Educational Technology Commons^™

Cirt News - March 2018, Center For Instruction & Research Technology (Cirt)

CIRT News

This issue contains the following articles:

Faculty Spotlight: Using 3D Printed Models in Classes

Directors Message: UNF Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiative

Upcoming Events

Digital Thinking: Accessibility Checker in Microsoft Office

Best Practices Online: Using Canvas Tools to Promote a Community of Inquiry

Canvas News

Coming Soon to CIRT- We're Moving (yes again)

Enriching Classroom Learning Through A Microblogging-Supported Activity, K. Li, Kent Darr, Fei Gao

Visual Communications and Technology Education Faculty Publications

Researchers have recognized the role that microblogging tools play in enhancing the effectiveness of communication and interaction in the classroom. However, few studies have specifically examined how to use microblogging tools to bring educational resources into the classroom to enrich the student learning experience. The exploratory case study examined an instructional activity designed to expand and deepen student learning experience by having undergraduate students subscribe to, read and share tweets from high-quality Twitter accounts in the field. The findings suggested that students believed that the activity broadened their knowledge on the topics to be learned, helped them see the connections …

Utilization Of Library Resources By Lecturers In University Of Cape Coast, Kwaku Anhwere Barfi Mr., Paulina Afful-Arthur Mrs, Emmanuel Manu Agyapong Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This research work was designed to examine the utilization of library resources by lecturers in University of Cape Coast. The objective of the study was to find out the level of availability of library materials in the university, and determine the extent of use of the materials by lecturers. It is also to find out factors that impede lecturer’s use of the library and make recommendations for improvement. A descriptive survey was used for the study. In all, 200 lecturers were selected for the study. The lecturers were selected using random sampling. Statistical tools used for the analysis were frequency …

Digital Storytelling In Second Language Acquisition, A.Z. Amirkulov

Acta of Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent

This article focuses on the instructive utilization of advanced narrating inside second language learning from an emic point of view. Advanced narrating, which can be portrayed as a mix of the old narrating custom and new innovation, was initially utilized for different purposes than instruction and learning.

Peculiarities Of Setting Aims In Efl Classes, D. N. Alibekov

Acta of Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent

There are a lot of important components of teaching English as a foreign language, one of which is setting aim in EFL classes. This article discusses main theoretical review of the notion of setting aims as an inseparable part of an English lesson at present time. Moreover, certain practical ideas about setting aims in practical English lessons have been discussed in this research.

Bespoke Mobile Application Development: Facilitating Transition Of Foundation Students To Higher Education, Nevan Bermingham, Mark Prendergast

Books/Book Chapters

Smartphone usage by students has increased rapidly over the last number of years, and it is expected that the utilisation of mobile applications in educational environments will continue to increase. This chapter focuses on a bespoke mobile application which aims to facilitate the transition of Foundation students to Higher Education in an Irish setting. Foundation students comprise of Access and International Students participating on pre-degree foundation courses. These students experience a major life change in making this transition and it is important that efforts are made to ensure a successful adjustment experience. Research suggests that mobile technologies can play a …

Effective Ipad Instruction: A Qualitative Study Comparing Classroom Practices To The Technology Integration Matrix, Bridget Phillips

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Technology has become a natural part of our students’ lives. The use of iPads in classrooms has increased, and educators are becoming more experienced using them during instruction. Research needs to focus on providing educators with examples of effective instructional practices with iPads. To provide samples of effective instruction, this qualitative study used evidence from classroom observations and aligned the lessons to the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). Lessons were observed and aligned to the Adoption, Adaptation, and Infusion levels of the TIM with Active, Collaborative, Constructive, and Authentic learning attributes. In addition this study investigated the perceptions teachers and principals …

A Study Of Teacher Perceptions Of 21st Century Student Learning In A One-To-One Instructional Environment, Laura Michelle Brooks

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine teacher perceptions of the extent to which they promoted student acquisition of 21st century skills in a one-to-one laptop program. Many proponents of one-to-one learning suggest that 21st century learning skills are best acquired in a student-centered, constructivist learning environment; therefore, constructivist learning theory was the conceptual framework for this study. The researcher also sought to discover any benefits or challenges that teachers encountered while implementing the laptop program. Eighty-six teachers at a southeastern state public high school responded to a survey, and 10 of those teachers were interviewed. The researcher …

The Use Of Response To Intervention With English Learners, Anna Burnley

ECTESOL Review

RTIs assist teachers in adjusting instruction to support ELs in acquiring English and content-area knowledge and learning behaviors. The use of RTIs with ELs can supplement support for ELs as an integrated concept of the sheltered instruction (SI) commonly provided for this student population.

Connecting North And South: Engaging Latin American English Learners, Kenyan Intercultural Communications And American Undergraduate Students Through Reciprocal Service Learning, Laureen Fregeau, Ukaiko A. Bitrus-Ojiambo, Suhana Chikatla, William Cornejo

ECTESOL Review

Reciprocal Service Learning through videoconferencing is an efficient tool for connecting native English speakers of various world Englishes and ELs in other nations for the benefit of all. The authors of this study recognize the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning and the social justice of equalizing power structures through the inclusion of participants and researchers from both North and South as members of a project and research team. Through participant observation and document review the authors examine the experiences of educators and learners in the phenomenon of reciprocal service learning through videoconferencing focused on cultural competence and English language …

From The Editor, Laureen Fregeau

ECTESOL Review

No abstract provided.

Employing Word Study With Spanish-Speaking Els, Timothy Rodriquez

ECTESOL Review

Phonics Instruction has had a controversial history. How to teach phonics to Spanish-speaking ELs is also controversial. Understanding the differences between Spanish and English and how phonics instruction occurs in each language would be insightful. Also, knowing how the nature of the two languages affects instruction would be beneficial. Furthermore, exploiting similarities between English and Spanish and examining differences will bolster instruction. This paper will discuss the reasons for word study and how it may be utilized to teach spelling and decoding to Spanish-speaking ELLs.

Context-Focused Grammar Teaching: A Comparison Between English Present Perfect And Past Tenses And Affects On Korean English Learning, Seungheui (Ellie) Lee

ECTESOL Review

Despite massive amounts of time Korean English Learners (KLL) study English grammar, they continue to have problems becoming proficient in verb tenses, especially the present perfect. This study examines this problem through a linguistic comparative analysis of Korean and English present perfect and past tenses. Two possible reasons for KLL difficulty with verb tenses could be mode of instruction and L1 interference.

Not “One China,” Not “One Culture”: Multicultural Exploration Of Differences And Similarities Between Mainland China And Taiwan, Philip J. Ward, Michelle Loo

ECTESOL Review

This study focuses on the outwardly similar cultures of Taiwan and mainland China and the subtle differences within them. The study was conducted as part of the requirements of doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development at a public university in the southeastern United States. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study demonstrates that there are cultural similarities between mainland China and Taiwan, however instructors should also be aware of the differences when developing relationships with students and developing course content. A mini-workshop was developed for the study to help teach instructors about the two cultures. However, the mini-workshop …

Using Tpack To Explore The Integration Of Virtual Microscopes Into An Introductory Biology Course, Bobbie Seyedmonir

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the effectiveness of virtual laboratories relative to traditional or blended laboratories in the attainment of conceptual knowledge and skill in microscopy, and (2) to explore how such technologies are integrated in real world classrooms. Four sections of a non-major’s introductory biology course were utilized for the study (N=100). After attrition, the maximum number of intact cases for each question was utilized. Results show no difference between groups in the attainment of conceptual understanding of microscopes parts and functions; however, the Traditional treatment condition scored significantly higher than both the Virtual …

Studying Facial Expression Recognition And Imitation Ability Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Interaction With A Social Robot, Farzaneh Askari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience limited abilities in recognizing non-verbal elements of social interactions such as facial expressions [1]. They also show deficiencies in imitating facial expressions in social situations. In this Master thesis, we focus on studying the ability of children with ASD in recognizing facial expressions and imitating the expressions using a rear-projected expressive humanoid robot, called Ryan. Recent studies show that social robots such as Ryan have great potential for autism therapy. We designed and developed three studies, first to evaluate the ability of children with ASD in recognizing facial expressions that are presented to …

Building Demand And Reaching For Capacity, Michael Goudzwaard, Cynthia Cogswell

Other Staff Materials

In this case study, the authors describe a classroom redesign at Dartmouth College. The classroom was redesigned as a way to seed innovations in teaching and new ideas on how space influences learning through a partnership incubator for working with faculty. This paper outlines the campus context for how the classroom was redesigned, data collected on its use, and the support structure for faculty.

Failing Better: Scaffolding Learning With The Metaliteracy Badging System, Kelsey L. O'Brien

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

The Metaliteracy Badging System, collaboratively produced by educators from across the State University of New York (SUNY), has undergone several trials and transformations. Over the course of this iterative journey, this resource has served in often-unexpected ways as a flexible educational tool that facilitates meaningful curriculum design and collaborative teaching. This chapter provides an overview of the design and implementation of the system, along with our challenges and goals moving forward. Just as we teach our students to fail better, we too have drawn on our setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Badging Best Practices, Kelsey L. O'Brien

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

Digital Badges are gaining traction in the education landscape, and librarians have been some of the leading pioneers at the forefront of this exciting new frontier. This chapter employs Wiggins and McTighe’s “backward design” model as a framework to guide the thoughtful design of digital badges, envisaging how librarians and other educators might leverage the unique qualities of badges at each stage of curricular design.

The Extent To Which Emotional Intelligence, Locus Of Control And Self-Efficacy Contribute To The Perception Of Online Learning, J. Laurence Abraham

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Online learning is now entrenched in the mainstream educational system and continues to provide educational opportunities for millions of Americans. However, as online education increases, there is a need to improve the quality of education. This dissertation examines the extent to which emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self- efficacy contribute to the perception of online learning. The applied research methodology was a quantitative cross-correlational design. The statistical population was 156 online students selected from a Midwest university. A survey containing 21 items with Likert-type responses was developed to assess students' overall perceptions of online learning. The research questions for …

Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems To Measure Linear And Areal Features Into Undergraduate Forestry Education, Reid Viegut, David Kulhavy, Daniel Unger, I-Kuai Hung, Brian Humphreys

Faculty Publications

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in undergraduate forestry education continues to expand and develop. Accuracy of data collection is an important aspect of preparation for "society-ready" foresters to meet the complex sustainable environment managing for ecological, social and economic interests. Hands-on use of a DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAS by undergraduates to measure the length and area of 30 linear features and areal features on Earth's surface were estimated. These measurements were compared (measured within the ArcMap 10.5.2 interface) to hyperspectral Pictometry imagery measured on the web-based interface and the Google Earth Pro interface. Each remotely estimated measurement …

The Comparative Study On The Effects Of Virtual Reality In The Application Of Case-Based Learning Approach While Studying The Human Heart, Banu Rukiye Bilen

Online Theses and Dissertations

Nurses need a solid understanding of anatomy knowledge to perform nursing skills, to understand how diseases affect the body, to understand treatment for the patient and help them for documentation. While past research has focused on using virtual learning environments to teach anatomical structures of the human body, there has been limited research on how to teach clinical anatomy by using cases while using Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This quantitative research study aimed to investigate the effects of VR in the application of case-based learning approach on learners' performance. The researcher compared two delivery modes (VR mode and paper-based mode) …

Community College Students' Deep Learning Approaches In Oer Courses, Kim Ellen Grewe

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Open Educational Resources (OER) have the potential to bridge the gap for community college students not only because they are more affordable or provide access but also because they have the potential to make learning more meaningful for these same students. Although issues related to access and affordability have been extensively researched, less is known about the ways in which OER use may impact community college students’ deep approaches to learning. More qualitative research around OER efficacy from the student perspective is needed. The purpose of this study was to describe the ways students use OER and how students’ OER …

Investigating The Relationship Between Students’ Digital Literacy And Their Attitude Towards Using Ict, Salma Jan

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This study aimed to explore the relationship between secondary school students’ digital literacy and their attitude towards using information and communication technology in a private secondary school in Karachi, Pakistan. For this study, the data were collected through survey questionnaire using google forms. The total sample size for this study was 344 secondary school students having almost equal ratio of male and female. On bivariate correlation analysis, digital literacy was found to be associated with students’ attitude towards using information and communication technology (ICT) and other ICT related demographics. Further analysis using multiple linear regression analysis showed that digital literacy …

Factors Supporting Faculty’S Intention To Use Online Video Sharing Platforms In The Classroom Environment, Abdullah Eid Albalawi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study examined factors that influence faculty members’ behavioral intention to use online video sharing platforms (YouTube) to support their teaching presence in the classroom environment at one Saudi university, King Khalid University (KKU). Out of 3,583 KKU faculty members, 151 participated in this study. The study had three research questions. Regarding the first research question (To what extent do performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence explain faculty’s behavioral intention to use online video sharing platforms [YouTube] to support teaching presence in the classroom environment?), the results indicated that the combined set of three predictors: Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort …

Assistive Technology Guidelines For Higher Education Disability Support Staff, Brenda Delee

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

With the changing laws and effective integration of assistive technology into the classroom environment, students can have the provision of multiple means to complete their work with greater independence. In post secondary education, any student who discloses a sensory, cognitive, or physical disability is eligible to request and receive assistive technology and other services. When used correctly, assistive technology can help students with reading, writing, math, and communication skills. With a possible influx of students, disability support staff must be prepared and willing to meet the needs and address issues relating to students with disabilities. If their needs are not …

High School Blended Learning Courses : Teacher Beliefs, Perceptions Of Experiences, And Recommendations, Pamela Culbertson

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Increasingly, more high school teachers are providing instruction using blended learning. This provides benefits to students such as having more time flexibility in their learning as well as the ability to work through assignments at their own pace (Oliver & Kellogg, 2015). However, this also involves student challenges, such as the need for self-motivation and time management.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Government And New Teacher Induction Policy: Is The Government In Harmony With National And International Trends In Teacher Education?, Sohail Ahmad, Barkat Ali

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

Role of competent teachers is fundamental in improving quality of education, therefore we find more organized and rigorous teacher education programs in those countries which have better quality of education. Quality teachers can be produced from quality pre-service teacher education programs. In Pakistan, raising teachers’ status and competency received a remarkable attention for the last two decades. There has been consistent emphasis on improving quality of teacher education almost in all the National Education Policies in Pakistan. And this emphasis was translated into various reforms and development initiatives such the initiation of B.Ed. (Hons.) and ADE programs. Although due to …

Making The Connection: Using Mobile Devices And Polleverywhere For Experiential Learning For Adult Students, Robert L. Moore, Stephanie J. Blackmon, James Markham

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Technology integration has significantly influenced the way students access and retain knowledge gained in the classroom (Ahmed, 2016). This is particularly relevant in classrooms for adult learners who engage in continuing education. This paper used a descriptive case study (Yin, 2014) to share how an instructor utilized mobile learning with a web-based polling tool, PollEverywhere, to gamify experiential learning for adult students in various roles within a southeastern state’s court administration—prosecutors, defense lawyers, magistrates, and jail administrators—and improve students’ engagement in the course and connection to course material.

Examining Efl Student Learning And Perceptions In Social Annotation-Based Translation Activities, Na Zhao, Fei Gao, Dazhi Yang

Visual Communications and Technology Education Faculty Publications

Limited research has been conducted on how to incorporate computer-supported collaborative learning into translation instruction despite the potential benefits. A study was conducted with a group of college English majors in China to examine the effects of using a social annotation tool to encourage student interaction during translation activities. The results showed that students made greater improvement when they completed the translation assignments with the support of a social annotation tool than when they completed the assignments in the traditional way. In addition, students had a positive attitude toward the use of the social annotation tool.