A search on the Internet for resources for teaching statistics yields multiple sites with data sets, projects, worksheets, applets, and software. Often these are made available without information on how they might benefit learning. This paper addresses potential benefits from resources that target trend and variability relationships in bivariate data. The paper is in five parts. The first is the introduction. In the second, trend and variability are defined. In the third, the author quotes...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Internet, Statistics, Mathematics Instruction, Web Sites, Worksheets, Computer...
In the Western Gregorian Calendar, the date of Easter Sunday is defined as the Sunday following the ecclesiastical Full Moon that falls on or next after March 21. While the pattern of dates so defined usually repeats each 19 years, there is a 0.08 day difference between the cycles. More accurately, the system has a period of 70 499 183 lunations which is about 5 700 000 years: more details are at astro.nmsu.edu/~lhuber/leaphist.html. This website also provides one version of an algorithm,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Computer Uses in Education, Mathematics Instruction, Educational Technology,...
Many schools are initiating projects that place laptop computers into the hands of each student and teacher in the school. These projects entail a great deal of planning and investment by all involved. The teachers in these schools are faced with significant challenges as they prepare for teaching in classrooms where every student has a computer. Using the Concerns-Based Adoption Model of change, this study investigated the concerns of teachers in the early stages of a one-to-one laptop...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Educational Environment, Computers, Adoption (Ideas), Teacher Attitudes, Educational...
This study investigates whether gender has an effect on students' attitudes toward, and their uses of, technology. Data were collected from 59 sixth grade students to examine their attitudes toward and uses of technology by means of The Computer Survey (TCS), computer logs, interviews, classroom observations, field notes, and student work. One of the major findings of the study was that gender differences in attitudes, perceptions, and uses of computers were not found to be significant. The...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Grade 6, Females, Males, Gender Differences, Student Attitudes, Computer Attitudes,...
Growing perceptions that students exploit information technology to evade academic assignments prompted surveys of student attitudes about unethical uses of information technology (e.g., cutting and pasting excerpts from Web sites without attribution) at two institutions. Students at a private church-affiliated college rated cheating behaviors as more offensive than their counterparts at a regional campus of a major research university. However, ordinal rankings of academically dishonest...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Student Attitudes, Personality Traits, Research Universities, Ethics, Cheating,...
This study examined the structure of two preservice teachers' understandings of educational software in mathematics using repertory grid techniques. Specifically, the study focused on how teacher educators can enable preservice teachers to discern the features of mathematics software, and develop pedagogical goals that reflect the affordances and constraints of available tools. Results showed a deepening of knowledge and a differentiation of knowledge following experiences of exploration,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Teacher Educators, Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Computer...
The purpose of this research study was to develop a theory-based methodology for exploring instructional computer use by faculty members in one College of Education (COE) and implementing this methodology at an Anatolian university in Turkey. Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory was used as the theoretical framework in the process of instrument development, data collection, and in the interpretation of the results. The faculty members in the study reported low levels of use and...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Foreign Countries, Methods, Faculty Development, Educational Technology, Schools of...
This study investigated the relationship between technology use and skills and the use of constructivist instructional practices among teachers in rural schools. Teachers in this study responded to Moersch's instrument, the Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi). The LoTi was administered to the fourth and eighth grade teachers in 11 school districts to determine if levels of classroom technology use and personal computer use predicted the use of constructivist instructional practices....
Topics: ERIC Archive, Grade 8, Teaching Methods, Computer Uses in Education, Rural Schools, Constructivism...
Computer-based technologies are now commonplace in classrooms, and the integration of these media into the teaching and learning of mathematics is supported by government policy in most developed countries. However, many questions about the impact of computer-based technologies on classroom mathematics learning remain unanswered, and debates about when and how they ought to be used continue. An increasing number of studies seek to identify the effects of technology usage on classroom learning,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Public Policy, Mathematics Education, Developed Nations, Educational Research,...
Case study learning was integrated into a course designed to improve students' potential for academic success and increase student retention. Case studies related to self-regulation of behavior, motivation, and cognition for academic tasks were used to prompt students' critical thinking and facilitate deep learning of self-regulation topics, linking course theory with practice. This article explores the effectiveness of asynchronous computer-mediated collaborative case study learning as...
Topics: ERIC Archive, School Holding Power, Undergraduate Students, Case Studies, Thinking Skills, Critical...
This study seeks to determine the state of online course development and faculty attitudes toward online instruction within technical teacher education programs in the United States. This study shows that a majority of research participants reported that less than 25% of coursework in their departments was offered fully online or Web-enhanced. This indicates a relatively low usage of online coursework in technical teacher education programs. One may conclude, therefore, that technical teacher...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Technology Integration, Management Systems, Teacher Education Programs, Preservice...
In 2004, in response to concerns about declining membership, the National Association of Industrial and Technical Teacher Educators (NAITTE) conducted a survey of its members. What was a concern then is of even greater concern today. This essay is an attempt to extend the conversation begun by Gagel (2006) through his synthesis of results of the 1993 and 2004 NAITTE membership surveys. The focus of this commentary will be twofold: It will examine additional historical perspectives that may help...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Teacher Educators, Professional Associations, National Surveys, Occupational Surveys,...
This article describes how the Global Challenge allows high school students to do something for the environment while winning an award that will help them financially through college. The Global Challenge is an online competition for high school students across the world. Students from other nations can pair up with students in the U.S. and together they can become an International Team. Through e-mail exchanges and Skype (a free voice and file sharing application for synchronous meetings)...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Global Approach, Information Technology, Climate, High School Students, Scoring...
For the last year the authors have been gathering examples of how perceived "threats of security" are hampering the integration of technology in teaching and learning. They hope that educators will examine both the challenges of increased security demands and ways in which security might enhance, rather than detract from, the use of technology for learning. Although security measures appear to be well grounded, there is increasing evidence that many policies being imposed by...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Technology Integration, Educational Technology, Computer Security, Computer Uses in...
Virtual schooling, in which K-12 courses and activities are offered mostly or completely through digital communication technologies, has become firmly established in K-12 education across the United States. The VS movement continues to expand at a rapid rate, especially at the high school level. The continuing success of VS efforts will require K-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff at host schools to collaborate effectively with VS providers. Virtual schooling requires substantial...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Teacher Role, Teacher Attitudes, Online Courses, Web Based Instruction, Computer Uses...
As changes in federal funding spell the end of the network of Regional Technology in Education Consortia (R*TEC), the authors, who are staff members of the Advanced Learning Technologies project at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, discuss resources left in R*TEC's wake. Many of these resources are still available and can be a great asset to anyone struggling to integrate technology into their classrooms. An easy way to find one of the more than 200 R*TEC resources that...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Technology Integration, Educational Technology, Computer Uses in Education, Access to...
Given the power of instructional technology and the ubiquitous nature of technology in society and the workplace, what are the social implications associated with teachers' decisions to use, or not use, technology to enhance teaching and learning? Despite current U.S. educational goals and the documented effect of the achievement gap, little attention has focused on critical issues associated with the use of instructional technology as a social justice tool. This article explores the social...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Educational Technology, Justice, Social Values, Teaching Methods, Computer Attitudes,...
In the book, "1-to-1 Learning: Laptop Programs That Work," author Pamela Livingston begins with an important point for those who are considering a laptop program for the first time: Newcomers are fortunate to be able to learn from the educators who have started down the 1-to-1 road before them. This proved to be true for two neighboring school districts in Oregon (Eugene School District 4J and Springfield School District) that took the time to survey what other schools had been doing....
Topics: ERIC Archive, Computer Uses in Education, Technology Integration, School Districts, Program...
From the time that computer technology became part of the school environment, teachers have been encouraged to integrate technology into their instructional practices. Why not use such valuable tools to extend professional development practices as well? This is a question that the authors raised while working together on digital video staff development training for faculty at Georgia State University. The authors try out some of their ideas and processes by mentoring Jaime Weingart, a...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Mentors, Video Equipment, Computers, Educational Technology, Beginning Teachers,...
Plagiarism is an ugly word. Copying someone else's work and attempting to claim credit for one's self is an act that involves a number of ethical failings--theft, laziness, coveting, and lying among others. Many educators blame the Internet for what they perceive as the rise of plagiarism. Although the Internet certainly enables more efficient plagiarism, blaming it for widespread copying is akin to blaming a bank robbery on the presence of cash in the building. This article presents several...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Plagiarism, Internet, Prevention, Ethics, Student Behavior, Teaching Methods, Higher...
Previous research has indicated that most students copy and paste notes from Internet sources in a mindless way; they typically paste large sections of text into their notes and then later can recall little of what they have stored. However, supplying students with a note-taking framework that restricts the amount of text that may be pasted can prompt them to engage in more selective pasting, and this seems to result in greater learning. But the extant research has not specifically addressed...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Notetaking, Web Sites, High Achievement, Academically Gifted, Cognitive Style, Study...
From an Invitational Education perspective, e-learning will only succeed as an educative environment if educators are able to provide an e-learning environment that preserves dignity and encourages communication. The converse: using an online environment to "throw information" at students has the opposite effect; it is experienced as deeply disinviting. This article identifies some of the more common disinviting practices currently being experienced by learners who are new to an...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Online Courses, Distance Education, Computer Uses in Education, Educational...
Because of the limitless knowledge that is literally at your fingertips, the Internet can be an excellent tool for use with gifted students to differentiate curriculum within a general education setting and also in gifted education classes. However, like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it is used. This article describes six pedagogical strategies for using the Internet to enhance learning for gifted students (Johnson, 2006). These activities are open-ended, allow for choice, and have...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Academically Gifted, Internet, Computer Uses in Education, Teaching Methods,...
This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study explored how the encoding of text ideas is affected when students with learning disabilities (LD) take notes from Web-based text. In the quantitative phase of the study, 15 students took three kinds of notes--typed, copy and paste, and written--with each kind of notes addressing a different topic. After taking notes, students performed poorly on two immediate measures of facts learning. Cued-recall test performances were best for topics noted by...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Notetaking, Qualitative Research, Learning Disabilities, Multiple Choice Tests,...
Student teaching is a challenging period for preservice teachers as they make the transition from preparation to practice. Support from mentor teachers and university personnel can make this time easier, helping preservice teachers successfully integrate educational theory into their practice. Because of logistical, financial, and personnel limitations, many student teachers with rural placements receive inadequate support. The Technology Supported Induction Network (TSIN) was developed to...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Student Teaching, Student Teachers, Rural Schools, Mentors, College School...
The need for an engaged, informed citizenry is central to the dream of democracy by Thomas Jefferson. The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) places citizenship education "at the heart of social studies" and suggests that social studies teachers must prepare students to develop a "reasoned commitment to fundamental values, such as life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, equality, truth, and promotion of the common good." In the process of developing their students'...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Citizenship Education, Internet, Social Studies, Preservice Teacher Education,...
This article begins with an overview of how WebCT is used within a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) program in social studies and global education. WebCT is a class management system that allows instructors to choose from a variety of electronic technologies for a single course or integrate coursework across an entire academic program. In the M.Ed. program WebCT situates the interns within an online Professional Development School (PDS) Network of schools (half urban and half suburban) and...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Computer Software Reviews, Courseware, Teacher Education Programs, Social Studies,...
Technology, and the Internet in particular, is bringing constant change to American society, including the potential to enhance democracy by fostering participation in the electoral process. Because of the wealth of information available on candidates, issues, and policies, the Internet may foster citizens' ability to cast a more informed vote. As technology evolves and becomes more ubiquitous, it is likely that it will continue to reshape the American political process and landscape. The...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Voting, Elementary Secondary Education, Democracy, Elections, Internet, Social...
Generally, children attribute agency, having the power or authority to act, to traditionally celebrated historical figures. Often this leads to increased apathy about their own future due to the sense that social change is the prerogative of only the most "powerful" of individuals. Agency is an essential part to being a productive citizen in a participatory democracy, and if children are expected to act, they must believe they possess the power to affect change. Edward A. Shanken...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Democracy, Citizenship Education, Social Change, Internet, Social Studies, Citizen...
In 1991, Lawrence Grossman wrote that "a new political system is taking shape in the United States. As we approach the twenty-first century, America is turning into an electronic republic, a democratic system that is vastly increasing the people's day-to-day influence on decisions of state." Grossman's forecast implied a sea change in the way citizens would interact with, and participate in, their representative government; a revamping of the way Americans would "do"...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Political Science, Citizenship, Voting, Citizenship Education, Information Seeking,...
In this article, we provide the results of our examination of the range of multiliteracy activities that engage boys' time and attention, and the types of literacy skills and understandings they learn through their engagement with alternative texts. We focus particularly on video game play and creation/composition as a learning activity that consumes a great deal of their out-of-school time. Our observations and conversations with adolescent boys suggest that significant, powerful learning is...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Video Games, Literacy, Males, Adolescents, Learning Activities, Student Interests,...
One fifth of Americans smoke; many have no plans to quit. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an effective approach to intervention with precontemplative smokers, yet a substantial number of healthcare practitioners lack training in this approach. Two interactive online tutorials were developed to teach practitioners to deliver brief tobacco cessation interventions grounded in the MI approach. The tutorials emphasized the unique aspects of working with precontemplative smokers, incorporating...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Smoking, Intervention, Behavior Modification, Health Behavior, Web Based Instruction,...
Throughout the world, policy-makers are demonstrating their commitment to widening participation in education by promoting alternative pathways to gaining academic qualifications. This paper reports a study which aimed to investigate the potential of online learning to overcome barriers to participating in education by socially disadvantaged adults, and to identify the factors that influenced such students' participation and successful completion of online learning courses. Seventy-nine adults...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Open Universities, Distance Education, Disadvantaged, Online Courses, Telephone...
Across the world, the distance mode of education is gaining momentum. It is a system in which schools, universities and other educational agencies offer instruction wholly or partly by mail. Eritrea is a newly independent country in Africa and is facing many challenges, particularly in its education sector. It does not have many educational institutions at tertiary level. Thus, distance learning is a valuable option for this country. The distance education program could promote higher education...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Distance Education, Developing Nations, Computer Uses in Education, Higher Education,...
Podcasting is becoming more and more common as a method of delivery at universities and for training purposes. The concept to set up podcasting is simple, and the costs vary. The advantages of podcasting are enormous. Podcasting is especially effective for adult education programs. (Contains 17 online resources.)
Topics: ERIC Archive, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Distance Education, Telecommunications,...
New modes of everyday communication--textual, visual, audio and video--are already part of almost every high school and college student's social life. Can such social networking principles be effective in an educational setting? In this article, the author describes how the students at his school, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), are provided with opportunities to share their work through a new generation of Web 2.0 solutions that are easier to use, more engaging, and have an increasing...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Social Life, Educational Technology, Social Networks, High Schools, Higher Education,...
This study compared the effectiveness of a web-based physical activity intervention to two control conditions in terms of increasing walking behavior in college-aged women. Women (N=112) from a public university in the southwest were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The 4-week intervention featured an experimental, repeated measures design that used the internet to deliver interactive activities. Control group participants were asked not to change their activity. Walking...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Physical Activity Level, Computer Uses in Education, Program Effectiveness,...
The incidence of bulimia nervosa has increased significantly in the second half of the twentieth century and its occurrence is more than twice that of anorexia nervosa. Due to its complex nature, successful treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach with nutritional, psychological, medical, pharmacological and dental therapies. Despite bulimia nervosa's growing incidence, many health care professionals fail to detect the condition in their patients. In addition, professionals lack...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Intervention, Needs Assessment, Incidence, Focus Groups, Eating Disorders,...
Patterns of Internet-based menu item selection can occur for a number of reasons, many of which may not be based on interest in topic. It then becomes important to ensure menu order is devised in a way that ensures the greatest accuracy in matching user need with selection. This study examined the impact of menu rotation on the selection of Internet-based parent-child feeding behavior education and behavior change modules by participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program across...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Health Promotion, Program Effectiveness, Behavior Change, Internet, Nutrition,...
In recent years, many health educators have integrated computer applications into their health education program interventions. The assessment of the impact of these interventions is limited. This study assessed the impact of the Pyramid Challenge nutrition software program on nutrition knowledge levels of students enrolled in traditional personal health courses at The University of Alabama (UA). An experimental group consisted of students enrolled in two sections of the personal health course...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Computer Uses in Education, Dietetics, Evaluation Methods, Knowledge Level, Health...
This author states that "college access marketing" efforts aimed at increasing college attendance and success have been slow to incorporate new techniques such as "buzz marketing," "viral marketing," "product seeding," and "guerrilla marketing." Yet for a "connected generation" of potential college students, these kinds of strategies could be crucial in changing behaviors. More than 60 percent of last year's high school seniors said...
Topics: ERIC Archive, College Attendance, Computer Uses in Education, Marketing, Information Sources,...
Calculators can be used in primary schools in a number of situations. They are most beneficial when working with large numbers, dealing with real data that leads to complex calculations, performing repetitive calculations, developing concepts, estimating and checking, problem solving, and looking for patterns and/or relationships. But what if the calculator is broken? This article describes the mathematics that children learned and a teacher's awareness of children's mathematical understanding,...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Calculators, Number Concepts, Computation, Primary Education, Educational Technology,...
Mathematics in textbooks and indeed in conventional classrooms is often presented as exercises or worksheets in which the mathematics itself has been processed into a form that is easily digested. This McDonald's version of mathematics ensures that the mathematical skill or technique is laid bare and typically the sole focus of attention. In this paper the mathematical focus is directed number, though the reader will soon become aware that the children's activity spans a rich panoply of...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Textbooks, Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, Primary Education, Foreign...
Listening to podcasts or watching videocasts in the classroom couldn't be easier--or cheaper. But if one has a computer and an Internet connection, he or she already has all the equipment he or she needs. This article lists ten podcasts for teachers and students.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Internet, Educational Resources, Computer Uses in Education, German, Second Language...
Several teachers share their ideas for classroom activities. These include: (1) combining science and art on Earth Day; (2) implementing an inexpensive incentive scheme to get students to bring their signed papers back to school on time; (3) involving students in a virtual zoo; (4) planting real grass in Easter Bunny baskets; and (5) creating own lyrics for simple nursery rhyme tunes.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Class Activities, Learning Activities, Rhyme, Nursery Rhymes, Science Activities,...
This article features the latest classroom technologies namely the FLY Pentop, WriteToLearn, and a new iris scan identification system. The FLY Pentop is a computerized pen from Leapster that "magically" understands what kids write and draw on special FLY paper. WriteToLearn is an automatic grading software from Pearson Knowledge Technologies and the new iris identification system, which was funded by a Department of Justice grant, which is expected to improve school safety.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Educational Technology, Computer Software, Computer Uses in Education, School Safety,...
There was a time when the chalkboard was revolutionary. Before it came along, teachers would walk from student to student, drawing problems on individual slates. Now interactive whiteboards promise to reinvent instruction again. Many teachers are now discovering the benefits of using whiteboards. This article presents several strategies on how teachers can make the most out of interactive whiteboards.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Computer Mediated Communication, Computer Uses in Education, Teaching Methods,...
All teachers probably want to save hours of planning per week, as well as create innovative lesson plans that connect with kids. This article presents several teachers who have saved hours of planning by embracing technology in their classrooms. This article also provides several strategies that teachers can use to save a great amount of preparation time.
Topics: ERIC Archive, Educational Technology, Educational Strategies, Time Management, Computers, Computer...
Understanding the concept of the sampling distribution of a statistic is essential for the understanding of inferential procedures. Unfortunately, this topic proves to be a stumbling block for students in introductory statistics classes. In efforts to aid students in their understanding of this concept, alternatives to a lecture-based mode of instruction have been introduced in the literature with some of these approaches using in-class activities, simulations using statistical software, and...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Class Activities, Intervals, Computer Software, Sampling, Statistics, Teaching...
Web-based lecture technologies (WBLT) have gained popularity amongst universities in Australia as a tool for delivering lecture recordings to students in close to real time. This paper reports on a selection of results from a larger research project investigating the impact of WBLT on teaching and learning. Results show that while staff see the advantages for external students, they question the extent to which these advantages apply to internal students. In contrast both cohorts of students...
Topics: ERIC Archive, Distance Education, Online Courses, Foreign Countries, Internet, Lecture Method, Web...