bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Patients’ Perceptions and Social Influence on Home Telecare Management System Acceptance
Authors: Chen Charles , Chou Shih-Wei
Published: February 2011

Successful implementation of a Home Telecare Management System (HTMS) requires acceptance by the users, especially when technical innovation is applied to manage chronic healthcare in elderly patients, who are unaccustomed to using modern technology. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Social Influence Theory (SIT), a Home Telecare Management System (HTMS) Acceptance Model is proposed and tested to improve the understanding of patients’ acceptance of HTMS and the impact of social influence on patients’ attitude and behavioral intentions in using HTMS. Via empirical research and analysis of 221 patients’ questionnaires, the partial least squares (PLS) technique indicates that most of the model’s hypotheses are significant. Implications for both theory and practice are also provided.
Neural Network-based Evaluation of the Effect of the Motivation of Hospital Employees on Patients’ Satisfaction
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Paydar Neda Rastkhiz , Aliabadi Neda
Published: February 2011

This article evaluates the effect of the motivation of employees on organizational performance using a neural network. Studies show that employee motivation influences organizational performance, particularly in organizations providing services. Methods based on statistical computations like regression and correlation analysis were used to measure the mutual effects of these factors. As these statistical methods necessitate the fulfillment of certain requirements like normally distributed data and because they are not able to express non-linear relations and hidden complicated patterns, a back propagation neural network has been used. The neural network was trained by using data from 300 questionnaires answered by hospital employees and 1933 patients hospitalized in a private hospital in Tehran over three successive months.
The Intellectual Structure of Health and Medical Informatics
Authors: Raghupathi Wullianallur , Nerur Sridhar
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the results of an author co-citation analysis of the health and medical informatics discipline. It updates a smaller study that focused on health information systems. Drawing on such sub-fields as bio informatics, clinical decision support systems, computational genomics, e-health, health informatics, and others, this body of knowledge defines the core internal structure of the discipline and delineates its sub-fields. An author co-citation analysis was performed for a nine-year period using the members of editorial boards of several medical informatics-related journals as an initial author sample (N = 272). Several multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis and multidimensional scaling, were performed. The authors results confirm that several established sub-fields still stand but a number of new sub-fields are emerging. Future research can build on this work and examine other journals and additional authors to gain insights into the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the health and medical informatics discipline.
Assessment of Liver Function Using Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy Model of Blood Albumin
Authors: Amer Mashhour Bani
Published: February 2011

This paper presents an assessment of liver function using novel neuro-fuzzy model of blood albumin level (BA). The developed model that is used to predict the BA consists of four inputs: Asparate Aminotransferace (AST), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP), Total Bilirubin (T. Bil.) and Total Protein (T. Prot.), which are measured in any routine liver function test. The proposed BA model was trained using 211 measured data and a root-mean square error (RMSE) of 0.29 for 100 epochs was achieved. The performance of the developed BA model was validated using 57 testing data sets and RMSE of 0.34 for 100 epochs was achieved. The correlation coefficient (CC) between the predicted and measured values of blood albumin is statistically significant (CC=0.83), which ensures the efficiency and accuracy of developed fuzzy model for predicting BA. The main clinical benefit of this model is that it improves the assessment capabilities of liver diseases and can be used as an integral part of any medical expert system denoted for assessment and diagnosis of liver disorders.
State of IS Integration in the Context of Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Montazemi Ali Reza , Pittaway Jeff J. , Keshavjee Karim
Published: February 2011

For more than a decade, healthcare reform has emphasized coordinated “patient-centered care”. To that end, policymakers have invested in integration of healthcare providers’ information flows. Research has studied healthcare providers’ information needs but overlooked communicative exchanges among participants in coordinating treatment plan decisions. Consequently, although medical literature asserts that patients should depend on information exchange with healthcare providers to enable participation in treatment plan decisions, the assertion has not been tested. In this paper, the authors conduct an empirical study to elucidate the structure of actors’ communications in support of their information dependencies. The findings illustrate that although patients are well connected through personal contact with healthcare providers, patients are disenfranchised from integrated healthcare information systems (IS) and the potential of IS to support patients’ participation in coordinated “patient-centered care” decisions. Furthermore, knowledge asymmetry between patients and healthcare providers should be considered in the selection and design of healthcare IS.
Information as Change Agent or Barrier in Health Care Reform?
Authors: Gillies Alan C. , Howard John
Published: February 2011

Health care systems across the world are in a state of flux. If the experience of the early 1990s can be used as a model, the recent global economic downturn will lead to very significant pressures to reduce spending and achieve better value. Systems have provided a range of approaches to modeling and evaluating these more complex organizations, from simple process models to complex adaptive systems. This paper considers the pros and cons of such approaches and proposes a new modeling approach that combines the best elements of other techniques. This paper also describes a case study, where the approach has been deployed by the authors. The case study comes from health care services in Ontario, Canada, who are shifting from the traditionally hospital-based system to one that recognizes a greater role for community and primary care services.
Adoption, Usage and Efficiency
Authors: Sobol Marion , Prater Edmund
Published: February 2011

In the past few decades various industries have adopted new information systems and supply chain management techniques. Unfortunately, although many industries saw significant gains, the health care industry—both large hospitals and small private practices—are slow to consider new technologies. According to the Health Care Information Technology Model (HCIT) and the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model, a necessary aspect in planning and applying new IT and supply chain techniques is the ability to compare and benchmark the organization. Whereas some research is available for hospitals (Malin, 2006), little work has been done for private medical practices. In this paper, the authors benchmark IT practices in terms of staffing efficiency and importance of usage to compare medical practices in the United States and Taiwan. The authors develop a set of efficiency measures for private medical practices that they correlate with types of IT usage, barriers to IT usage and extent of IT usage.
Development and Psychometric Qualities of the SEIPS Survey to Evaluate CPOE/EHR Implementation in ICUs
Authors: Hoonakker Peter , Cartmill Randi S. , Carayon Pascale , Walker James M.
Published: February 2011

Health Information Technology (IT) implementation can fail or meet high levels of user resistance for a variety of reasons, including lack of attention to users’ needs and the significant workflow changes induced and required by the technology. End-user satisfaction is a critical factor in health IT implementation. In this paper, the authors describe the process of developing and testing a questionnaire to evaluate health IT implementation, in particular Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) technologies. Results show evidence for the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) questionnaire is easy to administer and allows researchers to evaluate different aspects of health IT implementation. Results of this research can be used for benchmarking results of future studies evaluating health IT implementation.
Online Learning and Social Presence
Authors: Lajbcyier Paul , Spratt Christine
Published: February 2011

Devising pedagogical strategies that will engage students in ways which will assure the development of their skills of critique and analysis presents a challenge to tertiary teachers. This paper draws on data from a recent case-based evaluation study to argue that innovative assessment and the development of social presence in online learning environments can contribute to developing skills of critique and analysis in tertiary students. The paper is underpinned by the belief that creative thinking about curriculum issues must continue to lead debates about tertiary pedagogy, the use of educational technologies and online learning. It concludes by posing implications for further research in pedagogical practices in tertiary settings.
Virtual Reality & Immersive Technology in Education
Authors: Connolly Patrick E.
Published: February 2011

Virtual reality, also known as VR, is an exciting but ill-defined field of discovery. The question of how technological advances in this field will impact education is difficult to answer at present with any degree of certainty, but is one that must be considered by educational researchers, teachers, and administrators. This position paper presents the foundational definitions and positions of several investigators in this realm, along with thoughts on difficulties and complex issues that currently hinder the application of virtual reality in educational settings. It is recommended that the excitement that VR generates be leveraged into applications research in order to validate both the effectiveness of VR in education and encourage further development of the technology.
Information Technology Certification
Authors: McGill Tanya , Dixon Michael
Published: February 2011

Certification has become a popular adjunct to traditional means of acquiring information technology skills and employers increasingly specify a preference for those holding certifications. This article reports on a study designed to investigate student perceptions of both the benefits and risks of certification and its importance in obtaining employment. Certification was perceived as an important factor in achieving employment and students undertaking it anticipate that it will lead to substantial financial benefits. Yet higher salaries are not seen as the most important benefit of certification. The potential benefits that students believe are most important relate to real-world experience. The respondents were aware of the possible risks of certification but did not appear to be overly concerned about them.
Group Process & Trust in Group Discussion
Authors: Wojnar Linda , Uden Lorna
Published: February 2011

Successful group discussion plays a crucial role in online learning. Teachers normally assume that students automatically transfer their learning of group process from group to group. Our experience found that for group discussion to be effective, it is important that we consider group process and the role of trust within groups. The article begins with an introduction to group process and trust followed by a brief review of the benefits of group discussion for online learning. In the third section, we describe the role that teachers play in initiating environments that promote trust and group empowerment. Through our experience of the implications of group process and trust, we will discuss how this environment fosters trusting relationships. We will also discuss the value of reviewing the group process for each class before assigning group work. The article concludes with the outcomes of our experience and suggestions for further work.
Dynamic Task-Oriented Online Discussion for Student Learning
Authors: Havard Byron , Du Jianxia , Olinzock Anthony
Published: February 2011

A dynamic, task-oriented online discussion model for deep learning in distance education is described and illustrated in this article. Information, methods, and cognition, three general learning processes, provide the foundation on which the model is based. Three types of online discussion are prescribed; flexible peer, structured topic, and collaborative task discussion. The discussion types are paired with tasks encouraging students to build on their adoptive learning, promoting adaptive learning and challenging their cognitive abilities, resulting in deep learning. The online discussion model was applied during two semesters of an online multimedia design for instruction graduate-level course. The strategies for creating dynamic discussion serve to facilitate online interactions among diverse learners and assist in the design of assignments for effective interactions. The model proposed and the strategies for dynamic task-oriented discussion provide an online learning environment in which students learn beyond the course goal.
LAN-Designer
Authors: Sarkar Nurul I.
Published: February 2011

Until recently, it has been difficult to motivate students to learn about server-based local area network (LAN) design because students find the subject very technical, dry, and boring. A software tool (named LAN-Designer) has been developed at the Auckland University of Technology that gives students an interactive, hands-on experience in server-based LAN design. LAN-Designer is suitable for classroom use in introductory-level courses in server-based networking. This article describes LAN-Designer and its effectiveness as an aid to teaching and learning about LAN design. The effectiveness of LAN-Designer has been evaluated both formally by students (student evaluation forms) and informally through discussion within the teaching team. The conclusions drawn are based on survey data collected from students. The feedback from students indicates that the development and implementation of LAN-Designer were successful. The article concludes by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of LAN-Designer and its future development. The impact of LAN-Designer on students’ performance is also discussed.
From the Cold War to Internet Cathedral
Authors: Targowski Andrew
Published: February 2011

The Cold War is the reason the Internet was invented. The Internet was born as a military wide area network called ARPANET. During the 1980s, it was split into separate military and civilian networks. The latter became the Internet, and it has evolved from the contributions of many people. One contributor, Paul Baran, pioneered distributed topology and packet switching principles at RAND (1959-1964) which became the foundation of the evolving Internet. There are plenty of other contributors who provided incremental improvements to this network. Their work can be considered “bricks” of the Internet Cathedral, since it takes many years and many priests, architects, and builders to build a cathedral.
A Case Study of Management Skills Comparison in Online and On-Campus MBA Programs
Authors: Levy Yair
Published: February 2011

This paper is unique in its comparison of full programs, rather than a comparison of courses, as previously documented in Web-based education literature. Two similar MBA programs utilizing two different delivery formats (i.e., online MBA and on-campus MBA) were studied. The Learning Skills Profile (LSP) was used to assess the managerial skills when entering and graduating the programs. A comparison of pre-MBA and post-MBA managerial skills was conducted for both MBA programs. Results show that both on-campus and online MBA programs provide positive enhancement of managerial skills; however, the online MBA program appears to provide greater enhancement of such skills.
E-Learning
Authors: Rajasingham Lalita
Published: February 2011

This paper explores a new higher education paradigm, given the changing environment that will come with the advance of globalization and the rapid development of the Internet. As economies revolve around a global network and the value of knowledge, societies rely on universities to help shape future education in an emerging knowledge society. As teachers are already finding that they need to adapt to the presence of the Internet, university managers and administrators will need to adapt their structures, strategies, procedures, and programs to deal with the processes of globalization. Based on international research, this paper presents a vision and a paradigm from which higher education might be constructed. The Sloan-C’s Five Pillars to improve online learning and new applications, HyperReality and Croquet, are examined as potential platforms to reframe future developments.
Update - Anytime/Anywhere - Finding Our Way
Authors: King Kathleen P. , Melia Frank J. , Dunham Marlene D.
Published: February 2011

Research among K-12 educators participating in six-week online professional development modules of study provides insight into their needs and motivations. Three hundred and twenty-four educators participated in this original research through focus groups and an online survey. The most telling findings indicate four themes regarding teacher online professional development: learner expectations, learner support and access, incentives, and content. Overall, this project illuminates issues that we face in formal education online learning environments as we continue to discover how to best serve educators’ learning needs. This two-step study uses surveys and focus groups to empirically identify critical factors in instructional design and implementation. It benefits from large samples and application of knowledge derived from Group A experiences to Group B.
A Model for Effectively Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum
Authors: Graham John , Semich George W.
Published: February 2011

Technology training for college faculty has become an important part of the mission of colleges and universities today. Funding is allocated toward not only purchasing new technologies but also training faculty to use these technologies with their students in the classroom to better prepare them for the information workplace. Our interest at Robert Morris University was to develop a sequential staff development model that would not only help train faculty, but also help them apply and eventually integrate technology with their students across all of the academic disciplines. This model looks at three key phases of staff development: the training phase, the application or use phase, and the final phase of integration that involves a transformation from the teacher-centered to the learner centered classroom.
Introducing ICT in a Traditional Higher Education Environment
Authors: Drossos Lambros , Bassisliadis Bill , Stefani Antonia , Xenos Michalis , Sakkopoulos Evangelos , Tsakalidis Athanassios
Published: February 2011

Traditional higher educational learning practise is based on the information transfer model where knowledge is passed from the experts (tutors) to the learners (students) by means of lectures and text books. New educational models based on constructivism can be used in parallel with traditional learning introducing a blended (or enhanced) learning approach. In such a blended environment, organisational, educational and technological issues need to be considered as a whole. In this work, we describe our experience and evaluation results from the introduction of such an enhanced model in a traditional higher education institute. The focus of this effort is to build a flexible and cost-effective model based on three key concepts: Web technology, simulation and adaptation. Initial evaluation has showed that the traditional learning process has boosted student productivity and resulted in a more relaxed educational experience. Results were based on access log analysis in the frame of a computer science undergraduate course. The evaluation sought to measure the impact of this pilot application on current practises and pedagogy.
System Conversion
Authors: Mallach Efrem G.
Published: February 2011

This article summarizes the coverage of conversion in 17 current textbooks from major publishers — 10 for introductory MIS and seven for systems analysis. It compares this coverage with current practice, as determined by (a) studies of 74 organizations by the author’s students and (b) conversions reported in the trade press. Differences between typical textbook coverage and practice are documented, and recommendations for remedying the situation are made.
Students' Perceptions of the Laptop Program
Authors: Changchit Chuleeporn , Cutshall Robert. , Elwood Susan
Published: February 2011

Due to a rapid increase in the usage of information technology, several companies are demanding that graduates have more than just the basic computer skills when they graduate. This has prompted many universities to initiate a campus laptop program in order to increase their students’ computer experiences and skill sets. The success of a laptop program relies heavily on the extent to which the laptop environment is accepted and wholeheartedly implemented by students and faculty. Defining the conception factors necessary to successfully implement a laptop initiative becomes a critical issue to the success of the program. This study examines university students’ perceptions of a required laptop program to determine what factors that they think are crucial for the success of such a program. By understanding what factors encourage students to support a laptop initiative, such a program can be made more useful to students as well as more beneficial to universities.
Digital Business Portfolios
Authors: Flanigan Eleanor J. , Amirian Susan
Published: February 2011

Developing an innovative and original professional digital business portfolio and keeping it updated is one of the most effective tools that can be used either by the business professional or by the student emerging into the business world. It constitutes a lasting comprehensive experience for both groups. Continual reflection upon their work arms students and business people alike with more confidence in their own competence and worth as they embark on their professional careers or justify their desires for advancement. This article will confine itself to the types of portfolios used most frequently in the business world or in preparation for entering a career, showing that content in each can be cumulative or separate. It will describe ideas for the types of artifacts to compile along with how to format them effectively and digitize them creatively. It will give answers to why to create a portfolio, who should have one, what should be in it, and how portfolios are created.
CareerQuesting
Authors: White Karen F. , Wasburn Mara H.
Published: February 2011

This paper develops an educational strategy to foster the interest and persistence of middle school girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers using existing websites. Criteria are specified that enable middle school teachers to evaluate websites that can serve as supplemental learning activities within prescribed curricula. In particular, these criteria help evaluate sites that provide materials appealing to both boys and girls. This allows teachers to adopt them without concern that they are providing an unfair advantage to girls.
Strategies for teaching students With Exceptional Needs in cyber schools
Authors: Hipsky Shellie , Adams Lindsay
Published: February 2011

Cyber schools for K-12 students are growing in number. It is vital that appropriate strategies are devised in order to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities. The PA Cyber Charter School serves 353 students who have Individualized Education Plans. Parent surveys were thematically analyzed and revealed six predominant themes, including communication, interests, focus, less-stigma from the special education label, education differences in comparison to other methods, and cyber school shortcomings. The study also utilized the action research model to determine and present the techniques and strategies that are working in the PA Cyber Charter School for their students with special needs. Teacher-tested documents included in the Appendix were based on the study, and a model for special needs strategies in the cyber learning environment has been established through this article.
Teaching TCP/IP Networking Using Practical Laboratory Exercises
Authors: Sarkar Nurul I.
Published: February 2011

It is often difficult to motivate students to learn TCP/IP networking concepts because students appear to find the subject rather technical, dry, and boring. To overcome this problem, we have prepared some practical laboratory exercises (practicals) and other materials. They are designed around a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system and are suitable for classroom use in undergraduate TCP/IP networking courses. The effectiveness of these practicals has been evaluated both formally by students and informally in discussion within the teaching team. The implementation of the practicals was judged to be successful because of the positive student feedback and because students improved their test results. This article describes the practicals and their impact on student learning and comprehension, based on the author’s experiences in an undergraduate IT course.
A Comparative Analysis of Online and Traditional Undergraduate Business Law Classes
Authors: Shelley Daniel J. , Swartz Louis B. , Cole Michele T.
Published: February 2011

The trend in academia to online learning has gained momentum in the past decade, due in part to the cost of higher education, a changing student profile, lack of traditional classroom space and the recognition that distance learning has created a new paradigm of instruction. Universities wishing to maintain or expand enrollments need to be able to respond effectively to the educational needs of working adults, students in the military and residents of rural communities as well as of other countries. Online (Internet-based) course offerings constitute a creative and increasingly popular response to these challenges. As more and more institutions of higher learning offer online courses, the question arises whether they are, or can be, as effective as courses offered in the traditional classroom format. Answering the question has been the focus of several studies. Our study compared students enrolled in both online and traditional classroom versions of one business law course where all elements were the same except for the instruction format. The study found no significant difference between the two formats with regard to student satisfaction and student learning. The findings support earlier comparisons of online and traditional instruction modes
Cultivating Greater Acceptance of Women in Technology
Authors: Wasburn Mara H.
Published: February 2011

Many Western nations face a critical shortage of skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, despite abundant opportunities, few women prepare themselves for careers in these fields. Several of those concerned with the problem have proposed that new media programming, such as television dramas with women engineers, computer professionals and/or engineers in leading roles, might help attract more women to STEM fields. This article identifies a theoretical rationale for a media-centered strategy, and describes a pilot study whose data suggest that a media-centered approach might have some success in producing greater interest among women in pursuing STEM careers, particularly information technology (IT) careers.
The Didactical Potential of Robotics for Education with Digital Media
Authors: Wiesner-Steiner Andreas , Schelhowe Heidi , Wiesner Heike
Published: February 2011

The project “Roberta – girls conquer robotics” was launched by the Fraunhofer Institute (AIS) with the aim to help promote girls’ interest in sciences, mathematics and technology. As a summary of this research program, this article presents substantial results from the scientific evaluation of Roberta and suggests a new pedagogical approach towards the use of robotics in education. We discuss how didactics and technology (LegoMindstorms) interact in Roberta courses and how the materiality of robotics itself plays an important role here; that is, it already comes along as gendered material. Due to that, we draw conclusions towards general educational concepts for digital media. If carefully used as a didactical actor, robotics not only suits boys’ and girls’ interest in technological messiness but enables them for a technological-mediated life instead of just feeling overwhelmed. Robotics, therefore, can function as an appropriate medium for general education in the more comprehensive sense of developing personality and agency.
Supporting Arguments for Including the Teaching of Team Competency Principles in Higher Education
Authors: Jewels Tony , Albon Rozz
Published: February 2011

For optimum workplace effectiveness in knowledge-intensive industries in which principles of knowledge management need to be applied, it is necessary to take into account not only the competencies of individuals themselves but also the competencies of the teams in which they must operate. Although the incorporation of various types of group work into pedagogies is already widespread within institutes of higher education, many examples fail to embrace a rationale for, or the potential benefits of, multiple contributor environments. We present in this chapter arguments for including the teaching of team competency principles in higher education, supported by an original multi-dimensional team competency teaching model, a taxonomy for assessing team competency levels and an example of the implementation of these principles.
Data Flow Diagrams vs. Use Cases – Student Perceptions
Authors: Millet Ido , Nelson Robert
Published: February 2011

Data flow diagrams (DFD) and Use Cases are two popular methodologies in teaching as well as in practice. We recently used both methodologies in teaching eight sections of a required systems analysis course. Questionnaire results indicate that students perceive these methodologies as equally easy to understand and use. Students believe that data flow diagrams are better at communicating with users and programmers.
Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Ramalho Correia Ana Maria , Mesquita Anabela
Published: February 2011

The development of a knowledge-based society needs a technological infrastructure and a workforce with the necessary knowledge and competences, supported by a well-structured initial education and a continuous learning program, available to all citizens, including those who did not have the opportunity to attend Higher Education (HE) when they were younger. We recognize that these students may be rich in experience but they also have some difficulties in adapting to the pedagogical approaches of learning and teaching. Furthermore, their attitudes and problems are not necessarily the same as those of traditional students but they are still expected to fit into educational institutions designed for younger students. The project LIHE – Learning in Higher Education aimed to improve the learning experience and environment of adults, particularly non-traditional adults as well as to promote lifelong learning in HE, within a European dimen-sion. In this paper we will present this project together with some of the results.
A Statewide Analysis of Student Web Portfolios in New York Colleges and Universities
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: February 2011

This survey research project investigated the existence of Web portfolios on academic Web sites in New York State. The goal of this project was to promote Web portfolios and the main objective was to provide interpretation of the current level of student Web portfolio usage and activity within all New York colleges and universities. Major findings were that there is a low quantity of Web portfolios in relation to overall student enrollment, thus providing impetus to study a new phenomenon, lack of Web portfolios. The study yielded data providing a breakdown of where and how many Web portfolios were found. This study provides a basis for further research by scholars into Web portfolios within academic settings.
A Wireless Networking Curriculum Model for Network Engineering Technology Programs
Authors: Hansen Raymond A. , Smith Anthony H. , Mariga Julie R.
Published: February 2011

Wireless networking is experiencing explosive growth, both in market size and the number of new standards and technologies. Effectively educating students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, with the abilities to evaluate, implement, and integrate wireless networks should be a key part of any information technology (IT) education program for the foreseeable future. The Computer & Information Technology Department (CIT) at Purdue University is in a unique position to fulfill this educational need through its wireless networking curriculum. This curriculum currently offers three courses within the network engineering technology program, covering topics from 802.11 networking to 3G cellular, wireless network security and manage-ment to WWAN technologies. Each course includes trend analysis of wireless networking in order to effectively prepare students for employment in this area. This paper discusses the existing wireless networking curriculum by providing a brief perspective of previous course content and detailing each current course in the areas of prerequisite knowledge, intended audience, course content, and lecture/laboratory integration.
Perception of Self-Directed Cooperative Learning Among Undergraduate Students in Selected Nigerian Universities
Authors: Iyamu Ede O.S. , Ukadike Joseph O.
Published: February 2011

The current emphasis in the promotion of school learning is on the active involvement of the learners in the learning process. Helping students to develop interest in self-directed cooperative learning is considered to be one of the ways to enhance active learning. This study sought to investigate the views of selected undergraduate education students on the value and constraints of cooperative learning. A 20-item questionnaire was administered to a sample of 600 students from six Nigerian Universities. The results show that students agree to the potency of this learning mode to promote teamwork and communication skills, active learning and achievement among others. The students also agree to the constraints of this learning mode and said they would not wish to engage in it. The recommendations made included the need for teacher educators to give greater attention to the teaching of issues related to this learning mode and students to attend to their classes and reading assignments to make them prepared for gainful cooperative learning.
The Influence of Constructivist E-Learning System on Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Wangpipatwong Thanakorn , Papasratorn Borworn
Published: February 2011

In this article, the study of how a constructivist e-learning system affects students’ learning outcomes was explored and a two-phase study was designed. The first study sought to create a constructivist e-learning environment (CEE) and discover how students expected their learning outcomes under CEE. CEE is composed of three constructs, which are exploration, collaboration, and construction. The statistical results showed the high level of student expectation on every construct. Consequently, constructivist e-learning system (CES) was developed. In the second study, CES was used in the actual classroom environment. The purpose was to compare the learning outcomes and knowledge development of students who studied the course using CES with those of students who learned it under a traditional learning environment. A T-test method was used to analyze the learning outcomes. The results showed that students who used CES had better learning outcomes and knowledge development than students who did not use CES.
Teaching Java
Authors: Emurian Henry H.
Published: February 2011

Information systems students in a graduate section and an undergraduate section of an introductory Java graphical user interface course completed the following initial assignments to learn a simple program: (1) automated programmed instruction tutoring, (2) hands-on learning with a lecture, and (3) collaborative peer tutoring. Tests of knowledge transfer and software self-efficacy were administered before students began the first assignment and following completion of each one. The results showed progressive improvement in rule test performance and software self-efficacy across the several instructional events. Taken together, the results of these classroom observations extend the generality of previous work to an updated set of instructional materials and assignments, and that outcome shows the reliability of the learning processes with new groups of students. Students who are new to Java had the privilege of exposure to an initial repertoire of teaching tactics that are synergistic and cumulative.
RFID
Authors: Puffenbarger Eric , Teer Faye P. , Kruck S.E.
Published: February 2011

Educators have an ongoing challenge as they strive to stay up-to-date with new technology. One emerging technology, RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, has the potential to impact information systems in businesses as well as in our lives. Educators responsible for planning curriculum need to consider how to incorporate topics pertaining to RFID technology into a wide variety of technology courses. Therefore, one purpose of this manuscript is to give curriculum planners and teachers a summary of RFID by: presenting an overview of RFID technology; exploring RFID limitations and possible solutions; and examining the future outlook of RFID. An additional purpose further assists educators in considering how to incorporate this new course topic into the curriculum by providing some teaching resources, objectives and suggestions pertaining to RFID.
A Description of Online Instructors Use of Design Theory
Authors: Cicciarelli MarySue
Published: February 2011

In a recent dissertation study, research was conducted to evaluate online instructors’ characteristics and preferences concerning the use of a telementor, or online instructor’s assistant, as a part on an online course. Those who participated in the anonymous survey came from a sample of two thousand online instructors from colleges and universities located across the United States. Of those contacted, 323 online instructors responded to the survey. Results presented in this article were produced using data from nine of the questions included in the survey. These Likert Scale questions specifically asked the instructors about their use of theory of multiple representation, Gagne’s conditions of learning, instructional transaction theory, cognitive flexibility theory, three form theory, dual-coding theory, elaboration theory, theory of transactional distance, and theory of immediacy and social presence. Outcomes showed that a larger number of online instructors applied design theory when creating a course compared to the instructors who indicated that they did not apply design theory. Descriptive results presented illustrate how often the participants said that they utilized each of the different theories.
Classroom Preferences
Authors: Changchit Chuleeporn , Klaus Tim
Published: February 2011

Advances in technology have enabled instructors to design online courses that better meet the needs of students. Online courses generally are adaptations of traditional courses; some courses are more suitable for such online instruction. As the trend of online course offerings continues, universities must understand factors that lead to students’ preferences since online courses can be costly to develop and implement and inappropriate online courses can lead to lower student retention rates. This study focuses on students’ perceptions of online courses. The results identify issues that affect students’ perceptions and this study concludes by suggesting ways for universities to design online programs that better suit the desires of students.
Fostering Meaningful Interaction in Health Education Online Courses
Authors: Fuller Robert G. , Kuhne Gary
Published: February 2011

This research study examined the best interactive practices of effective health care education faculty from six major universities that offer online health care programs. Program directors from six major universities identified effective faculty, from which twelve faculty members were interviewed to uncover effective practices and an additional thirty faculty participated in a Delphi study to identify and prioritize effective practices. The findings for this study indicate that different types of facilitation approaches are needed to generate adequate interaction in four distinct types of health care courses, i.e., foundational classes, skills classes, analysis/synthesis classes, and hybrid type courses.
Using a Web-Based System To Support Teaching Processes
Authors: Klyuev V. , Tsuchimoto T. , Nikishkov G.P.
Published: February 2011

A platform-independent Java Web application named TSI (Teacher-Student Interaction) that supports communication between an instructor, teaching assistants, and students in a traditional on-campus course is presented in this article. Using the TSI, the instructor and teaching assistants can handle most of the routine work: upload student personal information, send students personal e-mails, etc. The system can easily be installed and administered individually by an instructor inexperienced in computers. It is as simple as a pen for students. Students can check their personal data (scores and comments), download educational materials, etc. As part of the TSI, a VBA application is used to analyze the course log files. This tool is helpful in understanding individual and group students’ behaviors. The TSI was successfully tested during four years at the University of Aizu (Japan) in an environment where English is one of the working languages and both students and professors are non-native speakers of English.
Building Bridges Online
Authors: Austin Roger , Anderson John
Published: February 2011

This article indicates that there are four key drivers for school-based use of collaborative software; a. The speed at which ‘social software’ has been taken up by young people outside school which has led some educationists to review the potential of such software in more formal school settings. b. Helping pupils to develop ’knowledge construction skills’ which are relevant to a knowledge economy. c. Enabling more pupils to access a wider curriculum. d. The promotion of inter-cultural education through citizenship. In the case of the fourth driver, the article examines in detail the research basis for extending the concept of the ’contact hypothesis’ through communication technology. It uses evidence to show that well managed on-line collaboration between school-based students can be a powerful vehicle for intercultural education through citizenship.
The Influence of Computer-Based In-Class Examination Security Software on Students' Attitudes and Examination Performance
Authors: Baker-Eveleth Lori , Eveleth Daniel M. , O’Neill Michele , Stone Robert W.
Published: February 2011

Expectancy theory is applied to the use of software that secures the testing environment of in-class examinations. This security software prohibits students from viewing unauthorized material during an examination. The empirical study collected 60 student questionnaire responses completed after using the security software. These responses were used to develop measures for a model derived from expectancy theory. Using structural equation modeling, the model was estimated twice for two different variables. These dependent variables were student attitude towards the security software and the student’s examination grade. The empirical results indicated that student attitudes were positively impacted by self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and the software’s ease of use. However, student grade was not influenced by any measures in the model. It is concluded that the security software is neutral with regard to student performance, while there are manageable actions faculty can take to positively impact student attitude towards security software.
Evaluating WebCT Use in Relation to Students' Attitude and Performance
Authors: Hammoud Lamis , Love Steve , Baldwin Lynne , Chen Sherry Y.
Published: February 2011

Teaching and learning are no longer limited by place or time. Large numbers of educational institutions are now using course management systems such as WebCT. This study examined students’ attitude and achievement in relation to their use of WebCT. Statistical data was gathered weekly from the WebCT tracking system log files. Students’ achievement was measured by the grades they obtained in the observed module. Students’ attitudes towards WebCT were measured using a Likert-type attitude scale. The results of this study indicated that students have a positive attitude towards WebCT. The module leader valued WebCT as a supporting tool to traditional face-to-face learning but not as an effective tool for helping students’ learning. The use of WebCT was found to have positive influence on students’ achievement as statistically significant relationships were found between students’ use of WebCT and their grades.
Learning Business Law Online vs. Onland
Authors: Shelley Daniel J. , Swartz Louis B. , Cole Michele T.
Published: February 2011

This is a follow-up study to “A Comparative Analysis of Online and Traditional Undergraduate Business Law Classes” (Shelley, Swartz & Cole, 2007) designed to further examine two critical areas of e-learning, that is, student satisfaction with, and student learning in, an online environment as compared with an onland, or traditional classroom environment. While the initial study found no significant difference between the two, the second study did find statistically significant differences between the online and the onland course formats with regard to two elements of student satisfaction: (1) student satisfaction with the instructor, and (2) student satisfaction with the course structure. The second study went further to look at the effects, if any, of gender, age and nationality on student satisfaction. There was no significant difference found with age or nationality. There was a significant difference between males and females with regard to two of the research questions.
Learning Object Metadata Generation in the Web 2.0 Era
Authors: Dahl Daniel , Vossen Gottfried
Published: February 2011

When introducing the metadata standard learning object metadata (LOM), objectives such as the ability to find or reuse learning objects were followed. These objectives are actually achieved in LOM only to a limited degree, despite the designation as de-facto standard for description of electronic learning content: Based on the complexity of the standard, a high theoretical potential faces rejection in practice. One reason for this is that the process of metadata generation (e.g.., who creates which metadata attributes) is not defined in detail yet. This article illustrates an approach that guarantees a high quantity as well as a high quality of learning object metadata records, bringing together known ways of metadata creation and the new paradigm of users describing content as implemented in recent Web 2.0 applications. In the context of a concrete e-learning platform, we exemplarily define who creates which metadata records of LOM in which way at what time.