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


Volume 10 Issue 4 January - March 2014

Article

Leadership in Educational Technology

Rhonda Puckett*
Student, Master of Education, Liberty University
Puckett, R. (2014). Leadership In Educational Technology. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 10(4), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.10.4.2604

Abstract

In life, one will come across diverse types of leaders. While each leadership type has positive and negative qualities, each style fits appropriately in distinct situations. Supervisors must determine how to manage their staff in constructive ways, engaging and motivating them to learn more and do more within their specific professional area. The purpose of this research is to define the various types of Educational Leadership and their pros and cons, compare and contrast various ways to manage educators, how to engage others, and to identify best practices in Educational Technology. The writer will also define professional learning networks/communities and identify their purpose. Questions involved with this research include: What are the various kinds of leaders and the pros and cons that apply to those leadership styles? How can Educational Technology superiors effectively manage their staff? How can they motivate their staff? What are PLNs/PLCs and why are they important? The conclusion of this work will highlight the importance of technology leaders within the educational realm.

Article

Solving the Mega-Crisis in Education: Concrete, Cost-Effective Solutions

Hershey H. Friedman* , William Hampton-Sosa**, Linda W. Friedman***
* Professor of Business, Department of Finance and Business Management, Brooklyn College, CUNY.
** Assistant Professor of Business and Management, Department of Finance and Business Management, Brooklyn College, CUNY
*** Professor of Statistics and Computer Information Systems, Baruch College, CUNY.
Friedman, H. H.,Hampton-Sosa, W., and Friedman, L. W. (2014). Solving The Mega-Crisis In Education: Concrete, Cost-Effective Solutions. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 10(4), 6-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.10.4.2605

Abstract

The United States will lose its ability to compete in the global knowledge economy if its educational system is not th significantly improved. It now ranks 13 in college graduation rates. In a recent 24-country Survey of Adult Skills, the U.S. th st ranked 16 in literary proficiency and 21 in numeracy proficiency. Without an intervention, the United States will continue to lose its ability to compete in the global knowledge economy. The objective of this paper was to examine the problem and various potential solutions. The research methodology employed was a search of the scholarly and professional literature. The authors discuss cost-effective solutions that include expanding early childhood education programs, changing the school calendar, home schooling, and online learning options.

Research Paper

Students in a Teacher College of Education Develop Educational Programs and Activities Related To Intelligent Use of the Web: Cultivating New Knowledge

Rivka Wadmany* , Orit Zeichner**, Orly Melamed***
*Dean, Head of the Graduate Program "Technology in Education", Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel.
**Kibbutzim College of Education, Technology and Arts, Tel Aviv, Israel.
***Kibbutzim College of Education, Technology and Arts, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Wadmany, R., Zeichner, O., and Melamed, O. (2014). Students in a Teacher College of Education Develop Educational Programs and Activities Related to Intelligent Use of The Web: Cultivating New Knowledge. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology. 10(4), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.10.4.2606

Abstract

Students in a teacher training college in Israel have developed and taught curricula on the intelligent use of the Web. The educational programs were based on activities thematically related to the world of digital citizenship, such as the rights of the child and the Internet, identity theft, copyrights, freedom of expression and its limitations, etc. This study examines the characteristics, advantages and shortcomings of the educational approaches used by 180 students. Most of the students chose balanced approaches for developing and teaching curricula on the subject, relating both to the benefits and dangers of using the Web. Quite a few chose a negative critical approach focusing on the dangers and harmful effects of the Internet. A marginal minority chose a positive approach stressing only on the beneficial uses of the Web. In light of the analysis of the students' reflection questionnaires, it is able to identify those factors that assist and those that inhibit the teaching of the subject based on each of the approaches. In addition, recommendations were made for optimally adapting an approach for developing and teaching sub-topics of the curricula, which enhance the advantages and reduce the disadvantages of using web.

Research Paper

Enhancing Students' Learning and Self- Efficacy Through Blended Learning in a Teachers' Program

Ahmed Yousif Abdelraheem*
Department of Instructional and Learning Technology ,College of Education of Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
Abdelraheem, A. Y. (2014). Enhancing Students' Learning And Self- Efficacy Through Blended Learning In A Teachers' Program. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 10(4), 29-39. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.10.4.2607

Abstract

Blended Learning (BL) strategies play an important role in collaboration, communication skills, motivation, attitudes, interaction with the subject and practical skills. However, their relationship with students' learning and self efficacy were not studied enough and this was the focus of this study. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning strategy on enhancing students' learning and raising their self efficacy. A sample of 28 students participated in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups. One group studied through blended learning (BL) strategy and the other through regular conventional methods. Both groups were asked to respond to a self efficacy scale and take achievement test. The results indicated that students in the blended learning strategy group outscored in grades significantly their counter partners in conventional method. However there were no significant differences among the two groups in the self-efficacy measures. Within the scope of this study, the results implied that BL in teacher education might be applied in order to provide better learning environment.

Research Paper

Impact of Computer Technology on Design And Craft Education

Gisli Thorsteinsson*
Associate Professor, Department of Design and Craft, University of Iceland
Thorsteinsson , G. (2014). Impact of Computer Technology on Design and Craft Education. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 10(4), 40-50. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.10.4.2608

Abstract

This research aims to answer the question, 'How has the use of computer technology benefited the compulsory education system, focusing on Design and Technology?' In order to reply this question, it was necessary to focus on interactive whiteboards, e-portfolios and digital projectors as the main technology formats. An initial literature review was carried out to establish the views of academics on this subject area and therefore direct the primary research in a useful way. An online survey including 10 questions was created to collect data in order to answer the questions and to maximise the number of people that this survey became available for. The questionnaire included questions about general technology use within the Design and Craft classroom as well as specific quantifiable questions concerning interactive whiteboards and digital projectors. The research, among other things, concluded that using advanced technology inside Design and Craft relies on teacher is imagination and creativity to truly make full use of the products available. The products advertise themselves as tools for teaching and learning that enhance children's performance in a simplistic way, but this can only be done by well trained teachers who are willing to adapt their teaching style to incorporate them.