ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Decision Making--Not Just a Buzz Word
Author: Kadel, Rob
Date: 2010-05-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Data,Decision Making,Evaluators,Data Analysis,Technology Uses in Education,Integrated Learning Systems,Ability Grouping,Reports,Synchronous Communication,Pattern Recognition

In education, data-driven decision making is a buzz word that has come to mean collecting absolutely as much data as possible on everything from attendance to zero tolerance, and then having absolutely no idea what to do with it. Most educational organizations with a plethora of data usually call in a data miner, or evaluator, to make some sense of it all. Evaluators spend weeks, months, sometimes years trying to find the nugget buried in all that data. Often, however, by the time they find that golden piece of information, the students have moved on, the grant has expired, or the program has been replaced with some new, amazing intervention. What educators need is real-time information--data that can help them answer questions while their students are still in their classrooms. What's more, the data and analyses must be individualized. How does one manage such data and learn from it? Enter the learning management system (LMS), also known as the curriculum management system, a type of software or webware that basically manages content and student data. But not all LMSs are created equal. Each will collect slightly different kinds of data and summarize them in different ways, spitting out different reports. In this article, the author suggests to look for an LMS that offers real-time reporting, differentiation, and the ability to group students by learning styles.
Join the Flock!
Author: Ferguson, Hadley
Date: 2010-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Professional Development,Learning Activities,Interprofessional Relationship,Communities of Practice,Computer Mediated Communication

A professional learning network (PLN) is a community of individuals around the world who are learning together. They can start out as strangers, people one couldn't pick out in a crowded room. But Twitter, the virtual meeting place where one's PLN comes together, helps these strangers come together to create a community built on communication and collaboration dedicated to making learning and education the best it can be. The first thing to know is that developing a PLN on Twitter takes a commitment--not necessarily a huge one, but it does take some time. It is a bit like starting a new friendship: One cultivates a relationship by chatting over coffee in the faculty room or sharing an anecdote in the hall. It is the kind of commitment that causes one to pause rather than walk on, and that's what it will take to develop and maintain a PLN using Twitter. In this article, the author discusses the steps in building a PLN through Twitter.
Using McREL's Knowledge Taxonomy for Ed Tech Professional Development
Author: Hubbell, Elizabeth Ross
Date: 2010-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Academic Achievement,Classification,Educational Technology,Professional Development,Educational Improvement

In this article, the author discusses the Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning's (McREL's) Knowledge Taxonomy, which is a useful guide for any educational technology professional development plan. This taxonomy is based on the assertion that teachers need to know not only "what" to do to improve student achievement, but "why," "how," and "when." Addressing each of these areas of knowledge is fundamental to the success of any professional development initiative. Using research-based instructional strategies as a framework for integrating technology helps teachers address the level of understanding for which they are aiming rather than the content area they are "covering." (Contains 11 online resources.)
Do-It-Yourself Professional Development
Author: Alexander, Sonja
Date: 2010-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Professional Development,Computer Assisted Instruction,Educational Technology,Online Courses,Educational Strategies,Individualized Instruction,Time Management

A widespread irony in education is that many districts look at technology only in relation to what the students need. As a result, they often neglect to provide teachers with technology-based learning, even though they expect them to support their students with instructional technology. And when they do offer professional development (PD), they often fail to provide an optimum learning environment or to give the teachers all the tools they need to succeed. Just like students, teachers need time to absorb new concepts, and they need access to ongoing support to implement the instructional strategies they gain from PD. In this article, the authors describe how the DeKalb County School System in Georgia transformed its one-size-fits-all PD approach into a customized online academy where all teachers and support staff can learn and collaborate at their convenience. (Contains 4 online resources.)
Screencasts
Author: Yee, Kevin
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Computer Uses in Education,Computer Software,Educational Technology,Technology Integration,Films,Teaching Methods,Video Technology

This article discusses the benefits of screencasts and its instructional uses. Well-known for some years to advanced technology users, Screen Capture Software (SCS) offers the promise of recording action on the computer desktop together with voiceover narration, all combined into a single movie file that can be shared, emailed, or uploaded. Educause (2006) defines screencasts as the "screen capture of the actions on a user's computer screen," typically with accompanying audio, distributed through RSS.  The ability for students to "take" the screencast by downloading it onto a portable smartphone and viewing/reviewing later may provide powerful alternatives for asynchronous learning. Students prefer asynchronous access to learning materials to access them when it suits their schedules and life styles. The authors believe that screencast technology and individual applications will doubtless continue to change and evolve.
The Use of Fuzzy Theory in Grading of Students in Math
Author: Bjelica, Momcilo
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Evaluation Methods,Student Evaluation,Distance Education,Academic Achievement,Computer Software,Computer Assisted Testing,Grading,Computer Science,Educational Technology,Teaching Methods,Mathematics Instruction

The development of computer science, statistics and other technological fields, give us more opportunities to improve the process of evaluation of degree of knowledge and achievements in a learning process of our students. More and more we are relying on the computer software to guide us in the grading process. An improved way of grading can help overcome some limitations of the educational process, that have caused problems, and had as a consequence a lower degree of success. With the combination of old, traditional way of evaluation of students knowledge and success, and the application of "fuzzy logic" and "the theory of fuzzy sets", "the method of ponderous areas", and other new computer and scientific technologies, we are getting a complex formula , that is also, friendly to constant changes, depending on developments in the schooling process. The new grading system is very user friendly, and can be applied in primary-middle schools as well as in high schools. It takes into account all the students activities and achievements, raises the quality of a teacher's performance and can be updated with new computer technologies. This model is, also, a great support program in grading of students involved in "distance learning" systems. (Contains 5 figures.)
Assessing the Effects of Using Gagne's Events of Instructions in a Multimedia Student-Centred Environment: A Malaysian Experience
Author: Neo, Tse-Kian
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Instructional Design,Multimedia Instruction,Computer Science Education,Electronic Learning,Blended Learning,Animation,Instructional Effectiveness,Student Surveys,Questionnaires,Learning Theories,Active Learning,Independent Study,College Students,Student Attitudes,Pretests Posttests,Feedback (Response),Educational Strategies,Educational Environment,Lecture Method

The inclusion of digital multimedia into teaching and learning has changed instructional strategies in the classroom. While this course has been traditionally given in lecture-based environment, an attempt was made to move it towards a more multimedia-mediated environment to provide a student-centred approach in teaching the principles of animation. The aim of this project is to incorporate Gagne's 9 Events of Instructions in a multimedia-mediated student-centred learning environment to teach an animation course and to study its impact on student learning. The study assesses the effects the learning environment has on the students' learning outcome as well as their perceptions in this learning environment. Therefore, data was gathered through various research instruments including surveys and questionnaires to garner their perceptions and their feedback on the learning environment. Furthermore, tests were administrated to the students to gauge their learning outcome. The results were later analysed using a paired t-test. The results were positive and encouraging. They show that the students were motivated and were actively pursuing their learning at their own pace. They enjoyed this self-directed learning approach and liked using multimedia to stimulate and enhance their learning process. The paper also provides evidence that will benefit those wanting to switch from traditional classroom to a more technological and multimedia oriented student-centred learning environment as this learning environment proves to be a viable alternative teaching approach to learning the principles of animation. (Contains 8 tables and 6 figures.)
Voice of the Voiceless: Women Enlightenment, BOU and Community Radio
Author: Akhter, Zobaida
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Private Sector,Open Universities,Private Colleges,Females,Broadcast Industry,Outreach Programs,Nongovernmental Organizations,Foreign Countries,Public Colleges,Radio,Student Participation,Distance Education,Rural Areas,Institutional Mission,Educational Objectives,Goal Orientation,Higher Education,Cost Effectiveness

The Community broadcasting system poised for start-up in Bangladesh. Long run media-based NGOs, along with other NGOs and the private sector, were attempting to introduce community radio (CR) in Bangladesh. Both the public and private university are also considering a CR station on campus. In CR what will be new and attractive to the learners is the opportunity of interaction, which will be more participatory and pragmatic. In this article, the author discusses how women in particular will benefit from community radio, how to acquaint women groups with the role of media and the significance of their participation, what strategy can be used to conduct effective outreach programs for women, and how Bangladesh Open University (BOU) incorporates this issue. A literature review, empirical studies, and an interview with the CEO of Mass Line Media (MMS), the renowned media based NGO in Bangladesh, are conducted. The mandate of BOU is to reach the &quot;unreached,&quot; including women in remote areas, one of the most vulnerable groups in Bangladesh. Community Radio appears to be the easiest way for BOU to reach those vulnerable groups with their mission and vision, and to thereby give a voice to the voiceless.
Assessment Approaches in Virtual Learning
Author: Rastgoo, Azam
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Feedback (Response),Student Evaluation,Evaluation Methods,Computer Assisted Instruction,Educational Technology,Portfolio Assessment,Self Evaluation (Individuals),Peer Evaluation,Student Participation,Academic Achievement,Internet

Today, the traditional assessment methods are not enough for measuring students' ability. Internet and its technologies have a strong impact to change it and there are some new ways to measure students' ability and knowledge. This article identifies some assessment methods and tools in online education and describes findings that show the importance of online assessment and online technologies. It also describes some advantages and disadvantages of new methods of assessment. Additionally this article review some valuable effects of using new methods such as e-portfolios, online self and peer-assessment in providing in time and good feedback for student, increasing students' participation, improving students learning achievement and increasing their abilities in this area.
WBL to Promote Lifelong Learning among Farmers from Developing Countries: Key Strategies
Author: Misra, Pradeep Kumar
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Low Income Groups,Socioeconomic Status,Teaching Methods,Access to Education,Global Approach,Lifelong Learning,Rural Areas,Developing Nations,Agricultural Occupations,Web Based Instruction,Computer Uses in Education,Internet,Poverty,Job Skills,Educational Technology

In times of liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG), countries are looking to establish effective systems of lifelong learning to prepare farmers for changing agricultural sector. But offering lifelong learning to farmers in developing countries) is a vital challenge as majority of them are residing in remote and rural areas and have low educational qualification and lower socio-economic status. Web Based Learning (WBL) can support us in this cause because world over it is increasingly recognized as a viable and learner-friendly approach. In this background, the present paper attempts to discuss about need and challenges of lifelong learning for farmers and proposes key strategies for providing Web based lifelong learning to farmers of developing countries.
Sustainability Indices as Measures of Service Delivery in Open and Distance Learning Institutions in Nigeria
Author: Salawu, I. O.
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Distance Education,Electronic Learning,Nonparametric Statistics,Open Universities,Conventional Instruction,Program Evaluation,Evaluation Criteria,Questionnaires,Developing Nations,Barriers,Interviews,Teacher Education Programs,Role of Education,Educational Principles,Access to Education,College Administration,Educational Quality,Educational Development

Open and Distance Education if well organized, is an adequate alternative to conventional education. For acceptability of this assertion, the public, governments, employers of labour and other stakeholders need to be convinced that ODL institutions are not providing half-baked education. Also, for the public and other shareholders enthusiasm and interest that are usually hard earned to be sustained, there is need for total commitment to the implementation of some established indices of sustainability. The thrust of this paper is in the appraisal of the extent to which two ODL institutions in Nigeria adhere to the principles of sustainability. A set of questionnaire was developed and used to collect data which were analyzed using simple non-parametric statistics. Suggestions which were aimed at improving the service delivery, in the institutions used for the study in particular, and other sister institutions especially in the developed countries were highlighted. (Contains 2 tables.)
Integrating Group-Self Evaluation in Open and Distance Learning System
Author: Osuji, U. S. Ajunwa
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Self Evaluation (Individuals),Self Evaluation (Groups),Distance Education,Educational Opportunities,Instruction,Educational Assessment,Higher Education,Student Characteristics,Open Universities

Every instructional process involves a strategic assessment system for a complete teaching leaning circle. Any assessment system which is seriously flawed, should call for a change, a rethink or a repackaging for sustainability, and to be a part of teaching and learning. Assessment should be meaningful to both the assessors and the assessees. The learners who are the assessees in this case should not be left out in the process of assessment. This is an era of democratization and liberalization of the educational opportunities through the use of Open and Distance Learning. Therefore the components of the educational system, including assessment and evaluation should also be democratized through the group- self evaluation of learning outcomes in the Open and Distance Learning system. This paper takes a look at the benefits of the group- self evaluation, the concept of Open and Distance Learning, characteristics of learners in Open and Distance Learning and integrating group- self evaluation in the Open and Distance Learning system.
A Comparison of Undergraduate Faculty and Millennial Students regarding the Utilization of Weblog and Podcast Technology in a Teacher Education Department
Author: Ennis, Leslie Sturdivant
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Handheld Devices,Audio Equipment,Information Dissemination,Web Sites,Electronic Publishing,College Students,College Faculty,Technology Uses in Education,Comparative Analysis,Teacher Education,Influence of Technology,Schools of Education

The main objective of the study was to compare the utilization of weblog and podcast technology by undergraduate university faculty and Millennial college students. The study was conducted to test the hypothesis, formed from existing literature, that there might be a difference in the utilization of weblog and podcast technology between faculty and Millennial students in a Teacher Education Department. Analysis of the data using descriptive statistics revealed that the mean of both populations was similar in their technological utilization. A technology survey was distributed to Millennial college students and undergraduate university faculty in a Teacher Education Department. One hundred surveys were utilized based upon the number of students currently enrolled in Teacher Education classes at the time of the study. Fifty-nine students and five undergraduate faculties participated in the survey. The average age of the student population was twenty-one, with a faculty average of forty-nine. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics regarding the utilization of weblog and podcast technology by faculty and students. The study refuted the hypothesis that there is a difference in weblog and podcast utilization between faculty and Millennial students. There was no significant difference in the utilization of weblogs and podcasts in the two populations. The results indicate that the perceived technological gap between Millennial students and university faculty is not as prevalent as theorized by the existing literature. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)
A Physics Lesson Designed According to 7E Model with the Help of Instructional Technology (Lesson Plan)
Author: Gonen, Selahattin
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Physics,Science Education,Science Curriculum,Misconceptions,Scientific Concepts,Teaching Models,Educational Technology,Constructivism (Learning),Lesson Plans

Students enter the classrooms with a preexisting knowledge of science concepts. These science concepts sometimes show inconsistency with the accepted ones by the scientists and called as misconceptions. Studies applied science field have to get possession of abilities that not only detect these misconceptions also help to solve these problems. Hence, instructional methods that correct students' misconceptions become important. In this sense, a material related to the physics course is designed according to 7E model with the help of instructional technology. (Contains 14 figures.)
Professional Development of Higher Education Teachers: Can ODL Contribute?
Author: Hossain, Jamal
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Electronic Learning,Higher Education,Distance Education,Information Technology,Foreign Countries,Faculty Development,College Faculty,Barriers,Open Universities,Teacher Surveys,College Role

In the present era of information technology the system of education has undergone a lot of changes. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) around the world is perhaps the most important evidence to it. Despite the fact, ODL has not been popular in Bangladesh for a variety of reasons, though currently a few academics are either thinking about studying or studying on Open and Distant modes. This paper, considering Levis' (2002) opinion about the necessity of e-learning, Goodson's (2000) principles of teacher professionalism, Nordkvelle's (2006) view on the challenge of ODL-organization, Boshier's (1971) Education Participation Scale (EPS), and Houle's (1961) philosophy of six classic needs of a practicing professional, tries to find out the role of ODL in the professional development of higher education teachers in Bangladesh on the basis of a study. The related survey involves a sample of more than 100 teachers from a number of ten private and public universities in Dhaka. It is expected that ODL might play a significant role in the professional development of tertiary level teachers in the country. The paper also explores the possible advantages teachers may enjoy and difficulties they may face in pursuit of these modes of education. The Ministry of Education can play a great role in alleviating the problems with and barriers to ODL. However, the academic heavyweights also have some responsibilities in this regard. (Contains 6 tables.)
Improving Interaction through Blogs in a Constructivist Learning Environment
Author: Cuhadar, Cem
Date: 2010-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Constructivism (Learning),Web Sites,Electronic Publishing,Action Research,Interpersonal Relationship,Interaction,Information Technology,Educational Technology,Content Analysis,Computer Mediated Communication,Computer Uses in Education,College Freshmen,Observation,Interviews,Interpersonal Communication,Teacher Student Relationship,Foreign Countries

The current study investigated the ways to improve the interaction through blogs in an information technology course, in which a constructive approach was employed. Eighteen students enrolled in the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies at Anadolu University during the spring semester of the academic year 2006-2007 participated in the action research designed in accordance with the purpose of the study. The data were collected through different techniques and tools including observation and interviews. Content analysis and descriptive analysis were conducted to analyze data. To sustain credibility, conformability, consistency, and transferability, several strategies were adopted such as in-depth data collection and data triangulation. Findings revealed that the course, which was planned according to constructivist principles and applied through blogs, could improve both instruction and social interaction. Findings also suggested that participants' needs regarding information sharing, instructional support and communication played an important role to improve interaction among participants and with the course instructor. Furthermore, it was observed that blogs could be used as tools to develop interaction in discussions and group works. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)