i-manager's Journal of Educational Technology (JET)


Volume 8 Issue 3 October - December 2011

Article

Reforming the Higher Education System in Iraq: Internationalization via Decentralization

Sufyan T. Faraj Al-Janabi* , David Andersson**
* College of Computer, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq.
** College of Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.
Sufyan T. Faraj Al-Janabi and David Anderson (2011). Reforming The Higher Education System In Iraq: Internationalization Via Decentralization. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1634

Abstract

In countries where higher education has largely been a state function, conservative bureaucracies are viewed as impediments to necessary development and change. Virtually everywhere, voices are raised to demand necessary reforms yet, in spite of these apparently common challenges, it remains true that policy-related education issues are framed by and ‘spoken through’ the particularities of distinct cultures and histories. The aim of this paper is to investigate the best approach to enhance the state of higher education (HE) system in Iraq so that it can be more competitive in this new age of education globalization. This paper outlines the present state of the Iraqi HE system, emphasizing its most relevant problems. In order to define the major problems that most of Iraqi universities and institutions have been suffering during the last few years and till this moment, we will use four different images to examine these universities: as machines, as organisms, as brains, and finally as cultures. This would hopefully help us in defining some basic needs for these universities and also the expected barriers that we need to deal with when we try to achieve the required change. We also propose a double-sided strategy for addressing these problems: specifically, we consider both top-down and bottom-up approaches for rehabilitating the Iraqi HE system.

Article

Developing Culturally Responsive Leaders through Online Learning and Teaching Approaches

Alisa Taliaferro*
Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University.
Alisa Taliaferro (2011). Developing Culturally Responsive Leaders Through Online Learning And Teaching Approaches. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1635

Abstract

The article will discuss culturally responsive leadership theory as a means to developing pre-service Master of School Administration (MSA) students as culturally responsive leaders who understand and are able to bridge differences that arise in diverse educational settings.  The issues explored include those related to the cultural heritages and educational histories that students, faculty and stakeholders bring with them to the educational setting. The article will discuss ways that educational leadership can employ 21st Century technologies to enhance online instruction and teaching strategies. Moreover, the article will explore how online teaching approaches are effective in providing a forum for meaningful and in depth experiences for students.

Article

Creative Qualitative Inquiry: Innovative Graduate Level Pedagogies Shaped by Educational Technologies

Thalia M. Mulvihill* , Dr. Raji Swaminathan**
* Professor, Social Foundations and Higher Education.
** Associate Professor, Department of Educational Policy and Community Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Thalia Mulvihill and Raji Swaminathan (2011). Creative Qualitative Inquiry: Innovative Graduate Level Pedagogies Shaped By Educational Technologies. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 21-26. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1636

Abstract

This article describes and analyzes the experiences of two tenured university professors at two different US universities located in the Midwest as they collaborate to design and carry-out innovative pedagogies related to teaching doctoral-level qualitative research methods courses. One of the primary elements of the innovations under examination is the form and function of educational technologies (ETs).  ETs are understood to be tools for data collection, data analysis and data display, as well as conceptual conduits for understanding socially constructed knowledge. The authors also argue that ETs have epistemological histories (and futures) and innovative pedagogies for graduate education ought to include robust experimentation with multi-genre/multi-modal texts (Bakhtin, 1981; Bochner and Ellis, 2002; Janesick, 2010; Willis, 2008) that use ETs.  Blogs that include audio and visual data representations, social media tools for communication and collaboration, as well iPad and iPhone technologies are all ripe for experimentation as they relate to creative qualitative inquiry (CQI) and the creation of new innovative pedagogies.

Article

Enhancement Of Teaching-Learning Process Through Multimedia Technology

R. Charles*
Research Scholar, St. Christopher's College of Education, Vepery, Chennai.
R. Charles (2011). Enhancement Of Teaching-Learning Process Through Multimedia Technology. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 27-33. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1637

Abstract

The Indian educational system has to meet the challenges of knowledge explosion and its requirement of increased enrolment in higher education. Computer and technology plays a pre-dominant role to meet out its challenges. Recent innovative Educational approach recommends self and sensory oriented instruction. Computer based multimedia is a tool rich enough to enhance the knowledge and skills. In the present scientific and technological age, the conventional teaching methods are not sufficient to arouse interest among the students and do not meet up to the intellectual, psychological and emotional needs of the students. A teacher being a pivot in the process of teaching and learning, knowledge of ICT and skills to use ICT in teaching —learning has gained immense importance for today’s teacher. With the advent and popularisation of internet and worldwide —web (www) the world has become higher cohesive and interconnected in nature. This paper is an attempt to highlight the role of Multimedia technology in teaching learning process.

Research Paper

Exploring Electronics Laboratory Experiments Using Computer Software

Y. B. Gandole*
Department of Electronics, Adarsha Science J.B.Arts and Birla Commerce Mahavidyalaya, Dhamangaon, India.
Y.B. Gandole (2011). Exploring Electronics Laboratory Experiments Using Computer Software. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 34-44. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1638

Abstract

The roles of teachers and students are changing, and there are undoubtedly ways of learning not yet discovered. However, the computer and software technology may provide a significant role to identify the problems, to present solutions and life-long learning. It is clear that the computer based educational technology has reached the point where many major improvements can be made, and significant cost reductions can be achieved, specifically in the area of Science education. In science, the full-course (lecture . laboratory component) may replace the existing lecture-based courses, and the virtual instruments may provide a highly interactive user interface and advanced analysis facilities that were not deliverable in the conventional methods. The user-friendly GUI may provide a better scientific picture of the system under test. Moreover, using distance learning may attract new students and add value to education. Equipping the laboratories with effective education tools can empower both the disciplines and the students. Hence, the effectiveness of the laboratory course in imparting knowledge increases and it enables the students to absorb the role of individual science disciplines and addresses the real problems. It is clear that change is necessary because many of the things that we are doing can be done better with the help of technology. Although the initial cost may be high, if the right technology is selected continuous improvement can be achieved with minimal cost. The cost of the development may be reduced further if the portion of the existing hardware is utilized and integrated with the existing system. If the size and the complexity of the system increase, organizations and universities may undertake laboratory developments in partnership with other universities and/or commercial partners.

Research Paper

Volunteering In the Digital Age: A Study of Online Collaboration Tools From The Perspective Of CSCL

Ayse Kok*
Department of Education, University of Oxford.
Ayse Kok (2011). Volunteering In The Digital Age: A Study Of Online Collaboration Tools From The Perspective Of CSCL. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 8(3), 45-57. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.8.3.1639

Abstract

There is little evidence that helps to inform education, practice, policy, and research about issues surrounding the use of online collaboration tools for organisational initiatives (Brown & Duguid, 1991; Cook & Brown, 1999); let alone a single study conducted with regard to the volunteering practice of knowledge workers. The underlying objectives of the research study are to explore and describe how corporate volunteers experience and participate in learning in technology-rich environments; investigate the strategies, beliefs and intentions of corporate volunteers who are effective in learning in technology-rich environments and identity factors that enable or inhibit effective e-learning and make recommendations for those involved in corporate volunteering based on my understanding of their diverse needs, experiences and preferences.