bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Education and Its Effective Practice: A Research Review
Authors: Sun Anna , Chen Xiufang
Published: October 2017

Using a qualitative content analysis approach, this study reviewed 47 published studies and research on online teaching and learning since 2008, primarily focusing on how theories, practices and assessments apply to the online learning environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide practical suggestions for those who are planning to develop online courses so that they can make informed decisions in the implementation process. Based on the findings, the authors argued that effective online instruction is dependent upon 1) well-designed course content, motivated interaction between the instructor and learners, well-prepared and fully-supported instructors; 2) creation of a sense of online learning community; and 3) rapid advancement of technology. In doing this, it is hoped that this will stimulate an on-going discussion of effective strategies that can enhance universities and faculty success in transitioning to teach online. Under current debates on the cost and quality of higher education, this study could help for the improvement of higher education and student enrollment and retention.
Analogical Thinking for Generation of Innovative Ideas: An Exploratory Study of Influential Factors
Authors: Kim Eunyoung , Horii Hideyuki
Published: October 2017

Analogical thinking is one of the most effective tools to generate innovative ideas. It enables us to develop new ideas by transferring information from well-known domains and utilizing them in a novel domain. However, using analogical thinking does not always yield appropriate ideas, and there is a lack of consensus among researchers regarding the evaluation methods for assessing new ideas. Here, we define the appropriateness of generated ideas as having high structural and low superficial similarities with their source ideas. This study investigates the relationship between thinking process and the appropriateness of ideas generated through analogical thinking. We conducted four workshops with 22 students in order to collect the data. All generated ideas were assessed based on the definition of appropriateness in this study. The results show that participants who deliberate more before reaching the creative leap stage and those who are engaged in more trial and error for deciding the final domain of a new idea have a greater possibility of generating appropriate ideas. The findings suggest new strategies of designing workshops to enhance the appropriateness of new ideas.
Towards A Methodology for the Pre-Stage of Implementing a Reengineering Project
Authors: Nasiri Shahram , Javad Nasiri Mohammad , Sa’adati Azar Asiyeh
Published: October 2017

In order to reduce cost, improve functionality and gain competitive advantages, organizations resort to reengineering projects by developing and making changes to organizational processes. The absence of a unified methodology and appropriate analytic approaches prior to the implementation of reengineering projects has made authorities not to adopt correct decision making approaches in this respect. The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology that has to be adopted prior to the implementation of reengineering projects. The statistical population here consists of 25 expert analysts with MA and PhD degrees who are subject to answering a questionnaire. In this proposed methodology the Multi Criterion Decision Making model is applied to allow the analysts to select appropriate models for better and accurate implementation through the least failure coefficient. The Neyriz White Cement Corporation is selected as the subject and the obtained results are compared with the results obtained from similar implemented projects.
Impact of Electronic Portfolios on Prospective Teachers’ Participation, Motivation, and Autonomous Learning
Authors: M. Gámiz-Sánchez Vanesa , Gallego-Arrufat María-Jesús , Crisol-Moya Emilio
Published: October 2017

This study explores the impact of electronic portfolios on undergraduate learning in higher education. Based on a descriptive study, it analyses the prospective teacher’s perception of use of these tools (electronic portfolio in Moodle-Mahara, in the institutional environment of a university in southern Europe), examining the variables participation, autonomous learning, and motivation. The results show no increase in motivation, but they do show an increase in autonomy, especially a progressive increase in the student’s online participation in a blended learning context. The results show a positive correlation between the variables participation and university student’s performance. Research into the uses and impact of electronic portfolios on undergraduates has implications for improving educational practice by fostering increased participation and autonomous learning.
Challenges of Knowledge and Information Management during New Product Introduction: Experiences from a Finnish Multinational Company
Authors: M. Järvenpää Eeva , Kopra Miia-Johanna , Lanz Minna
Published: October 2017

Efficient knowledge and information management is essential for companies to prosper in the rapidly changing global environment. This article presents challenges of a large Finnish multinational company relating to their current knowledge and information management practices and systems. The focus is on New Product Introduction (NPI) process. The study is based on interviews and facilitated workshops in the Research and Development (R&D) and Production departments. Furthermore, the identified challenges are reflected to the findings presented in knowledge and information management literature.
The results gained from the company case study were well in line with the findings in the literature. Three main topics, which can be generalized to cause challenges for knowledge and information management in most companies, were recognized: 1) Issues related to human behavior, individual characteristics and capabilities, different backgrounds, and professional vocabulary; 2) Codifying tacit knowledge into explicit information, which can be saved to company information system; 3) Lack of interoperability between different information systems.
The study provides the management of the case company, and other similar organizations, focus points while seeking for better knowledge and information management. From a scientific perspective, the main contribution of this article is to give practical examples of how the theoretical findings presented in literature manifest themselves in real industrial practices.
PHYSICIAN EMR ADOPTION IN AN ACADEMIC SETTING
Authors: J Culumber Janene
Published: October 2017

The Chief Information Office at Moffitt Cancer Center worries that his physicians may not be ready for the shift to electronic medical records (EMR). Could he get the organization to change its view from an IT driven project to an institutional change in clinical and operational workflows?
Journal for the Study of Postsecondary and Tertiary Education, Volume 2 - Printable Table of Contents
Authors: Freeman Jr. Sydney
Published: October 2017

Table of Contents for Volume 2, 2017, Journal for the Study of Postsecondary and Tertiary Education
Peer-mentors Reflect on the Benefits of Mentoring: An Autoethography
Authors: R Booth Sarah , K Merga Margaret , Mat Roni Saiyidi
Published: October 2017

Many PhD candidates bring with them a wealth of knowledge and skills; however, these may not sufficiently prepare candidates to work with high autonomy on a project with often limited interaction with the wider research community. A peer-mentor program model, in which a mentor delivers dyadic and group support to higher degree by research students from different disciplines and backgrounds, has the potential to enhance candidates’ knowledge and skills. However, the mentors themselves can experience significant advantages, as peer-mentoring can also have a positive effect on the mentors’ research experience. In order to further understanding of the potential benefits of peer-mentoring for mentors, three researchers explore their experiences as peer-mentors through an autoethnographic framework. Through discussing their personal experiences as peer-mentors, the researchers identified a range of benefits for themselves. These benefits in-volved finding that peer- mentoring enhanced their own learning, fostered reflective practice, and provided current tertiary teaching and research support experience. Peer mentoring also gave them broad exposure to a breadth of disciplines, theories, and methods; provided project management insights; created opportunities for professional networking; supported their social needs; and gave them invaluable insight into other candidate/supervisor relationships. Their role in a peer-mentor model has shaped their experiences as PhD candidates and also informed their decisions after graduation.
Enacting Efficacy in Early Career: Narratives of Agency, Growth, and Identity
Authors: K Niehaus Elizabeth , Reading Jillian , E Garcia Crystal
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: To explore how early career faculty in the field of higher education administration develop and enact their personal and professional identities.

Background: Participants sought to understand themselves, to understand their environments and the “rules” of the academic “game,” and to reconcile conflicts between their own values and identities and the expectations and culture of their environments.

Methodology: In-depth case studies of seventeen early career scholars in the field.

Contribution: The participants’ experiences underscore important implications for mentoring and socialization that takes into consideration the unique motivation and identity development of aspiring and new faculty members.

Findings: Identifies the early career period as one where new faculty are working to develop a strong internal foundation upon which they can manage the many challenges of their personal and professional lives.

Recommendations: The findings point to implications for practice, both in graduate education and in departments hiring new faculty members.
Preparing Teacher Candidates for Virtual Field Placements via an Exposure to K-12 Online Teaching
Authors: Luo Tian , Hibbard Laura , Franklin Teresa , Moore David
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose The goal of this project was to determine what effects exposure to online K-12 teaching and learning activities had on teacher candidates’ perceptions of K-12 online learning, how the exposure allowed teacher candidates to reach greater understanding of online pedagogy, and what effect such exposure had on teacher candidates’ aspirations to complete virtual field experiences.

Background With an increasing number of K-12 students learning online within full-time online schools and in blended learning environments, universities must prepare future educators to teach in virtual environments including clinical practice. Before engaging in online field placement, preservice teachers must be oriented to online K-12 teaching and learning.

Methodology Using a design-based, mixed-method research methodology, this study drew samples from four sections of a hybrid technology integration course. Preservice teachers’ papers detailing their perceptions, focus groups, and surveys were used to gauge changes in perceptions of online learning after participating in online teaching and learning activities.

Contribution The study demonstrated that an exposure to online K-12 classrooms stimulated preservice teachers’ interest in online teaching as they began to feel that online education could be equivalent to traditional education.

Findings Students’ perceptions positively improved the equivalency of online learning to traditional schooling, the possibility of positive relationships between teachers and students, and the ability to create interactive learning. Students also reported being more knowledgeable and showed increased interest in participating in virtual field experiences.

Future Research Future research may continue to examine if the exposure course, combined with a short-term clinical experiences and long-term online apprenticeships may serve to prepare graduates with the skills necessary to teach in classrooms of the future.
An Investigation of the Use of the ‘Flipped Classroom’ Pedagogy in Secondary English Language Classrooms
Authors: Cheung Ruby Yang Chi
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose : To examine the use of a flipped classroom in the English Language subject in secondary classrooms in Hong Kong.

Background: The research questions addressed were: (1) What are teachers’ perceptions towards the flipped classroom pedagogy? (2) How can teachers transfer their flipped classroom experiences to teaching other classes/subjects? (3) What are students’ perceptions towards the flipped classroom pedagogy? (4) How can students transfer their flipped classroom experiences to studying other subjects? (5) Will students have significant gain in the knowledge of the lesson topic trialled in this study?

Methodology: A total of 57 students from two Secondary 2 classes in a Band 3 secondary school together with two teachers teaching these two classes were involved in this study. Both quantitative and quantitative data analyses were conducted.

Contribution: Regarding whether the flipped classroom pedagogy can help students gain significantly in their knowledge of a lesson topic, only one class of students gained statistically significantly in the subject knowledge but not for another class.

Findings: Students in general were positive about the flipped classroom. On the other hand, although the teachers considered that the flipped classroom pedagogy was creative, they thought it may only be useful for teaching English grammar.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Teachers thought that flipping a classroom may only be useful for more motivated students, and the extra workload of finding or making suitable pre-lesson online videos is the main concern for teachers.

Recommendations for Researchers: Both quantitative and qualitative analyses should be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a flipped classroom on students’ language learning.

Impact on Society : Teachers and students can transfer their flipped classroom experiences in English Language to teaching and studying other subjects.

Future Research: More classes should be involved and a longer period of time should be spent on trial teaching in which a flipped classroom can be implemented in different lesson topics, not only teaching grammar. Teachers also need to determine if students can use the target language item in a task.
BIG DATA: CAN IT BE MANAGED?
Authors: Deleanides Jessica , Gebhardt Kevin , Hurd Justin , Stanley Clayton
Published: October 2017

Justin Hurd, a regional manager for Marten Transport, Ltd. (Marten), knows that Marten’s data gathering initiative had produced a wealth of information related to these issues, but how could this data be transformed into useful, actionable metrics that could reduce inefficiencies and protect Marten’s bottom line?
The Worforce for the 21st Century
Authors: O'Lawrence Henry
Published: October 2017

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology]

Aim/Purpose: In today’s changing economy, economic growth depends on career and technical programs for skill training.

Background: This study discusses the key area in promoting individual learning and skill training and discusses the importance of career education and training as a way of promoting economic growth.

Methodology: This study uses a qualitative study approach to investigate and report on the status and influence of Workforce Education and Development and its economic importance.

Contribution: This report contributes to the knowledge base common to all work settings that can solve many human performance problems in the workplace.

Findings: This study also justifies and validates the ideas on the importance of workforce education and development in the 21st century as a way of developing economic growth and providing learning to make individuals competitive in the global economy.

Recommendations for Practitioners: For practitioners, this study suggests that we must always have discussions of what leads to career success and understanding that there is not enough high-skill/high-wage employment to go around. Therefore, developing these skills requires a decision about a career or related group of jobs to prepare to compete for them; we have to provide training needed in order to be competitive in global economy.

Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers have to develop strategies to promote career direction with willingness to evaluate the level of academic interest, level of career focus and readiness for life away from home (attitudes, skills and knowledge of self).

Impact on Society: Institutions must regularly evaluate curriculum to reflect the rapid technological changes and the globalization of world markets that reflect their mission and develop students’ mindset to always think big and think outside the box in order to be competitive in the global market. Change is external, transition is internal. It is important that the change agent communicate both the reasons for change and the probable consequences that people will experience during the time of this change, which is transition – a change people go through when they become unemployed or face a major employment obstacle in their lives.

Future Research: New research should focus on career assessment materials and related academic programs and career directions that will promote success.
HAMMERING YAMMER
Authors: Collier April , Dorado Darren , Garcia Stephanie , Xavier Nicholas
Published: October 2017

Chris Milan, Managing Director of Southeastern Region at Tribridge, Inc., is considering the installation and implementation of the Enterprise Social Network (ESN) Yammer. He has to decide whether to go forward and, if he does, how to implement it and what it can be expected to achieve.
Nurture Adolescents’ Cyberethics by Enhancing Their Self-Knowledge and Self-Awareness Using a Pressure-Free Self-Assessment Strategy [Abstract]
Authors: Shui Ng Wing
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: In adolescents’ cyberethics education, case-based discussion, debate and role-playing are commonly used instructional strategies to engage students in critical dialogues in an open setting. However, the open setting is entirely different from the private and individual environment when adolescents go online. Teachers are in a position of higher power and peers’ observation provokes certain level of peer pressure. Students may not truly express their attitudes in the process for self-reflection.

Background: This study elaborated an instructional strategy with a pressure-free self-assessment exercise that aimed to enhance adolescents’ self-knowledge and self-awareness regarding their attitudes on cyberethics.

Methodology: The instructional strategy was divided into two phases. The purpose of the first phase was to enable students to obtain background knowledge on cyberethics. The second phase, with a pressure-free self-assessment element, aimed to enhance students’ self-knowledge and self-awareness on cyberethics. The study was carried out in a subsidized secondary school in Hong Kong. A total of 28 students at secondary three level participated in this study.

Contribution: In theoretical perspective, the researcher suggested an adolescents’ cyberethics framework with dimensions of information security, privacy, intellectual property and netiquette. To nurture adolescents’ cyberethics, this study emphasized the importance of including theories of self-presentation, self-knowledge and self-awareness in the area of social psychology into cyberethics education.

Findings: Students considered that the self-assessment exercise enabled self-reflection and enhanced self-knowledge on their attitudes of cyberethics. They also found it more effective for self-reflection compared with commonly used strategies and they will be more aware of cyberethics in their future online activities.

Recommendations for Practitioners : Education practitioners are recommended to include a pressure-free self-assessment exercise to enhance the teaching effectiveness of cyberethics education.

Recommendation for Researchers: This study opens avenues for further investigations of adolescents’ cyberethics with consideration of adolescents’ cognitive, psychological, social and emotional factors.

Impact on Society : It is expected that the attitudes and behaviors of digital citizens can be improved by using this instructional strategy in cyberethics education.

Future Research: Researcher could explore how different developmental factors affect adolescents’ decision-making on various issues of cyberethics.
Faculty Agency in Applying for Promotion to Professor
Authors: K. Gardner Susan , Blackstone Amy
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: In the United States, faculty who wish to pursue promotion to the rank of professor do so without clear guidance or structure. Even the timing of such a process is nebulous. As such, an individual engages in agentic action to pursue the rank.

Background: This study examined the experiences of faculty members who chose to pursue the application process to be promoted to professor but were rejected or dissuaded.

Methodology: Utilizing a case study of one institutional setting, we conducted 10 in-depth qualitative interviews.

Contribution: Very little is known about the process of promotion to full professor in the U.S. and even less empirical research exists. This study advances knowledge of the process and the experiences of those undertaking it.

Findings: We learned that cues from the social context greatly influenced these faculty members’ sense of agency.
Executive Higher Education Doctoral Programs in the United States: A Demographic Market-Based Analysis
Authors: Forthun Gracie , Freeman Jr. Sydney
Published: October 2017

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology]

Aim/Purpose : Executive doctoral programs in higher education are under-researched. Scholars, administers, and students should be aware of all common delivery methods for higher education graduate programs.

Background: This paper provides a review and analysis of executive doctoral higher education programs in the United States.

Methodology : Executive higher education doctoral programs analyzed utilizing a qualitative demographic market-based analysis approach.

Contribution: This review of executive higher education doctoral programs provides one of the first investigations of this segment of the higher education degree market.

Findings: There are twelve programs in the United States offering executive higher education degrees, though there are less aggressively marketed programs described as executive-style higher education doctoral programs that could serve students with similar needs.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Successful executive higher education doctoral programs require faculty that have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in higher education. As appropriate, these programs should include tenure-line, clinical-track, and adjunct faculty who have cabinet level experience in higher education.

Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers should begin to investigate more closely the small but growing population of executive doctoral degree programs in higher education.

Impact on Society: Institutions willing to offer executive degrees in higher education will provide training specifically for those faculty who are one step from an executive position within the higher education sector. Society will be impacted by having someone that is trained in the area who also has real world experience.

Future Research: Case studies of students enrolled in executive higher education programs and research documenting university-employer goals for these programs would enhance our understanding of this branch of the higher education degree market.
Efficacy of Low-Cost PC-Based Aviation Training Devices
Authors: l Reweti Savern , Gilbey Andrew , Jeffrey Lynn
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore whether a full cost flight training device (FTD) was significantly better for simulator training than a low cost PC-Based Aviation Training Device (PCATD).

Background: A quasi-transfer study was undertaken to ascertain whether a Civil Aviation Authority certified Flight Training Device (FTD) was more effective at improving pilot proficiency in the performance of a standard VFR traffic pattern (Overhead Rejoin Procedure) than a customised low cost PCATD.

Methodology: In this quasi-transfer study, a high fidelity FTD rather than an aircraft was used to test both training and transfer tasks. Ninety-three pilots were recruited to participate in the study.

Contribution: The use of PCATDs is now well established for pilot training, especially for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) skills training. However, little substantive research has been undertaken to examine their efficacy for VFR training.

Findings: There was no evidence of a pre-test/post-test difference in VFR task perfor-mance between participants trained on the PCATD and the FTD, when post tested on the FTD. The use of both PCATD and FTD demonstrated signifi-cant improvements in VFR task performance compared to a control group that received no PCATD or FTD training.

Recommendations for Practitioners : We discuss the possibility that low cost PCATDs may be a viable alternative for flight schools wishing to use a flight simulator but not able to afford a FTD.

Recommendation for Researchers: We discuss the introduction of improved low cost technologies that allow PCATDs to be used more effectively for training in VFR procedures. The development and testing of new technologies requires more research.

Impact on Society: Flight training schools operate in a difficult economic environment with continued increases in the cost of aircraft maintenance, compliance costs, and aviation fuel. The increased utilisation of low cost PCATD’s especially for VFR instruction could significantly reduce the overall cost of pilot training

Future Research: A new study is being undertaken to compare the effectiveness of a PCATD and a FTD at training transfer of other VFR task procedures such as forced landing training, forced landing after take-off, and low-level navigation exercises.
The Informing Needs of Procurement Officers in Israel
Authors: Bouhnik Dan , Giat Yahel , Zarruk Issachar
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: [This Proceedings paper was revised and published in Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline (InfoSci)]

To develop and introduce a questionnaire that investigates the informing needs, information-seeking behavior, and supplier selection of procurement officers in Israel. The questionnaire’s internal consistency reliability is given. Additionally, we describe the demographic description of the procurement officers in Israel.

Background: Procurement science is an important field that affects firms’ profits in the private sector and is significant to growth, innovation, sustainability, and welfare in the public sector. There is little research about the informing needs of procurement officers in general and particularly in Israel.

Methodology: A quantitative questionnaire that is sent to all the procurement officers in Israel’s purchasing and logistics managers association.

Contribution: The questionnaire that is developed in this paper may be used by other researchers and practitioners to evaluate the informing needs of procurement officers.

Findings: The typical procurement officer is male, with a bachelor degree and is digitally proficient.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The procuring side can use the questionnaire to develop better tools for obtaining information efficiently. The supplying side can use this knowledge to improve its exposure to potential customers and address its customer’s needs better.

Recommendation for Researchers: The questionnaire can address theoretical questions such as how digital literacy affects the procurement process and provide empirical findings about active research areas such as supplier selection and information-seeking behavior.

Future Research: Future research will examine the relationship between the various variables and demographic features to understand why specific informing needs and information-seeking behaviors arise.
Data Visualization in Support of Executive Decision Making
Authors: Moore Jeanne
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: This journal paper seeks to understand historical aspects of data management, leading to the current data issues faced by organizational executives in relation to big data and how best to present the information to circumvent big data challenges for executive strategic decision making.

Background: This journal paper seeks to understand what executives value in data visualization, based on the literature published from prior data studies.

Methodology: The qualitative methodology was used to understand the sentiments of executives and data analysts using semi-structured interview techniques.

Contribution: The preliminary findings can provide practical knowledge for data visualization designers, but can also provide academics with knowledge to reflect on and use, specifically in relation to information systems (IS) that integrate human experience with technology in more valuable and productive ways.

Findings: Preliminary results from interviews with executives and data analysts point to the relevance of understanding and effectively presenting the data source and the data journey, using the right data visualization technology to fit the nature of the data, creating an intuitive platform which enables collaboration and newness, the data presenter’s ability to convey the data message and the alignment of the visualization to core the objectives as key criteria to be applied for successful data visualizations

Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners, specifically data analysts, should consider the results highlighted in the findings and adopt such recommendations when presenting data visualizations. These include data and premise understanding, ensuring alignment to the executive’s objective, possessing the ability to convey messages succinctly and clearly to the audience, having knowledge of the domain to answer questions effectively, and using the right technology to convey the message.

Recommendation for Researchers: The importance of human cognitive and sensory processes and its impact in IS development is paramount. More focus can be placed on the psychological factors of technology acceptance. The current TAM model, used to describe use, identifies perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use as the primary considerations in technology adoption. However, factors that have been identified that impact on use do not express the importance of cognitive processes in technology adoption.

Future Research: Future research requires further focus on intangible and psychological factors that could affect technology adoption and use, as well as understanding data visualization effectiveness in corporate environments, not only predominantly within the Health sector. Lessons from Health sector studies in data visualization should be used as a platform.
The Impact of a University Experience Program on Rural and Regional Secondary School Students: Keeping the Flame Burning
Authors: Penman Joy , Thalluri Jyothi
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The uptake of university by regional students has been problematic for various reasons. This paper discusses a program, initiated by a South Australian regional university campus, aimed at attracting regional students into higher education.

Background: A qualitative descriptive approach to study was used to determine the value of the program on participating students and school staff. Year 10 students from Roxby Downs, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln high schools were invited to participate in a two-day regionally-focussed school-university engagement program that linked students with the university campus and local employers.

Methodology: A survey was administered to determine the impact of the program. Perceptions about the program by school staff were gathered using a modified One-Minute Harvard questionnaire. While 38 Year 10 students and 5 school staff members participated, 37 students and 3 staff evaluated the program.

Findings: The findings revealed that the majority of the students would like to attend university, but financial and social issues were important barriers. The students learned about the regional university, what it can offer in terms of programs and support, and the employment prospect following university. The school staff benefited by developing a closer relationship with students and becoming better informed about the regional university.

Recommendation for Practitioners: One way by which university uptake may be increased is to provide similar immersion programs featuring engagement with employers, our recommendation to other regional universities. In increasing the levels of education, individuals, communities and the society in general are benefited.
ICT Coordinators’ TPACK-based Leadership Knowledge in their Roles as Agents of Change
Authors: Avidov Ungar Orit , Shamir-Inbal Tamar
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The aim of the study is to examine what ICT coordinators perceive as the main elements of knowledge needed to implement ICT successfully into school culture.

Background: For the past few years, Israel’s Ministry of Education has been running a national program of adapting the education system to the 21st century skills. Key teachers have been appointed as ICT coordinators. Their role was to implement technology in schools.

Methodology: The participants in this study were 130 ICT coordinators in Israeli Hebrew and Arabic schools. Those ICT coordinators had to attend a special in-service 60-hour course throughout an entire school year. The research tool was the reflection of the ICT coordinators who were asked to complete at the end of the in-service course. Narrative analysis was chosen as the main approach to data analysis.

Contribution: We claim that ICT coordinators maintain a complex perception of their role, based on broad personal and professional knowledge that enables them to lead the needed changes.

Findings: Based on the findings the coordinators revealed primary successful elements of their work: (a) technological aspects, (b) pedagogical aspects, (c) the organizational aspects, and (d) the ICT coordinator as a leader of systemic change. The first two elements already appear in the TPACK construct, while the others constitute organizational knowledge (OK) and leadership knowledge (LK) that enables the coordinators to facilitate ICT implementation in schools, and these are the unique elements of this study.

Recommendations for Practitioners : We recommend that when choosing ICT coordinators or ICT implementation leaders at school, one should check not only that they possess the familiar TPACK knowledge, but also organizational knowledge and leadership knowledge that was found essential to successful completion of the coordinators’ role.

Impact on Society : his study has shed light on the nature and significance of leadership knowledge (LK) and its function as an additional expression of TPACK.

Future Research: We suggest that future research about educational technology leaders’ TPACK be drawn from these results.
Innovating and Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Some Cases of Success
Authors: Machín Marta , De Pablos Heredero Carmen
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: To understand the change of entrepreneurial initiatives by analysing some new initiatives that came up the last years based on IT enabled business models

Background: The theme is described from an educational perspective by offering examples of successful entrepreneurship initiatives

Methodology: Description of some cases: Waynabox, Lock up, Uber, Pinterest

Contribution: This project tries to become a guide for youth in order to understand various aspects: first, the entrepreneurial aspects that have to be considered before starting a business; secondly, the characteristics that successful businesses have in common; and finally how an entrepreneur can be innovative and how they can achieve the success

Findings: Only the 10% of the start-ups exist more than three years. Among the causes of failure are the high saturation of the market and the market competition, which are connected to the ignorance of the real necessity of customers.
The company has to identify the needs of customers. They have to define and target their customers by observing and analyzing the market and, above all, getting in touch with the customers.
The business plan is something that has to be carried out before the beginning of the project, and has to exist on paper. Everything has to be planned and organised, and the objectives have to be clearly stated in order to stay focused

Recommendations for Practitioners : To use existent business models as an inspiration for the creation of a new business model. It is really important to avoid copying the business model itself. One thing that a company needs to do is to make the difference offering new characteristics adapted to the current customer’s experiences

Recommendation for Researchers: It is really important to have a good relation with the customer, to attend their needs and to help them with all the doubts that they can have about the company.
An entrepreneur cannot be guided by his own interests. He has to invest in order to know the needs of the potential customers

Impact on Society : Customer experience is key to have success in new business models
Hybrid App Approach: Could It Mark the End of Native App Domination?
Authors: Q. Huynh Minh , Ghimire Prashant , Truong Donny
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: Despite millions of apps on the market, it is still challenging to develop a mobile app that can run across platforms using the same code.

Background: This paper explores a potential solution for developing cross platform apps by presenting the hybrid app approach.

Methodology: The paper first describes a brief evolution of the different mobile app development approaches and then compares them with the hybrid app approach. Next, it focuses on one specific hybrid app development framework called Ionic.

Contribution: The paper presents the hybrid app approach as an emerging trend in mobile app development and concludes with the highlight of its advantages and teaching implications.

Findings: The hybrid app approach reduces the learning curve and offers tools to allow the reuse of code to create apps for different mobile devices.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The experience that the paper describes in using Ionic framework to create a hybrid app can be adopted in a web design or mobile app development course.

Impact on Society : The advance in hybrid framework in general and the growing acceptance of open source framework, such as Ionic in particular, may provide an alternative to the native app domination and may trigger the rapid rise of hybrid apps in the years to come.
The Workforce for the 21st Century
Authors: O'Lawrence Henry
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: In today’s changing economy, economic growth depends on career and technical programs for skill training.

Background: This study discusses the key area in promoting individual learning and skill training and discusses the importance of career education and training as a way of promoting economic growth.

Methodology : This study uses a qualitative study approach to investigate and report on the status and influence of Workforce Education and Development and its economic importance.

Contribution: This report contributes to the knowledge base common to all work settings that can solve many human performance problems in the workplace.

Findings: This study also justifies and validates the ideas on the importance of workforce education and development in the 21st century as a way of developing economic growth and providing learning to make individuals competitive in the global economy.

Recommendations for Practitioners : For practitioners, this study suggests that we must always have discussions of what leads to career success and understanding that there is not enough high-skill/high-wage employment to go around. Therefore, developing these skills requires a decision about a career or related group of jobs to prepare to compete for them; we have to provide training needed in order to be competitive in global economy.

Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers have to develop strategies to promote career direction with willingness to evaluate the level of academic interest, level of career focus and readiness for life away from home (attitudes, skills and knowledge of self).

Impact on Society: Institutions must regularly evaluate curriculum to reflect the rapid technological changes and the globalization of world markets that reflect their mission and develop students’ mindset to always think big and think outside the box in order to be competitive in the global market. Change is external, transition is internal. It is important that the change agent communicate both the reasons for change and the probable consequences that people will experience during the time of this change, which is transition – a change people go through when they become unemployed or face a major employment obstacle in their lives.

Future Research: New research should focus on career assessment materials and related academic programs and career directions that will promote success.
Remember When Ebooks were all the Rage? A Look at Student Preferences for Printed Text versus Electronic
Authors: L Gregory Vicki , L Cox Kiersten
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: In many public and academic libraries, ebooks are being pushed on users mainly due to budgetary and space needs even though readers are still showing a strong preference for print books.

Background: Many librarians are focusing on how to get readers to use ebooks when they really should be considering how ebooks fit into learning, whether formal or self-learning, and the preferences that readers show for one format over the other. Library collections since the 1960s have generally focused on a strategy of “give them what they want,” but in the case of ebooks, there seems to be a trend of trying to force ebooks on users.

Methodology: A survey was given to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of South Florida.

Contribution: Our research findings fit with current data that shows a decline in popularity of ebooks and a continued popularity of print books. We would like to convince members of the academy to think about this issue and question the ebooks plans that libraries have on their campuses.

Findings: Both undergraduates and graduates strongly preferred print over electronic in the case of textbooks and books for leisure reading. Only journal articles were preferred in electronic form, but from the comments it was evident that articles were printed out and the student used the print copy for studying and research purposes. Reference books were split 50/50 in preference for electronic versus print.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Librarians and teachers cannot assume that just because students use their smart-phones that they prefer ebooks.

Recommendation for Researchers: More research is needed on this subject before libraries become too dependent on purchasing large ebook packages from vendors rather than the selection of print books.

Future Research: Now that this paper has advanced our understanding of user preferences for books versus ebooks, we wish to expand our research to faculty and widen the geographical areas covered.
Immersive Learning: Using a Web-Based Learning Tool in a PhD Course to Enhance the Learning Experience
Authors: Li Shang Ly Samie , G Saade Raafat , Morin Danielle
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: Teaching and learning is no longer the same and the paradigm shift has not settled yet. Information technology (IT) and its worldwide use impacts student learning methods and associated pedagogical models.

Background: In this study we frame immersive learning as a method that we believe can be designed by pedagogical models such as experiential, constructivist, and collaborative elements. We also present a peer-to-peer interactive web based learning tool, designed and implemented in-house with immersive learning features.

Methodology: We conducted an exploratory research with a Ph.D course on “pedagogical methods” where 9 doctoral students were tasked to follow the peer-to-peer 3 phase process in their learning.

Contribution: We found the peer-to-peer does favor experiential, constructivist, collaborative learning, which contributes into the use of immersive learning as an important learning style for the future.

Findings: This study investigated different ways to measure students’ collaboration, constructivism through their peer evaluation scores and performance in an immersive learning environment by taking the roles of teacher, evaluator, and learner.

Recommendations for Practitioners: An in-depth understanding of immersive learning methods allows the application of Experiential Immersive Learning (EIL) in various disciplines of professional training, which can increase performance and engagement.

Recommendation for Researchers: It is necessary and advantageous for a researcher to view in-depth the process of students’ learning, to have the ability to quantify, analyze each individual’s contribution, and to observe via Information Technology the collaborative aspects of learning.

Impact on Society: By observing an effective methodology in learning, this allows us to understand how knowledge is created throughout different disciplines.

Future Research: Further studies should be made to adjust and polish our understanding of the peer-to-peer tool in order to gain a deeper understanding of customized learning.