bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering The Non-Traditional College Student And Bridging The Digital Divide
Authors: Jesnek Lindsey M.
Published: March 2016

Non-traditional student enrollment, especially at community colleges, has markedly risen in the last ten years due to national unemployment rates, the current economic climate, and employer demand for computer-literate employees. While university instructors struggle to constantly adapt their course materials to incorporate updates in software modules, various online learning systems, and consumer gadgets, they must also troubleshoot the obstacles inherent in their changing class rosters. Functioning under the definition of non-traditional as students over the age of 25 who are often first-generation college enrollees, displaced from their previous careers due unforeseen layoffs, or desperate to update their rum by earning an advanced certification or degree in order to ensure job security, this paper examines the lagging response of higher education institutions to appropriately manage the widening digital divide. The clear dissonance between typical non-traditional student computer competency and typical traditional student computer competency specifically informs this examination. In response to the amalgamated complications revealed in the non-traditional students charge to function successfully within a technologically-driven university environment, practical application strategies in the form of pre-enrollment computer competency placement testing and the implementation of required, degree-credit introductory computer courses must be established as a national initiative in order to formalize the concerted effort needed to encourage the overall academic success of non-traditional students nationwide.
Which Accelerates Faster A Falling Ball Or A Porsche?
Authors: Rall James D. , Abdul-Razzaq Wathiq
Published: March 2016

An introductory physics experiment has been developed to address the issues seen in conventional physics lab classes including assumption verification, technological dependencies, and real world motivation for the experiment. The experiment has little technology dependence and compares the acceleration due to gravity by using position versus time graphs and the kinematic equation. The students are then asked to compare the acceleration they found to the one of a Porsche car which they seem surprised when they learn about it. This experiment may contribute significantly to the understanding of the concept of acceleration and the appreciation for the force of gravity.
The Dissertation Marathon
Authors: Black Ronald
Published: March 2016

We all think of a marathon as a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards). Throughout time marathon runners have pursued their longest goals by allowing their body to adapt to the new stresses through training. Training for a marathon takes intense preparation, dedication and skill. It is imperative not to allow day to day decisions to counteract the hard work and planning of the final stages of the marathon. A few basic guidelines can minimize the challenges of the journey and make the marathon experience exciting and pleasant for the runner. Students pursuing the doctorate degree face the same challenges as the marathon runner. Training for the dissertation process is not unlike training for a marathon. It requires intense preparation, dedication and skill. In many ways, conducting doctoral research and writing the dissertation is like running a marathon, enduring hills and valleys, mountains, rivers and frantic road blocks along the way. It is a long and weary race but in the successful end will lead to the final race in the doctoral journey; defending and publishing the dissertation. This paper will serve as a performance-based goal-driven roadmap that will guide the doctoral dissertation candidate through each mile of the dissertation marathon, with clear benchmarks to minimize the challenges of the journey to cross the finish line and graduate.
Restructure Staff Development For Systemic Change
Authors: Kelly Thomas F.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a systems approach based on the work of W. Edwards Deming to system wide, high impact staff development. Deming has pointed out the significance of structure in systems. By restructuring the process of staff development we can bring about cost effective improvement of the whole system. We can improve student achievement while eliminating the need for expensive remedial, gifted, learning disabilities and most special education programs.
Do Learning And Study Skills Affect Academic Performance? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Griffin Richard , MacKewn Angie , Moser Ernest , VanVuren Ken W.
Published: March 2016

Universities and colleges are very interested in understanding the factors that influence their students academic performance. This paper describes a study that was conducted at a mid-sized public university in the mid-south, USA, to examine this issue. In this study, the 10-scale, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) (Weinstein et al., 1987) assessment device was administered to 107 students to measure receptivity to several skills and strategies that purportedly enhance a students ability to learn and successfully perform in an academic setting. The results of this study showed that the LASSI scales dealing with attitude, concentration, information processing skill, motivation, self-testing and review techniques, use of study support techniques, time management, and effective test-taking strategies all correlated positively (with statistical significance) to student GPA. There were also statistically significant differences between males and females in their mean scores for several of the above mentioned LASSI scales. Every LASSI subscale, where females significantly outscored males, positively correlated with superior academic performance (i.e., GPA). However, after controlling for variance explained by the LASSI scores, there were no statistically significant correlations between gender and academic performance. The primary conclusion from this study is that contrary to prior research that suggests that females predominantly outperform males in academics, such differences can be better explained by mediating variables such as learning and study strategies. This debunking of the female stereotype of superior academic performance merely because of gender has pedagogical implications.
Completion Time Dynamics For Masters And Doctoral Studies At Makerere University
Authors: Wamala Robert , Oonyu Joseph C.
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the dynamics of completion time of masters studies and how such dynamics relate to those of doctoral studies at Makerere University, Uganda. The assessment is based on administrative data of 605 masters degree students at the University in the 2004 and 2005 enrollment cohorts. The total elapsed time from first enrollment to submission of final dissertation copy was adopted as a measure of completion time. A time-to-event approach in a Cox model was applied in the investigations. A median completion time of 3.8 years (range, 1.85.9) suggests a delayed completion of studies. The established associations, modeled by a range of candidate, candidature, and institutional variables including discipline area corroborate the results obtained by the analysis of doctoral completion time at the University. The findings suggest that masters completion dynamics mirror those of doctoral studies at the University.
Assessing Change In High School Student Information Literacy Using The Tool For Real-Time Assessment Of Information Literacy Skills
Authors: Kovalik Cindy L. , Yutzey Susan D. , Piazza Laura M.
Published: March 2016

Change in high school student information literacy (IL) knowledge and skills, from freshman year to senior year in high school was the focus of this quasi-experimental research project. Researchers used a free information literacy skills assessment tool entitled TRAILS (Tool for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills) to measure student IL skills. A total of 201 high school students participated in the study. Paired samples t-test results were mixed for specific TRAILS sub-categories, however, the senior mean for the total TRAILS assessment was significantly higher than the mean the participants earned on the total TRAILS assessment when they were freshman. Cohens d effect size was 0.61. The significance of the information literacy curriculum is discussed in light of these findings.
Extended Candidature And Non-Completion Of A Ph.D. At Makerere University, Uganda
Authors: Wamala Robert , Ocaya Bruno , Oonyu Joseph C.
Published: March 2016

Although student persistence in graduate programs is widely regarded as an important topic in the literature of higher education, many such works focus on the completion of studies. This paper examines the dynamics of attrition resulting in either delayed or non-completion of doctoral studies. Administrative data of 294 Ph.D. students at Makerere University in the 2000 to 2005 enrollment cohorts were analyzed. The total elapsed time from first enrollment to submission of a final dissertation or thesis copy was taken as a measure of completion time. A multinomial logistic was applied for assessing the likelihood of completion and extended candidature, rather than withdrawal, five years after initial enrollment in doctoral studies. In the results, the estimates rates of extended candidature (48.6%) and withdrawal (36.4%) indicate a low timely completion rate of doctoral students at Makerere. The observed associations, modeled by a range of candidate, candidature, and institutional variables, including discipline area, suggest the need for establishing measures to promote progress in doctoral studies at early stages of commencement as well as throughout the course of candidature.
Using WebQuests In The Social Sciences Classroom
Authors: Kachina Olga A.
Published: March 2016

This article investigates if WebQuests have been an effective instructional tool for teaching Social Sciences subjects. In order to obtain an answer to this question, a review of scholarly literature from 1995 to the present has been undertaken and action research in 8th grade U.S. history course was conducted. The literature investigation has shown that WebQuests gained a prominent place as a valuable internet-based and inquiry-oriented teaching/learning tool that develops students higher-order thinking skills and shifts the classroom toward being more student-centered. However, there has not been sufficient research to establish the effectiveness of this tool. The results of action research conducted in one of the middle schools in Northern California are a small contribution to this discussion.
The State Of Higher Education In 2012
Authors: Kurre Frank L. , Ladd Larry , Foster Mary F. , Monahan Michael J. , Romano Daniel
Published: March 2016

The higher education sector is experiencing an escalating pace of change. Even colleges and universities with the greatest resources and strongest brands are confronting change, particularly as a result of the digital revolution that is radically impacting modes of learning and accessibility to knowledge. These changes are driven by market pressures i.e., by the demands and expectations of students and faculty. At the same time, all of higher education continues its evolution in response to ongoing price pressures, to reduced governmental support, to growing competition from the for-profit higher education sector, to its own ethical challenges, and to changes in the regulatory environment. Boards, presidents, provosts and CFOs are addressing these risks and challenges with new strategies and unique action plans that are a far cry from traditional approaches to higher education.
Maximizing Accessibility Of Academic Publications: Applications Of Electronic Publishing Technology
Authors: Jeffress Laura , Lyle Stacey D.
Published: March 2016

Professors at higher education institutions often feel pressure to publish or perish in order to maintain their standing in the academic community, yet a large number of these publications languish in obscure technical journals or are presented only once at a conference or online journal. While these methods achieve the goal of spreading personal research to colleagues and other professionals, more can be done to make this information available to curious individuals. This paper examines the efficiency of using electronic publishing technology such as Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing to publicize scientific research in order to disseminate knowledge and ideas through the academic community. Ten publications of an educators research in the field of geospatial science were compiled into a single book, which was then published online using Kindle Direct Publishing. By making this information readily accessible, anyone with an interest in the material could use these publications to facilitate their own work. The increased availability of these publications was beneficial for students who needed access to such research for classwork, as well as professionals who benefited from the information contained in these reports. In this manner, ideas were more effectively disseminated among the geospatial community, thus increasing the potential for scientific collaboration and advancement. Additionally, this research is being utilized to stem the aspects of publish text books digitally by faculty for courses on campus. This method of information dissemination can be easily applied to all fields of research and education with similar results. The research contained in this paper will outline the challenges and methods used to publish academic scholarly knowledge on a more widely accessible platform.
An Outcome-Based Assessment And Improvement System For Measuring Student Performance And Course Effectiveness
Authors: Anwar M. A. , Ahmed Naseer , Al Ameen Abdurahem Mohammed
Published: March 2016

The evaluation of students expected performance and course effectiveness play a vital role in determining the course contribution toward meeting the programs learning objectives or outcomes. The success of any course not only requires a well-designed syllabus with clearly defined course learning outcomes and the use of appropriate outcome-based teaching and assessment methods, but also a systematic approach to document and analyze the entire assessment data and results. Such an approach will be helpful in providing a better insight and understanding of students competency levels achieved in all course learning outcomes which ultimately would facilitate course instructors in their efforts to improve course curricula and to introduce reforms in teaching and assessment processes. This paper presents a simple and easy-to-use system that aids course instructors in recording and analyzing the results of various assessment instruments administered in their courses. A detailed analysis provided by the system would also guide curriculum planners and assessors in suggesting reforms and improvements at the program level.
Social Media And Networking Technologies: An Analysis Of Collaborative Work And Team Communication
Authors: Okoro Ephraim A. , Hausman Angela , Washington Melvin C.
Published: March 2016

Digital communication increases students learning outcomes in higher education. Web 2.0 technologies encourages students active engagement, collaboration, and participation in class activities, facilitates group work, and encourages information sharing among students. Familiarity with organizational use and sharing in social networks aids students who are expected to be facile in these technologies upon graduation (Benson, Filippaios, and Morgan, 2010). Faculty members become coaches, monitoring and providing feedback to students rather than directing activities. While Web 2.0 technologies, including social networks, may act as a distraction in a teaching environment, our findings suggest that effective social networking in learning environments sustain quality instruction and skills-development in business education.
Multidisciplinary Case Study On Higher Education: An Innovative Experience In The Business Management Degree
Authors: Martinez-Canas Ricardo , Pozo-Rubio Raul del , Mondejar-Jimenez Jose , Ruiz-Palomino Pablo
Published: March 2016

Higher education is constantly changing and looking for innovative educational solutions in order to increase the level of the students knowledge and skills. As an important part of this set of educational policies, a new process is emerging for the ideation, planning and implementation of multidisciplinary case studies for students with the aim of developing their knowledge, meaning learning, skills and abilities that necessary for a more complete picture of the problems. In this regard, this paper shows the main results obtained with the realization of joint innovative activity experience developed by multidisciplinary areas in the Business Administration Degree (Management, Corporate Finance and Statistics). This joint activity was proposed on a voluntary basis for those students interested in working in a complete practice with other students and also as a way of replacing the individual activities of each area of knowledge. Fourteen groups of 4-5 people have done this case study, on average, the percentage of participation is about 70% of the students. The design of this methodology with an evaluation system implies students receive a significant percentage of their continuous evaluation. Also, it has allowed the students to achieve at a practical level, the how to and knows how (versus levels, ordered from low to high level of knowledge: dos, shows how, knows how and knows) of a particular set of generic and specific skills.
Technology In The Classroom Versus Sustainability
Authors: Knott Cynthia L. , Steube G. , Yang Hongqiang (Mason)
Published: March 2016

The use of technology in universities and colleges is an issue of interest and speculation. One issue related to technology use in the classroom is sustainability of resources that support the technology. This paper explores faculty perceptions about technology use and sustainability in an east coast university. This university has initiated a new program that has been charged with the objective of creating and maintaining a sustainability program. The program is still being developed, but a few of the key goals are to look at recycling campus-wide, printing costs in the computer labs and library, and exploring what the faculty perceptions are about using technology in the classroom. This paper focuses on the last goal; and in order to explore this objective, a survey was administered to the Schools of Business, Health Professions, Arts & Sciences and the Library. The research question addressed in this paper is the relationship between the use of technology in the classroom and the course discipline of the faculty teaching the class. The faculty participants in the survey included four of its academic schools - Business, Health Professions, Arts & Sciences, and the Library. Consequently, there are four different faculty affiliations based on their school. The research questions related to school assignments presented in this paper: Are there significant differences in the use of technology based on the school in which the faculty member is associated? Do technology-driven programs in the schools of business and library science tend to perceive the use of technology in the classroom differently than other schools? Are differences in the school of affiliation reflected in faculty views of importance of technology to the learning process? Are differences in the school of affiliation reflected in faculty perceptions in the use of technology devices, including the desktop computers, iPad/Tablets, Laptops, Smartphones, or E-Readers? Do faculty affiliations with schools impact their view of the importance moving toward the use of electronic documents? Do faculty affiliations impact whether technology devices are viewed as distractions? Are sustainability enthusiasts also technology enthusiasts?
Higher Education: How Freshmen And First-Year Journalism And Mass Communication Students At HBCUs And PWUs Used The Internet In Their Decision
Authors: Crawford II Jerry
Published: March 2016

This study set out to explore how the Internet was used by Journalism and Mass Communications Program students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately White Universities in their college choice and if these institutions were able to provide the information the respondents were looking for in their search. The study found students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities still report the availability of financial aid and other funding as a major reason they make their college choice. The study also found Journalism and Mass Communications units as a whole may not be providing this information to students that are using the Internet to research their future college opportunities.
Clothing And The Affects On A Teachers Image: How Students View Them
Authors: Mosca Joseph B. , Buzza John
Published: March 2016

Clothing is an essential element of our daily lives that is basically an expression of who we are. People shop to buy clothing for a variety of reasons, such as enjoyment and socialization. It is fundamental that participating in social activities and life satisfaction are related to well-being. Our well-being is influenced by education, income, health, and how we see ourselves. Clothing is a means by which we see ourselves (Mee Joung and Miller, 2007). The purpose of this study is to try and determine what affect clothing has on students comfort zone and whether instructors clothing creates images of friendly, trustworthy, and approachable; it is not to measure the impact of instructors attire on students perceptions of teaching competence.
Extended Communication Efforts Involved With College Long-Distance Relationships
Authors: Firmin Michael W. , Firmin Ruth L. , Merical Kaile Lorenzen
Published: March 2016

The present phenomenological, qualitative research study involved in-depth interviews of all 16 female, sophomore students involved in respective distance relationships at a private, selective, comprehensive, Midwest university. Among other results found in the study, the present article focuses on communication dynamics involved with the relationships. Results showed key communication constructs to involve learning to communicate in a distance milieu, interpreting the tone of their boyfriends voice, compensating for their lack of contexts, working harder at communication, and committing themselves to the extra efforts involved with good communication. Generally, the women were content with their relationships. We interpret the findings to infer that it likely takes special individuals to make the communication in distance relationships work effectively. Further, we conclude that potential distance relationship couples should discuss the dynamics involved in the present findings prior to initiating distance relationships in order to best enhance the chances for distance relationship success.
Desktop Virtualization: Applications And Considerations
Authors: Hodgman Matthew R.
Published: March 2016

As educational technology continues to rapidly become a vital part of a school districts infrastructure, desktop virtualization promises to provide cost-effective and education-enhancing solutions to school-based computer technology problems in school systems locally and abroad. This article outlines the history of and basic concepts behind desktop virtualization and discusses obstacles to implementation and benefits that result from its use in educational settings. A large school district in Maryland was used as an entry point to illustrate the potential gains of utilizing desktop virtualization technology. Through use of Bolman and Deals (2008) approach to reframing organizations for change, this article aims to explain what implementation of virtualization technology would require in an applied setting and clarify how all parties in the school-based educational arena will benefit from this technology over time. It was concluded that those entrusted with executive decision-making power in Americas school systems would be wise to consider employing virtualization technology in their classrooms.
Publish Or Perish: Evaluating And Promoting Scholarly Output
Authors: Min Low Hui , Abdullah Amelia , Mohamed Abdul Rashid
Published: March 2016

Scholarly output, particularly in the form of journal publication is a key indicator in various levels of university performance. It contributes to university ranking, faculty ranking and academicians scholarship credentials. Therefore, scholarly output has become a standard measure used to determine intake, promotion and tenure renewal of academicians at the faculty and university levels. In this paper, the Deans office of an education faculty in a Malaysia university collected and analyzed the faculty members journal publication outputs in 2011 as a way to determine the directions to move forward. From an integrated quantitative and qualitative investigation, research supervision and group publication were identified as the major catalysts for research publications. The findings informed the importance of project development and training in these two areas.
The Impact Of Changing Technology: The Case Of E-Learning
Authors: Yusuf Nadia , Al-Banawi Nisreen
Published: March 2016

For centuries, education has relied on classroom methods, but technology-enhanced learning can potentially bring about a revolution in learning, making high-quality, cost-effective education available to a greater number of people. The basic advantages of e-learning include anytime-anywhere access to learning, cost reductions, ability to reach larger markets, more effective learning with personalized instructions, and flexibility. For the full potential of e-learning to be realized, however, the content, services, and systems from different suppliers all need to work together. This paper provides an overview of the benefits and limitations of e-learning as well as its cost-effectiveness. The continual advances in information technology as well as software-based training and education are rapidly offering a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional face-to-face learning. With the introduction of e-learning, students are empowered to embark on active, independent learning. They can access course information and perform research with the help of this virtual space provided using the Internet. Consistency, fast deployment, and simple evaluation are all attractive features of e-learning, but the most compelling reason to consider the introduction of e-learning may be the significant reduction in costs associated with education. Once developed, the online guidance component can be used many times with minimal costs. Students can also go through the training process repeatedly to ensure maximum effective learning.
Improving College And Career Readiness Through Challenge-Based Learning
Authors: Shuptrine Carl
Published: March 2016

High school students in an Advanced Video class addressed the challenge of increasing community awareness. Students followed a challenge-based learning model developing guiding questions and activities to determine solutions for implementation. Literature supported the use of project-based learning that fostered partnerships outside of the classroom to develop 21st century skills. Students utilized multiple technologies to collaborate, plan, and produce advertising in a variety of mediums. During Phase 2, each team created videos documenting their entire process. Videos were presented to a group of random students and faculty members for critical review. Data were collected through pre and post surveys, observations, and student interviews. Data showed students found the process difficult but beneficial to developing 21st century skills.
An Investigation Of Online Homework: Required Or Not Required?
Authors: Wooten Tommy , Dillard-Eggers Jane
Published: March 2016

In our research we investigate the use of online homework in principles of accounting classes where some classes required online homework while other classes did not. Users of online homework, compared to nonusers, had a higher grade point average and earned a higher grade in class. On average, both required and not-required users rated the online homework experience positively. Additionally, low-performing students appear to get more benefit than high-performing students from using online homework. Because of individual differences, no one study tool will be best for all students or in all situations. However, we conclude that use of online homework is an effective way to motivate students and may be particularly beneficial for less motivated or poorer performing students.
When Traditional Ethnic Culture Encounters Gender Equality: The Dilemma Of Multicultural Education
Authors: Chen Shan-Hua
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the government of Taiwan has been actively promoting gender equality, the positive results of which are already apparent among the younger generation. This research examines the views of indigenous girls attending secondary school with respect to the gender divide in their traditional culture, whether or not they support the concept of gender equality, and how their career plans are associated with their gender perceptions. Data were collected through participant observation and group interviews. The results indicate that female aboriginals of higher socio-economic standing are becoming less constrained by traditional gender limitations. Although their traditional culture may run counter to the ideology of gender equality, in reality many are learning how to draw on the wisdom of their traditional culture without adopting the concept of masculine domination.
Scholarly Productivity In Developing Countries: An Analysis Of Levels And Patterns Among Doctoral Holders In Uganda
Authors: Wamala Robert , Ssembatya Vincent A.
Published: March 2016

Doctoral holders are considered to be key actors in the creation of innovation and knowledge. However, this generalization may not hold true for doctoral holders in all countries. This study sought to assess the scholarly productivity of these highly qualified individuals in Uganda. The investigation is based on data sourced from the 2012 Careers and Productivity of Doctoral Holders (CDH) Survey conducted in the country. The data adopted comprise a total of 534 records of doctoral holders who were 70 years or younger by 2010 and living permanently or domiciled in Uganda. Journal Article(s) and book(s) (co)authored were adopted in this study as measures of productivity of a doctoral holder. The status and pattern of (co)authored journal article(s) and/or book(s) were assessed by doctoral holder characteristics using the Pearson Chi-square Test and Complementary Log-log regression. The number of (co)authored journal articles and books (including book chapters and monographs) was assessed by doctoral holder characteristics using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Poisson regression. In the results, the proportion of doctoral holders (29.2%) who had (co)authored journal article(s) and/or book(s) by the time of the study points to low scholarly productivity of these highly qualified individuals in the country. Though doctoral graduates of other African universities and those from international universities were more likely to have (co)authored article(s) and/or book(s), the number of (co)authored articles was significantly higher among graduates of Ugandan institutions. Further, the number of (co)authored articles was significantly higher among the males and doctoral holders who graduated before 2000. However, no significant variations in the number of (co)authored books were noted among doctoral holder characteristics. Nevertheless, the low scholarly productivity of doctoral holders in Uganda is certainly a mirror reflection of the situation in many developing countries.
Controversial And Challenging Concerns Regarding Status Of Saudi Preschool Teachers
Authors: Gahwaji Nahla
Published: March 2016

This article describes the geographical, religious, economical,cultural, and educational contexts as they not only influence the status ofSaudi preschool teachers but also have shaped early childhood teaching career.It aims to capture and present teachers' subjective experiences as members ofthe profession through semi-structured interviews to assist in theconceptualization of effectiveness and professional development of teachers'roles and their status. This article focuses onpreschool teachers' perceptions regarding their career and their individualevaluation of their work in contrast to the community that they serve, whichcreated controversial concerns and challenges.
Using Blogs To Enhance Student Engagement And Learning In The Health Sciences
Authors: Zinger Lana , Sinclair Alicia
Published: March 2016

Teaching in a diverse, urbancommunity college, it has become apparentthat students spend most of their free (and classroom) time participatingin social media. In response, wedecided to incorporate social media, blogsspecifically, as a way toincrease student engagement, retention and achievement. The learning objectivewas for our students to learn how to translate complex science into something abroad audience can understand and appreciate.Graduates of a health program need to be the best communicators when i translatingscientific evidence into something others can understand, and act on. Wecreated a health blog and with the goal of helping students translatewhat they learned in a classroom via their own health blog.
Effective Communication And Creating Professional Learning Communities Is A Valuable Practice For Superintendents
Authors: Hilliard Ann Toler , Newsome, Jr. Edward
Published: March 2016

As the chief executive officer, the superintendent must demonstrate high quality performance at every level in order to impact student achievement. In order to be an effective superintendent, the individual must have knowledge and skills in educational leadership and be able to articulate information clearly and precisely about the school district, state and federal accountability systems, policy related to student achievement and personnel practices. The American Association of School Administrators states that the superintendent must know policy for collective bargaining processes for the state/local schools, school district policy and administrative regulations, district finances and budget matters, model the use of technology for instruction and management and should know the role of the Board of Education (AASA, 2011). Superintendents do not work alone, but work in collaboration with school personnel, leadership teams, broader communities and the Board of Education to ensure a productive school system. The responsibilities of the superintendent are many. The superintendent has the task to supervise the general conduct of district schools, instructional curriculum, handle school district management affairs, hiring appropriate personnel and dismissal of personnel based on state policy through the human resources management office. For the local schools, the superintendent should seek ways to encourage the practices of learning communities within the school district for the purpose of working together to improve teaching instructional skills based on the needs of students and if effective will promote higher student learning (Stoll, 2006). This study will focus on skills and knowledge needed for superintendents, what parents want, value of data, strategic planning, effective communication, learning community practices of ethics and morals, technology as a resource, and the characteristics of high performing schools.
A Look At An Implementation Of The Quality Matters Program In A Collegiate Environment: Benefits And Challenges
Authors: Budden Connie B. , Budden Michael C.
Published: March 2016

As traditional universities grapple with an onslaught of demand for distance education a recurring call to ensure quality in such offerings arises. The Quality Matters Program intends to guarantee such quality through a peer-centered process and offers a certification process to help assure quality in online and blended courses. This report is a preliminary look at perceived benefits and challenges that implementing the process entails.
Crib Work - An Evaluation Of A Problem-Based Learning Experiment: Preliminary Results
Authors: Walsh Vonda K. , Bush H. Francis
Published: March 2016

Problem-based learning has been proven to be successful in both medical colleges and physics classes, but not uniformly across all disciplines. A college course in probability and statistics was used as a setting to test the effectiveness of problem-based learning when applied to homework. This paper compares the performances of the students from two classes and attempts to draw inferences as to the overall benefits and effectiveness of changing the process by which the students earned their homework grade.
Effective Academic Advisory Committee Relationships
Authors: Schaeffer Donna M. , Rouse Donald (Nick)
Published: March 2016

Recently, accrediting bodies are placing great responsibility for accountability on universities and academic schools, departments, and programs. The goal of the increased accountability is improved quality of teaching and learning. In this paper, we describe several levels of accountability for quality teaching and learning in a small, private, liberal arts college. We describe the role the Universitys Board of Trustees. Moving to the School of Business Administration, we explain several activities the Board of Visitors facilitate and participate in. Then, we localize to the Department of Information Systems and Management Science, which has had an advisory committee comprised of award-winning Chief Information Officers and Chief Technology Officers since 2009-2010. Finally, we describe efforts involved in building an advisory committee for a new academic program within the department, the Bachelors in Health Information Management (HIM). This examination provides insights and examples for others who are seeking to establish or re-invigorate their relationships with advisors. It is interesting in that some cases the advisory committee is mandated by law, e.g., the University of Board of Trustees, others are voluntary, e.g., the Schools Board of Visitors and the departments advisory committee, and still others may be prescribed and required by accrediting bodies within particular fields, e.g., the Health Information Management (HIM) program.
Beyond The Flipped Classroom: Redesigning A Research Methods Course For e3 Instruction
Authors: Hoffman Ellen S.
Published: March 2016

The "flipped classroom" has gained in popularity as a new way to structure teaching in which lectures shift from in-class events to digitally-based homework, freeing up class time for practice exercises and discussion. However, critics note such a teaching strategy continues emphasis on the less effective techniques of the lecture as transmission-based knowledge dissemination. They urge rethinking from single instructional tasks to learning environments that promote not just assignment goals but also knowledge application and broader learning outcomes. What do we want students to be able to do? Instructional design is a formal body of theory that has years of testing and evidence for effectiveness that may provide a framework for re-envisioning course design. A 2013 book by M. David Merrill, First Principles of Instruction, attempts to examine the body of instructional design theory for commonalities and develop a set of general principles and processes that can guide the development of such learning environments for instructors. The emphasis is on project-centered learning with a focus on students applying knowledge in ways that "reverse" action from the end of a course to the beginning to implement effective, efficient and engaging (e3) learning. This paper examines some of the key principles and provides an example of e3 implementation from a research methods class.
An Investigation Of Factors Impacting The Use Of Technology In A Home School Environment
Authors: Neil Ted , Bonner Nancy , Bonner David
Published: March 2016

Home school populations have been studied for socialization and academic preparedness, but there are few studies on the use of technology among home schooled families. One researcher, in studying technology use among home school families in the greater Albany, New York area, found that the use of technology had a positive influence on the decision to home school and to allow home school families to create and maintain groups of like-minded home schoolers in their quest to educate their children. The objectives of this study are to understand what technologies are being used by home school families and about perception of technology in four areas of technology usage: 1) to build social networks, 2) acquire and share knowledge, 3) administrative actions and 4) instructional activities. This research shows that when technology is perceived as easier to use, it will lead to perceived usefulness, at a higher significance than leading to actual use. Further, it was surprising that the models did not show perceived usefulness leading to actual use, which is indicated in the literature.
Bullying Of Educators By Educators: Incivility In Higher Education
Authors: King Chula , Piotrowski Chris
Published: March 2016

Bullying of adults by adults appears to be a common experience in work, social, and even family life. Yet, historically, there has been limited empirical research on the nature of this prevalent and aberrant interpersonal style among personnel in higher education. This article presents a review of studies that reflect key issues on bullying and incivility of/by administrators, faculty, and staff in college and university settings. There is strong empirical evidence that depicts the adult bully as harboring pervasive psychopathological tendencies such as narcissism and Machiavellianism, with a propensity for exhibiting abusive, controlling, callous, condescending, domineering, coercive, and self-centered behaviors (see Piotrowski, 2015). Several hypothetical case vignettes of incivility/bullying incidents specific to the academe are offered to illustrate these tendencies, along with strategies to recognize, manage, and combat ‘bullying’ styles in interpersonal interactions in college/university settings. Official policy should designate higher education settings as a ‘No Bully Zone’.
The Flipped Classroom: A Twist On Teaching
Authors: Schmidt Stacy M. P. , Ralph David L.
Published: March 2016

The traditional classroom has utilized the “I Do”, “We Do”, “You Do” as a strategy for teaching for years.  The flipped classroom truly flips that strategy.  The teacher uses “You Do”, “We Do”, “I Do” instead.  Homework, inquiry, and investigation happen in the classroom.  At home students participate in preparation work including watching videos, PowerPoint’s, and completing readings.  After completing the preparation work, students arrive in class ready to start solving problems, analyzing text, or investigating solutions.  The flipped classroom is fairly new in the teaching field as a strategy for teaching.  It has been used by teachers from elementary school to graduate school.  As with most strategies, the flipped classroom has a variety of ways to implement in the classroom.  This article is a case study of the flipped classroom.  It reviews and provides research on the implementation of the flipped classroom.  In addition, the article provides a variety of implementation methods and tools to be utilized in a flipped classroom.  As with all teaching strategies there are advantages and disadvantages to the flipped classroom which are explained as well.
Maximizing Educator Enhancement: Aligned Seminar And Online Professional Development
Authors: Shaha Steven , Glassett Kelly , Copas Aimee , Huddleston T. Lisa
Published: March 2016

Professional development and learning has a long history in seminar-like models, as well as in the more educator-personal delivery approaches.  The question is whether an intentionally coordinated, integrated combination of the two PDL approaches will have best impacts for educators as quantified in improved student performance.  Contrasts between baseline and Post-Program performance levels showed 19% gains in Reading and 24% gains in Math, significantly beyond expectation.  Analyses for Title 1 schools showed significant shrinkage of performance gaps with contrasted non-Title 1 schools.  These gains outpaced those found for either PDL approach alone, indicating that educational leaders will be wise to undertake implementation of intentionally aligned and coordinated approaches combining PDL Seminars with online, on-demand PDL.
Computational Thinking Concepts for Grade School
Authors: Sanford John F. , Naidu Jaideep T.
Published: March 2016

Early education has classically introduced reading, writing, and mathematics. Recent literature discusses the importance of adding “computational thinking” as a core ability that every child must learn. The goal is to develop students by making them equally comfortable with computational thinking as they are with other core areas of early education. Computational thinking does not come naturally and requires training and guidance. This paper argues for the inclusion of computational thinking in tandem with mathematics. As an example, the paper demonstrates spreadsheet applications that can be utilized concurrently with early mathematical concepts. It demonstrates that at this time, spreadsheets are the best medium for inculcating computational thinking but recognizes that advances in technology may favor other digital approaches in time.
Development And Evolution Of An Interactive HRM Course: A Case Study
Authors: McClurg Lucy A.
Published: March 2016

A course in Human Resource consulting (Human Resources Field Research) was designed and implemented at a university in cooperation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Students work with local business executives, SHRM representatives, and the class instructor to complete projects for the client business firms. Trial and error of practices in the class led to evolution of the course to its present state.