Instructional Media Design Commons^™

Effective Practices Of Project Lead The Way Partnership Teams, Cody J. Reutzel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to gather information from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) partnership team experts. This project follows the methodology of a modified Delphi study. A review of literature in the areas of curriculum development, pre-college engineering, and the Delphi research technique provided the background for the structure utilized. Top programs from across the country were questioned to identify and come to a consensus on top components essential to developing and utilizing a successful PLTW partnership team. The components were categorized into two lists: effective practices utilized to make a program successful and effective practices employed by …

Challenges And Questions Concerning “Culturally-Sensitive Design”, Ross Perkins

Educational Technology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Since the inception of the field of anthropology, scholars have debated the definition for the word "culture." Lonner and Adamapoulos (1997) note that "there are 200 or more definitions of 'culture' in the literature of the social sciences, not one of which has been embraced by a substantial number of social scientists" (p. 76). Strauss and Quinn (1997) provide an overview of four schools of thought regarding the interpretations of "culture":

"Geertzian interpretivists have stressed the publicness of meaning, cognition, and culture. Foucauldian postmodernists have argued for the constructedness of culture and of the self. Some contemporary historical materialists highlight …

New Knowledge Through New Skills, Sultana Ali Norozi

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

E-Mail Is Not Just For Old Fogeys: A Modest Study Of E-Preferences Across Generations, Barbara Rosenfeld, Lisa Novemsky

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Despite the fact that e-mail seems to be the preferred communications medium for college professors, the popular literature discusses a generation gap between younger and older individuals. The older generation reportedly is more comfortable with e-mail, whereas the younger generation appears to favor social networking, instant messaging, and texting. In this study, younger and older individuals were surveyed to learn their perceptions and habits regarding electronic communications. The data from this study show that both younger and older participants use e-mail for work and socialization purposes. This study raises an awareness of perceptions related to electronic communication styles.

A Qualitative Study Of The Assistive Technology Decision-Making Process In Four Pennsylvania School Districts, Philip Tucker, Sheila Jones, Michelle Cappa

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the Assistive Technology decision making process at four regional school districts in Pennsylvania. A qualitative case study research method involving the triangulation of data sources was implemented to collect and analyze data. Through an analysis of the data, three major topics emerged that will be addressed in the body of this paper: (a) the procedure for determining assistive technology needs and the dynamics of the decision-making process, b) the cohesiveness of Special Education and General Education programs, and c) major concerns that impact the delivery of assistive technology services.

On The Way To Becoming Global Citizens: Use Of Ict By Ukrainian Students, Mariya Yukhymenko, Scott W. Brown

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Information is one of the important assets in today's society. Information and communication technologies (ICT) may be particular important for students as one of the tools to become global citizens. The objective of this study was to investigate use of ICT by high school students (n=122) from Ukraine, a developing country. The analysis indicates that majority of students from Ukraine have computer at home and more than half of students have the Internet access at home. In addition, gender differences in the use of computer and the Internet were identified. Educational implications and future directions are discussed.

Real-World Industry Collaboration Within A Mechatronics Class, Vidya Nandikolla, Susan Shadle, Patricia Pyke, John Gardner, Robert Grover, Suhas Pharkute

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper describes the implementation and assessment of an innovative senior/graduate level mechatronics (robotics) module that integrated structured and unstructured learning experiences, in collaboration with an industry partner. With real-world constraints and expectations, students designed and delivered a product as the final project. In fall 2007, the corporate partner provided state-of-the-art, programmable robotic kits with a user-friendly programming environment. The assigned project was to design a biomedical robot to work in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) to perform tasks such as transporting supplies or delivering paperwork. Students with diverse skills and majors were grouped in ten teams, two to …

Using Virtual Worlds To Launch Ideas, Research And Teaching, Anne-Marie Armstrong, Darryl Shreve, Joshua Neds-Fox

Library Scholarly Publications

Wayne State University’s Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL) co-hosted an all-day symposium called Virtual Citizenship. This symposium was part of an ongoing, multi-faceted study of the intersection between information technologies and the practice of citizenship. The OTL, with the help of the New Media Consortium, was able to provide the resources and technical knowledge needed to produce this forum while showcasing new technologies. Prominent speakers presented their views and research live in the university’s auditorium and simultaneously via video streams into Second Life and the university’s web site. This article describes the procedures leading up to the broadcast and …

Problem-Based Educational Games: Connections, Prescriptions, And Assessment, Andrew Walker, Brett E. Shelton

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

The overwhelming success of the commercial game market has brought increased attention to emerging work in educational game design. Much of the existing work in educational games a strong similarity to the field of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), which has a rich history of conceptual literature as well as empirical investigations. Despite apparent similarities between the two fields, there has been no formal effort to explore the connections between them. This conceptual paper examines the basic tenants of PBL with an eye toward making prescriptive recommendations for the design and use of problem-based educational games. Examples within existing educational games are …

Adolescent Literature And Second Life: Teaching Young Adult Texts In The Digital World, Laura Nicosia

Department of English Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Podcasting Essentials: Self-Paced Instruction For Instructors, Tracy Newman

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenter's handout illustrates the different principles and technologies used to develop a self-paced course for use in distributing and creating podcasts in an educational environment.

Recording And Editing Audio For Podcasting, Bob Epp

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenter's handout illustrates different ways to edit audio, and provides helpful links to other relevant material.

The Amazon Kindle: Uses In Higher Education, Jeff Merritt, Linda Creason

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

After receiving a grant, the presenters purchased multiple e-book readers, the Amazon Kindle, to test out their different uses in the classroom. They share some of their findings and assess the hardware.

Social Work Field Instructors' Perceptions Of On-Line Training, Denise E. Dedman

Dissertations

Social work has recently identified the field placement as the signature pedagogy of the profession, yet little has been done to identify the best means of training field instructors to supervise students in their field placements. This study addressed attitudes and perceptions of social work field instructors regarding on-line training in their roles. While previous studies of university social work program field placement directors had been conducted, there exist no broad studies of the field instructors' perceptions. Some earlier qualitative studies of field instructors identified time constraints as a significant issue in their willingness to continue accepting interns. This, along …

A Survey Of Elementary School Technology Needs: A Needs Assessment, Shaun Kellogg

Masters Theses

Given the potential of technology to enhance teaching and learning, there is little surprise that schools have been investing in technology. Unfortunately, technology has been and continues to be an expensive and ongoing investment. Recent federal mandates and public demand have led to increasing pressures on schools to show results and to justify such heavy expenses as technology. Sandy Grove Elementary has followed national trends in its recognition of technology's potential, its increasing investment, and its need to justify this expense with hard evidence. Sandy Grove is still in the early stages of its evaluation process and currently there is …

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

Faculty Articles

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.

Building Accessible E-Learning Collaboratively, Shalin Hai-Jew

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenter discusses issues online instructors must consider when creating an accessible Web-based learning environment for those with or without disabilities.

Podcasting In Angel, Meg Mcgranaghan, Linda Wapelhorst

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenters discuss creating and distributing podcasts through the ANGEL learning management shell.

E-Portfolios, Social Networking, And A Lms All In One, Dennis King

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenter discusses several Online tools which can be assembled for the containment of learning management, student electronic portfolios, and networking. Implementations discussed include Epsilen's Global Learning Project.

Free Web-Based Technology Solutions: Are They Really Free?, Corey Ray

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenters examine the conditions and models institutions may have when developing attitudes towards software, be it open source or otherwise.

Protecting Children Online, Deborah J. Weitzenkamp Dr.

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Faculty and Staff Publications

This publication explains potential Internet hazards and how to protect children from them.

In an age where children are using the Internet on a daily basis, parents need to be aware of how children use it, potential online hazards, how to recognize signs that their children might be at risk, and steps that they can take to safeguard their children. While it is important that parents be proactive regarding their children’s use of the Internet, it also is important that parents not overreact to potential threats. Instead, parents need to take a proactive approach toward protecting their children in a …

Manual On Creating Web-Enhanced Lessons Using Thinkfinity, Compilation Of Guidelines

Cornerstone 1 Reports : Expansion and Enhancements of the Thinkfinity Platform

This is a compilation of guidelines that may be used as a manual for creating web-enhanced lessons. Related Files will contain detailed documentation for the following areas:

Contents of the following may be found in the Related Files section of this document

Arts Edge
EconEdLInk
Edsitement
Xpeditions
Illuminations
Read-Write-Think
Science Netlinks

Enhancing Precalculus Curricula With E-Learning: Implementation And Assessment, Janet Callahan, Seung Youn Chyung, Joanna Guild, William Clement, Joe Guarino, Doug Bullock, Cheryl Schrader

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

During Fall semester of 2007, a semester-long, quasi-experimental study was conducted at Boise State University to investigate the effectiveness of a systematically sequenced and managed, self-paced e-learning activity on improving students’ academic performance and motivation. A total of 125 students enrolled in 3 different sections of a Precalculus class participated in the study. The e-learning activity was implemented in 2 of the 3 sections as a required homework assignment. Students enrolled in one of the 2 selected sections were all engineering majors. The 3^rd section was a control group that did not use the e-learning activity. A pre-test, measuring …

Factors That Influence Informal Learning In The Workplace, Shelley A. Berg, Seung Youn Chyung

Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence informal learning in the workplace and the types of informal learning activities people engage in at work. More specifically, the research examined (1) the relationship between informal learning engagement and the presence of learning organization characteristics, and (2) perceived factors that affect informal learning engagement.

Methodology – Workplace learning and performance improvement professionals were invited to respond to an anonymous online survey, and 125 professionals volunteered to participate in the study.

Findings – This study did not find a significant correlation between informal learning engagement and the …

Pilot Project: Technology Integration In Underserved Schools Using Thinkfinity, Spring 2008, Final Report, Sylvia Russakoff

Cornerstone 1 Reports : Expansion and Enhancements of the Thinkfinity Platform

The Pace Computer Learning Center has been involved in helping teachers learn to integrate technology using Internet resources since 1997, when, under a grant from the then Bell Atlantic Corporation, over 900 teachers were trained over a three year period.

Since that initial project, PCLC has continued this work with New York City and Westchester private and public schools. Most recently, funding has come from the Facilitator Center, an organization serving non-public schools in New York City and the Hudson Valley.

This pilot project was conceived as a way in which PCLC could use its experience and expertise to present …

A Theoretical Basis For Learning In Massive Multiplayer Virtual Worlds, Stephen W. Harmon

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

One of the most compelling affordances of information communications technologies for education is the combination of social interaction, simulation, and creative play offered by online games. Although massive multiplayer online games have been in existence for some time, only with the widespread adoption of highspeed Internet access has their potential has begun to be realized. This article focuses on the affordances of massive multiplayer virtual learning environments (MMVLEs) for education by examining the benefits of a theoretical understanding of learning, and then discussing the concept of affordances. An exploration of the theoretical framework supporting learning in MMVLEs as seen the …

Being Ethical In Instructional Technology Co Nsulting, Charles Xiaoxue Wang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

As new technologies merge everyday and become part of our lives, instructional technology consulting that provides professional services to help clients use technologies for learning and performance improvement becomes more popular and important. Being ethical in consulting has been recognized as a crucial and important part of consulting services by many professional organizations, consulting firms, consulting professionals, and their clients. Corresponding to the theme of AECT Convention 2008, professional ethics, the paper examines the meaning of being ethical in instructional technology consulting from the lived experiences of instructional technology consultants and discusses implications for promoting the ethical practice of instructional …

Student Response Systems In Higher Education: Moving Beyond Linear Teaching And Surface Learning, Harry L. Dangel, Charles Xiaoxue Wang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Over the past decade, instructors in colleges and universities increasingly have used Student Response Systems (SRSs)--typically in large classes to increase the level of student engagement and learning. Research shows that both students and instructors perceive SRSs to be beneficial, although evidence of improved learning has been less clear. Experts emphasize that instructors must consider how technology might enhance good pedagogy in order for increases in learning to occur. SRSs do increase student engagement and provide prompt feedback—two key practices that promote learning. However, professional groups propose goals for students in higher education that focus on deep learning rather than …

Students’ Online Interaction Styles: Can They Change?, Dazhi Yang, Jennifer C. Richardson

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Past studies indicate that students demonstrate different online interaction styles, which consist of the ways or habits students acquire knowledge from computer-mediated discussions (Sutton, 2001). Such interaction styles include the active interaction style (Beaudion, 2002), the vicarious interaction style (Sutton, 2001), and the mixed or balanced-interaction style. The purpose of this exploratory study was to further investigate whether students’ online interaction styles changed during a course utilizing asynchronous computer-mediated discussions; and if so how and why they changed. Results indicate that such changes did take place as 44% of participants adjusted to more active learning styles as the courses progressed. …

Teachers’ Belief Changes In A Technology-Enhanced Pedagogical Laboratory, Yuxin Ma, Guolin Lai, Douglas C. Williams, Louise Prejean

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Preservice teachers who were enrolled in a technology integration course facilitated student-centered lessons to K-12 students in a pedagogical laboratory. A quantitative instrument, Teachers’ Beliefs Regarding Technology Use Survey (TBTUS), was employed to measure the impact of the pedagogical laboratory experience on preservice teachers’ beliefs regarding technology integration. The impact was largely insignificant. The qualitative data suggest that changes might be incremental and TBTUS might not be sensitive to the changes that occurred after 22-hour treatment, with only six hours of real teaching experience. Moreover, unlike vicarious experiences, personal teaching experiences may be different for each candidate, so they might …