ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Computer and Mathematics Software Usage on Performance of School Leavers in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: A Comparative Analysis
Author: Smith, Garth Spencer
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Computer Uses in Education,Educational Technology,Mathematics Achievement,Scores,High School Seniors,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Comparative Analysis,Access to Computers,Computer Software,Exit Examinations,Program Effectiveness,Developed Nations,Secondary School Mathematics,Intervention,Statistical Analysis,Effect Size

In this study the impact of computer immersion on performance of school leavers Senior Certificate mathematics scores was investigated across 31 schools in the EMDC East education district of Cape Town, South Africa by comparing performance between two groups: a control and an experimental group. The experimental group (14 high schools) had access to computers since 2001 while the control schools received computers between 2006 and early 2007. That is, the experimental schools could be expected to be more immersed in computer technology than the control schools. Findings indicated that there was no significant difference between the final Senior Certificate mathematics results of the schools with the computers and those without; no significant change in the results after the Khanya labs were installed; no significant change in the percentage of pupils that passed Senior Certificate Mathematics; and no significant change in Higher Grade Maths enrolment rates. This finding points to the need for caution in the implementation of ICT's into schools as a potential panacea for mathematical failure in our context. Recommendations for further, qualitative work to provide a more nuanced picture of computer usage, should be made.
Prevalence of Online Reading among High School Students in Qatar: Evidence from the Programme for International Student Assessment 2009
Author: Cheema, Jehanzeb R.
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Incidence,Reading Habits,Correlation,Literacy,High School Students,Multivariate Analysis,Gender Differences,Socioeconomic Status,Internet,Foreign Countries,Sampling,Homework,Computer Mediated Communication,Social Networks,Information Seeking,Computer Use,Family Environment,Educational Environment

Recent research has suggested presence of a significant relationship between prevalence of online reading and reading literacy. In this study we examined the prevalence of online reading among 15-year old students in Qatar using a nationally representative sample of 8,089 students. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted at the item and scale levels in order to understand the relationship of online reading activities with computer use for schoolwork and entertainment, and demographic differences such as gender, grade and socioeconomic status. Our results suggest small but significant differences in mean online reading between boys and girls. Online reading was found to be strongly associated with both entertainment-and schoolwork-related use of computers at home but weakly associated with computer use at school. Implications were discussed.
Blended Learning in Distance Education: Sri Lankan Perspective
Author: Liyanagunawardena, T. R.
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Blended Learning,Distance Education,Questionnaires,Qualitative Research,Interviews,Ownership,Computer Literacy,Foreign Countries,Costs,Case Studies,Ethnography,Educational Policy,Access to Computers,Barriers,Online Courses,Technical Assistance,Universities,Educational Change,Student Attitudes,Native Language,English (Second Language),Language of Instruction,Second Language Learning,Dravidian Languages,Indo European Languages

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of online learning in distance educational delivery at Yellow Fields University (pseudonymous) in Sri Lanka. The implementation of online distance education at the University included the use of blended learning. The policy initiative to introduce online for distance education in Sri Lanka was guided by the expectation of cost reduction and the implementation was financed under the Distance Education Modernization Project. The paper presents one case study of a larger multiple case study research that employed an ethnographic research approach in investigating the impact of ICT on distance education in Sri Lanka. Documents, questionnaires and qualitative interviews were used for data collection. There was a significant positive relationship between ownership of computers and students' ability to use computer for word processing, emailing and Web searching. The lack of access to computers and the Internet, the lack of infrastructure, low levels of computer literacy, the lack of local language content, and the lack of formal student support services at the University were found to be major barriers to implementing compulsory online activities at the University.
Promoting Proper Education for Sustainability: An Exploratory Study of ICT Enhanced Problem Based Learning in a Developing Country
Author: Roy, Amit
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Developing Nations,Information Technology,Problem Based Learning,Social Problems,Social Change,Change Agents,Children,Environmental Education,Fire Science Education,Fire Protection,Conservation (Environment),Conservation Education,Pretests Posttests,Educational Technology,Sustainability,Mixed Methods Research,Secondary School Students,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Questionnaires

One of the goals of education is to create responsible citizens who can adequately understand the problems faced by their societies and who can then act to help solve them. Such behaviour can be fostered through proper education that facilitates expert knowledge about social issues, nurtures the ability to think critically and grows the skills needed to pro-actively search for possible solutions. Through this study, we aimed to develop an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) supported pedagogical framework &quot;Children as Agents of Social Change&quot; (CASC) as a possible vehicle to facilitate proper education about social issues. This article analyses the first implementation of the CASC framework carried out at schools in Tanzania. Forest fires in Tanzania are often caused by human activity and education about this pressing problem needs to be provisioned on a large scale. However, due to a lack of teachers and teacher expertise, this is not being done. We created a locally contextualized video supported by a Problem Based Learning (PBL) solution to connect local forest experts with school students. These students then creatively conducted PBL activities in order to help solve local environmental and conservation problems. Data was collected through pre- and post-tests of control-experimental groups and teacher interviews. Results suggest that the participants were enlightened as to a variety of active problem solving possibilities and that they ranked the CASC methodology as an effective approach to environmental education.
Determining Distance Education Students' Readiness for Mobile Learning at University of Ghana Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
Author: Tagoe, Michael Ayitey
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Distance Education,Electronic Learning,Learning Readiness,College Students,Behavior Theories,Student Attitudes,Handheld Devices,Factor Analysis,Intention,Statistical Analysis,Age Differences,Questionnaires

The use of mobile technologies in the classroom is transforming teaching and learning in higher institutions. This study investigated University of Ghana Distance Education students' perceptions toward mobile learning. The paper using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) explained how students' beliefs influenced students' intention to adopt m-learning. Findings from the study showed that most of the students had mobile phones, and used them for conversation and texting. Young students were more likely to have smart phones that their older colleagues. Factor analysis was further conducted which showed strong loadings of factors such as intentions and perceived behavioural control confirming that the TPB explained the students' m-learning readiness very well. Thus, attitude, subjective norm and behavioural control influenced students' intention to adopt m-learning. The results provide valuable information on ways to implement m-learning programmes incorporating the voice and needs of students.
ICT-Based, Cross-Cultural Communication: A Methodological Perspective
Author: Larsen, Niels
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Intercultural Communication,Computer Mediated Communication,Case Studies,Information Technology,Health Education,Physical Activities,Grade 6,Elementary School Students,Films,Interactive Video,Cooperative Learning,Foreign Countries,Health Promotion,Program Descriptions,Letters (Correspondence),Editing,Reflection

The article discusses how cross-cultural communication based on information and communication technologies (ICT) may be used in participatory health promotion as well as in education in general. The analysis draws on experiences from a health education research project with grade 6 (approx. 12 years) pupils in Nairobi (Kenya) and Copenhagen (Denmark) addressing the topic of physical activity in everyday life. The article outlines a sequence of educational events (the Cross-Cultural Communication (3C) model) comprising exchange of letters, recording and exchange of films and Skype communication sessions interchanging with reflection sessions in the classes. The educational rationale for using cross-cultural communication is that meeting the unfamiliar (different children, cultures, schools and contexts) leads to curiosity and reflection about one's own situation; and subsequently that reflectivity builds action competence. In the present case study, 3C was used as a means of health promotion, but the approach may be used in relation to almost any topic. The 3C model is discussed in relation to theories of co-learning, knowledge guiding and sharing and genuine participation. The article discusses methodological potentials and challenges.
Transition Program: The Challenges Faced by Special Needs Students in Gaining Work Experience
Author: Alias, Aliza
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Individualized Transition Plans,Special Needs Students,Work Experience,Internship Programs,Vocational Adjustment,Case Studies,Learning Disabilities,Foreign Countries

Transition program for special needs students is known to open opportunities for students with learning disabilities to gain work experience in actual work environment. The program provides training activities and also an opportunity to go for internship to gain work experience. Therefore, this study is to identify the challenges faced by special needs students in gaining work experiences during their internships. Two students were selected and trained to acquire work-related skills as preparation for their internships. Findings from this study revealed that, at the beginning of the internships, both of the students have to overcome several challenges, working in their respective work places. The students were having problem in adjusting to their new work environment, interacting with co-workers, understanding instructions and also displaying negative attitudes. Fortunately with the assistance from special education teachers, supervisors and co-workers, both special needs students have proven that they were able to gain valuable work experience at the end of their transition program.
Potentials of Contextual Value-Added Measures in Assisting Schools Become More Effective
Author: Nor, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd.
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: School Effectiveness,Academic Achievement,Measurement Techniques,Data,Foreign Countries

In a modern society, the schools have become very important entities because they form a social institution, which interests many people and involves the role of various interest groups and stakeholders in the society. The community where a school resides and the parents of children of those who go to that school will be proud if their school if it is categorised as a good school. Conversely, they will blame the school management if it does not perform well in terms of pupils' attainment or if the school's achievement is below the average of the national standards. Parents tend to choose schools, which have a good achievement record for their children. In other words, parents and stakeholders place high expectations on the school. Therefore, it is only natural that school leaders and education authorities as well as every classroom teacher whether in the UK or Malaysia, would want their schools to be more effective when compared to other schools to fulfil the high expectations of everyone in the community. Stakeholders' expectations among others, have been a key driver for the growing interest among education researchers looking for answers to questions such as &quot;what is an effective school?&quot;; &quot;school effectiveness for whom?&quot;, &quot;why do we need to have an effective school?&quot;, &quot;how to be an effective school?&quot; and &quot;what is the accurate, appropriate, reliable and valid instrument to measure school effectiveness?&quot;. This study was based on a literature review carried out at Kings' College London, interviews and observations conducted by the writer during a school placement program in London and the current Malaysian education policies, its practice and school context as the background. It is hoped that the analyses presented will provide better insight and contribute further to our understanding as to the utility of Contextual Value Added (CVA) measures in aiding Malaysian schools to become more effective with special reference to the policy and practiced in the UK schooling system. This study will analyse: How far CVA measures can help schools become more effective and to what extent can Value Added (VA) measures tell us anything significant about the performance of the school concerned?
Online Forum Discussion to Promote Sense of Learning Community among the Group Members
Author: Mohamad, Maslawati
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Discussion Groups,Electronic Learning,Distance Education,Adult Students,English for Science and Technology,Reading Comprehension,Psychological Patterns,Case Studies,Interviews,College Students,Biological Sciences,Foreign Countries

The integration of e-learning within a distance learning program helps to foster greater interaction among learners who are geographically distant from one another. Various ways have been implemented to achieve this aim, one of which is the use of online forum. Research shows that the use of online forum is capable of fostering a sense of learning community among learners. However, much remains to be known about what happens when adult learners in a distance learning program participate in an online forum as means to improve their reading comprehension in English and promote learning of the subject matter. This article discusses the use of online forum discussion in English for Life Sciences distance learning course. It demonstrates that the online forum discussion practiced in the course was useful in developing a sense of learning community. In this case it can be concluded that knowledge of both the subject matter and the language is constructed collaboratively among the adult learners. The article also discusses the implications of the study for the educators involved.
Model of Lesson Study Approach during Micro Teaching
Author: Iksan, Zanaton H.
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Teacher Improvement,Teacher Collaboration,Microteaching,Preservice Teachers,Preservice Teacher Education,Foreign Countries

Lesson study is a study of teaching to provide learning opportunities for teachers to enhance teachers' professional development. Advantages of this approach have been recommended by the Ministry of Education and implemented in stages in selected schools. Thus, students at the pre-service level should be given the exposure about lesson study. Lesson study was implemented by integrating the micro teaching training for the course curriculum and pedagogy. Students perform simulations in micro teaching for seven weeks. This article discusses the proposed model of lesson study integration in a micro teaching class. In addition, this paper also discusses the reflection of students at each element in this model. The implication of this study is the need for students to be given early exposure to lesson study so that they can apply it directly to their teaching practices.
Information and Communication Technology among Excellent Islamic Education Teachers in Selangor Malaysia
Author: Razak, Khadijah Abdul
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Educational Technology,Technology Uses in Education,Islam,Questionnaires,Knowledge Base for Teaching,Teacher Attitudes,Computer Attitudes,Technological Literacy,Correlation,Teacher Competencies,Master Teachers,Learning Theories,Likert Scales,Teaching Experience

The development of technology in the era of the borderless world has grown rapidly in the entire field of human life, including in the field of education. The rapid development in science and technology led to the dissemination of information and knowledge through classroom also changed. Teachers as educators cannot refrain from directly involved in all activities related to information technology. These challenges provide an opportunity for educators to modify the teaching and learning process to become to become more active and more student-centred. This study draws to this issue by investigating the knowledge, skills, and the use of ICT and attitudes of Excellent Islamic Education teachers towards ICT. The participants were 70 Excellent Islamic Education teachers in Selangor, Malaysia. Data is collected using a questionnaire and the findings are analysed by using SPSS software 19.0. The results of the descriptive analysis involving the mean and standard deviation indicate that the knowledge and teachers' attitudes towards ICT to be at the high level. While the skills and the use of ICT among the teachers at a moderate level. The result also revealed that there is a significant relationship between ICT knowledge and teachers' attitude towards ICT. However, the strength of the relationship is very weak. There is also a significant relationship between ICT skills and teachers' attitude towards ICT and the strength of the relationship is also weak. Finding also shows there is a significant relationship between the use of ICT and teachers' attitude and the strength of the relationship is at moderate level. In conclusion, the use of ICT in teaching and learning of Excellent Islamic Education teachers is very important to determine the objectives achieved. Excellent teachers should consider that ICT only act as a complement, additional tools or aids to teachers who play the key role in delivering information using teaching methods that are more dynamic and efficient; rather than take the place or role of the teacher.
Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Physics Instruction
Author: Rahman, Mohd. Jasmy Abd
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Computer Assisted Instruction,Physics,Computer Software,Teaching Methods,Computer Uses in Education,Instructional Effectiveness,Student Motivation,Quasiexperimental Design,Grade 11,Foreign Countries,High School Students,Pretests Posttests,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Comparative Analysis,Science Instruction,Secondary School Science

This study aims to design and develop an interactive software for teaching and learning physics about motion and vectors analysis. This study also assesses its effectiveness in classroom and assesses the learning motivation of SMA Pekanbaru's students. The software is developed using ADDIE Model design and Life Cycle Model and built using the program Delphi Seventh version by considering design, technical, pedagogical, and the content of its learning material. The research was conducted through quasi-experiment upon XI grade students of SMA Pekanbaru. The evaluation of the software was done by the experts of design, pedagogic, technical, and learning material. After the evaluation, this software was also evaluated by expert users consisting of 31 experienced physics teachers from senior high schools in Pekanbaru. The population consisted of six classes XI grade students of SMA Pekanbaru, where two of them are randomly selected. One of the two classes, then, was determined as experimental group while the other as control group. The experimental group consisted of 38 students, with 19 boys and 19 girls whereas the control group consisted of 37 students with 17 boys and 19 girls. The sampling was based on homogeneity and normality test. The finding shows that the reliability based on Cronbach Alpha is a = 0.740. Learning physics using interactive software &quot;Motion and Vector Analysis&quot; has affected students' conceptual understanding by 81.16 compared to students learning using traditional method, which was only 35.86. Through t-test, it was found that students' conceptual understanding was different from value t = -22.725, p = 0.00 with a = 0.05. Students' motivation to learn in the post-test was better for students who learn using the software than those who learned using traditional method. Finding based on gender found that the conceptual understanding of male students and female students were similar. Learning motivation for both male and female students has also increased. Therefore, learning physics with &quot;Motion and Vectors Analysis&quot; topics using interactive software is more effective than learning using traditional method.