i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology (JSCH)


Volume 7 Issue 2 September - November 2011

Article

Impact Of Simulations On The Mental Models Of Students In The Online Learning Of Science Concepts

Kumar Laxman* , Dr. Yap Kueh Chin**
* Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching,Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
** National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Laxman,K. and Chin ,Y.K.(2011). Impact Of Simulations On The Mental Models Of Students In The Online Learning Of Science Concepts.i-manager’s Journal on School Education Technology, 7(2),1-12. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1647

Abstract

Numerous flash or java applet based simulations have been developed to improve students' comprehension of Science concepts, particularly the more complex or 'dry' ones. Simulations have been reported to be effective as instructional aids in scaffolding scientific learning by students since simulations support the explication of implicit understandings. Simulations are usually designed to allow students to actively manipulate variables to experimentially explore the relationships between these variables and their scientific applications. Rich associative thinking skills can also be infused in students by encouraging them to actively manipulate the simulations and learn on their own new science concepts without being prescriptively taught to by teachers as it often happens in Science classrooms. Misconceptions in the learning of Science concepts can more easily be identified and corrected in a timely manner. This paper examines indepth research studies that have been conducted on the effectiveness of integrating simulations in the teaching and learning of Science and the effects of simulations in developing sound understanding of Science precepts. Studies done by one of the author of this paper have also been described in explaining the performance of a group of in-service teachers in the applied use of simulations in the delivery of Science education.

Article

Trends and challenges of integrating ICT in indian education: a paradigm shift in 21st century

vijaykumar R.*
Assistant Professor, School of Education, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry.
Vijaykumar. R (2011). Trends And Challenges Of Integrating Ict In Indian Education: A Paradigm Shift In 21st Century. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 7(2), Sep-Nov 2011, Print ISSN: 0973-2217, E-ISSN: 2230-7133, pp. 13-19. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1648

Abstract

Information and communication technologies are today playing a very important role in transforming the mode of imparting education. The trend in educational system has seen a leaning towards upgrading and updating knowledge and ideas to face increasingly demanding in order to meet the rapid expansion of knowledge. Technology enabled teaching have helped in taking forward the level of education by preparing teacher community in improving their professional competencies and skills in order to meet the competitive classrooms. The increase in the number of job opportunities in the current global economy has witnessed an enhanced demand for skilled and qualified teacher community. The synchronous learning environment proves to be advantageous to the workforce, as it brings to them a quality and standard of education that would otherwise not be available to them at all. ICT brought considerable change in capacity and globality for accessing and using information as well as communicating both of which have impacted on education. The digital era brought revolutionary changes in teaching and learning process by bringing multimedia approach in which multifaceted instructional pedagogies have been incorporated in order to simplify classroom instruction to the fullest extent. There are lots of ICT applications designed for children in the classroom teaching and a lot of imagination has gone into these designs especially educational applications and it is evidenced that technologies have changed the way of teaching and learning is conducted in different parts of the world by developing some effective and interesting education tools. It is evidenced that integration of ICT in Education and changing role of imparting instruction has fully influenced modern classroom practices and it is right time to address the present ICT application in the 21st Century that is the paradigm shift in Indian class room. This paper addresses the modern Trend and Challenges in Integrating the ICT in Indian education system.

Research Paper

K-12 Student Use Of Web 2.0 Tools: A Global Study

Cheri Toledo* , MaryFriend Shepard**
* Associate Professor, Educational Technology, Illinois State University, USA.
** Professor & Coordinator PhD Educational Technology Specialization, Walden University, USA.
Cheri Toledo and Maryfriend Shepard (2011). K-12 Student Use Of Web 2.0 Tools: A Global Study. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 7(2),20-29. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1649

Abstract

Over the past decade, Internet use has increased 445% worldwide. This boom has enabled widespread access to online tools and digital spaces for educational practices. The results of this study of Web 2.0 tool use in kindergarten through high school (K-12) classrooms around the world will be presented. A web-based survey was sent out through online social networks (e.g., Twitter, Nings, and blogs). From a list of 25 types of digital tools, 189 participants chose the online tools that their K-12 students used in educational settings. The data analysis identified tool-use across grade levels and trends based on teacher demographics. At all four levels students most frequently used wikis, blogs, and multimedia presentation tools. Further analysis revealed six categories that described how teachers were designing instruction for students to use online tools.

Research Paper

Building professional learning communities in special education through social Networking: directions for future research

Elizabeth L. Hardman*
Assistant Professor in Special Education, DePaul University.
Elizabeth L. Hardman (2011). Building Professional Learning Communities In Special Education Through Social Networking:Directions For Future Research. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 7(2), 30-38. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1651

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges inherent in building professional learning communities (PLCs) in special education and describes how two Web 2.0 tools were used to build a community that engages general and special education teachers, school administrators, and teacher educators in implementing research based inclusive practices that are known to have a positive impact on student learning. A wiki and ning were selected to provide the network's infrastructure because these applications have the capacity to support collaboration and networking when community members are separated by geographical location and time. The first year of the project was focused on developing web pages for community consumption and building membership. The membership grew from 50 at the end of the first year to 150 during the second year but data collected on member use showed that the membership contributed very little to community development and relied almost entirely on the network administrator to direct and manage all facets of community work. The success of any PLC is ultimately dependent upon members' level of engagement in community work. Thus, continued research should explore the processes that support community development and teacher engagement in community work, and most importantly, the degree to which participation in community work impacts student achievement.

Research Paper

Skewness And Comparability Of School Based Continuous Assessment Scores

Gbore,Lawrence Olu* , Abe Thomas Olabode**, Adodo. S.O***
* Department of Guidance and Counseling, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko.
** Department of Mathematics, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti.
*** Department of Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Gbore, Lawrence Olu, Abe Thomas Olabode and Adodo Sunday Olufemi (2011). Skewness And Comparability Of School Based Continuous Assessment Scores. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 7(2), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1652

Abstract

This study examined skewness as means of determining the nature of distribution of school based continuous assessment (SBCA) scores in selected subjects among Secondary Schools in Ondo State, Nigeria, to determine whether or not there is need for moderation of the SBCA Scores. This is an ex-post-facto research design involving no treatment and nonmanipulation of subjects but collection of data from records. Cluster sampling techniques was used to select ten schools from three senatorial districts in Ondo State. Simple random sampling technique was employed to selected one thousand five hundred Senior Secondary Students. This comprised 500 students per subject (one hundred and fifty students per school which was made up of 50 students per subject in each school). The SBCA Scores for year 2005/2006 —2007/2008 for the selected school formed the data for the study. Data collected were analysed using Coefficients of Skewness and Pearson Product moment Correlation Statistic. Results indicated that SBCA Scores for first year in English language, first, and third year in Mathematics were positively skewed while SBC Scores for second and third year in English Language, Second year in Mathematics and first, second and third year in Biology showed negative Skewness. There was significant relationship between coefficients of skewness of school based continuous assessment (CSBCA)Scores of first and second year in English Language, Mathematics and Biology. There was no significant relationship between CSBCA scores for first and third year in Mathematics and between CSBCA scores for second and third year in Biology. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made.

Research Paper

The Availability And Use Of Science Laboratories At Secondary Education Level

T.J.M.S. Raju* , N.V.S. Suryanarayana**
* Principal, KPN College of Education, Gantyada, Vizianagaram.
** Teaching Associate, Andhra University, Campus, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
T.J.M.S. Raju and N.V.S. Suryanarayana (2011). The Availability And Use Of Science Laboratories At Secondary Education Level. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 7(2), 46-50. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.7.2.1653

Abstract

This study focuses on the availability and use of Science Laboratories at the secondary education level in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is commented that most of the schools do not possess well equipped laboratories and even when equipment is available some science teachers are not utilizing the laboratory facilities. Another issue is many of the laboratories do not possess appropriate equipment and many schools use expired chemicals that can skew experiments as well as be hazardous to students and teachers. The data were collected from 50 science teachers working in both government and private management secondary schools by way of a statement questionnaire. The items denoting various facilities in the science laboratories and the availability of equipment and utility by the science teachers are more important. The tool is a self developed tool and was standardized by conducting item analyses using the statistical procedures of chi-square tests. The reliability of the test is 0.75 and the validity is 0.86. So the tool is highly reliable and valid. The data were analyzed by way of means, standard deviations, t-values and chi-square tests for testing the various hypotheses framed. The results declare that there are no significant differences between male and female science teachers, rural and urban science teachers, below 5yrs and above 5yrs experienced science teachers and graduate and post graduate science teachers in the availability and effective use of science laboratories at secondary schools, demerits of science laboratories and measures taken for effective use of science laboratories. On over all observation of the study some educational implications were given.