Digital Commons Network^™

Effective Professional Development And Social Media Technologies' Potential For Enhancement, Jami J. Elliott

Graduate Research Papers

Effective professional development for technology integration in the classroom is essential. The purpose of this paper is to review literature regarding professional development models, identify essential elements for maximum effectiveness and examine social media technologies potential role. In this review, 32 journal articles and books written since 2000 are reviewed to identify essential elements for effective professional development, as well as social media technologies' potential in professional development. The results of this review could be used to design and implement effective professional development for integrating technology into elementary curriculum. Effectiveness of professional development can determine the level of student learning …

Implementing Electronic Storybooks And The Effects On Reading Achievement At The Elementary Level, Chelsey Heidemann

Graduate Research Papers

Electronic storybooks are an innovative way to support the reading needs of students today. This literature review discusses the positive and negative effects electronic storybooks have on students' reading abilities. It focuses specifically on word accuracy, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Examples and information were taken from published journal a1ticles found through online databases and books. The review concludes that electronic storybooks can have a positive effect on a student's reading ability when using an electronic storybook that meets the needs of the learner.

Digital Storytelling : Building 21st Century Literacy Skills In The Secondary Classroom, William P. Lammers

Graduate Research Papers

Digital storytelling has been a popular activity in technologically well-equipped classrooms, and is gaining popularity due to its ability to help build important 21st century skills for learners and engaging lessons for instructors. This paper reviewed twenty peer-evaluated investigations from 2001 to 2010, citing five original qualitative case studies, twelve research-based papers regarding digital narratives and the skills needed for the 21st century learner. Included in this review is a definition of digital storytelling via a detailed model, an explanation of the 21st century literacies, obstacles to integrating digital narratives, and discussion of related communication skills. Recommendations were made based …

The Role Of The School Principal In Technology Integration : A Literature Review, Lance Lennon

Graduate Research Papers

The effective integration of technology into a school's curriculum is strongly influenced by the role played by a school principal. This literature review aims to examine a principal as a school leader, a principal as a technology leader, and specifically what a principal needs to be an effective leader of technology integration. This paper reviews peer-reviewed journal articles, research studies, and doctoral theses focused on the role of a principal in technology integration. Research indicates principals and other school leaders are crucial to the success of school initiatives, and that administrators need more training opportunities to have the positive impact …

Effective In-Service Professional Development For Child Care Providers, Tina Mccullough

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to identify key components of effective in-service professional development (PD) that would provide high quality training for child care providers. This review will look specifically at in-service PD for child care providers, not pre-service PD. Pre-service PD can imply the acquisition of an education-related degree, whereas in-service PD comprises a series of specific trainings for growth and development of Early Care and Education (ECE) providers. In-service PD does play an important function for ECE providers. The research examined for this review focuses on a variety of methodologies and approaches to in-service professional development trainings …

Using Positive Behavior Instructional Support (Pbis) In Early Childhood, Megan Merkel

Graduate Research Papers

Challenging behaviors in early childhood education are becoming recognized as a serious barrier to social-emotional development and an indication of severe maladjustment in school and adult life. Educational professionals have been seeking to define, elaborate, and improve on existing knowledge related to the prevention and resolution of young children's challenging behaviors. The current literature review was conducted to describe the relationship between children's challenging behavior and implementing Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) in early childhood classrooms and programs. In addition, this review presents conclusions, recommendations, suggested educational policies, and needed future research.

Differentiated Instruction : Learning Profiles, Assessment, And Professional Development, Sharon Kay Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

Differentiated instruction, in which a teacher recognizes and seeks to accommodate each student's method of learning (a learning profile), optimizes the classroom experience for all students (Tomlinson, 1999). Though differentiated instruction can be an excellent strategy to manage the diverse learning culture of the contemporary classroom, many educators have concerns about it, This literature review examines the following questions: 1. What is the role of learning profiles in a differentiated instruction classroom? 2. What is the role of assessment in a differentiated instruction classroom? 3. What should be the content and processes of a professional development program for the implementation …

Using Social Technology In Professional Development: A Literature Review, Catherine M. Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Due to unprecedented pressure to improve teaching practices and student achievement, professional development has become the focus of much scrutiny. This paper reviews twenty-six peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss the effects of integrating social technologies in professional development activities. The review examines the traits of effective professional development, the ways social technologies are being incorporated into professional development, the impact of this integration, and what problems may arise using social technology. Final discussions indicate that social technologies have great potential to encourage collaboration and professional growth. Further research is needed, however, to determine if using social technologies in professional development …

Peer Coaching In Early Childhood, Michelle Silvera

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have reached a consensus that early childhood educators should have sufficient knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education issues. This is because the quality and success of programs designed for early childhood education lie in the qualifications of the teacher in charge of such programs. These requirements are especially true for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the early childhood educators to provide the children and their families with rich and meaningful educational experiences because they are often held accountable for the outcome of the children. This literature review demonstrates that one way …

The Role Of Teacher Belief Systems In Technology Integration, Joni M. Walvatne

Graduate Research Papers

The belief systems of teachers are strongly correlated to their planning, instructional decisions, and classroom practices concerning technology integration. This literature review examines common teacher beliefs, teacher goals and knowledge, and teacher support and barriers regarding technology integration into 21st century classrooms. The characteristics of teacher beliefs analyzed in this review include existential presumption, alternative situations, affective and evaluative loading, and episodic structure. This paper reviews peer-reviewed journal articles, published since 1992, that discuss the role of teacher belief systems in technology integration. Research indicates teachers face barriers and need additional knowledge and skills that build on, and intersect with, …

Using Serious Games In An Educational Setting, Angela Webb

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examines the use of digital games also known as serious games in a school setting to determine the benefits of games on preparing students for using 21st century skills. Studies on using serious games from the last 12 years were analyzed and evaluated. The review explores different genres of serious games. It examines benefits of serious games including social interaction, collaboration, and complex thinking skills, as well as their disadvantages The review also identifies game characteristics that support best practices in education. Serious games are a vital tool to teach students many skills needed for the future.

Teachers' Perceptions Of Skills Needed For Children's Entry Into Kindergarten, Jessica Blohm

Graduate Research Papers

Kindergarten readiness is an ever-increasing topic in the field of early education among educators. Research has indicated that children learn better if parents, preschool and kindergarten teachers' expectations are aligned. The purpose of this project is to understand local preschool and kindergarten teachers' perceptions of skills needed for children's entry into kindergarten. Teachers from two school districts and local preschools and daycares will be surveyed using the local Head Start Kindergarten Readiness Goals. Information gained will potentially lead to modifications in curriculum and learning goals for children, aid in professional development practices for teachers, and better prepare children in the …

Producing Early Modern Space And The Mind In Public And Closet Drama, Megan M. Gallagher

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The construction of space has become such a common process for modernity that its culture would argue spatial experiences as intrinsic in nature. However, it is through the consideration of the experience of space and spatial boundaries one notices the cooperative nature of space. This thesis explores the early modem constructions of space and the development of the modem idea of the mind through the closet dramas of John Milton (Samson Agonistes) and Elizabeth Cary (The Tragedy of Mariam the Fair Queen of the Jewry), and the public dramas of William Shakespeare (Measure for Measure and Julius Caesar). Our notions …

Familial Influences On The Physical Activity Culture Of Children, Shari L. Vermeer

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

A Student Employee Training Survey For Collegiate Recreation Departments, Rick Mcgill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the student employee training process in collegiate recreation departments. The results of this action research plan can be used to improve student employee training processes in collegiate recreation centers.

The Aftermath Of Deployment On Military Soldiers, Families And Children, Keri Lee Kulish

Graduate Research Papers

Learning ways that "we" as citizens of the United States of America can provide and support our military troops while they are diligently fighting for our country is the #1 priority. Soldiers are not the only ones that are enduring the hardships of the military, the soldier's families, but most importantly are their children, who are tomorrow's future.

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the hardships, affects of deployment on individuals, the development of an individual through the behavioral, emotional, physical and psychological aspects that effect military members, children and their families within the military lifestyle.

This …

Identifying U.S. First Ladies Involved With Child And Youth Serving Organizations, Greta A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to identify how U.S. First Ladies have significantly impacted child or youth programs and causes. This will cover six First Ladies from the 1900's to the present which include: 1) Lou Hoover; 2) Lady Bird Johnson; 4) Nancy Reagan; 3) Barbara Bush; 5) Laura Bush; and 6) Michelle Obama.

Participation And Attrition In Youth Sport, Laura Sue Rowen

Graduate Research Papers

In the United States, an estimated 45 million children under the age of 18 years are involved in school and extracurricular physical activity programs, ranging from youth basketball and baseball to cross country skiing and rodeo (Weinberg & Gould, 2007). According to the American Journal of Diseases of Children, an additional 17 million children and adolescents in the US participate in an organized non-school-sponsored sport (DuRant et al., 1991). Many of these children are extremely involved in organized sport. On average, youth participate in their specific sport 11 hours a week for an 18-week season. Thus, over the past 40 …

Multicultural Boards: An Examination Of The Pertinent Literature Of The Understanding Of An Individual’S Roles Serving On An International Nonprofit Board Of Directors, Carrie E. Radloff

Graduate Research Papers

An increase in the number of international nonprofits has necessitated the need for inclusion of culturally, socio-economically, and gender diverse board members. Existing literature shows that board members in different organizations understand their roles differently and therefore affect their performance on the board of directors as well as the performance of the board of directors as a whole. This paper is a literature review to establish how individual members of nonprofits understand their roles and whether diversity has an influence on their understanding of their roles. Also examined is the board's performance as influenced by diversity, as well as the …

An Evaluation Of The Lifeguard Rescue Trends At The University Of Northern Iowa Wellness And Recreation Services, Kristi O'Brien

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to track trends in lifeguard rescues at the WRC pool during times WRS is managing the facility. Compiling this data will help shape WRS policy and education for the lifeguard staff and WRC patrons on safer recreation at the pools. As well as provide valuable information for staff on facility upgrades and safety equipment purchasing.

Back Pain And Injury Prevalence And Prevention Strategies In The Workplace, Erin Randi Nielsen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors and common prevention techniques associated with back pain and injury and provide suggestions for prevention, particularly in the workplace setting.

An Assessment Of The Service Quality Of The Camp Adventure College Staff Development Program, Audrey Jean Daniels

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of the Camp Adventure TM College Staff Development Program using the Importance-Performance Analysis model (IP A). This study was established to examine the following research questions:

1. What knowledge and skills are important to Camp Adventure™ student participants as identified and taught by the Camp Adventure TM College Staff Development program?

2. How effectively are knowledge and skills taught within the Camp Adventure TM College Staff Development program, as viewed by Camp Adventure TM student participants?

Developing A Stem Education For Rural Elementary Students, Lisa J. Chizek

Graduate Research Papers

With his launch of "Educate to Innovate" in 2009, President Barack Obama stated, "Reaffirming and strengthening America's role as the world's engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the challenges of this century," said President Obama. "That's why I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the next decade a national priority" (The White House, 2009).

Misconceptions In Science Education, Angela Francis

Graduate Research Papers

Like many science teachers today, I am a constructivist. I believe that students need to be active constructors of their own knowledge. I also understand that, prior to entering my classroom, students have had innumerable experiences that have led them to develop their own unique understanding of the natural world. This reality has certain advantages and disadvantages. One critical disadvantage is that students' prior knowledge and common-sense understandings about science can be at odds with the nature of science that is generally accepted within the scientific community. In order to be an effective teacher, I must identify and understand the …

Emphasizing Project Based Curriculum In Principles Of Engineering - A Project Lead The Way Course, Pamela Rae Baier Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

The current trend in education is for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM based curriculum. STEM occupations are critical to Iowa's economic competitiveness because of the direct ties to innovation, productivity and economic growth. On September 6, 2011 Iowa's Governor, Terry Branstad, announced the members who will serve on the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. This group was created to advise the Governor's office on ways to improve STEM education, STEM innovation and economic development. The new council, along with the 6 regional STEM hubs, will work to grow Iowa's commitment to bolstering STEM education, STEM innovation and to …

Formative Assessment In The High School Chemistry Classroom, Clinton Fay Schmitz

Graduate Research Papers

A current focus in education is placing more emphasis on formative assessment. With increased emphasis on formative assessment, teachers are faced with the task of assessing large numbers of students and providing feedback in a timely manner. Effectively assessing students and providing feedback in a timely manner using a combined method of formative assessment called the CASTLE method (Combined Assessment for Student/ Teacher Learning and Evaluation) is described by this project.

The purpose of this project was to create a set of formative assessment probes for a high school chemistry course specifically designed to be implemented using the CASTLE method. …

Factors That Influence Wellness Program Participation Among Male Blue-Collar Workers, Lindsay M. Wolff

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Forensic Science: An Applied Chemistry Single Semester Course, Theresa A. Theis

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Professional Development For The Library Para Educator: Developing A Guide To Answer Questions About School Libraries In The 21st Century, Tifini Foglesong

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to create a manual for new and existing library paraprofessionals as well as administrators who coordinate teacher librarian professional inservice days. This information will provide content for library paraprofessionals to understand both the procedures and principles of school libraries.

Try To See Me As Me: Understanding Autism In Children's Literature, Brandee Roelfs

Graduate Research Papers

Autism diagnosis is growing each year. While the diagnosis is growing, the information available for elementary children is. The purpose of this project is to create a children's book that will enhance student's understanding of autism in their peers. Research questions guide this study:

1. What should be the nature of the characters and storyline in a fiction book that educates children about autism?

2. What particular information about autism should be interwoven into a fictional story featuring autism?

This children's book created is for elementary students, targeted to grades second and third. The book compares a brother to his …