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


Volume 7 Issue 2 July - September 2010

Article

Design Principles For Cell Phone Learning In EFL

Feihong Wang*
Instructional Design and Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Feihong Wang (2010). Design Principles For Cell Phone Learning In EFL. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1278

Abstract

Cell phone learning (C-learning), as an instructional approach, has been gaining more and more attention in the field of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in the last 10 years. While studies have proved C-learning an effective instructional approach in research settings, a review of literature indicates the lack of design principles to guide the design and development of C-learning activities, not to mention the principles specifically for EFL teaching. The effectiveness of C-learning depended on appropriate activity design (Librero, Ramos, Ranga, Trinona, & Lambert, 2007; Prensky, 2005). The purpose of this article is to propose a combined task-based learning approach to guide the design of C-learning activities for EFL teaching. A sample learning activity is also provided to illustrate the suggested principles.

Article

Using Online Learning Platforms To Enhance Students’ Reflective And Critical Thinking

Sean M.Lennon*
Assistant Professor, Dewar College of Education, Valdosta State University.
Sean M. Lennon (2010). Using Online Learning Platforms To Enhance Students' Reflective And Critical Thinking. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 8-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1279

Abstract

A working paper on how to use common E-Learning platforms to incorporate critical thinking and reflection into traditional and hybrid formatted curriculums.  Definitions and conceptual framework of both constructs are discussed and their benefits towards cognitions and memory are highlighted.  Best practices, including examples of previous courses are presented as well as the pedagogy and planning necessary for readers to implement successfully into their own courses.  Paper also includes strategies and techniques for possible use.

Research Paper

Student Success In Top 20 Courses Of An Online Institution: Demographic Differences In A Multi-Semester Cross-Curricular Study

Angela M.Gibson* , Lori Kupczynski**, Phil Ice***
* Instructional Design Project Leader, American Public University System.
** Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
*** Director of Course Design, Research and Development, American Public University System.
Angela M. Gibson, Lori Kupczynski and Phil Ice (2010). Student Success in Top 20 Courses of an Online Institution: Demographic Differences in a Multi-Semester Cross-Curricular Study. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 18-27. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1280

Abstract

Student success is vitally important.  Without academic achievement student self-efficacy is lost, persistence is blocked, and matriculation is unachievable.  Exponential growth at online institutions necessitates the inquiry into factors that play a role in student success.  In this study, approximately 15,000 cases from the Top 20 enrolled courses of undergraduate students at a large national fully online university were examined to determine if course Grade Point Average was related with student characteristics, e.g., student gender, ethnicity, age, and military status.  Multiple semester sessions were analyzed across multiple curricular areas.  Results and recommendations are discussed.

Research Paper

Utilizing Software Application Tools To Enhance Online Student Engagement And Achievement

David Andersson* , Karl Reimers**
* Department of Information Technology, American Public University System, Charles Town.
** Tillman School of Business, Mount Olive College, Mount Olive.
David Andersson and Karl Reimers (2010). Utilizing Software Application Tools To Enhance Online Student Engagement And Achievement. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1281

Abstract

The field of education is experiencing a rapid shift as internet-enabled distance learning becomes more widespread. Often, traditional classroom teaching pedagogical techniques can be ill-suited to the online environment. While a traditional entry-level class might see a student attrition rate of 5-10%, the same teaching pedagogy in an online environment can experience dramatically higher student attrition. The CIS Department at Mount Olive College is addressing the challenge of technology/business applications literacy by implementing a new e-learning solution. A customized, self-paced, web-based 100-level tutorial using a novel approach in which students interact with an application’s embedded search and help features. This interactive learning activity encourages students to utilize the built-in “help” features to solve the problem or task at hand. As students become proficient at using these “help” features, their proficiency, confidence, and student engagement in the class material increases. The course online facilitator is able to shift their time and energy from “putting out fires” to focusing on higher-level feedback on assignments and administrative functions. Since more classes require the use of application software in completing assignments, students take this newly acquired problem solving approach to other situations and courses, enhancing their progress throughout their undergraduate program and increasing the probability of program completion.

Research Paper

Utilizing Multi-Modal Literacies In Middle Grades Science

Dan Saurino* , Tamra Ogletree**, Penelope Saurino***
* University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dept. of Middle Grades, Secondary & K-12 Education, University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC.
** Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of West Georgia, Georgia.
*** Western Carolina University, College of Education and Applied Professions, Elementary and Middle Grades Education, North Carolina.
Dan Saurino, Tamra Ogletree and Penelope Saurino (2010). Utilizing Multi-Modal Literacies In Middle Grades Science. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 35-40. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1282

Abstract

The nature of literacy is changing.  Increased student use of computer-mediated, digital, and visual communication spans our understanding of adolescent multi-modal capabilities that reach beyond the traditional conventions of linear speech and written text in the science curriculum.  Advancing technology opens doors to learning that involve literacies far beyond the single textbook classroom.  Our research project looked at the effects of utilizing multi-modal strategies and techniques in the middle grades science curriculum and incorporated a qualitative collaborative interactive group action research methodology.  We completed one “cycle’ of research and concluded that using the multi-modal tools and techniques students engage in outside of the classroom was a beneficial addition to the traditional curriculum inside the classroom.  We recommend more research at other grade levels and content areas to develop specific strategies and techniques to incorporate multi-modal strategies and techniques in more aspects of teaching science.

Research Paper

The Ecology Model Of Learning: Evaluating Digital Media Applications (DMAS) Using Established Ecological Subsystems Of Learning

James E. Folkestad* , James Banning**
* Associate Professor, Colorado State University, School of Education, Fort Collins, CO.
** Professor, Colorado State University, School of Education, Fort Collins, CO.
James E. Folkestad and James Banning (2010). The Ecology Model Of Learning: Evaluating Digital Media Applications (DMAS) Using Established Ecological Subsystems Of Learning. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 41-51. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1283

Abstract

Digital media applications (DMAs) have emerged in abundance over the last ten years.  Enabled by exponential growth in computing power and inexpensive data storage, these applications are easy to use and inexpensive (often free) to own.  DMAs not only allow users to produce digital content efficiently they allow users to exploit the connective power of the Internet to distribute their work. These affordances are allowing users to connect with others in significant ways enabling entirely new ecosystems built around collaborative learning and discovery.  The purpose of this article is to build a linkage between the interactivity of digital media applications and an ecological model of learning that is also built on the concept of interactivity.  The ecological model postulates that the learner interacting with the environmental conditions is important to learning.  The article describes the ecological model of learning and how the “subsystems” of the model can serve as an evaluation rubric for DMAs.  We conclude that developers of DMAs are creating environmental conditions conducive to learning based on ecology.  Based on this analysis we provide several recommendations for selecting applications for learning and for strengthening these learning environments.

Research Paper

Empowering Rural Women Through Mobile Services

Nagarajan* , G. Wiselin Jiji**
* Director-Management Studies, Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Engineering, Tiruchendur, Tamilnadu.
** Professor & Head- Computer Science & Engineering, Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Engineering, Tiruchendur, Tamilnadu.
P. Nagarajan and G. Wiselin Jiji (2010). Empowering Rural Women Through Mobile Services. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 7(2), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.7.2.1284

Abstract

This paper is intended as a gender issue to the rural finance practitioners. It highlights the questions that need to be asked and addressed to the gender mainstream. It will also be useful to gender experts to wish to increase their understanding on specific gender issues in rural finance through mobile services. It focuses on rural microfinance that is accessible to poor and low-income rural households and individuals. The delivery of other types of rural finance involves different challenges and issues. The lack of reliable information on gender issues makes difficult to derive any conclusion. The mobile services are further integrated with a mobile cash application. It provides cash in the absence of banks to the isolated remote communities. So the product buyers and companies for outsource the work of the rural women can pay the women, and in turn, to enable women to buy their necessaries.