Education Commons^™

Utilization And Integration Of Technology By Teachers: A Case Study, Dawn Shipley Basinger

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the learning process of teachers as they begin to implement an innovation. The research problem was based on the need to understand better the processes by which teachers come to integrate technology into their instructional practices. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model (Hall, Wallace, & Dossett, 1973) provided the conceptual framework for facilitating change in teachers' use of technology to support instructional practices. The constructivist approach to learning characterized the setting for the courses-Introduction to Technology for Teachers (ITT) and Software Applications, Teaching Methods, and Software Development for Teachers ( AMDT …

Increasing Parental Involvement Through Internet Instruction, David Allen Chaplin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a curriculum of Internet instruction for parents of Washington Middle School students. Through a review of the current literature it was found that the recurring lack of communication between parents, students and educators was identified as a barrier for involving families in their students' education. To overcome this barrier four sessions of instruction and practice were developed to increase the families' ability to communicate with their children's educators. The sessions introduce the basic layout and function of computers, the Internet, using email for communication, skills vital for finding information on the internet, …

Integration Of The Internet Into The Curriculum: A Model Application Exploring The Iditarod, Melanie Kingham

All Graduate Projects

This manuscript is intended to serve as a model and resource for elementary teachers seeking to incorporate use of the Internet into their curriculum. A central premise of the document is that the Internet can serve as a valuable learning tool when it is part of an integrated, project based instructional program. A discussion of the rationale supporting this position is provided, as well as a review of related literature and research. Issues and considerations for those developing Internet based curricula are addressed. A sample Internet based curriculum for primary students, "The Spirit of Adventure," is offered as an illustration …

Activities And Strategies For Parents And Teachers To Promote Fluent Reading Acquisition In Emergenct Readers Through The Use Of An Internet Web Page And Printed Materials, Carolyn Sue White

All Graduate Projects

Research relating to phonics, whole language, and a balanced approach as it relates to fluent reading acquisition was read, evaluated, and summarized. A web page with activities and links to other web sites was designed and installed on the internet to provide parents and teachers with material intended to help them promote fluent reading acquisition in emergent readers.

Application Of Computer-Based Technology To The Teaching Of Writing In Spanish As A Foreign Language: A Case Study, Nuria Gago

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Computers are becoming more and more important in today's world. They are part of every sector of our society, including education. Most of the studies done so far on computer integration with educational purposes focus on the classification, and incorporation, from a theoretical point of view, of Computer Mediated Communication in the class. Unfortunately, very little empirical research has been done concerning the students' perspectives and reactions when introduced to the use of multimedia technology in the classroom. The present project was started in an effort to analyze and observer the reactions of a group of learners when exposed, in …

Preservice Teacher Technology Competencies : Investigating Levels Of Technology Use By Preservice Teachers, Allison Y. Kenkel

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to assess and determine the current level of technology competencies in preservice teachers at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). The Teacher Education Faculty at UNI developed and adopted the Preservice Teacher Technology Competencies (Appendix A), performance-based competencies modeled on several national standards documents. Preservice teachers at three different levels in the college of education program participated in this study.

This research was conducted to measure the proficiency of preservice teachers at UNI in their use of technology, specifically the educational and classroom use of technology. Measuring preservice teachers' ability to connect their knowledge …

From Idol To Add-On To Indispensable Tool : Iowa's One-Computer Classroom, Laura M. Mcdermott

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers who ponder over past experiences can examine the revisions made in order to offer the best possible education to the children entrusted to their care. With the advent of computers in the classrooms, undeniable problems arise and further revisions must be made. When both the teacher and students share one computer, issues that must be addressed include time management, curriculum integration, and effective use of the computer.

With everyday demands of the classroom, it is difficult for teachers to spend time adding to a curriculum already filled to the brim. Time is needed for the teacher to understand how …

Portfolios--From Traditional To Digital : Research For Understanding And Implementation In The Art Classroom, Deb Ann Richmann

Graduate Research Papers

Portfolios are a method in which educators assess student work. The traditional portfolio is generally a collection of papers stored for an intended purpose. There are many types and purposes for portfolios. Technology, however, has yielded some inventive methods for managing the many papers in the portfolio in a digital format. This term, digital portfolio, represents a technological presentation of student work. The differences in hardware, software, and peripherals have been investigated in this review. Along with the tools for management, the implementation in an art classroom is explored. The sustaining impact of the digital portfolio in the art classroom …

Technology In Education : Is It Working?, Daryl Hartwig

Graduate Research Papers

Presents an overview of determining if implementation of technology into classrooms of schools is a significant factor in the increase in student learning. Results in technology assessments as well as the comparing and contrasting of traditional learning versus constructivist learning by ways of technology are closely examined. Successful guidelines for the implementation of technology into classrooms are also discussed in showing their important relationship in the enhancement of student learning. The end results are that there is much evidence which proves that the integration of technology into the classroom of schools is advantageous and therefore draws upon the conclusion that …

Teacher-Controlled Web Pages And Their Impact On Home/School Communication, Colleen S. Hobus

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to examine teacher-controlled Web pages and how they can impact school/home communication. Thirty-three eighth grade parents voluntarily responded to a survey about the communication practices between the eighth grade teachers and eighth grade parents in the Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant School District.A teacher-controlled Web page was set up and put into practice for a one and one-half month period. Parents and students were encouraged to access the Web page for daily assignment updates and special announcements.

At the end of the one and one-half month period, the parents were surveyed again and the results indicated …

The Impact Of Technology Integration On The Elementary Classroom With Reading Disabled Students, Donna Heying

Graduate Research Papers

The content of this paper will discuss and review the current literature in the area of technology integration in the elementary classroom, especially those classrooms with learning disabled students. The areas to be covered in this paper include technology's impact on student learning, legal reasons to use technology in the classroom, effective integration principles for technology integration, software and equipment for learning disabled students, Internet integration, and web-based instruction. All of these areas have an influence on how technology is integrated into the elementary classrooms and how effective that technology can be.

Designing Electronic Casebooks That Talk Back: The Cato Program, Kevin D. Ashley

Articles

Electronic casebooks offer important benefits of flexibility in control of presentation, connectivity, and interactivity. These additional degrees of freedom, however, also threaten to overwhelm students. If casebook authors and instructors are to achieve their pedagogical goals, they will need new methods for guiding students. This paper presents three such methods developed in an intelligent tutoring environment for engaging students in legal role-playing, making abstract concepts explicit and manipulable, and supporting pedagogical dialogues. This environment is built around a program known as CATO, which employs artificial intelligence techniques to teach first-year law students how to make basic legal arguments with cases. …

Case Study : The Kjef Student Video News, John Kennedy Wickham

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact and effectiveness of a student video news project that was initiated in the fall of 1998 as the result of receiving a McElroy Trust Fund grant. A secondary purpose was to determine whether the student video news production was more effective than the traditional approach where the principal used the public address system. Three questionnaires were used to solicit input from school staff and students. The staff was surveyed in the spring of 1999 and 2000 whereas students were surveyed in December 1999 after one year of production. Results were …

Does Peer Technology Training Work?, Kim Foley-Sharp

Graduate Research Papers

This research project contains lessons that were developed as a staff development tool for North High School in the Davenport Community School District. The goal of this project was to implement the use of new technology into the school building by providing the staff of the building with immediate access to trainers who would help if there were a problem or to answer questions. The other responsibilities of the trainers were to facilitate staff development sessions during the school day and on in-service days. The ultimate goal of the project was to make staff comfortable in the use of technology …

Integrating Technology Into The Mathematics Curriculum, Jolonda Parrett

Graduate Research Papers

This is a Graduate Review of the actual work being implemented by a group of six math teachers at Lakeview Elementary. The initiative began because of an on-going problem of students receiving low-test scores in mathematics. Students also had a difficult time retaining the mathematics concepts and skills being taught. Through discussions and surveys, a possible solution was found . A Literacy Technology Challenge Grant from the Department of Education was awarded to help teachers learn to integrate technology within the math curriculum. Teachers are also learning new strategies that will allow students to actually grasp the concept and meaning …

What Is The Significance Of Online Technology As A Training Tool, Thomas Clifton Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the current directions and future trends of using online sources and activities as a tool for learning. It concentrates on the developmental progress of the most powerful force shaping the evolution of this technology: the Internet. As we enter the 21st Century, online training is becoming the dominant educational technology. The Internet has succeeded in removing the time and space barriers to online multimedia instruction.

Design And Implementation Of A University Department Website, Margaret M. Rick

Graduate Research Papers

The website design cycle consists of four important components: (1) planning, (2) production, (3) implementation, and (4) operation. Within these components are a variety of vital tasks ranging from defining the objective and audience to conceptualizing the site, determining content, and creating, testing, and revising the site. Numerous rules or accepted principles guide the design process from color and font selection, to graphic creation, to site navigation layout. Once created, a website must be maintained: content should be updated and outside links verified on a regular basis. A site that is not maintained or kept current is of no benefit …

Reading Comprehension Through Technology : The Accelerated Reader Program, Janette Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to research the Accelerated Reader program, a computerized reading program, to see if it did improve reading skills. The Accelerated Reader program has received a lot of attention because of the belief that students are not learning to read. This is a program that has been marketed well and promises to produce results in reading skill performance. Some educators have questioned the Accelerated Reader program because of the expense and the method of motivation. Both sides of this issue will be discussed in this paper.

21st Century Learning Infrastructure Project, Justin F. Stone

Graduate Research Papers

This Research Project was a practical experience for gaining knowledge on web design, streaming content delivery and the creation of online, educational objects and environments. While working for the Information Technology Department for the State of Iowa, this author was involved with the 21st Century Learning Infrastructure Pilot Project, an attempt to provide learners in Iowa with educational content on demand. This content includes streaming video and audio of various content, computer based training objects, web pages, pictures, interactions with each other, etc. This author's responsibilities to the initial Pilot Project were that of lead web designer, creating five web …

Researching The Internet : A Student Tutorial, Roger S. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

This project involves the development of a series of web pages that serve as a tutorial students use for Internet searching. Students in the Computer Concepts and Applications class at Hawkeye Community College use the Internet to find information for use in an oral report or written assignment. A limited amount of general information about the mechanics of working with a web browser and a brief introduction to search engines is presented to the students in class. The tutorial will assist students by providing links to search engines, ideas in formulating a search strategy, additional more detailed information on working …

Shepherd Of The Hills/Churches Of Conference Nine Webpages, Rondee Troester

Graduate Research Papers

Shepherd of the Hills a center that serves the Churches of Conference Nine of the Northeastern Iowa Synod will be serving their congregations in another form. Webpages are being created for each of the twenty churches of Conference Nine. These churches will convey their mission statements, worship times, pastor's page, and any educational opportunities that are provided. The request was made for someone to develop these pages. The decision was made to start the process. The process began with a discussion with the coordinator from Shepherd of the Hills of which direction to go with the Webpages. Next came contacting …

Developing And Managing An E-Business, Stephanie Tekippe

Graduate Research Papers

Papa Bear Acres created its first e-business in the fall of 1999. Stephanie TeKippe designed and currently manages the web sites, which are operational. Creating a successful e-business on the Internet is not an easy task, but a complicated and tedious one. Rudi, an Internet marketing specialist, stated ( 1999) "Over 94% of all online small businesses are currently losing money"(p.1-2). Papa Bear Acres was created to become a booming presence on the Internet. The process of making this a reality has been slower and more time consuming than anticipated. There are many various aspects to creating a successful e-business. …

Eastview High School Media Center Web Page : A Graduate Project, Connie J. O'Sullivan

Graduate Research Papers

This creative project was undertaken for the purpose of constructing a web site for Eastview High School Media Center that would meet the needs of users while adhering to the highest qualities of web design. As creator of the web site, I started from the beginning. I had not designed a web page before undertaking this project. I researched the tenets of good web design, especially those particular to the field of library science. I identified my audiences and their needs. I identified and selected the best and most relevant content. I familiarized myself with Microsoft FrontPage, Eastview's standard Web …

Technology Integration : Comparing Technology Integration Kofu Middle School To Des Moines Public School, Catie Seeley

Graduate Research Papers

Based on two years of experience teaching in the Kofu middle schools and ten years teaching in Des Moines Public Schools, this paper compares technology integration between Kofu, Japan middle schools and Des Moines, Iowa middle schools. For over twenty years the two cities have enjoyed a strong sister city relationship, participating in many annual cultural exchanges including a teacher exchange. Five Des Moines educators teach English in all the Kofu middle schools for one school year. Over the years attempts to create web based or electronic cultural exchanges have met with limited success.

This paper examines the current technology …

The Civil War: An Online Unit, Liz Walgamuth

Graduate Research Papers

For my final project, I decided to do an online unit for middle school students on the Civil War (Appendix). My reasoning was twofold: I am very interested in online learning and the possibilities that it holds for students, and I saw a need for additional information on this particular subject matter in the middle school where I currently teach. In the social studies department at this particular school lecture and textbook readings are the predominate form of instruction. Because the Civil War is such an interesting topic and there is plenty of information available that includes music, poetry, diary …

Learning Technology Policies In Action : Where Do The States Stand?, Evie Charles Pugh

Graduate Research Papers

In states with technology plans, there is a common belief that technology has the power to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning environment of the classroom. Many states' technology policies and plans reflect a demand for information about student learning outcomes and the cost and benefits of education programs. The eight states in the North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium (NCRTEC) are: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The need for district spending in education technology, such as computer training, professional development, service/support networking, supplies, and hardware, has become a major issue …

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

STEMPS Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Developing An Interactive Web Tutorial To Teach Information Competencies: The Planning Process At The University Of Akron, Jeffrey A. Franks, Robert S. Hackley, Joseph E. Straw, Susan Direnzo

Jeffrey A Franks

No abstract provided.