutting all the pieces that were needed and assembling them." * …

Establishing A Virtual Makerspace For An Online Graduate Course: A Design Case, Kevin M. Oliver, Robert L. Moore, Michael A. Evans

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This design case discusses key steps taken to establish a virtual makerspace for students enrolled in an online graduate course on informal learning. Two key design decisions are elaborated around (a) the selection of appropriate projects and packaged materials that distance education students can receive by mail to participate in making, and (b) the choice of an online platform for distance education students to document their design processes for assessment purposes and peer interaction and learning. This design case is relevant to a variety of online communities who may wish to engage in maker activities as well as isolated face-to-face …

The Visport Project: Visualization Of Port Logistics, Petros J. Katsioloudis, Ginger S. Watson

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article focuses on the introduction of Visualization in Port Logistics (VisPort) web-based tool project for the visualization of port careers and logistics in the U.S. It outlines the educational objectives of the project including the virtual reality experience associated with port operation, the multimedia environment for the learning of students, and the simulation of port logistics. It mentions that the scientific and technical visualization curriculum offered to students enhances the skills related to scientific and mathematical concepts as well as the experience on graphic techniques.

Rethinking The Development Of Weapons And Their Impact, Petros J. Katsioloudis, Mildred V. Jones

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article presents information on conventional weaponry and threats posed by it for the environment. Weapons consist of chemical, biological, depleted uranium, landmines, nuclear, jet fighters, and even the conventional lead bullets. It is stated that the manufacturing of biodegradable weapons that don't pollute the environment must be promoted, as they also strengthen the laws which ban the use of toxic and other chemical weapons. A table on correlation with standards for technological literacy, is also presented.

Mathematics In The Age Of Technology: There Is A Place For Technology In The Mathematics Classroom, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

In today’s world of ubiquitous computing there are a number of technologies available to K-12 educators for teaching and learning mathematics. However, Koehler and Mishra (2008) have described how teaching and learning with such technologies presents a “wicked problem,” as it can involve a number of variables, independent of each other and contextually bound, that need to be brought together. This article highlights the advantages technology offers for mathematics education and looks at some of the reasons behind the poor uptake, such as teacher beliefs and lack of training. A number of solutions are offered to address these issues, including …

Understanding Materials, Petros J. Katsioloudis

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The article discusses the importance of understanding the characteristics of materials that will be used for different applications. Through the years, the inventions and innovations in the technology of materials are becoming more technologically complex. Innovations in the materials are divided in different categories, including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. Example of such innovations in the technology of materials include the ceramic composite applied to the surface of the space shuttle panels to absorb and release high amounts of heat.

Discovery Of The Depths, Petros J. Katsioloudis

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Throughout history the oceans have directly or indirectly influenced humans. The importance of knowing how to protect this valuable resource and insure it for future generations is vital. Underwater Vehicles are tools essential for this process, and therefore research and development to perfect these devices is needed. However, the main goal of these devices--to transmit images from places where humans cannot go--remains the same, and their importance to future discoveries remains vital. This article discusses the different types of underwater vehicles and describes an activity wherein students will fabricate an underwater remotely operated vehicle.

Review Of The American Society For Engineering Education (Asee) Global Colloquium, Cape Town, South Africa, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The following report addresses topics established by the Technical Foundation of America prior to attending the ASEE Global Colloquium October 19-24, 2008 in Cape Town South Africa. Specifically, this manuscript will address what the international engineering education community and the technology education community might have to offer each other. Responses appear below each of the three categories: impacts on curriculum, professional development, and collaboration.

Review Of The Technology Education Research Conference (Terc), Surfer’S Paradise, Australia, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The following report addresses questions established by the Technical Foundation of America prior to attending the Technology Education Research Conference (TERC) December 7-9, 2006 in Surfer's Paradise, Australia. Responses appear below each of the four questions.

Are You Ready To Provide Instruction Via Interactive Satellite Delivery Technology, John E. Turner, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

A difficulty for faculty new to teaching at a distance is being able to visualize the scope of needed skills and tasks that will be required of them. The purpose of this project was to provide an empirically-based, self-administered skill enhancement guide for new distance education faculty teaching via interactive satellite broadcast. A modified Delphi approach was used to survey 18 faculty members experienced in distance education from the 6 colleges at a major eastern university. Respondents created a validated task list in phase 1 and determined task criticality and sequencing of task learning in phase 2.

What Do We Value? Research On Technology Education Problems, Issues, And Standards In The United States, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Technology education has seen significant changes since the early 1990's. The paradigm shift from industrial arts has been widely received. Communication tools have merged the global community and standards have helped unify content. While many of these changes have been positive, there are compelling calls for research to support technology education practice. How are we addressing this need? More importantly, is the research we are conducting adding value to technology education practice? This study presents a review and synthesis of published research, as well as graduate research, to address these questions. Specifically, research that has addressed recognized problems and issues …

Geospatial Technology, Philip Reed, John Ritz

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Geospatial technology refers to a system that is used to acquire, store, analyze, and output data in two or three dimensions. This data is referenced to the earth by some type of coordinate system, such as a map projection. Geospatial systems include thematic mapping, the Global Positioning System, remote sensing, telemetry, and Geographic Information Systems. The science of mapmaking, cartography, has been around for centuries, and no one is sure of its true beginnings. Each of the above subsystems are elaborate fields unto themselves, however, researchers are linking them together to better understand the world in which we live. Learning …

A Paradigm Shift: Biomimicry. (Cover Story), Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Biomimicry is a new way of linking the human-made world to the natural world. Biomimicry is already having a tremendous impact on the way we design technological products and systems as of December 2003. The word biomimicry comes from Greek words bios and mimesis. In short, biomimics imitate nature. We now have the capability, however, to not only imitate products of nature but also nature's materials and processes. During the seventeenth century, the relationship between humans and the natural world changed in several ways. Scientists of various disciplines are working with engineers, designers, and other researchers in an interdisciplinary manner …

America Calling: A Social History Of The Telephone To 1940. (Book Review), Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.