bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICT in the changing landscape of higher education in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hong Kian-Sam , Songan Peter
Published: April 2016

As in the developed nations, developing countries in the Southeast Asian region increasingly are recognising the important role higher education plays in enhancing the human resources of a nation for promoting its development in a world of depleting natural resources. Advances and pervasiveness of ICT in the society mean that higher education systems in the region are increasingly leveraging ICT in handling the many arising challenges faced by higher education systems in Southeast Asia. Some of the possible roles of ICT in higher education in the face of these challenges discussed in this paper are what and how students learn, when and where students learn, who the new faces of students and lecturers are, and ways to reduce the cost of education. However, research-based knowledge on how ICT has been and can be used to enhance the design, delivery and management of higher education programs in the Southeast Asia region is not readily available. Furthermore, countries in Southeast Asia are at different stages of development in the use of ICT in education. Thus, success stories, experiences and lessons learnt from the use of ICT in higher education will be of immense importance for educators and administrators who are at the forefront of integrating ICT for higher education in countries in the region.
Assessing e-learning acceptance by university students in Thailand
Authors: Teo Timothy , Luan Wong Su , Thammetar Thapanee , Chattiwat Wisa
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to assess e-learning acceptance by students, using data collected from 377 students at three public universities in Thailand. Using the E-learning Acceptance Measure (Teo, 2010b), participants gave their responses to 21 statements on three factors hypothesised to measure e-learning: tutor quality, perceived usefulness, and facilitating conditions. Results showed that university students in Thailand have an above average level of e-learning acceptance (mean=111.36 out of 147). Among the user domains, age and perceived competence correlated significantly with the factors in ElAM. Using MIMIC modelling, students' e-learning acceptance was found to be significantly different by age and perceived competence.
The virtual classroom: A catalyst for institutional transformation
Authors: Subramaniam Nantha Kumar , Kandasamy Maheswari
Published: April 2016

This study explores the use of the virtual classroom which has been created in myVLE, a learning management system used by the Open University Malaysia (OUM). The virtual classroom in myVLE is an asynchronous-based online learning environment that delivers course materials to learners and provides collaboration and interaction using an asynchronous-based forum as the main platform to support the learners' independent study. It also provides a learning environment with learning tools, learning materials, opportunities for contextual and collaborative discussions, and individual learning and assessment. OUM uses this virtual classroom to deliver the subject Object-Oriented Programming (CS1) and in this paper the impact of this delivery system is explored. The study aimed to elicit students' perceptions of the virtual classroom, based on their learning experiences, how well it supported their self-managed learning, and their personal preference for this compared with face to face interactions. Findings obtained using a questionnaire indicated moderate responses (average value for the items was between 2.0 to 3.6 on a five point Likert scale) for the use of the virtual classroom, and some possible reasons for this are discussed in this paper.
Evaluation of hybrid and distance education learning environments in Spain
Authors: Ferrer-Cascales Rosario , Walker Scott L. , Reig-Ferrer Abilio , Fernández-Pascual María Dolores , Albaladejo-Blázquez Natalia
Published: April 2016

This article describes the adaptation and validation of the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey(DELES) for use in investigating the qualities found in distance and hybrid education psycho-social learning environments in Spain. As Europe moves toward post-secondary student mobility, equanimity in access to higher education, and more standardised degree programs across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) the need for a high quality method for continually assessing the excellence of distance and hybrid learning environments has arisen. This study outlines how the English language DELES was adapted into the new Spanish-Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (S-DELES) for use with a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminology degree program offering both distance and hybrid education classes. We present the relationships between psycho-social learning environment perceptions and those of student affect. We also present the asynchronous aspects of the environment, scale means, and a comparison between the perceptions of distance education students and their hybrid education counterparts that inform the university about the baseline health of the information and communication technologies (ICT) environment within which the study was conducted.
Multimedia courseware development for World Heritage sites and its trial integration into instruction in higher technical education
Authors: Tsai Shu-Chiao
Published: April 2016

This study reports on creative ways of using technology in the classroom, specifically the development of multimedia courseware on World Heritage through which learners are able to upgrade their knowledge and cognition regarding historical and cultural legacies from the past, and to improve English skills. The content of the pilot courseware included introductory texts about ten famous World Heritage sites combined with integrative English learning skills: reading, listening, speaking, writing and translation. An online evaluation system with an instant self-checking function was created to allow learners to examine work for themselves immediately and understand their learning progress and achievements. The courseware design was based on Mayer's multimedia learning cognitive theory, and the language learning focus drew on Chapelle's suggested criteria for development of multimedia, computer-assisted language learning (CALL). The courseware has been tried and used by two groups of students: sophomore and junior students of English as a foreign language (EFL) in a technical university in Taiwan. Initial evaluations suggest that students were satisfied with learning through courseware integration and their vocabulary comprehension was significantly improved. Junior students with higher English proficiency became more focused on practices of English skills and related learning activities, also also more satisfied with the content and design of the courseware.
Exploring teacher knowledge and actions supporting technology-enhanced teaching in elementary schools: Two approaches by pre-service teachers
Authors: Figg Candace , Jamani Kamini Jaipal
Published: April 2016

Two approaches to teaching with technology to highlight practice-based teacher knowledge and actions for teaching technologically enhanced lessons are presented. Participants were two elementary pre-service teachers teaching during practicum. Qualitative data sources included verbatim transcripts of participant interviews, field notes of planning and support sessions, and classroom observations. Teacher lesson plans and student work samples triangulated data. Cross case analysis revealed that content-centric pedagogy - focusing lesson design on a specific content learning outcome, rather than technical skill - promoted student engagement and learning of both content and technical skill. Additionally, some pedagogical knowledge characteristics, reflected in specific teacher actions related to planning and implementation of technology-enhanced lessons, were fundamental across the two subject areas investigated. For novice elementary teachers, explicit communication of generic technology pedagogical knowledge characteristics, supported by concrete examples of teacher actions, may contribute to teachers experiencing a degree of success during their initial attempts at teaching with technology.
Using learning styles data to inform e-learning design: A study comparing undergraduates, postgraduates and e-educators
Authors: Willems Julie
Published: April 2016

What are the differences in learning styles between students and educators who teach and/or design their e-learning environments? Are there variations in the learning styles of students at different levels of study? How may we use this learning styles data to inform the design in e-learning environments? This paper details mixed-methods research with three cohorts teaching and learning in e-learning environments in higher education: novice undergraduate e-learners, graduate e-learners, and educators teaching in, or designing for, e-learning environments (Willems, 2010). Quantitative findings from the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) (Felder & Silverman, 1988; Felder & Soloman, 1991, 1994) reflect an alignment of the results between both the graduate e-learner and e-educator cohorts across all four domains of theILS, suggesting homogeneity of results between these two cohorts. By contrast, there was a statistically significant difference between the results of the graduate and educator cohorts with those of the undergraduate e-learners on two domains: sensing-intuitive (p=0.015) and the global-sequential (p=0.007), suggesting divergent learning style preferences. Qualitative data was also gathered to gain insights on participants' responses to their learning style results
A flexible, extensible online testing system for mathematics
Authors: Passmore Tim , Brookshaw Leigh , Butler Harry
Published: April 2016

An online testing system developed for entry-skills testing of first-year university students in algebra and calculus is described. The system combines the open-source computer algebra system Maxima with computer scripts to parse student answers, which are entered using standard mathematical notation and conventions. The answers can involve structures such as: lists, variable-precision-floating-point numbers, integers and algebra. This flexibility allows more sophisticated testing designs than the multiple choice, or exact match, paradigms common in other systems, and the implementation is entirely vendor neutral. Experience using the system and ideas for further development are discussed.
Are secondary preservice teachers well prepared to teach with technology? A case study from China
Authors: Zhou George , Zhang Zuochen , Li Yueke
Published: April 2016

This case study investigates how well secondary preservice teachers are prepared to use technology in teaching in China. The study focuses on a teacher education program that is a representative of many of those in mid-sized Chinese universities. It examines participants' experiences with, perspectives of, and expectations about the use of technology and the training they are receiving in this area. Data collected through survey and interviews indicate that research participants have similar perspectives regarding the use of technology in teaching and the integration of technology in teacher education as their counterparts elsewhere. They reported an overall low level of ability to use technology and shared some concerns with the technology training they received from the teacher education program.
Emphasising assessment 'as' learning by assessing wiki writing assignments collaboratively and publicly online
Authors: Davies Anne , Pantzopoulos Kerry , Gray Kathleen
Published: April 2016

The use of Web 2.0 communication practices in assessment may offer a new approach to assessment 'as' learning, a goal for assessment that is more highly valued than assessment 'of' and even 'for' learning in the literature. This paper describes a case study of a wiki-writing assignment that aimed to achieve this goal. The stakes were high, in that the assignment was worth 100% of the mark and the assignment was set for a group of tertiary teachers who were enrolled in a unit of study about student assessment as part of a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education. This paper analyses how the wiki-writing assignment shaped assessment 'as' learning in four ways, through: finding a language for talking about assessment; collaboration (interaction); dialogue (expression); and inquiry learning (cognition).
Finding the discipline: Assessing student activity in Second Life
Authors: Grant Scott , Clerehan Rosemary
Published: April 2016

For the second-language learner, the affordances of a virtual world have the potential to confer benefits conventionally aligned with real world experiences. However, little is known about the pedagogical benefits linked to the specific characteristics of the virtual world, let alone the issues arising for staff hoping to assess students' participation in these worlds. This case study is based on a two-part assignment in a first-year Chinese unit at an Australian university, exploring the virtual world assessment practices of one lecturer. The findings, while suggesting the strengths of the assessment regime with respect to many of the affordances and to alignment with policy, highlight deficient aspects of the design and implementation processes which can relatively easily be addressed. The case study reveals the critical importance of sufficient scaffolding and support, feedback and appropriate communication of students' achievement to them in order to promote further reflection.
Media presentation mode, English listening comprehension and cognitive load in ubiquitous learning environments: Modality effect or redundancy effect?
Authors: Chang Chi-Cheng , Lei Hao , Tseng Ju-Shih
Published: April 2016

Although ubiquitous learning enhances students' access to learning materials, it is crucial to find out which media presentation modes produce the best results for English listening comprehension. The present study examined the effect of media presentation mode (sound and text versus sound) on English listening comprehension and cognitive load. Participants were 162 students majoring in Applied Foreign Language at a university in Taiwan. The students were randomly assigned to either single mode (sound) or double mode (sound and text). The research questions are (a) whether students learning with double mode outperformed students learning with single mode in listening comprehension; and (b) whether students learning with double mode encountered less cognitive load than students learning with single mode. If the answers to these questions are affirmative, then the modality effect occurs and the redundancy effect does not occur. The results demonstrated that (a) text significantly enhanced English listening comprehension and lowered cognitive load; (b) students with higher English listening comprehension experienced lower cognitive load, and vice versa; (c) text added no benefit to schema construction in long term memory; and (d) complex media presentations were not necessarily helpful to learning. Results (a) and (b) confirmed that the modality effect occurred, and the redundancy effect did not occur in the present study.
Blogging in a teaching skills course for pre-service teachers of English as a second language
Authors: Ozkan Yonca
Published: April 2016

Few question the benefits technology provides for learners, teachers and administrators. Yet, few touch on what undesirable effects it may have on individuals' educational and social wellbeing. Based on this premise, this study aims to provide a fair picture of a group of English Language Teaching (ELT) students reflecting on their experience drawn from a blogging facility used as a platform for sharing and commenting on peer performance in classroom setting. The participants consisted of prospective teachers of English who were being educated at the ELT Department of University of Çukurova, and received a two-term (eight months) course of Teaching Language Skills in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years. Following each course session, participants were invited to make comments on a blogging platform; at the end of each term, all expressed individual perceptions on this experience, both on the blog and in face to face interviews, some coming up with positive and some with negative views. The study may have significant implications for courses aiming to make use of this facility as part of the syllabus.
Presentation time concerning system-paced multimedia instructions and the superiority of learner pacing
Authors: Stiller Klaus D. , Petzold Kirstin , Zinnbauer Peter
Published: April 2016

The superiority of learner-paced over system-paced instructions was demonstrated in multiple experiments. In these experiments, the system-paced presentations were highly speeded, causing cognitive overload, while the learner-paced instructions allowed adjustments of the presentational flow to the learner's needs by pacing facilities, mostly leading to higher learning success. A research gap exists in investigating how effects depend on the speed of system-paced presentations. Hence, in this follow-up experiment to Stiller, Freitag, Zinnbauer and Freitag (2009), 142 university students received four web-based instructions consisting of static pictures and on-screen texts about the structure of the human eye. Three instructions were system-paced with a low, medium, and high speed, and one condition was learner-paced. Students rated their mental effort while learning and performed tests of retention, labelling pictures, verbalising structural knowledge, and transfer. With learner pacing, students reported lower mental effort and were better in labelling pictures and verbalising structural knowledge. Surprisingly, the medium system-paced instruction resulted in the worst performance, which partly questions common explanations of pacing effects.
Facilitating digital video production in the language arts curriculum
Authors: McKenney Susan , Voogt Joke
Published: April 2016

Two studies were conducted to facilitate the development of feasible support for the process of integrating digital video making activities in the primary school language arts curriculum. The first study explored which teaching supports would be necessary to enable primary school children to create digital video as a means of fostering communications skills. A pupil workbook was determined to be the most appropriate solution, and a draft workbook was piloted. The second study evaluated how well the learner workbook, when combined with a teacher guide and an introductory workshop, contributed to supporting the process of digital video making for the purpose of fostering message design competencies. This article describes motives for linking video making to the language arts curriculum, as well as how those ideas and the study data informed the development of the primary means of support - the pupil workbook.
Using computer-based instruction to improve Indigenous early literacy in Northern Australia: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wolgemuth Jennifer , Savage Robert , Helmer Janet , Lea Tess , Harper Helen , Chalkiti Kalotina , Bottrell Christine , Abrami Phil
Published: April 2016

The effectiveness of a web-based reading support tool, ABRACADABRA, to improve the literacy outcomes of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students was evaluated over one semester in several Northern Territory primary schools in 2009. ABRACADABRA is intended as a support for teachers in the early years of schooling, giving them a friendly, game and evidence-based tool to reinforce their literacy instruction. The classroom implementation of ABRACADABRA by briefly trained and intensively supported teachers was evaluated using a quasi-experimental pretest, post-test control group design with 118 children in the intervention and 48 in the control. Children received either a minimum of 20 hours of technology-based intervention or regular classroom teaching. Results revealed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students who received ABRACADABRA instruction had significantly higher phonological awareness scores than their control group peers. The effect size for this difference was large (eta squared=.14). This finding remained when controlling for student attendance and the quality of general non-technology-based literacy instruction. Limitations of the study and implications for effective practice in remote and regional contexts are discussed.
Investigating design and technology students' peer interactions in a technology-mediated learning environment: A case study
Authors: Yeo Tiong Meng , Quek Choon Lang
Published: April 2016

This research investigates students' peer interactions in the Design and Technology (D&T) environment supported byKnowledge Forum. The sample comprised of 15 students who had no prior experience in using Knowledge Forumto mediate their D&T learning. Their interaction with peers occurred in three stages: design situation, ideation and development. Data was collected mainly from students' online discussion transcripts, with reference to hardcopy of students' reflection logs and design briefs which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings showed unequal participation by the students throughout their weekly online discussion activities. In terms of students' interaction with their peers, the frequency of students' reading of notes far exceeded their frequency of building upon notes, as evidenced by their social network of notes.
Evaluating the impact of educational technology professional development upon adoption of Web 2.0 tools in teaching
Authors: Doherty Iain
Published: April 2016

Our paper reports upon and critically analyses findings from a two-year research project into the provision of continuing professional development for making purposeful use of Web 2.0 tools in teaching. Based on our research, we make recommendations for delivering effective continuing professional development workshops whilst also acknowledging the limitations of this form of continuing professional development. The advantages of alternative forms of professional development are discussed and implications for practice are outlined.
Time advice and learning questions in computer simulations
Authors: Rey Günter Daniel
Published: April 2016

Students (N = 101) used an introductory text and a computer simulation to learn fundamental concepts about statistical analyses (e.g., analysis of variance, regression analysis and General Linear Model). Each learner was randomly assigned to one cell of a 2 (with or without time advice) x 3 (with learning questions and corrective feedback, with learning questions without feedback or without learning questions) between subjects factorial design. Time spent with the simulation as well as retention and transfer tests were used as dependent measures. Neither the time advice presented immediately before students chose to finish the simulation nor the learning questions presented during the simulation significantly improves learners' retention or transfer performances. Students who were asked to employ more time on the computer simulation or who received learning questions with corrective feedback spent significantly more time with the simulation than did students for whom the time advice or the learning questions were absent. The results were discussed on the basis of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the cognitive-affective theory of learning with media, as well as in conjunction with adaptive computer simulations.
Learners' access to tools and experience with technology at the University of the South Pacific: Readiness for e-learning
Authors: Raturi Shikha , Hogan Robert , Thaman Konai Helu
Published: April 2016

Technology in higher education has become exceedingly popular and useful; however, a digital divide generally applies to the use of technology in education in many developing countries. The Pacific Island countries differ in their technological capacities and infrastructure, with the Fijian capital Suva being most technologically and infrastructurally advanced compared with other towns in Fiji and in other Pacific Island countries. This led the researchers to investigate access to e-learning tools and experience with technology amongst a group of 92 students, ranging from 18 to over 55 years of age, enrolled in postgraduate courses in education at the University of the South Pacific. A survey consisting of questions on age, gender, qualification, professional experience, ethnicity and access to and experience with technology was carried out for one cohort. The findings indicate an encouraging level of readiness for e-learning.
Collaborative model for remote experimentation laboratories used by non-hierarchical distributed groups of engineering students
Authors: Herrera Oriel A. , Fuller David A.
Published: April 2016

Remote experimentation laboratories (REL) are systems based on real equipment that allow students to carry out a laboratory practice through the Internet on the computer. In engineering, there have been numerous initiatives to implement REL over recent years, given the fundamental role of laboratory activities. However, in the past efforts have concentrated on laboratory groups interacting face to face, disregarding the capacities of distributed student collaborative environments. This article proposes a model for the implementation of REL in a distributed collaborative scenario, focusing on two crucial key elements: shared knowledge and interaction for collaboration. The model focuses on the methodological aspects of executing REL in a distributed collaborative scenario and disregards technical aspects of the implementation. This study analyses distributed collaborative scenarios where the teacher plays a fundamental role in REL configuration to ensure group collaboration. The new model introduced presents diverse aspects that are associated with the methodological implementation of REL in the field of engineering; hence it is to be regarded as a foundation for teachers developing REL in distributed collaborative scenarios.
Cooperative or collaborative literacy practices: Mapping metadiscourse in a business students' wiki group project
Authors: Alyousef Hesham Suleiman , Picard Michelle Yvette
Published: April 2016

Although wikis have been used successfully in collaborative learning in higher education, there is a lack of research investigating wikis in business module assessment tasks. Little research to date has been conducted on how wikis formatively develop international English as a second language (ESL) in business students' academic discourse. In this case study, students' use of a wiki in an assessment task in the Intermediate Financial Reporting (IFR) module is examined. This study is framed by Hyland and Tse (2004) and Hyland's (2005, 2010) models for the analysis of metadiscourse markers in IFR discourse. The findings of the interviews showed that although students collaborated and cooperated together to do the task, they favoured cooperative over collaborative learning. The linguistic analysis findings showed that the use of interpersonal metadiscourse features varied in the wiki discussion pages versus the report, indicating the students' awareness of their audience and the different genres, although the textual features of the wiki discussion pages resembled those of the report. The study is significant as it is the first to explore wikis' epistemological effects on Master of Commerce students' learning and it could potentially assist in the enhancement of wikis as a learning tool in profession-related courses, particularly those with high numbers of international, ESL students.
Adoption of innovative e-learning support for teaching: A multiple case study at the University of Waikato
Authors: Johnson E. Marcia , Cowie Bronwen , De Lange Willem , Falloon Garry , Hight Craig , Khoo Elaine
Published: April 2016

In response to recent social, economic, and pedagogical challenges to tertiary-level teaching and learning, universities are increasingly investigating and adopting e-learning as a way to engage and motivate students. This paper reports on the first year of a two-year (2009-2010) qualitative multiple case study research project in New Zealand. Using perspectives from activity theory and the scholarship of teaching, the research has the overall goal of documenting, developing, and disseminating effective and innovative practice in which e-learning plays an important role in tertiary teaching. A "snapshot" of each of the four 2009 cases and focused findings within and across cases are provided. This is followed by an overall discussion of the context, "within" and "across" case themes, and implications of the research.
Integrating book, digital content and robot for enhancing elementary school students' learning of English
Authors: Chen Nian-Shing , Quadir Benazir , Teng Daniel C.
Published: April 2016

Early school years are an important period to lay out the foundation for learning a second language. In addition to mastering the basic language skills and keeping the learning process fun, promoting a lifelong learning habit should also be emphasised. Motivating elementary school students to learn English and avoiding misconceptions associated with the learning process are very important issues. This study attempted to explore the integration of book, computer and robot to create a novel and joyful English learning environment. Books are the most common learning media. If we can design a special mechanism linking books with digital learning content and a robot, students will be able to obtain supplementary learning content including motions performed by the robot to enhance learning outcomes. To implement this idea, a new learning system was designed and developed. Learning activities included vocabulary, single sentence read-along, full article read-along, conversation, sing-along and dancing. Cloze tests were implemented and the feasibility of the learning system was evaluated. Data collected from field observation and interviews were analysed. The results suggest that this system did enrich students' learning experience and enhance their motivation and engagement.
 
Students' satisfaction and valuation of web-based lecture recording technologies
Authors: Taplin Ross H. , Low Lee Hun , Brown Alistair M.
Published: April 2016

This paper explores students' satisfaction and valuation of web-based lecture recording technologies (WBLT) that enable students to download recordings of lectures they could not attend or wish to review for revision purposes. The study was undertaken among undergraduates and postgraduates in accounting at an Australian university. In addition to traditional Likert scale questions capturing the extent to which students appreciate WBLT, we introduce new valuations such as the price they are willing to pay to access WBLT. The findings revealed that the majority of students rarely used WBLT and placed a very low monetary value on them, placing into question the high percentage 'positive' and 'appreciative' feedback found in this and earlier studies. Although most students appreciate WBLT when it is perceived to be free, most are unwilling to pay for access, suggesting they are not 'truly' valued. Importantly, while most students do not value WBLT, some students value them very highly, raising issues of equity and access not captured by average values across students. Students who regularly attend face to face lectures did not use WBLT as much, and those students who rarely used WBLT were more likely to accept a $50 reduction in fees if WBLT were not made available. It appears university administrations are correctly emphasising that WBLT should not be viewed as a replacement for traditional face to face lectures.
A matched-pairs study of interactive computer laboratory activities in a liberal arts math course
Authors: Butler Frederick , Butler Melanie
Published: April 2016

This paper details the culmination of a large, multi-year study on the effects of an interactive computer laboratory component in a large liberal arts math course at a state university. After several semesters of piloting these laboratory activities in the course, one of two sections, taught by the same senior instructor, was randomly selected to devote approximately one-third of class time to these activities. The other section was used as a control, with the students receiving a lecture on the same material as was explored in the lab activities. Both sections had approximately 220 students. Of these, 42 students from each section of the course were matched on cumulative GPA, math SAT subscore, year in college, and college math background. The pairs were compared via performance on various course components, and on a pre to post assessment designed to measure problem solving abilities. The two course sections were also compared on an inventory of attitudes toward mathematics. The study found that the interactive laboratory activities may provide some benefits to the students, in terms of learning goals and attitudes toward mathematics.
ICT use by journalism professors in Colombia
Authors: Said Elias Hung
Published: April 2016

This article analyses how journalism professors at Colombian universities use information and communications technologies (ICT) in their teaching. Survey data was obtained during the first trimester of 2009 from 63 professors in journalism departments and from a total of 865 professors who are affiliated with journalism departments at 29 universities that belong to the Colombian Association of Journalism Departments and University Programs. These professors have, until now, replicated traditional teaching methods when employing currently available technological resources. The article discusses the factors that influence the teaching uses of ICT and the implementing of pedagogical strategies in the classroom. The results help define the profiles of professors in academic programs in which ICT use is limited, and factors such as investment of time and resources which determine the productive use of ICTs, as well as the implementation of pedagogical models related to new teaching-learning opportunities in the classrooms at Colombian universities.
Towards a TPACK-fostering ICT instructional process for teachers: Lessons from the implementation of interactive whiteboard instruction
Authors: Koh Joyce Hwee Ling , Divaharan Shanti
Published: April 2016

This paper describes an on-going design-based research project that aims to develop an instructional process to facilitate pre-service teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) development as they learn to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) in their teaching content subjects. In conjunction with an initiative to prepare pre-service teachers for integrating interactive whiteboard (IWB) in their teaching subjects, an instructional process comprising of tutor modelling, hands-on exploration, and group-based design was implemented. The data collected during this first implementation cycle (Cycle 1) was used to enhance the second implementation cycle (Cycle 2) through the inclusion of classroom-based case studies, subject-based design ideas and opportunities for peer sharing. The findings from both implementation cycles reveal that strategies such as tutor modelling and hands-on exploration of ICT tools appeared to be more advantageous for fostering technological knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge. Group-based design experiences supported the pre-service teachers to formulate TPACK. The paper concludes with a discussion about the future developments of these TPACK-fostering ICT instructional processes.
Evaluating computer-based simulations, multimedia and animations that help integrate blended learning with lectures in first year statistics
Authors: Neumann David L. , Neumann Michelle M. , Hood Michelle
Published: April 2016

The discipline of statistics seems well suited to the integration of technology in a lecture as a means to enhance student learning and engagement. Technology can be used to simulate statistical concepts, create interactive learning exercises, and illustrate real world applications of statistics. The present study aimed to better understand the use of such applications during lectures from the student's perspective. The technology used included multimedia, computer-based simulations, animations, and statistical software. Interviews were conducted on a stratified random sample of 38 students in a first year statistics course. The results showed three global effects on student learning and engagement: showed the practical application of statistics, helped with understanding statistics, and addressed negative attitudes towards statistics. The results are examined from within a blended learning framework and the benefits and drawbacks to the integration of technology during lectures are discussed.
An information-summarising instruction strategy for improving the web-based problem solving abilities of students
Authors: Hwang Gwo-Jen , Kuo Fan-Ray
Published: April 2016

As knowledge rapidly expands and accumulates, training and assessing students' information searching ability for solving problems on the Internet has become an important and challenging issue. This research aims to improve the web-based problem solving abilities of primary school students by employing an information summarising approach for improving their skills in using keywords and extracting proper information. Moreover, a web-based learning environment is employed to record and analyse the online information searching behaviours of students. An experiment has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach. The experimental results show that the information summarising training significantly improved the performance of the students in the experimental group in terms of using keywords, selecting information resources and extracting important content. Therefore, it was concluded that the innovative approach has a significant impact on promoting the web-based problem solving abilities of students.
Perceptions of interactive whiteboard pedagogy in the teaching of Chinese language
Authors: Xu Hui Ling , Moloney Robyn
Published: April 2016

There have been many positive claims made concerning the benefits of learning through a pedagogy which makes use of an interactive whiteboard (IWB), leading to a rapid acquisition and implementation of the IWB in schools. There is more limited research, however, of the effectiveness of the IWB in language learning and, in particular, in the learning of Chinese. This case study research used both qualitative and quantitative data to collect teacher and student perceptions of the learning of Chinese through an IWB pedagogy in one secondary school in Sydney, Australia, involving students in three levels of senior secondary school. Our findings confirm previous studies which state that students endorse the use of new technology in education. In particular, our study shows that the students believed that the IWB was effective in enhancing various aspects of their Chinese language learning. The positive attitude of the teacher towards the use of new technology in teaching is also found to play an important role in the implementation and success of the use of the IWB and in turn leads to the effective teaching and learning of Chinese. This study contributes to attention within research to the application of new technology in language learning.
Factors leading to the adoption of a learning technology: The case of graphics calculators
Authors: Handal Boris , Cavanagh Michael , Wood Leigh , Petocz Peter
Published: April 2016

This paper reports on a case study which examined factors leading to the adoption of graphics calculators (GCs) by secondary mathematics teachers in the state of New South Wales, Australia. In total, 587 teachers of the General Mathematics Course (Years 11 and 12) participated in the study. The median teachers' stage of adoption of GCs was found to be at the "Understanding and application of the process" level, the third lowest on a six point scale. The results also indicate that competence is the most important factor in explaining stages of adoption, training the second most important, followed by personal interest in GCs as well as faculty support. Teachers' gender, teaching experience, educational qualifications and the number of GCs in schools were not found to be statistically significant. Qualitative analysis of teachers' open ended comments also shed light on the nature of the explanatory variables. The findings are relevant to curriculum development policy and the design of professional development programs, and has implications for the introduction of other technologies.
Framing ICT implementation in a context of educational change: A structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Wong Emily M. L. , Li Sandy C.
Published: April 2016

Despite the common belief that information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to support certain fundamental changes in learning, few have examined ICT implementation conceptually within a wider context of educational change. Methodologically, we are by and large limited to building simple models that accommodate only a single dependence relationship among variables. Framing ICT implementation as a process of interactions among pedagogical and organisational factors in bringing about changes in student learning, this article used data collected from 1076 teachers in 130 schools to construct a structural equation model (SEM), from which we are able to examine multiple interrelated dependence relationships in a single model. Results indicated that from teacher perspectives, the collegial capacity of ICT implementation strategies played a central and mediating role in effecting changes in student learning, of moving away from a teacher-centred approach to one that is more student-centred. Specifically, ICT brought about these changes in the context of establishing collegiality in fostering pedagogical innovations in schools. Implications for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.
An Australian and New Zealand scoping study on the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education
Authors: Dalgarno Barney , Lee Mark J.W. , Carlson Lauren , Gregory Sue , Tynan Belinda
Published: April 2016

This article describes the research design of, and reports selected findings from, a scoping study aimed at examining current and planned applications of 3D immersive virtual worlds at higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand. The scoping study is the first of its kind in the region, intended to parallel and complement a number of studies conducted in other parts of the world. Results from a sector-wide questionnaire administered as part of the scoping study, portions of which are presented in this article, appear consistent with international trends, especially in terms of the platforms chosen and the dramatic increase in usage seen in recent years. Higher education teaching staff in Australia and New Zealand are using 3D immersive virtual worlds with their students in a variety of ways, for both assessable and non-assessable tasks and in face to face, fully online/distance as well as blended-mode subjects, although use in face to face and blended contexts appears to be most common. The results also provide some insight into the demographics (e.g. age) of staff who have adopted 3D immersive virtual worlds in their teaching, as well as into the academic disciplines in which the technology is being employed.
Publishing and perishing: The critical importance of educational design research
Authors: Reeves Thomas C. , McKenney Susan , Herrington Jan
Published: April 2016

The outcomes of educational systems continue to lag far behind expectations at all levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Meanwhile, the sheer amount of educational research published in refereed journals has expanded enormously. There is an obvious disconnect between the educational research papers published in professional journals or presented at academic conferences and any form of beneficial impact on the students, teachers, and other stakeholders in educational systems. This problem can be traced back to those professors and research supervisors engaged in the preparation of educational researchers who fail to convey to novice researchers important distinctions between the goals and methods of educational research. Educational design research provides a potentially viable alternative to the kind of educational research that is commonly conducted in the field of educational technology. Educational design research has the twin objectives of developing creative approaches to solving human teaching, learning, and performance problems while at the same time constructing a body of design principles that can guide future development efforts. This paper argues that a reconsideration of educational research approaches is crucial and that the time for greater uptake of educational design research is now.
Using video annotation to reflect on and evaluate physical education pre-service teaching practice
Authors: Colasante Meg
Published: April 2016

This case study examined the integration of a media annotation tool (MAT) into the learning and assessment activities of an undergraduate teaching (physical education) course. The media form or artefact for annotation was video recordings demonstrating individual learners' teaching practice. The learners categorised (marked sections) and annotated their videos and received peer and teacher feedback within the tool. Their use of MAT was analysed to determine if this learning environment was effective in the context of the case, to critically reflect upon and evaluate pre-service teaching practice. The research site was RMIT University, Melbourne, and data was collected from the pilot users of MAT, a third year class and their teacher/key academic, using pre- and post-surveys and interactive process interviews (combined sessions of direct observation and semi-structured interviews). The data indicated MAT was effective for the main learning purpose of the case, but also identified some areas for further consideration
The intersections of curriculum development: Music, ICT and Australian music education
Authors: Southcott Jane , Crawford Renée
Published: April 2016

Recently, in Australia both the National Review of School Music Education and The Australian Curriculum identify the importance of technology in school music education. However, the understanding of music technology, as demonstrated by state and territory curricular guidelines, is limited with technology mostly recognised as a tool. In comparison, contemporary Australian information and computer technology (ICT) curricula appear to have a very different understanding of how technology can enhance learning in the arts, specifically music. Through a comparison of the Australian States and Territories Years 7-10 curricular guidelines this article compares understandings in the two domains - ICT and the arts (particularly music). The different perspectives on the use of technology in music education can be seen as either using technology as a tool to support instruction in drill-like programs or as a platform for collaborative and creative learning that resonates with students in Australian music classrooms.