ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Primary School Science Teachers' Use of Computer Applications
Author: Ocak, Mehmet Akif
Date: 2008-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Computer Uses in Education,Science Teachers,Educational Technology,Gender Differences,Technology Integration,Relationship,Computer Literacy,Incidence,Surveys

This study investigated the level and frequency of science teachers' use of computer applications as an instructional tool in the classroom. The manner and frequency of science teachers' use of computer, their perceptions about integration of computer applications, and other factors contributed to changes in their computer literacy are investigated in this study. 63 primary school science teachers from the Northwestern part of Turkey participated in this study. A survey was administered to teachers. Results demonstrated that improving the computer literacy of science teachers seems to increase science teachers' computer use and consequently increase their integration of computer applications as an instructional tool. Internet, email, and educational software CDs found to have high percentage in teachers' use of computer applications in the classrooms. Also, the results indicated gender difference exists between science teachers' integration of computer applications as an instructional tool.
E-Learning and Distance Education in Nigeria
Author: Ajadi, Timothy Olugbenga
Date: 2008-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Open Universities,Distance Education,Foreign Countries,Developing Nations,Program Descriptions,Educational Development,Quality Control,Internet,Role of Education,Electronic Learning,Educational Technology,Educational History,Public Colleges,College Role,Access to Education,Academic Degrees,College Programs,Barriers

This paper discusses the relevance of e-learning in the position of distance education in Nigeria. It commences by discussing the meaning of e-learning and distance education. It also discusses the historical background of distance education in Nigeria as well as the operations of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the first federal University in Nigeria dedicated to the provision of education through distance mode. Furthermore, the paper highlights the prospects and challenges of e-learning in the operation of National Open University of Nigeria.
Improving the Technology Integration Skills of Prospective Teachers through Practice: A Case Study
Author: Gülbahar, Yasemin
Date: 2008-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Computer Attitudes,Technology Integration,Measures (Individuals),Learning Processes,Educational Technology,Computer Literacy,Material Development,Preservice Teacher Education,Preservice Teachers,Observation,Teacher Attitudes,Qualitative Research,Statistical Analysis,Questionnaires,Teacher Education Programs,Graduate Students,Case Studies,Attitude Measures,Likert Scales,Nonparametric Statistics

Rapid developments in invented technologies lead educational institutions to effectively integrate these technologies into the teaching-learning processes. However, both institutions and individuals face different obstacles because of these integration processes. By taking various precautions maybe overcome. Thus, this study was designed to explore to what extend the course &quot;Instructional Technology &amp; Material Development,&quot; from a non-thesis graduate teacher's preparation program, contributed to pre-service teachers' perceived computer competencies, attitudes toward computers and technology vision. The participants were 114 pre-service teachers with a degree from the faculty of arts and science. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used to collect data in order to validate the findings. Participants were asked to fill out a computer attitude scale and a computer competency scale both at the beginning and end of the course, as well as an open-ended questionnaire at the end of the course. Besides, the researcher had observed all the participants during their weekly assignments. The results showed that pre-service teachers developed a positive attitude towards using computers in their future classrooms and enhanced their computer competencies. Furthermore, they became desirous and curious about technology and more willing to use technology in their future careers. Although one can find numerous similar articles in the literature that produced similar results, in Turkish context, this article has valuable information for those teaching in non-theses teaching programs.
School Leadership and Information Communication Technology
Author: Afshari, Mojgan
Date: 2008-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Technology,Technology Integration,Leadership Styles,Computer Uses in Education,Computer Literacy,Secondary Schools,Educational Practices,Leadership Role,Questionnaires,Likert Scales,Minimum Competencies,Scores,Administrator Attitudes,Foreign Countries

Leadership is an important component in guiding the teaching-learning process. Principal as school leaders have a major responsibility for initiating and implementing school change through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and can facilitate complex decision to integrate it into learning, teaching and school administration. Hence, educational leaders must understand, promote and implement the notion that technology integration is not about the technology; it is about focusing on the future generations and leading teachers to a change in pedagogy. However, few studies have empirically examined computer use by principals, their perceived computer competence and their leadership style. This paper will report on these issues from an initial analysis of a baseline data gathered from 30 secondary school principals in Tehran, a large province in Iran. Findings indicate that school principals are using computers for instructional and administrative purposes and they have moderate competency in computer applications. This paper also suggests that the idea of transformational leaders can enhance the computer use in schools. 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.
Modeling Spring Mass System with System Dynamics Approach in Middle School Education
Author: Nuhoglu, Hasret
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Systems Analysis,Systems Approach,Middle Schools,Secondary School Science,Science Instruction,Technology Education,Middle School Students,Models,Computer Simulation,Grade 7,Computer Assisted Instruction,Statistical Analysis

System Dynamics is a well formulated methodology for analyzing the components of a system including causeeffect relationships and their underlying mathematics and logic, time delays, and feedback loops. It began in the business and manufacturing world, but is now affecting education and many other disciplines. Having inspired by successful policy changes in lots of fields, the system dynamics researchers targeted to apply the system dynamics approach in the educational fields too. The aim of this study is to model spring mass system that is taught in middle school science and technology curriculum, using system dynamics approach and to learn the effect of the system dynamics approach with sample application group. This research consists of three sections: exploring system elements, modeling systems and testing models. In the first section of this research the theoretical information was given about how the models are developed and tested. In the other section two sample students' developmental data were examined and discussed.
Mobile Learning in Higher Education: An Empirical Assessment of a New Educational Tool
Author: McConatha, Douglas
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Electronic Learning,Introductory Courses,Student Evaluation,Distance Education,Knowledge Level,Computer Software,Inferences,Teaching Methods,Telecommunications,Internet,Grades (Scholastic),Information Technology,College Freshmen

Mobile Learning, or M-learning as it is often called, is a relatively new tool in the pedagogical arsenal to assist students and teachers as they navigate the options available in the expanding distance learning world. This article assesses some of the possible methods, challenges and future potential of using this approach in a college classroom and describes an empirical evaluation of the effectiveness of M-learning in a college classroom. One hundred twelve students in an introductory survey course in sociology were given the opportunity to use an M-Learning product developed by HotLava Software for the purpose of assisting them in preparation for two scheduled exams. Both practice and review questions were made available on Smart Phones, Web enabled phones, PDAs and other Internet capable mobile devices via Learning Mobile Author. Forty-two of the 112 students in the class chose to access these data via their personal devices and their responses were collected and recorded. The results of their performance, as indicated by a final grade in the course, were compared to the outcomes for those students who chose not to use the M-Learning tool. Students using the software demonstrated a higher level of knowledge of the subject matter covered in the course when compared to students choosing not to use the tools (p less than 0.01). Conclusions and a discussion of these outcomes are offered as well as some inferences and speculation regarding the future of M-Learning in the classroom and beyond.
Promoting Teachers' Positive Attitude towards Web Use: A Study in Web Site Development
Author: Akpinar, Yavuz
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Web Sites,Self Efficacy,Intention,Internet,Teaching Methods,Teacher Attitudes,Computer Attitudes,Computer Uses in Education,Inservice Teacher Education,Foreign Countries,Attitude Measures,Likert Scales,Secondary School Teachers,Questionnaires,Statistical Analysis

The purpose of the study was to examine effects of a compact training for developing web sites on teachers' web attitude, as composed of: web self efficacy, perceived web enjoyment, perceived web usefulness and behavioral intention to use the web. To measure the related constructs, the Web Attitude Scale was adapted into Turkish and tested with a sample of 156 teachers. Then, a web site development training based upon behavioral modeling method of instruction was conducted with sixteen teachers. The training created a positive and significant difference on the participants' web attitude, web self efficacy and perceived web usefulness scores. Although the post training scores of perceived web enjoyment and behavioral intention to use the web were higher than the pre training scores, the differences were not significant. The results are encouraging and suggest that teachers should involve more in design and development of web based materials to help students to learn.
Evaluation of the Skills of K-12 Students Regarding the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) in Turkey
Author: Kurt, Adile Askim
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Elementary Secondary Education,Foreign Countries,Educational Technology,Computer Literacy,National Standards,High School Graduates,College Students,Access to Computers,Internet,Educational Attainment,Parent Background,Parents,Data Analysis,Data Collection,Likert Scales,Questionnaires

The goal of teaching technology used in every field of daily life as well as in every stage of education, is to have individuals acquire the necessary skills in technology use. In this era, these skills are among the essentials for individuals to discover the world with the help of technology. This study was carried out on students who completed their K-12 education and just started university. The purpose of the study was to evaluate their skills regarding the educational technology standards and to examine the factors that influence these skills. Consequently, it was found that the students examined had an average level of educational technology standards. Moreover, it was also revealed that their easy access to the internet via their own computers as well as the education level of their mother helped them develop their skills.
Using Multimedia Social Stories to Increase Appropriate Social Engagement in Young Children with Autism
Author: Ozdemir, Selda
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Autism,Story Telling,Young Children,Social Development,Multimedia Instruction,Pervasive Developmental Disorders,Rating Scales,Video Technology,Observation,Interpersonal Competence,Prosocial Behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the multimedia social stories on the duration of appropriate social engagement of 3 young children with autism. Using a multiple-baseline-across-participants design, the multimedia social stories were implemented, and observations of 10-min play sessions were conducted three times per week. Study results showed an increase in the duration of appropriate social engagement for all participants and two participants also showed generalization to a classroom setting. The results from the study provide support for the use of the multimedia social stories without additional behavioral management techniques in increasing the social engagement of children with autism. Recommendations for future research and potential benefits of the multimedia social story interventions are discussed.
The Organization of the Faculty Development Programs for Research Assistants: The Case of Education Faculties in Turkey
Author: Kabakçi, Isil
Date: 2008-07-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Instructional Development,Research Assistants,Teacher Improvement,Faculty Development,College Faculty,Teaching Skills,Individual Development,Seminars,Workshops,Online Courses,Conferences (Gatherings),Participation,Time Factors (Learning),Questionnaires

The faculty development of research assistants who are at the first step of their academic careers are significant for the employment of faculty members of future and realizing the responsibilities of higher education institutions as to contribute to science and technology. However, there is little research on the features of faculty development programs for research assistants in literature. The aim of this research is to determine the organization of the faculty development programs for research assistants. This study was improved by using descriptive research method. The population of the research consisted of 1095 research assistants who work in 54 Education Faculties of 44 state universities of Turkey between 2003 and 2004. The research data were collected by means of the survey. At the end of the study, it has been determined that the Research Assistants in Education Faculties in Turkey are highly in need of faculty development in view of; professional development, institutional development, instructional development and personal development respectively. It has also been determined with the study that the organization of the faculty development programs that research assistant suggest should be organized by the experts in education period as a workshop, and as activities continuing 2-3 hours in a week in a faculty development center.
Academic Staff Perceptions of ICT and eLearning: A Thai HE Case Study
Author: James, Paul T. J.
Date: 2008-10-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Teacher Attitudes,College Faculty,Information Technology,Electronic Learning,Higher Education,Case Studies,Program Implementation,Technology Transfer,Graduate Study,Questionnaires,Use Studies,Teaching Methods,Instructional Effectiveness,Educational Strategies,Online Surveys,Educational Quality,Online Courses,Web Based Instruction

This paper examines the issues affecting the implementation of eLearning at a university in Bangkok. eLearning and the use of ICT is playing key role in shaping teaching and learning in Thailand. Its implementation is providing innovative and creative opportunities for knowledge development and ICT technology transfer. This paper shows that there will be a need to engage in higher levels of eLearning systems development in order to create an overall integrated ICT vision and eLearning strategy for the university. The present study draws data from an anonymous questionnaire administered in the International programmes of study at graduate level in a university in Bangkok. There were a total of 22 returns. The data suggests that eLearning is not widely used at the university as it is perceived as less effective; whereas traditional pedagogic practices as well as being widely used is also perceived as being the most effective method. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed. Data is drawn from a small number of academic staff and thus further university-wide research is necessary. This paper critically evaluates the practicalities associated with eLearning in a university experiencing significant changes and assesses its potential in addressing useful eLearning developments. The paper gives a clear insight into the issues surrounding eLearning and addresses some of the implications for longer-term ICT and eLearning developments.
Effects of Instruction on Chinese College Students' Thematic Choice in Academic Writing
Author: Wei, Jing
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,College Students,Academic Discourse,Instructional Effectiveness,Thematic Approach,Quasiexperimental Design,English Language Learners,Teaching Methods,Essays,Text Structure,Story Grammar,Writing Strategies,Content Analysis,English Curriculum,Second Language Learning,Language Tests

The Theme is a major aspect of how speakers construct their messages in a way which makes them fit smoothly into the unfolding language event. Thematic choice provides clues as to how English learners organize information and shape their texts. Previous studies reveal that English learners deviated from English native speakers in their thematic choices, leading to failure in signaling what the text is about. The findings have led to a consensus that English learners should be trained in thematic choices so that they are able to write well-developed essays. This quasi-experimental research aimed to investigate the effects of instruction on Chinese college students' thematic choices in their academic English writing, and proved that instruction in thematic choice produced positive effects on Chinese college students' use of topical Themes, interpersonal Themes, unmarked Themes, and conjunctive adjuncts.
Testing the Cultural Differences of School Characteristics with Measurement Invariance
Author: Demir, Ergül
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Cultural Differences,Institutional Characteristics,Measurement,Multivariate Analysis,Models,School Effectiveness,Correlation,Achievement Tests,Foreign Countries,International Assessment,Secondary School Students,Factor Analysis,Goodness of Fit,Componential Analysis,Predictor Variables,Teacher Morale,Questionnaires

In this study, it was aimed to model the school characteristics in multivariate structure, and according to this model, aimed to test the invariance of this model across five randomly selected countries and economies from PISA 2012 sample. It is thought that significant differences across group in the context of school characteristics have the potential to explain the effectiveness of schools and educational systems. This study was conducted with correlational model as a basic research. Secondary level analyses were conducted on PISA 2012 School Questionnaire data. To construct &quot;school characteristics model,&quot; whole data from 65 participant countries and economies were considered. One country from each proficiency level and totally 5 countries were randomly selected for the research sample. These countries and economies are Shanghai-China, Korea, Ireland, Turkey and Uruguay. In this way sample was composed of totally 835 schools. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the invariance of school characteristics across countries. According to the results, Shanghai and Uruguay differed from each other and other countries. Across Korea, Ireland and Turkey, School characteristics provide strong invariance. These three cultures were more similar. Main result of this study is that school characteristics cannot be invariant across some cultural groups or sub-groups. In order to provide equal opportunity to all stakeholders of the educational system, and also provide school effectiveness, such kinds of differences are considered carefully.
Teaching Interactive Art Lessons with Recycled Waste Materials as Instructional Resources
Author: Yeboah, Rita
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Recycling,Art Education,Art Activities,Teaching Methods,Foreign Countries,Quasiexperimental Design,Art Teachers,Instructional Materials,Conservation (Environment),Qualitative Research,Elementary Secondary Education,Conventional Instruction,Art Products

The study examines the use of waste materials as instructional resources in teaching and learning Art lessons. Primary, Junior and Senior High School Art teachers in Ghana mostly teach their lessons without instructional resources because the government is not able to provide materials to create the needed resources. The study therefore explored local waste materials which create nuisance in the environment in Ghana to create appropriate teaching resources for Art in Ghana. This study shows differences in classroom atmosphere and student performance when instructional resources are used or not used in teaching and learning. The study adopted the exploratory, quasi-experimental and descriptive research methods. Art teachers from Kumasi were selected to teach with developed instructional resources after which lessons taught with and without the instructional resources were compared. The study found that when instructional resources are used for teaching and learning, lessons become more practical, interactive, interesting and real to pupils and students, and enables them to perform better in their academics.
Analysis of 4th Grade Students' Problem Solving Skills in Terms of Several Variables
Author: Sungur, Gülcan
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Grade 4,Problem Solving,Predictor Variables,Demography,Statistical Analysis,Elementary School Students,Gender Differences,Parent Background,Student Characteristics,Skill Analysis,Measures (Individuals),Foreign Countries,Likert Scales,Student Surveys

The aim of this study is to examine if the level of primary school students in solving problems differs according to some demographic variables. The research is descriptive type in the general survey method, it was carried out with quantitative research techniques. The sample of the study consisted of 587 primary school students in Grade 4. The data of the study was obtained by applying &quot;Problem Solving Inventory for Primary School Children,&quot; developed by Serin, Bulut-Serin and Saygili (2010). To analyze the data, t-test, was used to determine differences in test, after one-way ANOVA test Scheffer as complementary post-hoc analysis was used. The results of the analysis show a significant difference in terms of maternal educational level and type of school according to scale total scale scores of problem solving skill (p&lt;0.05). No significant difference was found in terms of gender and level of parental education status (p&gt;0.05). As a result of the research, organizing supportive trainings for the children experiencing shortage of problem solving skills have been suggested to their parents and teachers.