ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
A Feasibility Study of Using ICT in Iranian Secondary Schools: The Case of Tehran Province
Author: Fathi Vajargah, Kourosh
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Feasibility Studies,Computer Uses in Education,High Schools,Mixed Methods Research,Secondary School Teachers,Multivariate Analysis,Questionnaires,Teacher Attitudes,Technology Integration

This research presents the results of a feasibility assessment on implementing ICT in Tehran high schools. Mixed method research (both qualitative and quantitative) was employed and due to the nature of research, data collection included two stages: library and field study. Using the cluster method with 362 subjects, data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with 0.86 Alpha reliability coefficients, and then analysis was performed at two levels, using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches (frequencies, T-test and priority setting by Li-Hi test). The results demonstrate that teachers agree on the types and features of ICT. In addition, they believe that the current status of resources, facilities and conditions for implementing ICT in schools is insufficient. The teachers confirmed the facilitating factors of ICT applications in secondary schools, which are also discussed in this paper.
A Research into the Pedagogic Formation, Foreign Language and Computer Related Knowledge of Track and Field Trainers in Turkey
Author: Pekel, Haci Ahmet
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Physical Education,Athletics,Second Language Learning,Social Networks,Trainers,Statistical Analysis,Correlation,Computer Uses in Education,Teaching Skills,Track and Field,Web Sites,College Faculty,Physical Education Teachers,Athletic Coaches,Foreign Countries,Surveys

Foreign language, computer programs and social network applications or web sites are widely used by many people nowadays for various aims. In the literature, the number of studies investigating over university departments of physical education or more specifically to say, taking sports students' and teachers' foreign language and social networking usage ability as a research area is highly limited. Besides, the data extracted from trainers in regarding to their skills in foreign language and computer usage is not common enough in this research area. This research was done for the track and field trainers in Turkey. The participants of the study were comprised of 97 men and 45 women. The data were collected by the researcher and analyzed by with SPSS (22.0 for Mac, IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA); descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and correlations were calculated. According to the result of the study most of the trainers didn't learn foreign language and some trainers don't use computers and social networks in their professional life at all. To improve the international relationship between the trainers around the world and to make a significant research, it appears that the trainers should also improve themselves to learn computer programs, foreign languages and they should also take pedagogic formation courses to convey their knowledge accordingly.
A Systematic Approach to Improving E-Learning Implementations in High Schools
Author: Pardamean, Bens
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Educational Technology,Technology Uses in Education,High School Students,Academic Achievement,Computer Literacy,Correlation,Questionnaires,Open Source Technology,High Schools,Statistical Analysis,Internet,Electronic Mail,Word Processing,Regression (Statistics),Gender Differences,Verbal Ability,English (Second Language)

This study was based on the current growing trend of implementing e-learning in high schools. Most endeavors have been inefficient, rendering an objective of determining the initial steps that could be taken to improve these efforts by assessing a student population's computer skill levels and performances in an IT course. Demographic factors were also taken into account while formulating these recommendations. Basic computer skill levels were measured through the administration of the Technical Survival Skill Test (TSST) questionnaire, developed by the University of Toronto. Academic performances were evaluated through several assignments designed by the IT course instructors. The main result of this study indicated that computer skill levels did have a direct correlation with a student's academic performance level. The database was further parsed based on demographical factors, resulting in a set of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of e-learning.
Correlation between Cultural Perceptions, Leadership Style and ICT Usage by School Principals in Malaysia
Author: Arokiasamy, Anantha Raj A.
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Correlation,Cultural Influences,Leadership Styles,Principals,Administrator Attitudes,Educational Technology,Foreign Countries,Transformational Leadership,Interpersonal Relationship,Statistical Analysis,Secondary Schools,Surveys,Questionnaires,Computer Uses in Education

School leaders are key factors in implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools. They need to understand the capacities of the new technologies, to have a personal proficiency in their use, and be able to promote a school culture which encourages exploration of new techniques in teaching, learning and management. However, there is less information about the current status of ICT use by Malaysian school principals. This paper investigated the extent to which secondary school principals use computers in Malaysia and determined factors related to level of computer use by principals (cultural perceptions and leadership style of principals). Initial report also highlighted analysis of a baseline data gathered from 520 secondary school principals in the state of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia. Findings indicate that school principals are using computers for instructional and administrative purposes and they have moderate competency in computer applications and spent a few times a week working on their computers. Also, cultural perceptions and transformational leadership contributed significantly to the level of computer use by principals. It is anticipated that the data obtained from the study will open new lines of inquiry about the crucial roles of school leaders in the adoption of ICTs and will contribute to decisions about future developmental needs because more will be known about their preparedness for change. Hence, policy makers must design professional development programs, such as leadership studies, in order to teach the components of transformational leadership; idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration to future administrators.
Effect of Screen Reading and Reading from Printed Out Material on Student Success and Permanency in Introduction to Computer Lesson
Author: Tuncer, Murat
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: College Freshmen,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Comparative Analysis,Printed Materials,Computer Uses in Education,Pretests Posttests,Statistical Analysis,Foreign Countries,Achievement Tests,Scores,Gender Differences,Reading Materials,Teaching Methods

In this study, the effect of screen reading and reading from printed out material on student success and permanency in Introduction to Computer Lesson is investigated. Study group of the research consists of 78 freshman students registered in Erzincan University Refahiye Vocational School Post Service department. Study groups of research consist of an experiment group and a control group. With a random selection 38 students were assigned as experiment group and 40 students were assigned as control group. In this manner, experiment group with 38 students used screen reading, and control group with 40 students used printed out material for education. Study was designed as control group model with pretest and posttest. Both experiment and control groups were applied pretest and posttest within the research. In process of data analysing, ancova and multiple variance analysis were used. It was found on success tests that there is not a significant difference between posttests corrected according to pretests of control and experiment groups. But, a significant difference between Access and permanency tests in favour of control group was found. Furthermore, dual effect of applied method and gender on posttest success scores and delayed test scores was found to be insignificant. Results of the studies show that reading from printed out material is more efficient than screen reading.
Enhancing a Low-Cost Virtual Reality Application through Constructivist Approach: The Case of Spatial Training of Middle Graders
Author: Samsudin, Khairulanuar
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Computer Simulation,Constructivism (Learning),Spatial Ability,Middle School Students,Instructional Effectiveness,Computer Uses in Education,Usability,Surveys,Pretests Posttests

The aim of this study is to develop and to test a low-cost virtual reality spatial trainer in terms of its effectiveness in spatial training. The researchers adopted three features deriving from the constructivist perspective to guide the design of the trainer, namely interaction, instruction, and support. The no control pre test post test experimental procedure was used as the research design involving a sample, which comprised a class of 35 middle graders (15 girls and 20 boys) with mean age of 15.5 years. The researchers hypothesized that there would be a significant improvement in spatial visualization after training and the three training attributes would receive different ratings from the participants. The research instruments used were Spatial Visualization Test (for pre-testing and post-testing) and usability survey questionnaire. The participants used the trainer for four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting for three hours. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Result of a paired samples t-test indicated that the participants had made significant improvement after training, thus supporting the first research hypothesis. However, the results of independent samples t-test did not support the second hypothesis, where all the three training features were rated equally. Interestingly, subtle but significant orientations were detected, where the instructive and interactive features were rated differently by girls and boys, respectively. The researchers also discuss the practical implications of the low-cost virtual reality application for spatial training by proposing a set of design guidelines.
Exit Exam as Academic Performance Indicator
Author: Al Ahmad, Mahmoud
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Exit Examinations,Academic Achievement,Multiple Choice Tests,Engineering Education,Difficulty Level,Grade Point Average,Program Evaluation,College Students,College Outcomes Assessment,Foreign Countries

This paper focuses on the impact of exit exams on different elements of the educational process, namely: curriculum development, students and instructors. A 50-question multiple-choice Exit Exam was prepared by Electrical Engineering (EE) faculty members covering a poll of questions from EE core courses. A copy of the Exit Exam applied during each semester will be available as exhibit material. The exam was administered by the Graduation Project and Industrial Training Unit to graduating students taking Graduation Project II during their last semester before graduation. Results indicate that the student average grade was around 52% and 60% for Fall 2013 and Spring 2013, respectively. The students felt that the exam was difficult and that some problems needed more time. The exam results suggest that we concentrate the exam on general basic questions from the different basic core courses of the program. Thus, it is recommended that focus groups and program assessment committee review the Exit Exam questions and make sure that questions are of the general and principle type and do not require any formula or any memorization. We feel that the response is expected in relation to the exam difficulty. In fact, the EIT exam results in the US range between 50-60%. The Exit exam for Fall 2013 showed weaker results than previous semesters due to the fact that it included more definition-based questions. Also, the average GPA of the graduating students was lower than previous years which could partly justify the weaker performance. Some questions were also seen confusing by students and this suggests that the EE Department needs to draft the questions more carefully. It is worthy to add that in any program development cycle, evaluation is ongoing and one should not wait for the completion of the program or the course to introduce changes.
Exploring Students Intentions to Study Computer Science and Identifying the Differences among ICT and Programming Based Courses
Author: Giannakos, Michail N.
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Intention,Computer Science Education,Programming,Information Technology,Student Attitudes,Secondary Education,Behavior Theories,Social Influences,Expectation,Participant Satisfaction,Self Efficacy,Self Control,Questionnaires,Likert Scales,Hypothesis Testing,Attribution Theory,Achievement Need,Foreign Countries,Student Educational Objectives,Secondary School Students

Computer Science (CS) courses comprise both Programming and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) issues; however these two areas have substantial differences, inter alia the attitudes and beliefs of the students regarding the intended learning content. In this research, factors from the Social Cognitive Theory and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology were selected as important motivating factors in students' behavior and attitude towards CS courses. This hybrid framework aims to a) investigate the influence of these factors on students' intention to study CS and b) identify potential differences on these effects among ICT and Programming based courses. Responses from the total of 126 Greek students, (71 attending ICT courses and 55 attending Programming Courses) were used to measure the variables and to identify the differences between ICT and Programming students. Results revealed the influence of most of the motivating factors, on students' intention to study CS and indicated the moderating effect in the enrolment with ICT or Programming course on the relationship among students' Perceived Behavioral Control and their intention to study CS. The outcomes of this study are expected to open new avenues to understanding students' intentions to pursue computing and IT related careers.
Exploring the Factors Influencing E-Learning of Turkish EFL Learners through TAM
Author: Cakir, Recep
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Student Attitudes,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Educational Technology,Technology Uses in Education,Academic Achievement,Student Surveys,Vocational Education,Anxiety,Computer Attitudes,Self Efficacy,Satisfaction,College Students,Likert Scales,Intention

The purpose of this study was to understand the attitude of Turkish EFL learners towards technology and to determine the factors influencing the academic achievement of the learners while using technology. Survey method was used to collect data about technology acceptance of the Turkish Foreign Language Learners. This research was conducted at a state-run university in 2012-2013 academic year and subjects were 231 male and 279 female e-language learners from the Vocational Higher School taking up English course through e-learning. According to the results of the research, some of the TAM factors had effects on the academic achievement of the e-learners. It was revealed that while anxiety towards e-learning had a negative effect on academic achievement; perceived ease of use, attitude, satisfaction and self-efficacy had a positive effect on the academic achievement of e-learners. These findings indicated that Turkish EFL learners had a positive attitude towards technology in education.
PKM Tools for Academia: Ingredients for Success in the Global Knowledge Society
Author: Safar, Ammar H.
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Student Attitudes,Knowledge Management,Undergraduate Students,Positive Attitudes,Satisfaction,Questionnaires,Measures (Individuals),Statistical Analysis,Statistical Distributions,Student Surveys,Females

This study aimed to assess the reaction-based satisfaction level of Kuwait University's students regarding the utilization of some PKM tools in their academic studies and its influence on managing their knowledge. A total of 100 undergraduate students from the College of Education participated in this research. Regardless of students being not aware at all about KM, PKM, and PKM tools. Yet, the fact is that the results showed a significantly positive, affirmative, and encouraging feelings, attitudes, and perceptions with respect to using PKM tools for academia and personal life as well (i.e., yielded an agreement ratio about 95 percent). The majority of the participants did consider PKM tools as being appropriate and useful to their work/study. They also did believe that PKM tools are important constituents for success in the global knowledge society. Thus, most of the participants were highly satisfied with PKM tools and, accordingly, their reaction-based satisfaction level was positive and significantly high among all subgroups.
The Application of a Cloud-Based Student, Teacher, and Parent Platform in English as a Foreign Language Education
Author: Chiu, Fu-Yuan
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Parent Participation,Student Attitudes,Junior High School Students,Foreign Countries,Control Groups,Questionnaires,Lecture Method,Teaching Methods,Textbooks,Scores,Computer Assisted Instruction,Pretests Posttests,Electronic Publishing,Parent Attitudes,Learning Motivation,Quasiexperimental Design

This study constructed a cloud-based student, teacher, and parent platform (CSTPP) in collaboration with a Taiwanese textbook publisher. Junior high school students' attitudes to learning English using the developed system were subsequently examined. The study participants were divided into 3 groups: Those in Group A employed the CSTPP with parental participation, those in Group B employed the CSTPP without parental participation, and those in the Control group received traditional lectures. A learning attitude questionnaire was used to assess the students' responses before and after adopting the 3 learning models. The results of this study indicated that the students who used the CSTPP with parental participation, exhibited altered attitudes toward the teaching methods within 1 month because their assumption that they could only learn from teachers was overturned. After the experiment, a system satisfaction survey was conducted with the students who had used the CSTPP on tablet PSs in classrooms and those who had used the CSTPP on computers at home. Regarding the survey results, both groups of students obtained high scores. In addition, the overall design of the CSTPP was popular among students. This platform is currently available on www.ehanlin.com.tw for students to access and use.
The Current Practice of Integration of Information Communication Technology to English Teaching and the Emotions Involved in Blended Learning
Author: Wang, Mei-jung
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Technology Integration,English (Second Language),Second Language Instruction,College Second Language Programs,Blended Learning,Psychological Patterns,College Faculty,Language Teachers,Questionnaires,Interviews,Teacher Attitudes,Positive Attitudes,Foreign Countries

The effective and confident integration of information communication technology (ICT) tools and programs can be frustrating. Hence, providing emotional support for teachers who are willing to adopt ICT in language instruction is an issue worthy of attention. In order to promote ICT-supported language instruction, this study aims to identify the contexts and types of emotions experienced by teachers. Teachers in universities of technology were invited to participate in this study in order to share their experiences and emotions in applying ICT in language courses. We address the following research questions: 1) What are the current practices of ICT by language teachers in higher education? 2) What emotions are involved in the integration of ICT into language courses? Questionnaires and interviews were adopted to collect relevant data. The results showed that teachers have positive attitudes toward integrating ICT integration but a gap exists between the extent to which teachers enjoy using technology and the degree to which they use the technology in their classes. Regarding the emotions expressed by teachers, most were happy with their utilization of ICT. However, negative emotions experienced are anxiety, anger, and sadness. These negative emotions often resulted from unexpected responses, student performance, or the technological equipment.
The Use of Online Social Networks by Polish Former Erasmus Students: A Large-Scale Survey
Author: Bryla, Pawel
Date: 2014-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Social Networks,Student Surveys,Questionnaires,Computer Mediated Communication,Web Sites,Higher Education,Global Approach,Student Mobility,Student Exchange Programs,College Students,Student Characteristics,Interpersonal Communication

There is an increasing role of online social networks in the life of young Poles. We conducted a large-scale survey among Polish former Erasmus students. We have received 2450 completed questionnaires from alumni of 115 higher education institutions all over Poland. 85.4% of our respondents reported they kept in touch with their former Erasmus colleagues. Unsurprisingly, it is the social networking website communication that largely prevails as the most frequent communication channel. Almost 2/5 of the study subjects considered it to be the most used in this context. We were interested in the patterns of use of social networking websites among our respondents. Although 10 social networks were included in the catalogue of answers, it turned out that only 4 of them played a significant role in our sample. The most popular was Facebook, which was number one in socialising with both local and international friends. LinkedIn and GoldenLine.pl were reported to serve mainly for professional purposes, including job searching and maintaining a professional network. The use of nk.pl was confined to contacts with local friends. 514 respondents, i.e. 21.7%, said they had created a group in a social networking website to keep in touch with former Erasmus student friends.