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


Volume 3 Issue 1 June - August 2007

Article

Managing Standards-Based Teacher Education For Transformation

Taqadus * , Pervez A. Shami**
* Scholar, Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
** Director General, Academy of Educational Planning And Management, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Taqadus Bashir and Pervez A. Shami (2007). Managing Standards-Based Teacher Education For Transformation. 3(1),.1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.788

Abstract

Recognition of the importance of developing teacher education is closely tied to the need for standards to transform the system and to harmonize school and teacher education. This has become crucial pre-requisite for the much needed shift towards knowledge based economy. This paper presents an overview of the management and subsequent needed techniques to manage standards based teacher education. The study suggests determining primarily the standards of education before embarking on standards based teacher education. The model as presented has been illustrated with example which is more directional in nature deliberating on standards of education and based on there standards and outline for teacher education. The model will prove helpful to teacher education and their curriculum planners in reshaping standards based teacher education.

Article

The Use of Theory of Constraints (TOC) in teaching of Moral Education: Malaysia

Vishalache Balakrishnan*
* Research Scholar, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Vishalache Balakrishnan (2007). The Use of Theory of Constraints (TOC) in teaching of Moral Education: Malaysia. 3(1),8-12. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.789

Abstract

Moral Education has been in existence in Malaysia for the last ten to fifteen years. In fact during pre and post independents days, Moral Education was taught as ethics in almost all missionary schools in Malaysia. Since the subject was formally introduced as a core subject for non Muslim students, various methods have been introduced to teach the subject in educational institutions, right from Pre School up to the university. This paper underlines the use of Theory of Constraints(TOC),one of the latest methods introduced to teach Moral Education.

Article

Key Ingredients for Effective Problem-Based Learning Lessons

Halima Awang* , Fatimah Hashim**
*,** University Malaya.
Halima Awang and Fatimah Hashim (2007). Key Ingredients for Effective Problem-Based Learning Lessons. 3(1),13-16. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.790

Abstract

It has been well recognized that problem-based learning (PBL) embraces the principles of what constitute good learning and teaching which encourage integrated, independent and experiential development of a number of skills including team work and communication. The question is how best can the PBL approach be implemented to ensure maximum gain of deep learning? Two issues that need to be addressed are: the problem itself and the sagacity to get involved around this problem. Mindsets need to be changed in terms of appraising students’ performance.

Article

Radio Lectures In Ghana: An Innovation For The Twenty First Century Instructional Delivery

Adeyanju L .J*
*Associate Professor, Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Obafemi AwolowoUniversiyy lie- Ife, Nigeria.
Adeyanju. L .J (2007). Radio Lectures In Ghana: An Innovation For The Twenty First Century Instructional Delivery. 3(1),17-21. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.792

Abstract

In the developing countries of the world, Nigeria and Ghana especially have consistently been battling with large enrollment of students into the institutions of higher learning. The attendant problem of the traditional instructional delivery system that poses a serious challenge to the 21st century educational development therefore needs innovation. Can instructional radio broadcast be of help?

It is common knowledge to report that poof funding of universities of west Africa by various governments is no news anymore. However, there are other issues of acute shortage of staff, space, infrastructure, facilities and lack of quality relevant instructional materials that need urgent solution. There is overcrowding of learners in the classroom, and the alarming increase in qualified university admission seekers annually runs to a million especially in Nigeria. An added problem is that only about 10% of these candidates get placement in universities, the spillover of the admission seekers often get stranded. This is a problem that calls for innovation in instructional delivery systems in African universities if the demand for mass education would be met.

Radio lecture broadcasts it is felt have potentials to ameliorate the problem of delivery because of the attributes of its immediate distance coverage, repetition and cost effectiveness. The paper is an action research report that present the breakthrough of radio lectures to a large class in the university of education in Ghana. The reaction of the community to the innovation, problems encountered, lessons learned and the prospects of radio for teaching are highlighted.

Article

Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Selecting A Distance Education School

Brent Muirhead*
* College Campus Chair of the Arts& Science College, Atlanta, GA,University of Phoenix.
Brent Muirhead (2007). Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Selecting A Distance Education School. 3(1) ,22-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.796

Abstract

The paper will discuss the role of critical thinking skills in enhancing the decision making process. The application of critical thinking skills will be described in my decision to return to school and pursue a graduate degree. The discussion will highlight the rationale that led me to select the master’s degree in psychology program at the University of Phoenix.

Article

Emerging Technologies in Distance Education:New Paradigms of Pedagogy in 21st Century

Irshad Husain*
* Lecture ,Department of Education,Thelslamia University of Bahawalpul: Pakistan
Irshad Hussain (2007).Emerging Technologies in Distance Education:New Paradigms of Pedagogy in 21st Century. 3(1), 25-34. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.800

Abstract

New developments in technology,irrespective of the fields. These have a potential role to play in the field of education and training, especially distance education, to transform it into an interactive paradigm. These can provide education beyond the boundaries of a nation and/or state making it accessible to learners at their own pace. These are instructional means used for effective, productive and interactive teaching learning process.

At present, effective and efficient teaching learning process is potentially possible at any time, any place and in any discipline. It occurs in changed environment with a shift from teacher centered teaching to student centered learning. The greater emphasis is on students’ activity rather on teachers’. Teachers are required to play new role in new settings. Accumulated knowledge and experience occupies central place, to which students have direct access. Students learn not only by the teacher but also with the teacher by interacting with one another, teachers and institution through emerging technologies. In this article effort has been made to point out the impact and potential role of emerging technologies in distance education.

Article

Information and communicative technologyComputers as research tools

Mahender Reddy Sarsani*
*Associate Professor of Educafion,UnNersity College of Educafion, KakatiyaUniversily, Warangal (AP).
Mahender Reddy Sarsani (2007).Information and communicative technology Computers as research tools. 3(1),35-43. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.801

Abstract

The emergence of “the electronic age, /electronic cottages/ the electronic world” has affected the whole world; particularly the emergence of computers has penetrated everyone’s life to a remarkable degree. They are being used in various fields including education. Recent advances and especially in the area of computer technology has heralded the development and implementation of new and innovative teaching strategies. There is growing interest in the application of computer-based tools to support higher level thinking, improve teaching and learning processes and effect in the field of research. Computers can be used as a research tools to carryout various tasks. The use software and the Internet deserve special mention here. Internet is the newest and in the world of educational computing, it is being promoted by many as the most powerful tool for learning ever invented. What makes it so powerful is that it allows the child or young person to freely search for educational material or useful information, as well as doing communication with all sorts of people in different parts of the planet.

Article

Future Trends In Educational Technology

G. Singaravelu* , T. Muthukrishnan**
*,** Department of Educational Technology ,Bharathiar University ,Coimbatore ,Tamilnadu
Singaravelu G and T. Muthukrishnan (2007). Future Trends In Educational Technology. 3(1),44-46. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.802

Abstract

It deals with the future content will emphasis on broad understanding, generalisation, gaining skill through inquiry, discovering, valuing and developing a consistent and reasoned intellectual view. Student-student interaction, student technology interaction-student-interaction, student-website, and student-computer.

Research Paper

Developing Critical Internet Literacy Skills:Blog Evaluation for Information Quality

Gulsun Kurubacak*
* Assistant Professor in Distance Education, Anadolu University, College of Open Education, Department of Distance Education,Eskisehir,Turkey.
Gulsun Kurubacak (2007). Developing Critical Internet Literacy Skills: Blog Evaluation for Information Quality. 3(1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.805

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to develop the Internet literacy through The Theory of Communicative Action for critically evaluating information quality. There is an imperative need for a new approach of online communications that will transform social actions through communicative action. By concentrating on global values, ethics, norms and feelings, open and flexible discourse through The Theory of Communicative Action enables the unquestioning foundations for critical and dialogical discussions. Communicative action, therefore, can coordinate action through consent as a result of discourse. In addition, the critical Internet literacy can guarantee every individual life and freedom meaning safety of person, the established liberty of speech and equal opportunity. In this context, the lifeworld as a crucial part of communicative action can develop and become valid based on communication, not manipulation. This is a Praxis Research, collecting useful knowledge derived from reflection on experience. The author is to find a proven method of enhancing the Internet Literacy skills of youth. As part of the study, she is testing a radical way to help youth about how to read, understand, and critically evaluate the information they find online, through a mutual model of the Theory of Communicative Action. How to discuss and analyze major aspects of the Internet becoming knowledgeable about Web sources, online communications, the researcher seeks how to youth can realize radical changes in racial hierarchy, include patterns with disparate amounts of political power, and rely on goodwill to build and maintain cohesiveness. The guidelines for identifying biases provided by the Safe School Coalition’s (2003) and modified by the researcher provided youth with a checklist for discussing information quality on the net. Based on the main purpose of this study, eleven youth aged 15-19 utilized this checklist to equip with new visions of the Internet resources in September 2007.

Research Paper

Gender And Academic Qualification Differetials Of Nigerian University Teachers In Computer Skills Acquisition And Programmes Mastery: Implications On Effective Teaching

O. Agbatogun Alaba*
* Olabisi Onabanjo University, Faculty of Education,Department of Curriculum Studies and Instructional Technology, Ago- lwoye, Ogun-State Nigeria.
O. Agbatogun Alaba (2007). Gender And Academic Qualification Differetials Of Nigerian University Teachers In Computer Skills Acquisition And Programmes Mastery: Implications On Effective Teaching. 3(1), 57-63. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.3.1.809

Abstract

Nigerian university teachers’ level of computer skills acquisition and programme mastery was x-rayed in this study. 367 university teachers with mean age of 41.21 and Standard deviation of 9.56 drawn from 2 universities in Ogun-state, Nigeria was used as the sample for the study. The Computer Skills Acquisition and Progarmme Mastery Questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected was analysed at 0.05 level of significance using the t-test and Analysis of Variance statistical tools. The results indicated that gender had a great influence on the level of computer skills acquisition and programme mastery of university teachers. Meanwhile, as the computer skills acquisition level of the university teachers was academic qualification specific, their level of computer programme mastery was not dictated by their level of academic qualifications. It was among other things recommended that in all universities, students of faculty of education should be made to undergo computer appreciation course, the university teachers are taken through computer training in order to improve their level of computer literacy, while the universities management should endeavour to make personal computer available to every university teachers in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning.