Educational Technology Commons^™

Personal Learning Preferences, Perceptions, And Multiple Intelligence Profiles : Affect On Educators' Attitudes About Computer Usage, Mary J. Dove

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between teachers' learning preferences, self-perceptions of multiple intelligence profiles, and attitudes toward computer usage, including the incorporation of computer technology into their classrooms. Data for this survey were obtained from a population of teaching and administrative faculty from a small, Midwest, rural public school district. Access and education that results in higher levels of experience were found to be critical variables, in agreement with professional literature to date. These factors, however, did appear to influence personal learning preferences in some instances and the multiple intelligence profiles provided valuable insight into …

Potential Technology Application In English Instruction In The People's Republic Of China, Ping Gao

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this paper is to present a vision of potential technology application as an effective teaching aid for English instruction in the People's Republic of China (hereafter referred to as China). In order to provide a clear picture of why technology should be applied in English teaching situations in China, major factors influencing the current English teaching methodologies – grammar translation and audiolingual method – have been analyzed. A theoretical analysis of modern Western teaching pedagogy, the communicative approach, has been explored to offer an in-depth understanding of foreign language learning and teaching processes. The close relationship …

Technology In The Mathematics Classroom: "Glorified Toys" Or Educational Tools?, Jason W. Perry

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Teachers today are faced with an ever-changing and growing group of challenges when teaching their students. A continued trend toward the mainstreaming and inclusion of students with special needs into general education classroom, along with the increasing number of students being labeled "At-Risk" have created a demand and necessity for innovative and creative teaching strategies. A somewhat recent phenomenon has been an increased emphasis on the implementation and utilization of "technology" in classroom instruction. Teachers at all levels and all subjects are facing this "push" toward technology, but this project focuses on the teaching of mathematics, particularly at the secondary …

The Vital Element, Jennifer Mcnab

Graduate Research Papers

Integrating technology into curriculum requires educators to have a working knowledge of using technology in the educational setting. However, technology integration is often an oversight in staff development. Educators are more likely to use technology to their full potential if a support system is in place and proper training of how to use technology in their classroom is available.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators use computers to enhance the learning experience for students. Educators from around the United States answered the request for sharing motivational ideas for incorporating computers into the classroom. These innovative activities …

In The (Not So) Distant Future: Fiber Optic Distance Learning At The University Of Northern Iowa, Mary Bozik

Faculty Publications

Currently every Area Education Agency; community college; and Regent University in Iowa is connected by a fiber optic system known as the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). Every semester; 7 to 13 college credit classes have been offered at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) via the ICN since 1993. In the Spring of 1995 seven classes (six graduate; one undergraduate) were offered on the ICN by UNI; all were taught by a different instructor; each of whom had participated in a 3-day preparatory workshop. All 168 students were surveyed and 103 responded. Students reported their instructors used a variety of …

Computer Mediated Communication: Elements Impacting Sustained Usage By Iowa Elementary And Middle School Teachers, Philip M. Hibbard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to examine, using a case study methodology, interactions among a group of Iowa teachers involved in a computer mediated communication project, to better understand those elements which may impact sustained usage of computer mediated communication. The study involved examination of one year's worth of on-line journal postings and interactive conferences, and interviews with the 22 teachers involved in the project.

The multiple sources of data collected were analyzed using a methodology known as constant comparative, and the analysis presented according to the following themes:

1. What topics did the participants discuss while using computer mediated …

Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Computer Applications In The Classroom, Angela S. Briley

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify elementary teachers' (K-5) perceptions of computer usage in the classroom. The three areas that were addressed are: classroom computer access, computer professional development and training, and teachers' expectations towards computers usage in the classroom. A survey was distributed to teachers at nine elementary schools during planned faculty meetings. Of the 295 teachers surveyed, 285 surveys were completed, resulting in a 96.6% response rate. Overall, teachers had positive perceptions of computer use in the classroom. Approximately 80.6% of teachers reported using computers in their classrooms. However, when asked about the number of …

An Investigation Of Changing Concerns Toward Instructional Computer Use During Student Teaching, Roderick E. Winters

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated hypothesized change in the concerns of student teachers toward instructional computer use during an eight week student teaching experience. In Phase 1, information concerning seven variables which have the potential to influence teacher computer utilization was collected from student teachers and their cooperating teachers. In addition, seven dimensions of concern toward employment of instructional computer use were examined by administering the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) before and after the student teaching experience.

Multiple regression analysis indicated that change in only one of the seven stages of concern (concerns toward collaboration) could be predicted by any of …

The Impact Of Follow-Up Discussion On Student Learning From Channel One, Gary Arthur Borlaug

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Channel One, a news and features program delivered via satellite to over 40% of junior and senior high school students in the United States, has been the subject of persistent scrutiny regarding the educational value of its daily 10-minute presence in schools. Channel One’s curriculum includes three major components: (a) current events; (b) social issues such as drug abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, prejudice, and so on; and (c) commercial advertisements. Previous studies have been conducted to examine the impact of the current events and advertisement components but not of the social issues component.Studies designed to measure how much students learned …

Computer-Based Technology In Aea 7 Schools, 1994, Julie Heitland

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which school library media centers in one Area Education Agency region (AEA 7) in northeast Iowa are selecting, funding, and making available the new computer-based technologies. A confidential questionnaire was sent to 110 public and non-public schools in May, 1994. Media specialists in 77 schools responded. The results of the survey showed that a) the top-ranked determinant used in selecting computer-based technology was curriculum need, b) the top-ranked source of funding for the purchase of new technology was the local school budget, c) the most widely available computer-based technology …

Technology: Connecting People And Places, Richard Stahlhut

Faculty Publications

The College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) established collaborative partnership agreements with nine major school districts in Iowa where UNI student teachers were placed. One collaborative project connected the campus coordinator with the nine off-campus sites through the campus computer network (Caucus). In the 1993-94 school year the transition to Internet is being made. This paper describes: (1) how the UNI computer network (Caucus) was developed and extended; (2) projects that caused practitioners to become active partners in the UNI Teacher Education program; (3) projects such as newsletters; establishment of mentor programs for student teachers; and …

An Examination Of The Relationships Among Learning Style, Attitudes, And Outcomes Of Computer-Assisted Instruction, Daniel Glen Wilson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was based upon a hypothesized AptitudeTreatment Interaction (ATI). More specifically, the research investigated the relationships between student learning style (aptitude) and student outcomes with computer-assisted instruction (treatment). These outcomes included student achievement with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and student attitude toward CAI.

To examine these relationships, a researcher-developed CAI program on light and color theory was validated and administered to 144 students in an educational media course at the University of Northern Iowa. Participants in the study were first asked to complete the Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales (GRSLSS) inventory along with a demographic survey. Next, each participant completed …

Using Computer Conferencing Technology To Assist Collaboration Between Higher Education Faculty; Student Teachers And K-12 Practitioners, Richard Stahlhut, Richard R. Hawkes

Faculty Publications

The College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) created collaborative partnerships with nine major school districts in Iowa in order to establish several kinds of relationships between practitioners and university faculty which computer networks facilitated. A new "Cobra" computer conference system was expanded to the nine regional off-campus centers where UNI student teachers were working; and modem-equipped portable computers were linked to the campus through a WATTS telephone line. Personnel; including field-based personnel and practitioners; were then able to communicate with nearly all offices on UNI campus through E-mail and computer conferences. Further programs have recruited teachers …

The Effectiveness Of Channel One In Denver, Ia, Secondary School, David Kubalsky

Graduate Research Papers

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Channel One programming in the Denver, Iowa, Secondary School. The seventh grade class was divided into three groups for the study. One group was selected as a control group and did not view Channel One. The other two groups viewed the programming daily. One of the two groups that viewed the programming also participated in brief follow-up discussions each day. Weekly current events quizzes were administered covering news stories from both Channel One programming and from other common news sources. The data were tabulated and analyzed in an attempt to determine if Channel One …

A Study To Identify Selected Factors Affecting The Implementation Of Computer-Aided Design And Drafting In Industrial Technology Baccalaureate Programs, Tsung-Juang Wang

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze selected factors affecting the present status of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and those factors which were needed to reach a desired level of CADD implementation in Industrial Technology Baccalaureate Programs (ITBPs) in the United States. The intent of this study was to identify and analyze selected factors which facilitate the implementation of CADD in ITBPs within the United States.

One hundred and sixty-four ITBPs institutions from the 1992 National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) Directory were used for participation in this study. A questionnaire identifying both current and …

Review Of The Principle Of The Alphabet Literacy System (Pals) Educational Program, Charmaine M. Carney

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine how the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS) was implemented by local sites, and (b) to ascertain the perceptions and attitudes of PALS students, teachers, and administrators regarding the instruction and outcomes. Participants were involved in PALS programs in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota during April and May, 1990. Data collection instruments were mailed to site contact persons who distributed them to and collected them from the participants. Students did not complete the instruments until they finished PALS instruction. There were three data collection instruments, one …

Math Student Teachers: How Well Prepared Are They?, Richard G. Stahlhut

Faculty Publications

This study was conducted to find out how well mathematics majors at the University of Northern Iowa were prepared in the foundations of effective teaching practices and how well they performed during the student teaching experience. Data were gathered from mathematics student teachers (N=22) who were observed; interviewed; and asked to keep daily journals. Results suggest that mathematics teacher education students: (1) be required to create practical problems for pupils for every mathematics course in grades 7-12; (2) be required to take a course that deals with writing across the curriculum so they can better incorporate English into their classroom …

Implications For The Design Of A 2-Way Video Distance Learning Facility, Daniel C. Moore

Graduate Research Papers

The decade of the 80's has witnessed the virtual birth and proliferation of interactive distance learning systems. The rapid multiplication of these inqtructional delivery systems has not been preceded nor followed by appropriate research. Distance learning applications pose entirely new questions for the educational researcher. Among the many questions raised, are those which specifically address the layout of a distance learning terminal facility. In the effort to achieve maximum educational efficiency and effectiveness in a 2-way video system, this paper examines some specific questions regarding distance learning classroom design. Until more focused research is forthcoming, this study proposes to investigate …

The Relationship Between Linguistic And Image Based Learning Approaches For Complex Problem Solving: A Case For Computer Generated Animation In Instructional Presentation Of Complex Technical Processes, Stanley T. Bissinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to provide a rationale for development of new approaches to educating students about complex technical processes. This study may also prove helpful for determining what type of technical content is better suited for computer animated presentation.

Using Interactive Video To Teach Selected Construction Concepts To Industrial Technology Students, Robert Allen Brus

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

With the assistance of new technology, teachers are becoming more efficient at passing more information on to groups of students. Interactive video is a relatively new teaching tool currently being used by industry, government and education to teach large numbers of employees and students. Statement of the Problem Is interactive video an effective means to teach selected construction concepts to industrial technology students? Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to determine if interactive video was an appropriate tool for teaching selected construction concepts to industrial technology students at the University of Northern Iowa. The study compared …

Computer Literacy: An Instructional Unit, Ruth Ratekin, Jack C. Reed

Faculty Publications

This instructional unit on computer literacy is intended for use as a 9-week course meeting five days per week for 50-minute class periods. If tied to a 9-week course in keyboarding or combined with additional materials on programming or software applications; it could also be expanded into a semester course. The following topics are covered in the individual chapters: the role of computers in society; ways in which computers affect society (historical development of computers; their effects on quality of life; economic effects of computers; concerns arising from computer use; and rapid technological changes in business); the way in which …

Computer Applications: Using Electronic Spreadsheets, Connee Riley, Jack C. Reed

Faculty Publications

This instructional unit is intended to assist teachers in helping students learn to use electronic spreadsheets. The 11 learning activities included; all of which are designed for use in conjunction with Multiplan Spreadsheet Software; are arranged in order of increasing difficulty. An effort has been made to include problems applicable to each of the following areas: basic business; secretarial; administrative support; information processing; marketing; and accounting. Topics covered in the individual lessons include operating a spreadsheet program; formatting an electronic spreadsheet; entering and saving data; creating a new electronic spreadsheet from an existing one; rearranging and replacing data; changing data …

A Study Of The Administrative And Instructional Usage Of Electronic Data Processing In The Iowa Public Schools During 1979-1980, Gary B. Shontz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The major purposes of this study were: (1) to determine electronic data processing usage in the Iowa public school districts during the 1979-1980 fiscal year, including administrative and instructional uses of electronic data processing services and their sources; and (2) to determine the planned use of statewide computer software for administrative and instructional applications.

Questionnaires were mailed to all 443 Iowa school districts in existence as of July 1, 1980. A total of 384 districts (86.7 percent) participated in the study. For analysis purposes, the school districts were divided into seven size codes as defined by the State of Iowa …

A Comparison Of Production Printing Services Among The Fifteen Area Education Agencies Of Iowa, Joel T. Haack

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to discover if there were any differences among the Area Education Agencies of Iowa in printing production services. This was done by means of a questionnaire based on the amount and type of printing equipment owned and used by the AEAs, the number of personnel and the Full-Time Employee (FTE) hours of the staff, and the total number of offset printing impressions produced during the fiscal year from July 1, 1978 - June 30, 1979. The questionnaire was sent to all fifteen AEA Media Center directors in the spring of 1980, asking them to …

A Case Study Of Professional Media Personnel Reductions In The Cedar Rapids Community Schools From 1973-74 And 1977-78, Jacki Steel

Graduate Research Papers

This was a study of professional media personnel staffing and/or reductions that occurred in the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Community School District for the period between 1973-74 and 1977-78. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into changes in enrollment compared to professional media staffing changes and also the effects that staffing changes had on media services. Literature searches were made of both library literature and general education literature to examine procedures and criteria used in media staff reductions, Information about Cedar Rapids Community Schools concerning declining enrollments, school closures, media personnel or position reductions, criteria for staffing and/or …

Media Thefts Vs. An Electronic Security System: A Cost Comparison, Bonnie Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to compare the costs of media losses in selected Iowa high schools with the cost of an electronic security system; to survey whether media specialists feel than an electronic security system might improve services and rapport by allowing freer accessibility to media without fear of heavy theft.

Identification Of Tasks In Photo-Offset Lithography Occupations, University Of Northern Iowa

Faculty Publications

The research project was designed to provide data pertaining to performance tasks in specific occupations in various areas of vocational/technical education. The data presented in the document is intended to be used to develop appropriate objectives and curricular content to assist in the preparation of individuals entering the specific photo-offset lithography occupations of layout man; paste-up man; lithographic cameraman; stripper; platemaker; and offset pressman. To discover the tasks and functions required for these job categories; a list of graphic arts industries in Iowa was developed; graphic arts personnel in three cities were interviewed and; from that information; the major instruments …

Utilization Of Educational Television In Iowa's Elementary Schools, Jane Barker

Graduate Research Papers

In today;'s fast-paced world where messages conveyed through many forms of media, television as a form of entertainment has enjoyed much popularity. It has grown in recent years as a method of instruction in the school. The success of "Sesame Street" has powerfully demonstrated the potential of instruction through entertainment.

Television can be used effectively for learning, especially if used regularly. Kelly (1964) has shown that when television is used regularly as a source of instruction in the form of lectures and demonstrations, students do as well and sometimes significantly better on tests than when it is not used regularly. …

Bibliography Of Occupational Information, Janice Wieckhorst

Faculty Publications

This bibliography (non-annotated) is divided into three major sections. The first covers books; periodicals and pamphlets describing individual careers; job hunting techniques and the world of work. The second section contains a selected listing of U. S. government publications on employment and careers. The final section includes a group of reference materials pertinent to employment. While this bibliography is specific to the library at the University of Northern Iowa; its citations cover recognized materials generally available through reference libraries and the U. S. Government. (CKJ)

A Survey Of The Utilization Of The Video Tape Recorder In Iowa Secondary Schools, Thomas W. Bingaman

Graduate Research Papers

As education in the United States continues to grow in importance, a number of factors that influence the learning process become increasingly significant. The use of educational media in the schools is one of the problems facing teachers and administrators. Technology in the media field has a marked tendency to move ahead much faster that the ability of educators to put these new tools to use. One such example of this dilemma is the video tape recorder.

As more and more Iowa school districts purchase video tape equipment, the question of utilization of this apparatus becomes important. It is necessary …