Education Commons^™

Animated Database Courseware: Using Animations To Extend Conceptual Understanding Of Database Concepts, Meg Murray, Mario Guimaraes

Faculty and Research Publications

Teaching abstract concepts can be best supported with supplemental instructional materials such as software animations. Visualization and animations have been shown to increase student motivation and help students develop deeper understandings. Through an NSF funded CCLI grant, a set of animations to support the teaching of database concepts is being developed and made freely available. Current modules available cover areas such as database design, interactive SQL, stored procedures and triggers, transactions and database security. In this paper, we provide an overview of the Animated Database Courseware (ADbC) as well as provide examples of how this software might be utilized in …

Computing For The Masses: Extending The Computer Science Curriculum With Information Technology Literacy, Jorge Pérez, Meg C. Murray

Faculty and Research Publications

Enrollments in computer science programs continue to drop as demand for workers skilled in computing increases. Information technology scholars face the ironic challenge of attracting more students into computing disciplines in the age of ubiquitous computing. This paper chronicles a decision by a department of computer science and information systems to offer an information technology literacy course as a service to its institution. Educational and curricular justifications for the course progressed in parallel with recognition of the course's strategic value to the department in the face of sharp declines in the number of students majoring in CS or IS. Following …

Toward Understanding International Students: A Study Conducted At Middle Tennessee State University, Jiannan Wang

The Southeastern Librarian

The number of international students in American universities has increased over the years and has drawn great attention from librarians, library staff, and researchers. In order to serve this particular patron group more effectively, a number of studies have been conducted to understand their difficulties in using American library systems. In consequence, different approaches have been taken to try to help them. As each university or college may have its own library instruction system, and as the composition and features of international students at different universities may vary, it is difficult to apply available strategies without a thorough understanding of …

Social Policy And Constructivism: Using Constructivist Learning Theory In Teaching Social Work Students Research Skills, Linda Sizemore, Brad Marcum

The Southeastern Librarian

Principles of constructivist learning theory were used in developing a process-oriented approach to research skills instruction as applied to real world social problems and social policy responses. Building upon past experiences in establishing collaborative relationships with social work faculty, the theories of constructivism, Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process, and collaborative learning were incorporated into the framework of efforts to provide library instruction at important developmental phases, also known as “zones of intervention”, in student coursework involving three successive social work classes. This article will attempt to describe the above concepts and articulate how these concepts were employed in efforts to improve …

Coweta Encourages 'Reading Olympians'

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article presents information on the 29th Summer Olympiad program of Coweta County Library in Georgia from August 8 to 23, 2008. The public library system has presented two multicultural programs to stimulate interest in cultural diversity, the Olympics and sportsmanship. Its objective of the program is to encourage students to read. The library's other Olympics-themed event was the premiere of its new virtual travel program.

Delighting In The Written Word And Sharing A Love Of Learning, Fay Verburg

Georgia Library Quarterly

A personal narrative is presented which recounts the author's appreciation and interest for reading and learning.

Eames Scholarship Fund Set Up At Waycross College

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article presents information on the Eames Scholarship Fund created for students of Waycross College in Ware County, Georgia. The scholarship fund was established by Charles B. Eames Jr, former director of the Okefenokee Regional Library System (ORLS), to honor the memory of his parents and to benefit students majoring in library science, information studies or related fields. Students experiencing financial difficulties are also eligible to benefit from the scholarship. James Willis, president of the Waycross College Foundation, is looking forward to seeing many students of its institution benefit from the scholarship.

Public Libraries 'Just Buggy' For 2008 Summer Reading Program

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article presents information on the highlights of the 2008 Summer Reading Program, entitled "Catch the Reading Bug," for public libraries in Georgia. The objective of the Worth County Library System (WCLS) is to increase the participation of teenagers. The Houston County Public Library System (HOUPL) has added teenagers as a new component to its Summer Reading Program. Information is given on the reading programs of the Southwest Georgia Regional Library system.

Coweta Public Library Partners With University Of West Georgia

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reports on the partnership formed by the Coweta Public Library--Central Library with the Carrollton-based University of West Georgia's Ingram Library and Newnan Campus to enhance educational services within the community. The objective of the Central Library is to reflect on the importance of educating children and of providing access to materials and programs to people of all ages in support of lifelong learning. Its Book Bundles are another aspect of the public library of allowing its customers to be independent but provide the library staff an avenue of virtual engagement. It also focuses on the key areas when …

An Exploratory Overview Of Teaching Computer Game Development, Mario Guimaraes, Meg C. Murray

Faculty and Research Publications

The computer game industry has exploded reaching sales of several billion dollars a year and, consequently, a majority of college students are familiar with the gaming environment. In fact, videogame development has been cited as one way to motivate students to explore the world of Computer Science. However, most videogames are extremely complex computer programs created by a team of developers including programmers and graphic artists and represent thousands of hours of work. Fortunately there are software tools available that provide a way for simple computer games to be created fairly easily using a building block approach. This paper discusses …

Program Coordinators Disposition Toward Educational Leadership Best Practices: Practicum Experience In Georgia, J. Eric Tubbs

Faculty and Research Publications

The importance of field experiences in educational leadership was well documented in literature. However, scholars and practitioners disagreed on how field experiences should be provided to achieve the greatest effect. On the other hand, practicum efficiency and effectiveness were not assessed in the last ten years. Therefore, this study was designed to explore how field experiences are offered in the educational leadership programs (Master of Education and Add-On Program) in Georgia. Through data analysis, the researchers shared their observation of how field experiences in educational leadership could be enhanced in Georgia. Although the study was conducted in Georgia, the findings …

The Impact Of School Climate On School Outcomes, J. Eric Tubbs, Mary Garner

Faculty and Research Publications

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into an elementary school whose climate issues appear to plague and impact it's performance as measured by it's Annually Yearly Progress (AYP). The Northwest Georgia elementary school is located in a rural school system approximately 50 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. A review of the literature suggests school climate can affect many areas and people within schools. It further suggests that positive interpersonal relationships and optimal learning opportunities in all demographic environments can increase school achievement levels and reduce maladaptive behaviors (McEvoy & Welker, 2000). Providing a positive and supportive work …

From Traditional Delivery To Distance Learning: Developing The Model, Marie F. Holbein

Faculty and Research Publications

Today’s classrooms are no longer bound by geography. Distance learning has provided an attractive and increasingly highly regarded alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction. However, effective implementation requires a shift in thinking for both students and instructors. The purpose of this article is to describe a model for applying a traditional campus-based graduate course to a distance format.

Creating A Space For Yal With Lgbt Content In Our Personal Reading: Creating A Place For Lgbt Students In Our Classrooms, Katherine Mason

Faculty and Research Publications

No abstract provided.

A Model For Using A Capstone Experience As One Method Of Assessment Of An Information Systems Degree Program, Meg C. Murray, Jorge Pérez, Mario Guimaraes

Faculty and Research Publications

Student attainment of educational outcomes is a core purpose of any institution of higher education and assessment provides a vehicle through which a program of study is able to ascertain how well it is achieving its stated learning outcomes and how program improvement might be achieved. Assessment of student learning begins with the clear definition and articulation of learning outcomes, followed by offering learning experiences, assessing student achievement of learning outcomes and using the results to improve teaching, learning, planning and allocation of resources (Middle States Accreditation Commission, 2005). A renewed emphasis on assessment is leading to the identification and …

Solis Wins Valdosta State Outstanding Student Service Award

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article announces that the Student Organization of Library and Information Science at Valdosta State University in Georgia has won a Student Organization ward for Outstanding Service to Members.

Atlanta-Fulton Hosts Children's Festival

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reports on the Ashley Bryan Children's Literary Festival hosted by Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American History and Culture presented on April 25 and 26, 2008. The children's literacy program celebrated the contribution of Ashley Brayan to children's literature with interactive and educational programs and events that introduced children of all ages to culturally relevant art, literature and poetry. The conference was attended by teachers, librarians and parents and many children.

Initiating A New Information Systems Course: A Case Study In Educational Innovation, Michael Eccles, June Pym, Kevin Johnston

The African Journal of Information Systems

If South Africa is to transform its educational landscape, access to higher education is crucial. However, if equity of access is not coupled with equity of success, participation, and relevance, access can become problematic.

The Information Systems Department at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, has been concerned for a number of years about both the relevance and coherence of its first year Information Systems course. In 2007, the Department re-conceptualized this course. This case study looks at the background to the problems and motivation for the change and the proposed changes and course redesign, as well as the …

An African Phd Program In Information Systems: The Case Of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, Solomon Negash, Richard T. Watson, Detmar W. Straub

The African Journal of Information Systems

This case study is about the first Information Systems PhD program in Ethiopia and the region, a collaborative effort of thirteen universities around the globe. Fifteen faculty members traveled to Ethiopia to launch the program for classes, which will start in 2009. This paper depicts the program design and program development and an outline of the overall program. The authors share their personal experience in the development of this unique IS PhD program.

2008 - The Thirteenth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Thirteenth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 14, 2008. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Working With Beginning Teachers: What Effective Strategies Do Principals Use?, Binbin Jiang, Tak Cheung Chan

Faculty and Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine principals’ perception on what beginning teachers can do to ensure success in schools and what principals can do to assist them. Principals claimed that they assisted beginning teachers in mentoring, supervision, and performance evaluation. They advised beginning teachers for successful practices in effective teaching strategies, working with diverse learners, interacting with parents and guardians, handling disciplinary issues, confidentiality of student information, and continuing professional development.

A Closer Look At The Crease Length Problem, Sean F. Ellermeyer

Faculty and Research Publications

An optimization problem that appears as an exercise in most modern calculus textbooks is the crease length problem. Here, Ellermeyer provides a solution of the general crease length problem in which all possible foldings of a corner to the opposite edge are taken into account. One of his findings will be that the minimum crease length is never produced by a Case 2 fold and hence that the general crease length problem always yields a different minimum than the constrained problem that is treated in the textbooks. He discovers a criterion that determines which foldings must be performed in order …

Promoting Literacy Initiatives Abroad Through Rotary Partnerships, Carol Walker Jordan

The Southeastern Librarian

In the Spring of 2005, on a trip to Atlanta, an article in the US Airways Magazine, August 2005, p. 75, caught my attention, "Universal Literacy: And How Room to Read Contributes To That Goal," by Michael Ybarra. Michael described how John Wood in 1998 quit his job as a marketing director at Microsoft to go trekking in Nepal. Invited by a local teacher to visit a classroom of a village school at Bahundanda, Wood described the conditions to be appalling--80 kids in one grade with 20 books described as backpacker castoffs-for example. Danielle Steel and Lonely Planet's guide to …

Register And Charge: Using Synonym Maps To Explore Connotation, Darren Crovitz, Jessica A. Miller

Faculty and Research Publications

To "help students think carefully about specific words and their uses," Darren Crovitz and Jessica A. Miller conceive a diagram that visually expresses the spaces and ties between words. Students eagerly explore contextual connotations and defend subtle shifts in word meaning, discovering how time, use, and circumstance all influence meaning.

'Classic Rock Cares' At Parks Memorial.

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article announces that Parks Memorial Library in Richland, Georgia has received musical instruments from the John Entwistle Foundation for a program to promote music education among children. As part of its Check-Out Music program, the library now has an electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and amplifiers. The foundation launched an eight city tour known as Classic Rock Cares which was to be the first concert tour designed specifically to raise funds for the foundation's mission of free music education and instruments through the public library system.

Where Does Conflict Management Fit In The System's Leadership Puzzle?, Vickie S. Cook, Linda Johnston

Faculty and Research Publications

Superintendents are faced with conflicts every day. The conflicts arise around issues of personnel, community roles, funding, politics, and work/life balance. Good leadership involves an understanding of how to deal with conflict, whom to involve in the conflict resolution, how to set up structures and processes that ensure conflict doesn't reoccur, and the ability to use conflict in a positive manner. Superintendents look to current literature to assist with the development of positive conflict resolution skills. These skills are not only preferable for current superintendents, but necessary for positive career development of future superintendents. Several authors have examined the various …

School Principal Profiles: Comparing China And The United States, Tak C. Chan, Ruiqing Du

Faculty and Research Publications

By comparing principal profiles in China and the United States) this study would contribute to a better understanding of school leadership in the two countries. Participating principals included 144 from two states in the United States and 77 from seven provinces of China. A researcher designed Likert-scale questionnaire covered the principals) profiles in seven leadership areas: character) professional knowledge) professional skill) administrative style) administrative duties) personnel management) and student affairs management. This was supplemented by a survey of three open-ended questions on principal's responsibilities) challenges) and fulfillment. The findings of quantitative data were compared with those of qualitative data. Results …

Lagrange College Honors Shepherd

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article announces that Dr. Sonya Gaither Shepherd has received the Wall of Outstanding Alumni Award from LaGrange College.

Exploring Voice As Integration: A Direction For Assessing Student Work In Learning Communities With Composition, Keisha L. Hoerrner, Ruth Goldfine, Amy Buddie, Charlotte Collins, Emily Holler, Nancy Prochaska, Brian Wooten

Faculty and Research Publications

Kennesaw State University’s team of interdisciplinary scholars qualitatively assessed student learning within theme-based learning communities to determine whether content from one discipline was evident in student work produced within another discipline. Faculty concluded that they were likely expecting more disciplinary integration than first-semester college students were capable of providing, and that they were likely not asking for the integration they were expecting. By examining student work as evidence, the researchers became more acutely aware of the assignment instructions, prompting them to work more closely with colleagues in their future learning communities to develop interdisciplinary assignments with explicit expectations for integration.

Expanding The Database Curriculum, Meg Murray, Mario Guimaraes

Faculty and Research Publications

As database concepts and technologies continue to evolve there exists a need to expand the topics included in database curricula. This is challenging given the restraints on the number of courses that can be included in a typical CS or IS program. While a set of commonly identified core concepts and principles exists, there is little consensus on what supplemental materials should be included in database courses. Through an NSF proof-of-concept grant, we designed and developed courseware incorporating the use of animations to deepen and enrich standard presentations of core database concepts and to complement database teachings as found in …