Research Article
Aminah Saad Aldossary, Alia Abdullah Aljindi, Jamilah Mohammed Alamri
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep536
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aims to provide an analysis of students’ perceptions of the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in education, through five axes: (1) level of knowledge and awareness, (2) level of acceptance and readiness, (3) the role of GenAI in education, (4 (level of awareness of potential concerns and challenges, and (5) The impact of GenAI tools on achieving the sustainable development goals in education.
Materials and methods: The study followed a descriptive quantitative methodology based on surveying through a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 1390 students from 15 Saudi universities.
Results: The students have positive perceptions towards the role of GenAI tools in education, as students have a high level of awareness and acceptance of adopting these tools. In addition, students are highly aware of the role of GenAI tools in improving their understanding of complex concepts, developing skills, improving their self-efficacy, learning outcomes, providing feedback, and making learning meaningful. The results also confirm their general awareness of the concerns and challenges. A relationship exists between students’ perceptions of GenAI and their scientific specializations, as students in computer sciences showed greater awareness regarding concerns and challenges, whereas students in agricultural sciences showed greater awareness of the impact of GenAI tools on achieving sustainable development goals.
Conclusions: The study offers valuable insights on GenAI adoption in higher education, also there is an urgent need to consider developing appropriate use policies, spreading awareness, and creating systems capable of detecting unethical cases.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, LLM, technology role, education filed, perceptions of Saudi students
Research Article
Nur Nabihah Mohamad Nizar, Hutkemri Zulnaidi, Annisaa Basar, Siti Zuraida Maaruf
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 4, Article No: ep531
ABSTRACT
The increasing prevalence of mobile augmented reality (MAR) has garnered attention in contemporary times. However, its application within educational settings remains largely untapped, primarily due to its predominant utilization in entertainment domains. MAR presents opportunities for augmenting learning experiences, fostering enhanced adaptability in educational methodologies, and enriching students’ academic endeavors. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the use of MAR and formulates a model of MAR usage for pre-service teachers. In the context of this study, MAR learning cardiovascular (MARLCardio) serves as an experimental tool for exemplifying the features of MAR. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) as underpinning theories. This study was undertaken to determine factors that influence pre-service teachers’ attitude, acceptance, and their intention to continue using MAR in the learning process. Responses from 456 pre-service teachers through a survey were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings in this study found that pre-service teachers agree that facilitating condition play a crucial role in shaping pre-service teachers’ positive attitude and influencing their intention to continue using MAR. Meanwhile, performance expectancy plays a major role in ensuring pre-service teachers’ acceptance of using MAR in their learning process. It was anticipated that the formulated MAR structural model would offer insights and support forthcoming research endeavors aimed at fostering the sustainability of MAR utilization.
Keywords: mobile augmented reality, structural equation modelling, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, technology acceptance model, expectation confirmation model
Research Article
Silvino Antonio Castañeda Rincón, Hayarelis Moreno Gudiño, Richard de Jesús Gil Herrera
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep522
ABSTRACT
In light of the growing diversity of students in the classroom, there is a pressing need to address the potential for discrimination against minorities, arising from cultural, socioeconomic, special needs, learning styles, and other differences. It is, therefore, essential to establish inclusive learning environments that guarantee equitable learning outcomes for all children and young people. This study aims to determine the impact of educational robotics (ER) in promoting emotional, cognitive, and social inclusion attributes through active methodologies among secondary students in public institutions. The applied methodology is composed of elements typical of active methodologies implemented in education and cited in the theoretical framework. The instruments employed to measure the classroom intervention process across various stages demonstrated a gradual improvement in the reference attributes of inclusive education. The findings suggest that ER can serve as a valuable tool for promoting inclusion in diversity contexts.
Keywords: diversity, educational robotics, educational technology, inclusion
Research Article
Kusuma Pitukwong, Sasithida Saraiwang
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep519
ABSTRACT
Mastering writing in English is crucial for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners; nevertheless, they encounter numerous difficulties, such as idea development, grammar complexities, vocabulary range, or even the pressure from writing anxiety. Consequently, many educators employ digital writing tools to enhance EFL learners’ English writing skills. This study aimed to explore Thai EFL university students’ perceptions of two digital writing tools, Paragraph Punch and ProWritingAid, as well as to investigate students’ writing performance. Participants consisted of 53 undergraduate EFL students enrolled in English education at a university in Thailand. Three research instruments were utilized: a 30-item questionnaire investigating participants’ perceptions of writing problems, a pre- and post-writing test assessing students’ writing development, and a semi-structured interview exploring students’ views on integrating digital writing tools in writing classes. The questionnaire findings emphasized various challenges students encountered in writing, including difficulties with idea development, grammar, and paragraph organization. The research further indicated a significant enhancement in students’ writing abilities after using digital writing tools. Additionally, students perceived that the improvements in their writing proficiency were due to the supportive guidance and real-time feedback provided by these digital writing tools. Nevertheless, there were concerns regarding excessive dependency on digital tools, the need for supplementary teacher feedback, and technological barriers.
Keywords: EFL, digital writing tools, technology integration, Paragraph Punch, ProWritingAid, writing skills
Review Article
Zara Ersozlu
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep517
ABSTRACT
Mathematics anxiety is a significant problem in education that affects students’ learning outcomes, academic success, and well-being. This systematic literature review aimed to explore the role of technological interventions in reducing mathematics anxiety and promoting positive learning experiences in mathematics learning. Our findings revealed a mixed picture, where learning mathematics through online distance education increases mathematics anxiety, especially among primary school students, while interventions such as game-based learning and digital tools show positive results in reducing students’ mathematics anxiety levels. Additionally, the results of this study contribute to ongoing discussions on effective strategies to reduce mathematics anxiety and improve mathematics education through the integration of technology, providing new understanding among educators, parents, researchers, and policymakers in creating inclusive and effective learning environments. Using technology to reduce mathematics anxiety and increase student achievement emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts.
Keywords: mathematics anxiety, technology, digital tools, primary school students, positive attitudes towards mathematics
Research Article
Adeeb M. Jarrah, Kamar Fayez, Hanan Almarashdi, Patricia Fidalgo
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep516
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an unprecedented reliance on digital technologies in education, regardless of the pre-existing attitude of teachers. This study explores elementary school teachers’ perceptions about teaching mathematics through distance education. Using a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was administered to primary teachers in the UAE during the spring semester of 2020-2021. The results show teachers’ readiness to adopt digital technology in teaching against increased workload. Difficulties emerged in optimizing student performance in online environments. While the institution supports digital integration, teachers prefer traditional in-person classroom instruction. Therefore, the research would inform some educational systems and curriculum planning worldwide on the best way to integrate digital technology within elementary mathematics education. The study aims to close the gap in mathematics education within a digital context to solve the emerging educational demands.
Keywords: distance education, elementary education, information and communication technology, mathematics education, United Arab Emirates
Research Article
Arystanbek Maulet, Wilfried Admiraal, Nursulu Algozhaeva, Nuri Balta
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep515
ABSTRACT
Teachers’ knowledge about technology and teaching with technology is decisive for how affordances of technology integration are taken up. Two questionnaires were administered in 21 high schools in Kazakhstan: one about types of teacher knowledge based on technological pedagogical content knowledge framework and one about affordances of technology integration. The analyses show a relatively high level of all types of teacher knowledge and a large variation in perceived affordances, with relatively low scores for support from the school leader and time available to design and plan technology integration in class. Furthermore, different types of knowledge were related to different affordances, which means that a focus on a high level of all types of teacher’s knowledge of technology might help best to benefit from most of the affordances. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Keywords: teaching with technology, affordances, knowledge, teachers, secondary education
Research Article
Nicole L. Weber, Corine McCarthy, Katie Campbell, Hannah Bauer
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 3, Article No: ep510
ABSTRACT
As new technologies and learning practices emerge, the way instructional design and learning technology (IDLT) professionals conduct their work evolves. With this constant evolution comes a change in employer expectations of IDLT professionals. This convergent mixed methods study analyzed 130 IDLT-related position descriptions and interviewed 12 IDLT leaders from the K12, nonprofit, higher education, and corporate sectors to identify current expectations related to degree qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities expected from IDLT professionals. Results included a preference for a master’s degree-level qualification, at times due to bureaucracy, and an interest in the combination of academic preparation with instructional design experience. Additionally, employers shared that they were interested in an advanced understanding and adaptable application of IDLT theories, models, and frameworks, as well as a need for non-specific IDLT skills (e.g., communication and collaboration) and familiarity with IDLT-related technologies (e.g., learning management system and course authoring software). These results provide valuable insight for those looking to join IDLT field, current IDLT professionals interested in upskilling, and educational programs preparing future IDLT professionals for the workforce.
Keywords: instructional design, learning technology, K12, higher education, corporate, non-profit, KSAs, knowledge, skills, abilities
Research Article
Gulten Genc, Muhammed Nazif Kutlu, Ozge Kirmizibayrak
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 2, Article No: ep501
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the widespread use of online learning environments and tools, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought students’ readiness for online learning and their ability to manage their own learning processes to the fore. This study aims to investigate the online learning readiness (OLR) and self-directed learning skills of English language learners at a state university in Turkey. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive study methodology was employed. The study group consisted of 202 randomly selected first-year volunteer students. An information form and two scales were used to collect data. Additionally, the effects of some demographic factors on EFL students’ OLR and self-directed learning skills were also investigated. The results of the study revealed that university students have a moderate level of self-directed learning and readiness to learn in the online environment. As another result of the study, it was determined that various independent variables had an impact on the participants’ OLR levels. In parallel with the findings of the study, some pedagogical strategies were discussed and suggested.
Keywords: readiness for online learning, self-directed learning, English as a foreign language, higher education, technology in education
Research Article
Olga V. Sergeeva, Marina R. Zheltukhina, Zhanna M. Sizova, Alfia M. Ishmuradova, Oleg V. Khlusyanov, Elena P. Kalashnikova
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 2, Article No: ep500
ABSTRACT
It is essential for pre-service teachers to hold positive beliefs about information and communication technology (ICT) and possess digital skills to integrate digital technology successfully into the teaching and learning environments. Although numerous studies have examined teachers’ attitudes toward ICT, little research has examined teachers’ ICT competency beliefs. This research aimed to explore pre-service teachers’ ICT competence beliefs. We used an instrument developed by previous researchers for data collection. The results showed that the pre-service teachers had good ICT competence beliefs. A few gender differences were found between participants’ mean scores on six dimensions of the data collection instrument. No gender differences were found for many items. It was found that there were no significant differences in the years of study of participants across five different grade levels. However, the lowest mean scores were found in analyzing and reflecting, problem-solving, and information and data literacy. Conversely, the highest mean scores were detected in communication and collaboration, digital content creation, and safety and security. Based on these findings, recommendations have been made for practice and future research.
Keywords: ICT competence beliefs, digital skills, pre-service teachers, information and communication technology, ICT
Research Article
Leonardo David Glasserman-Morales, Carolina Alcantar-Nieblas, Marcela Inés Sisto
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 2, Article No: ep498
ABSTRACT
Nowadays, digital competencies encompass skills and attitudes with technical, informational, content, media, and communication aspects that are crucial for students and future professionals. Hence, there is a need to investigate the possible correlations between demographic and contextual variables and the development of digital competencies in higher education. This paper reports on several university-student demographic factors associated with digital competencies. The work used a quantitative approach with descriptive statistical techniques such as a means test and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings identified that (a) there are statistically significant differences between the mean obtained in the previous semester in digital competencies and the gender of the students, (b) there are no statistically significant differences in the final mean for digital competencies and the students’ institution of origin, and (c) the variables included in the study are statistically significant. They also found that the mean attained by the university students in the previous semester had a strong predictive power of student performance; in contrast, the student’s high school institution of origin variable was a weak predictor of their digital competency. This paper presents the findings and implications for practice and research.
Keywords: digital competencies, higher education, educational innovation, demographic factors, school factors, educational technology
Research Article
Olga V. Sergeeva, Marina R. Zheltukhina, Goliya I. Bikbulatova, Ekaterina G. Sokolova, Olesya Yu Digtyar, Alexey I. Prokopyev, Zhanna M. Sizova
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep483
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to explore the impact of different dimensions of communication skills, namely competence (COMP), self-esteem (SELF), social communication challenge (SCC), and listening-speaking (LI-S) on the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) for student support (SS) and instructional design (ID). This study implemented inferential statistical methods to explore the impact of different dimensions of communication skills on the utilization of ICT among pre-service teachers. A sample of 324 pre-service teachers from Kazan Federal University was examined, utilizing validated scales adapted to the Russian context, with data analyzed using structural equation modeling to identify complex relationships between variables and to ascertain potential differences according to gender and department. The results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between participants’ perceived COMP in communication skills and their information and communication technology competencies (ICTCs), both in SS and ID. This suggests the need for targeted training to enhance educators’ communication competencies for optimal ICT utilization. Conversely, SELF and LI-S communication skills did not significantly influence ICTCs, indicating that these elements do not necessarily result in more effective ICT use in educational contexts. However, handling SCCs was positively associated with ICTCs in ID but not for SS, indicating a nuanced relationship between different communication skills and areas of ICT utilization. The study findings provide implications for professional development programs and underline the importance of certain dimensions of communication skills in leveraging ICT in education. Further research is recommended to verify these findings across different populations and educational settings.
Keywords: information and communication technology competency, communication skills, pre-service teacher, structural equation modeling
Research Article
Blanka Klimova, Katarina Zamborova
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep481
ABSTRACT
With the advancement of technologies, disabled students are being cared for to progress in their education through assistive technologies (AT). They ensure the inclusion of the target group to make them equal with their peers who do not suffer from disabilities. Unfortunately, there is only scarce research on this margin group in connection with technology. Therefore, the aim of the systematic review is to conduct research on the best practices, pedagogical implications, and limitations for the target group using AT. The results based on the review of empirical studies on the research topic conducted between 2013 and 2023 suggest that the best practices of AT are coming from recent years, specifically from 2017, and countries ranging from Europe to Indonesia and Thailand. Pedagogical implications suggest that the learners using AT are becoming more autonomous, independent and successful in academic achievements. Limitations within the study include the fact that AT needs to be more developed and accessible to learners along with more specialized training of specialists and teachers. Future research on the topic should be aimed at better equipment for these learners with AT.
Keywords: assistive technology, assistive technology, learning, English as a foreign language, systematic review
Research Article
Emily Hope Morrison, Dimitrios Vlachopoulos
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep473
ABSTRACT
Globally, schools were faced with mandatory shutdowns in the wake of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. To avoid disruption in the education process, teachers and students used alternative education strategies and solutions, switching to emergency remote teaching and learning (ERTL). This change was completely unanticipated, and thus can only be perceived as a reactionary measure. The purpose of this basic qualitative study is to explore the experience of secondary students regarding ERTL, as well as their satisfaction with the tools used in the science curriculum. Challenging the assumption that the learning experience during ERTL would be similar in most subject areas, this qualitative study focuses on the aspects of the science curriculum that were complex to offer in an online setting, including experimentation and modelling of phenomena. To achieve this purpose, three focus groups with grade 8 students from an international school were conducted. Most of the participants described ERTL experience as having a predominantly negative affect on their engagement and academic performance, mainly because of their poor home learning environments, the duration of remote teaching, and the distractions that derive from the ongoing use of the Internet. At the same time, the findings revealed that, beyond the accessibility and interactivity appropriate technologies can offer, the use of tools like gamified pop-quizzes, video applications and interactive simulations can enhance the learning experience. The procedure followed for this research is easy to replicate at different contexts and, thus, generate enough data to reimagine science education from the lessons learned during ERTL.
Keywords: emergency remote teaching and learning, secondary education, science curriculum, qualitative research, technology for science curriculum, educational technology
Research Article
Sri Gunawan, Chich-Jen Shieh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep470
ABSTRACT
This research investigates the effect of multiple intelligences (MIs) teaching strategy with technology-enriched environments on business administration students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and learning outcomes. The study involved 276 participants from a university’s business administration department, undergoing an international business course. A range of technology-based activities incorporating MI strategies was employed, exploring key topics such as globalization, corporate social responsibility, and market segmentation. Hypothesis testing revealed that high expectations and changes in viewpoints positively impacted self-concept, ability, and motivation, contributing to improved learning outcomes. The integration of technology in teaching facilitated these transformations, demonstrating how digital tools like virtual reality, interactive platforms, and online tutorials can enhance learning experiences. However, the effect on learning gain varied when viewpoints changed, indicating a need for further research into the differential impact of technology on learning outcomes. Despite some limitations, the study offers compelling evidence supporting the integration of MIs teaching strategy with technology-enriched environments in business administration education. Future studies should further explore the role of emerging technologies in this context.
Keywords: multiple intelligences teaching strategy, technology-enriched environments, technology education, motivation in learning, technology integration in teaching
Research Article
Kate Tzu-Ching Chen
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep467
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to examine the barriers faced by Taiwanese university English as a foreign language (EFL) instructors when incorporating mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) into their teaching, and to explore how these barriers are influenced by the instructors’ background characteristics. To assess the variables, a survey questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 350 university instructors. Additionally, interviews were conducted with a subset of instructors to complement and clarify the quantitative data. The findings indicated that university EFL instructors encountered moderate barriers when integrating MALL into their teaching practices. Furthermore, the study identified significant differences in the barriers experienced based on the amount of time instructors dedicated to MALL on a daily basis. Both quantitative and qualitative data highlighted the importance of time as a critical factor for successful MALL integration. As a recommendation, it is advised that university administrators consider reducing instructors’ workload to facilitate the seamless integration of MALL.
Keywords: mobile-assisted language learning, English as a foreign language, barrier, technology integration
Review Article
Carlos A. Lara-Alvarez, Ezra Federico Parra-González, Miguel A. Ortiz-Esparza, Héctor Cardona-Reyes
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep459
ABSTRACT
Virtual reality (VR) is rapidly gaining popularity and becoming more accessible. Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of this technology in educational settings. This article provides a summary of the evidence regarding the efficacy of virtual environments for elementary education. A meta-analysis was conducted to combine the findings of independent experimental studies. The studies included in this review were sourced from reputable databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE, ACM, and ScienceDirect. The results indicate that students who learn in a virtual environment achieve higher learning scores compared to those in traditional classrooms (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.64, 95% CI [0.36, 0.92], p<0.001). Additionally, the findings suggest that learning in a tethered VR environment is equally effective as learning through mobile VR. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in scores when different media materials were used for the control group. This review emphasizes the advantages of employing mobile VR for learning in contrast to using tethered VR.
Keywords: virtual reality, elementary school, student learning outcome, academic achievement, tethered VR, mobile VR, VR platforms, immersive technology
Research Article
Atipat Boonmoh, Intrira Kulavichian
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep457
ABSTRACT
This study investigated how Thai EFL pre-service teachers (PSTs) use technology in their classrooms and the level of substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition (SAMR) they implement. Seven English education majors enrolled in the course “teaching internship 2” in their fourth year at a Thai university participated in the study. Due to COVID-19, the participants were trained to teach online, but during their teaching practicum, they were required to teach in a traditional on-site setting. Because of this novel arrangement, it was essential to investigate how these PSTs incorporate technology into the classroom. For the purpose of analyzing the process of educational technology integration, this study employed SAMR model. Observations and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. Throughout the semester, observations were conducted twice. SAMR observation form was used to investigate how PSTs used technology in their teaching. Participants were asked to participate in an interview after each observation. The interviews included open-ended questions based on the conceptual framework of SAMR. Observation results show that technological tools were used to engage students, check comprehension, create teaching content, and evaluate students’ understanding. For the study, the participants were divided into three groups based on the extent of technological tools used. One participant was deemed to be in the substitution stage, five participants in the augmentation stage, and only one participant in the modification stage. The results of the interviews indicated that teacher motivation and the availability of ICT equipment, as well as familiarity with technological tools, played a significant role in PSTs’ integration of technology into the classroom. The study’s conclusions are helpful in developing PSTs’ technology integration in EFL classrooms. SAMR model should be introduced to PSTs to let them critically reflect on and develop their own technology integration.
Keywords: EFL, pre-service teachers, SAMR model, Thai students, technology integration
Research Article
Premika Farsawang, Noawanit Songkram
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep456
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid transition to online learning, thereby significantly impacting higher education. This study examines the experiences of students, instructors, and university administrators from 22 Thai universities during the pandemic and explores the potential consequences for the future of higher education. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through focus group discussions with 30 participants and a survey conducted with 510 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. The findings highlight the importance of flexibility, technology integration, and adaptability in curricula and instructional methods to enable effective online learning. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in the education sector, driven by the rapidly changing demands of the job market and the evolving nature of technology. Practical steps to be taken include prioritizing student learning outcomes, fostering digital literacy among instructors and students, and promoting collaboration across disciplines. Future research should examine the long-term impact of the pandemic on higher education and explore additional strategies for supporting students and instructors in the next normal.
Keywords: online learning, higher education, flexibility, technology integration, COVID-19, adaptability
Research Article
Ragad M. Tawafak, Liqaa Habeb Al-Obaydi, Blanka Klimova, Marcel Pikhart
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep452
ABSTRACT
This abstract presents a research study that investigates the effects of technology integration (TI) through digital gameplay on English as a foreign language (EFL) college students’ behavior intention. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The quantitative phase involves a pre- and post-test design, measuring the behavior intention of EFL college students before and after engaging in digital gameplay activities. The qualitative phase involves in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather students’ perceptions and experiences with using digital gameplay in their language learning process. The findings reveal that TI through digital gameplay positively influences EFL college students’ behavior intention, including their motivation, engagement, and self-efficacy in language learning. The qualitative data provide insights into students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of using digital gameplay, highlighting its potential for improving language skills, fostering social interaction, and promoting autonomous learning. The implications of the study suggest that incorporating digital gameplay in EFL college classrooms can be an effective approach to enhance students’ behavior intention and contribute to their language learning outcomes. This study contributes to the existing literature on TI in language education and provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to leverage digital gameplay for enhancing EFL college students’ behavior intention.
Keywords: technology integration, digital gaming, behavior intention, EFL college students
Research Article
Santi Pratiwi Tri Utami, Andayani, Retno Winarni, Sumarwati
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep450
ABSTRACT
Research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) technology positively influences students’ writing skills, but this area has yet to be touched by Indonesian researchers. This study aims to map perception, obstacles, and recommendations for optimizing use of AI in teaching academic writing in Indonesian. This article focuses on a case study of three senior high schools in Central Java, Indonesia. It employs quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher collected the data using questionnaires presented with Likert scale, followed by an in-depth interview through mobile instant messaging interview. Findings show that (1) AI-based learning tools help students to do academic research, especially in the planning step, to identify and develop the topics, as well as in the drafting step, to develop a paper draft, (2) AI-based learning tools are deemed flexible in accessibility despite not being able to cover all necessities required by students in writing process, (3) students are interested in using AI technology in academic writing class so that learning process will not be boring. Although AI has been used in academic writing classes, tools have not positively impacted quality of students’ academic papers in all indicators. There are several obstacles to using AI, namely (1) need for more available feature, especially in editing Indonesian text, and (2) in contrast, the features still need to be optimized. These are the recommendations for the optimization of AI-based learning tools, which are (1) adding features to edit Indonesian text, including spelling, diction, and sentence structure, and (2) enhancing AI literacy to be able to explore and leverage the existing features optimally. This research has yet to accommodate the possible coverage in checking the originality and accuracy of the written product assisted by AI-based learning tools, which could become a focus for future researchers.
Keywords: perception, AI technology, learning tools, academic writing
Review Article
Azeneth Patiño, María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya, Gerardo Ibarra-Vazquez
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep447
ABSTRACT
Complex thinking is a desired competency in 21st-century university students, so technology-based teaching and learning strategies must be carefully considered when training them in complex reasoning skills. This systematic review aims to map research on the use of teaching and learning strategies supported by technology to enhance complex thinking skills in university students. This review reports results according to PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. The search strategy was performed in June 2022 in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Of 151 records initially identified between 2018 and 2022, 32 papers were included in the final synthesis per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of this review indicate that (1) tech-based strategies for complex thinking development are based on active learning approaches including problem-based learning, case-based learning, collaboration-driven and discussion-based learning, project-based learning, assessment- and feedback-oriented activities, and mind mapping techniques; (2) most of the documented strategies were implemented in hybrid contexts; (3) traditional instructional materials commonly used for promoting higher order thinking skills such as reading assignments, videos, and eliciting/reflexive questions are still effective in fostering complex thinking when delivered through technology; and (4) custom-built technological development for complex thinking development software that incorporates emerging technologies is scarce at present. Further research is needed to document the interventions that train students interactively in complex thinking skills using Education 4.0 technologies.
Keywords: complex thinking, higher education, educational technology, educational innovation, Education 4.0
Research Article
Ana María Ortiz Colón, Tomás Izquierdo Rus, Javier Rodríguez Moreno, Miriam Agreda Montoro
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 3, Article No: ep439
ABSTRACT
Research has proven that TPACK model can significantly contribute to teachers’ training in their educational work, along with the training context, as well as to contribute to their initial training. The objective of this research is to analyze the level of teaching competence that teachers have according to TPACK model, as well as the variables that influence the technological implementation in the classroom. For the data analysis, we used a validated questionnaire composed by 47 items divided into the seven dimensions of TPACK model. We performed a stratified sampling by conglomerates in various stages, using public schools as a sampling unit. The sample is formed by 825 teachers. This is a descriptive and non-experimental investigation, where we performed a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test between the dimensions of the diagnosis scale and the socio-demographic variables. The most significant results have been the differences found regarding the educational stage and the age of the participants. It should be noted that the organization of the two stages, although based in the same principles and with common elements for the transition from one to another, is different. The study presents some adapted and focused training proposals in order to alleviate the training weaknesses of in-service teachers from TPACK model.
Keywords: TPACK, teacher training, primary education, child education, educational technology, lifelong learning
Review Article
Muteeb Alahmari, Malek Turki Jdaitawi, Abeer Rasheed, Rania Abduljawad, Elham Hussein, Mohammad Alzahrani, Noha Awad
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 3, Article No: ep431
ABSTRACT
Digital technology development has led to the creation of various learning options in the science education field. Technology such as gamification has been used in several science areas, uncovering diverse benefits regarding its usage. However, more research is needed to understand how gamification enhances students learning in science fields. Therefore, this study review presented an overview of gamification usage in the science education field literature and focused on research indexed in several international databases. 31 studies were included for review. The results showed that most of the studies presented positive outcomes as gamification proved to be effective with science education students. The study also indicated that most gamification studies were mostly used to enhance students’ learning skills in science education. The results of this study provide valuable data regarding technology techniques to enhance students’ skills in science education. Further research is needed to cover areas that are not widely investigated in gamification literature.
Keywords: technology, gamification, science, education, learning
Research Article
Damar Isti Pratiwi, Budi Waluyo
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article No: ep423
ABSTRACT
This study investigated to what degree students can be autonomous in EFL classroom by deploying different digital technologies, including Google Form, Quizizz, Quizlet, Kahoot!, and Socrative, and the efficacy of these tools in online English classrooms. Utilizing a quasi-experimental research design, a sample of 48 first-year railway mechanical technology students from an Indonesian polytechnic was used and assigned to control and experimental groups. Data was gathered through a survey questionnaire and two tests (pre- and post-test), and was analyzed using descriptive statistics, the N-gain formula, the paired-sample t-test and ANCOVA. The results revealed learner autonomy in listening, structure, and reading skills, encompassing self-reliance, information literacy, linguistic confidence, and learning strategy. Digital classes incorporating Google Form, Quizizz, Quizlet, Kahoot!, and Socrative were more effective than traditional classes in terms of learning outcomes. Therefore, this study proposed a learning model utilizing digital technologies and autonomous learning concepts to improve students’ learning outcomes.
Keywords: autonomous learning, digital classroom, digital technology, EFL classroom, online learning
Research Article
Shonn Cheng, Mary Parker
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article No: ep422
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to examine the relations between first-order and second-order barriers and ICT (information and communications technology) integration across schools with different SES (socioeconomic status) levels in the US. This study was based on a nationally representative sample of public elementary and secondary schools included in the fast response survey system (FRSS)–educational technology in the US public schools. Multiple-group path modeling was employed as the main analytic method. The results showed that in advantaged schools, first-order and second-order barriers demonstrated additive effects on ICT integration. However, in disadvantaged schools, first-order and second-order barriers showed multiplicative effects on ICT integration. This study suggests that in advantaged schools, eradicating second-order barriers can compensate for the constraints on ICT integration imposed by first-order barriers. However, in disadvantaged schools, removing second-order barriers will not be effective if first-order barriers are not addressed first. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of school SES in planning school-wide ICT integration. Also, a contextualized model is proposed to capture the differential relations between barriers and ICT integration in specific school contexts.
Keywords: technology integration, first-order barriers, second-order barriers, school SES, equity
Research Article
Isabel María Gómez-Trigueros
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article No: ep406
ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes the professional ethical knowledge of teachers in the use of technologies by teachers in training. Based on the disciplinary pedagogical technological knowledge (TPACK) model, it is intended to measure the correct inclusion of technologies in the classroom. For this, a descriptive exploratory methodological design study was carried out. The instruments used have been the Likert scale questionnaire and the personal interview, organized into four dimensions in which the self-perception of professional ethical knowledge, ethical knowledge of technology, pedagogical technological ethical knowledge and disciplinary technological ethical knowledge of the future teachers. The questionnaire has been applied to a sample of 1.051 trainee teachers from a European university in the context of COVID-19 and 822 students participated in the interview.
The results show the scarce training in professional ethical knowledge of teachers in training and the importance of addressing this knowledge in the 21st century, a post-pandemic context. Another of the conclusions is the need to include the ethical component in the TPACK model to achieve a correct and ethical use of digital resources in the classroom.
Keywords: professional ethics, teaching digital competence, technology, teachers in training, TPACK
Review Article
Ritesh Chugh, Darren Turnbull
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article No: ep405
ABSTRACT
Gaming is becoming a popular method of engaging students in learning processes across all levels of the educational community. The effective integration of gaming activities into course curricula has the potential to enhance student learning, motivation, and knowledge acquisition in a range of disciplines. However, gamification of education is not without its opponents, with many educators concerned about the negative impacts of game use on effective learning. This study enhances our understanding of contemporary practices related to the areas, usage and characteristics of gamification in education. It is of particular relevance to educational institutions with a focus on developing innovative teaching methods and curricula that utilize gamification techniques in a multi-disciplinary, cross-national context across all stages of formal learning. Through the use of bibliometric analysis techniques, our study of the citation relations of 3,617 publications identified ten prominent themes dominated by gamification: mobile gaming, physical education, health and medicine, business, learning performance, programming and computing, English language, teacher adoption, primary & secondary education, and mathematics. Clear evidence of increased student motivation to learn and improved course results were evident in the examined literature. This study will benefit serious game designers, educators, and educational institutions to develop more inclusive and engaging pedagogies that exploit the ubiquitous availability of gaming technologies for inclusion in more traditional course delivery methods.
Keywords: learning strategies, information and communication technology, teaching practices, knowledge creation, gamification, bibliometric analysis
Research Article
Scott A. Courtney, Mary E. S. Miller, Michael J. Gisondo
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 4, Article No: ep387
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus pandemic impacted all aspects of society, causing countries and local communities to close workplaces, move schools to remote instruction, limit in-person contact, cancel public gatherings, and restrict travel. Attempts to mitigate COVID-19 through remote instruction provided unique opportunities for researchers to examine the resources teachers utilize to drive their practices. We examine the impacts of the pandemic on grades 6-12 mathematics teachers and math interventionists, with particular attention to teachers’ integration of digital resources. Using purposive sampling, we surveyed 50 participants—across urban, suburban, and rural districts—throughout the United States. The descriptive survey focused on six aspects of teachers’ practices with digital resources. Results indicate that challenges encountered and lessons learned included a lack of student engagement and motivation, increased distractions, and varied access to technology. Integration of technology did not positively impact students’ mathematical proficiency across all teachers. Common resources used across planning of lessons, implementation of instruction, and assessment included the Google platform, Desmos, and GeoGebra. Where appropriate, we situate our results within the larger context of recent international research. These findings support teacher practices that constantly attempt to optimize students’ mathematics and social emotional learning, regardless of the environment or situation.
Keywords: digital technology, remote instruction, teachers’ mathematics practices, students’ social emotional learning
Research Article
Xiaoman Wang, John Hampton, Albert D. Ritzhaupt, Kara Dawson
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 4, Article No: ep383
ABSTRACT
As journal editors play an important role in defining and shaping academic discourse, knowing their opinions could likely prove beneficial for both current and future academic journal stakeholders. Within this vein, this study used the Delphi method to help build a profile on the trends and priorities within educational technology, from the unique perspective of the journals’ editors-in-chief. This expert panel—initially built from 117 national and international research journals—concluded with 25 editors-in-chief who finished all three rounds of the survey. Results indicated five emerging themes for trends and priorities: computer-focused, teaching and learning, online and digital education, societal, and research and theory. By exploring these current trends and priorities within educational technology, this study may provide meaningful insights to better understand the field as a whole and may also help scholars in their goal of publishing relevant, high-quality academic scholarship.
Keywords: educational technology research, trends, priorities, research journal editors, Delphi
Research Article
Valentina Lukina, Tuiaara Sidorova, Nadezhda Okoneshnikova, Egor Nikolaev, Viktoria Shamaeva, Irina Kuznetsova
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 3, Article No: ep376
ABSTRACT
The subject of the study is the psychological difficulties of adopting distance education technologies by university students. The materials of exploratory research obtained on a sample of students from several universities of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) are presented. The study involved respondents aged 19 to 22 (N = 86), 39% of whom were males. In the research, the unstructured interview method was used, during which we asked students to share in detail about their user experience, describing not only the learning process itself but the whole learning context in general. Considering the results using the TAM model, it can be assumed that students are not satisfied with any of the components. Distance learning technologies are not perceived by students as easy to use, and there is a low assessment of the perceived usefulness of these technologies. The attitude towards technology is also rather negative. From the point of view of student acceptance of technology, it can be said that distance learning causes some difficulties associated with cognitive, and emotional aspects, as well as interaction in a virtual environment, and the learning process. Learning creates anxiety and dissatisfaction with the learning process itself.
Keywords: distance education, psychological difficulties, pedagogical communication, students, technology adoption model (TAM)
Research Article
Thuy Thi Tang, Thuy Nga Nguyen, Huong Thi Thu Tran
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 3, Article No: ep375
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine factors that influence teachers’ intentions to use technology in assessments using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a framework. An online survey was utilized to collect data, and 360 teachers participated in the survey. This study used partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses to verify the effects of variables on teachers’ intention of e-assessment use. The model consists of four constructs: computer self-efficacy (CE), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), and frequent use of e-assessment tools (FoUAT). The findings revealed a significant influence path from CE to PEOU, FoUAT, and behavior intention. In addition, PEOU is a critical factor that positively impacts both PU and teachers’ behavior intentions. In contrast to our expectation, frequency of use was statistically insignificant and had no impact on teachers’ intention to use (IU) e-assessment tools. The total of these four variables corresponded to 71.4% of the variance of user intention. These results confirm that TAM is an effective model to explain teachers’ technology acceptance to use e-assessment tools for their teaching.
Keywords: computer self-efficacy, e-assessment tools, PLS-SEM, technology acceptance model
Review Article
Ahmad Hamza Obidat
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 3, Article No: ep374
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of research on e-learning accessibility at the global level. The bibliometric literature was comprised of 1,325 documents, after data pre-processing, published in Scopus database, covering the period from 1985 to 2021. First, a performance analysis was conducted to assess the publication performance of authors, institutions, countries, and other actors. Second, a science mapping analysis was performed to reveal the structure and dynamics of the e-learning accessibility field. As a result, the most productive, sources, authors, institutions, and countries were identified. Also, the collaboration patterns between particular actors were assessed. Furthermore, the e-learning accessibility research themes and their interrelationships were uncovered. This study contributes to the literature by providing useful information about the e-learning accessibility research status quo and, helps policymakers to achieve effective research planning. That is, it helps in objectively identifying strengths and gaps in e-learning accessibility research in terms of its growth, development, themes, impact, and coverage.
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, e-learning, accessibility, disability, educational technology
Review Article
Miguel Angel Paidican, Pamela Alejandra Arredondo
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 3, Article No: ep370
ABSTRACT
This article presents the results of a scientific literature analysis based on Kitchenham’s (2004) proposal, regarding the technological-pedagogical knowledge of the content under the TPACK model. Research studies containing data-driven information in primary education were revised. The selection of the 622 articles was conducted in Scopus, WoS (Web of Science), ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), and Google Scholar databases; considering the period from which this model was initially described to May 2019. The following criteria were also observed: open access sources, referring to social sciences, and full text available. To conclude, there is limited scientific production regarding TPACK model in primary education, with 3,05% of the articles reviewed in this systematic literature review. An increase in using the TPACK model in terms of teacher knowledge and enriched environments with information and communication technology has also been observed. Participation of other members of the school community as students, parents and managers is also recommended.
Keywords: knowledge of teachers, educational technology, knowledge of technological pedagogical content (TPACK), primary school teachers, teacher training, Integration of technology
Book Review
Dahlia Dwedar
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 2, Article No: ep360
ABSTRACT
The post-millennial era and the Internet evolution have opened flood gates for e-learning as a mode of education. However, overreliance on secondary information as a vehicle to inform the impact of e-learning provides filtered information regarding online learning. Many studies and articles have explored the impetus of online learning, but there remains a gap in understanding online learning through the students’ perspective. In a provocative and equally intriguing book, George Veletsianos reconnoiters online learning by critically focusing on students’ experiences to inform his findings.
Keywords: e-learning, educational technology, internet education, open and distance learning
Research Article
Sultan Aldehami
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 2, Article No: ep353
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to investigate levels of teachers’ assistive technology (AT) knowledge and skills use in classrooms for students with intellectual disability (ID). A total of 98 special education teachers of students with ID completed an online survey. Results indicate that the teachers’ levels of knowledge and skills related to AT use in classrooms for students with ID were reaching proficiency. Teachers’ levels of AT knowledge and skills statistically significantly differed based on gender, training, level of education, teaching experience, and school location but not on grade level. However, there were statistically significant differences in teachers’ professional development based on gender and teaching experience but not based on training, level of education, grade level, and school location. Furthermore, results indicate that teachers’ perceptions of AT significantly predicted teachers’ knowledge and skills related to AT use in educational environments.
Keywords: special education, intellectual disability, assistive technology, attitudes, special education teachers
Research Article
John Nworie
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep345
ABSTRACT
As recognition of the roles and contributions of Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) professionals has increased, so has the demand for their skills in the workplace whether in higher education institutions or business entities. However, there remains some ambiguity, especially in higher education, about who IDTs are and what they do. There are also questions about who is hiring them. This content analysis study of 250 advertised higher education and corporate IDT positions found no fewer than 9 job titles, 13 academic programs, 5 degree levels, work experience from 1 to 10 years, and compensation that ranged from an hourly pay to a six-digit annual salary. Required skillsets included not only technical and analytical expertise but personal qualities. This study was conducted to provide a current look at the employment opportunities for Instructional Designers and Instructional Technologists.
Keywords: higher education, IDT employment, IDT graduates, careers in instructional design and technology, IDT roles and responsibilities, IDT programs, instructional design, instructional technology
Review Article
Francisco D. Guillén-Gámez, Raquel Rodríguez-Fernández
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep339
ABSTRACT
Studies analysing and comparing the attitudes of teachers towards Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based on gender have provided mixed results. In this work, we carried out a meta-analysis on gender differences in attitudes towards ICT, from a global perspective and exploring four dimensions: affective-emotional attitude, beliefs, self-efficacy, and mixed with each other. Through the collection of 55 studies providing 73 effect sizes based on a total sample of 21,325 working teachers, a negative effect was found, almost null (d= -0.0297) and not statistically significant. These results indicate that female teachers have a more positive attitude towards the educational use of ICT than male teachers. Independently, the dimensions affective-emotional attitude (d= -0.342), beliefs (d= 0.114), and self-efficacy (d= 0.273) produced significant effect sizes, although with small effects. The analysis of moderating variables showed that different moderators intervene significantly in the variability of effect sizes: continental origin of the teachers (emotional and beliefs dimensions); teacher’s workplace (dimension self-efficacy); type of publication (emotional dimension) and validity of the instruments (emotional and beliefs dimension). With this meta-analysis, it is possible to take another step towards a better measurement and explanation of the attitudes that teachers have towards the use of new technologies in educational contexts.
Keywords: technology, education, teacher, teaching, gender, meta-analysis, research methods
Research Article
Samer Skaik, Roksana Jahan Tumpa
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep335
ABSTRACT
Many educators struggle to engage or stimulate students to actively engage in classes. International students, in particular, are more vulnerable to the risk of disengagement due to their competing priorities and social barriers. The use of interactive technology can promote active learning and facilitate better student experience and inclusion. This case study aims to examine the practical implication of one of the popular interactive technologies on the learning experience of international students. The study revealed that adopting the interactive technology in lectures had an obvious positive impact on student learning experience, attainment of learning outcomes, and motivation levels. It helped students engage genuinely in the assessment tasks and have their voice heard without fear or influence by faculty or peer pressure. The study also identified some challenges including the lead time required for training both faculty and students on using the technology more effectively. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing evidence-based implications of using interactive technology in higher education.
Keywords: active learning, interactive technology, international students, Mentimeter
Research Article
José Manuel García-Vandewalle García, Marina García-Carmona, Juan Manuel Trujillo Torres, Pablo Moya-Fernández
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep330
ABSTRACT
Digital competence has become a new type of literacy that significantly impacts on people’s lives, as it is paramount to their social and occupational integration. In educational institutions, teachers play a major role in developing the digital skills of their students. This study aims to determine the key elements of teacher training in the use of innovative technologies and methodologies with a view to providing alternatives to improve the educational process. The objective is to overcome deficiencies in the training of teachers in new technologies and innovative methodologies. A qualitative study based on interview data is used in two phases. For the first phase research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight international education experts from various fields on how best to train teachers. The second phase research involved a text mining analysis of the interview transcripts based on sentiment analysis and word counts using the advanced R statistical programming language. The second phase research was conducted using the R statistical programming language. The interview transcripts were analysed using sentiment analysis and a word cloud. The results reveal that teacher education should be practice-focused and supervised by senior teachers with the aid of students and heads of schools. Moreover, standards should be set to monitor the digital competence of teachers, who should be trained on an ongoing basis to keep them up to date in the use of digital technologies.
Keywords: teacher education, teacher training, educational technology, educational innovation, pre-service education
Research Article
Xuan Zhou, Yolanda Padron, Hersh Waxman
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 14, Issue 1, Article No: ep328
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in professional development (PD) opportunities afforded to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers based on years of teaching experience related to foreign language teaching. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in seven primary schools with 60 primary EFL teachers in a middle-sized urban school district in China. Descriptive statistics and multiple Chi-square tests were used in the study. The results indicated that more experienced primary EFL teachers had the least technological pedagogical knowledge, which is contrary to the traditional concept that more experienced teachers have better teaching knowledge. The study suggests the need to support EFL teachers in China with technology-based PD training including teachers with varied years of teaching experience, in order to enhance their instructional skills.
Keywords: EFL, TPACK, education technology, professional development, teacher training
Research Article
Mehmet Haldun Kaya, Tufan Adiguzel
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep323
ABSTRACT
For technology integration to achieve intended instructional objectives, professional development is of paramount importance for in-service instructors. Technology enhanced reflection providing multimodality and evidence-based data has the potential of helping instructors achieve technology integration in their teaching. Thus, this study addressed the lack of professional development programs for in-service English language instructors aiming at technology integration through evidence-based multimodal reflective practices. By following the developmental research methodology, an instrumental case study was conducted using mixed-methods design including both qualitative and quantitative data. The professional training was carried out with eight English language instructors at tertiary level who aimed to integrate technology into their English classes by being involved in evidence-based multimodal reflective practice. In this study, there were five different data sources (instructors’ opinions, recorded lessons, video annotations, face-to-face interaction notes and pages in the learning management system) and seven data collection tools (interviews, tutor reflection template, self-reflection template, peer-reflection template, technology integration questionnaire, online discussion forums and evaluation criteria form). As a result, this professional training particularly designed and implemented for the in-service English language instructors at tertiary level did make a change in their both technology integration and evidence-based multimodal reflective practice. Apart from the change in the instructors’ technology integration, this study had an impact on their understanding, practice and quality of reflective practice involving evidence-based multimodal reflection tools as it helped the instructors to increase depth in their evidence-based multimodal reflective practice.
Keywords: technology integration, reflection, professional development, teacher training
Research Article
Eulho Jung, Hua Zheng, Nick Webster, Adonis Hamad, Fatih Demir, Dongho Kim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep321
ABSTRACT
Higher education institutions partner with technology providers to stay competitive in the fast-evolving innovations of technological advancements. The purpose of this study is to reflect on and investigate technology integration cases at a mid-sized public university in the U.S. Taking a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes critical reflection and multiple case studies (Stake, 2006). After reviewing the data, a technology partnership model was created that is composed of five phases: (1) analysis, (2) negotiation, (3) pre-implementation, (4) implementation, and (5) evaluation. The findings indicate that a systematic process must be utilized to ensure efficiency in vendor–university partnerships. Discussions, limitations, and implementation are provided.
Keywords: technology partnerships, educational technology, online learning, vendor relationships, critical reflection
Review Article
Barry Matthews
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep317
ABSTRACT
Introduction: To meet the ambition of the UK becoming the global leader in health technology, the future workforce needs to have a developed digital literacy. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the move to online learning has also increased the requirement for a reinvention of traditional teaching methodologies (Sá & Serpa, 2020).
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using a mix of Boolean search terms in twelve education and health journal databases to discover the extent of current international research of digital literacy in health programmes. Papers were selected for their specificity to digital literacy in health education pre-registration professional programmes.
Results: The initial search included 5359 papers, 3925 after duplicates removed, 134 remained after title review which were then input into Covidence for full reading, finally 47 papers being included for thematic analysis. This thematic analysis identified a number of key themes within these papers: digital literacy of the educator, digital literate workforce, technical skills limit adoption, information literacy, a curriculum requirement in education, institutional infrastructure or personal access, preparedness for entering academia, concerns over the use of digital skills, personalised digital literacy experience, increased communication skills with digital literacies, competency frameworks, COVID-19 and social media in education.
Conclusion: This research identifies areas of good practice and areas that need to be considered in higher education programmes and by academics to ensure the digital literacy of the future healthcare workforce.
Keywords: health education, digital literacy, digital skills, technology enhanced teaching, health care, higher education
Research Article
Denise Pauline-Graf, Susan E. Mandel, Heather W. Allen, Lynne E. Devnew
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep316
ABSTRACT
Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is a broad term to denote the incorporation of digital technology to mediate activities that support education. Educational researchers need to validate critical assumptions about any new system that involves TEL early and throughout its development course to make quick, informed, de-risked decisions about the progress of TEL. We introduce an assumption validation process for educational researchers to consider utilizing when evolving ideas or prototypes of TEL. We present a preliminary study conducted in Russia of a knowledge sharing (KS) training program using digital games to illustrate the proposed four-stage process. The first stage is listing the assumptions that apply to initiatives of TEL. The second is identifying the methods most useful for testing those assumptions. The third is executing tests on each of those assumptions. The last stage is determining assumption validity. In the illustrative study, a single pilot trial was considered the appropriate approach to validate the assumptions selected in the first stage. We found that determining assumption validity requires testing many of the assumptions individually and in aggregate. Educational researchers can use this assumption validation process to assess the potential of TEL in a variety of settings before investing resources into its further development.
Keywords: instructional digital games, assumption validation, knowledge sharing, pilot trial, self-efficacy, technology-enhanced learning
Review Article
Rakesh Kumar Meet, Devkant Kala
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 3, Article No: ep312
ABSTRACT
Advent of internet has a revolutionary impact on every sector of economy and so is with the education sector, which has witnessed the evolution of online education through scalable educational technology, namely, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the pool of available knowledge related to MOOCs in the scholarly literature, published during the period 2013–2020. One hundred and two available published studies in peer reviewed journals & conferences searched in major academic databases have been reviewed and presented in the systematic literature review. The findings have been divided under the various research themes of MOOCs including geographical contribution of MOOC studies, citation trends, prominent research themes, theoretical frameworks and methodological rigor in the existing scholarly works. The results demonstrate that most empirical research were conducted by the researchers having affiliation to institutions based out of United States followed by institutions in the developing economies of China and India. The most focused area of research in MOOCs is on MOOC adoption. Limited research has happened on poor MOOC completion status, the instructor-related topics and on democratization of MOOC. Thrust areas of MOOC researches and future research directions are also discussed.
Keywords: Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), e-learning, online education, educational technology, technology adoption, literature review
Research Article
Jamal N. Al-Karaki, Nedal Ababneh, Yasir Hamid, Amjad Gawanmeh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 3, Article No: ep311
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 Pandemic affected all sectors worldwide including education sector changing the students learning environment at a large scale. In the education sector, governments had to close schools and universities around the world and turn into online mode of delivery. The sudden transformation to online learning demands educators and institutions to develop more innovative teaching methods in supporting students during this growing crisis. It is pertinent that this is the era of large-scale online learning, where education is delivered remotely utilizing various digital platforms. To this end, this move presented many challenges to students, educators, families, administrators, and government regulations. In this paper, we conduct an oriented and well-rounded survey that captures all aspects of distance learning verticals as perceived by educators in order to study online delivery aspects, including teaching models, communication media, and teaching best practices in distance learning. The paper will answer subtle and comprehensive questions related to student satisfaction and success, technical needs and challenges, teaching models, educator mobility, etc. across different universities in the UAE. In particular, the paper tries to identify best model to use given many key issues related to the adoption of e-learning during COVID-19. Overall, the survey results showed almost all participants agreed that online learning during the COVID-19 is a very good alternative solution to Face-to-Face approach. However, teaching models do vary in promoting students’ participation and students’ engagement. All participants agree that absence of the proper infrastructure at home will hinder the operation especially in courses with hands-on components. Finally, the educators questioned the credibility of online assessments despite the enforced exam integrity tools and methods. The paper concluded with many recommendations for continuous development of the distance learning systems during and after COVID -19.
Keywords: COVID-19, distance learning, online education, technology adoption, education models, higher education
Research Article
Trang Phan, Mary Paul, Meina Zhu
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 3, Article No: ep307
ABSTRACT
This study portrays profile uses of technology in the classroom by faculty at a school of education at a university in Central California (N = 47). First, it describes their professional uses of certain technology on a frequency scale. Second, it reports the effects of faculty’s teaching philosophy and perceptions of instructional technology (IT) in their teaching practice with regards to use of technology. This study employed quantitative data analysis. The findings indicate that faculty’s teaching goals and perception of the learning environment play an important role in determining their uses of technology. Third, it reveals faculty’s motivation and challenges to use certain technological tools in their teaching. Specifically, the participants reported high levels of motivation for using various new technologies, minimal challenges to IT use in their classroom and their actual uses of such technology being unknown. Given the faculty’s high motivation (or absence of barriers) of using various innovative technology, one of the suggestions for future professional development programs is to offer training which moves beyond understanding how to use technology, and addresses the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching with technology.
Keywords: technological practice, perceptions, teaching philosophy, instructional technology, professional development
Research Article
Chooi Yi Wei, Yoke Chin Kuah, Chee Pung Ng, Wai Kwan Lau
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 3, Article No: ep303
ABSTRACT
The rapid technological development and revolution have transformed the education field, promoting the betterment of learning and teaching quality. Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to help educators to create an engaging and creative method of teaching. The increasing use of technology has piqued researchers’ interests in studying its efficiency. Following this observation, this study aims to explore educators’ readiness in embracing AR as an enhancement teaching tool in the future. This study employed a quantitative methodology and collected 223 respondents’ data from five private universities in Malaysia. The data was analysed using the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) software. The results demonstrated that there were significant relationships between educators’ innovation towards the intention to adopt AR moderated by perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). This study provides some insightful AR applications in the education industry, which is in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 theme. It successfully identifies the importance of motivating educators and students in embracing AR as an enhancement learning tool, providing a valuable discussion for the government, learning institutions, and educators on the implementation of AR in Malaysia.
Keywords: augmented reality, educator innovation, technology acceptance model, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness
Research Article
Vusumuzi Maphosa, Bekithemba Dube
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 3, Article No: ep301
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented global socio-economic disruptions. One of the areas negatively impacted is the education system. The country’s over reliance on traditional face-to-face teaching has brought about serious challenges to policymakers who have to decide how learning would proceed in the absence of physical contact between the teacher and the learner. This has been exacerbated by the general lack of access to textbooks and other teaching and learning materials which makes it difficult for parents to assist with home schooling. The potential use of mobile apps to support and enhance early childhood learning has received little attention in developing countries such as Zimbabwe, yet its impact in supporting early childhood education would be enormous during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The study seeks to develop a numeracy-based app prototype that uses a local language (IsiNdebele) in a classroom or home-based schooling in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or other natural disasters or man-made situations that may make face-to-face interaction impossible. The analysis showed that kindergarten teachers had positive opinion towards the app as they perceived the prototype to be useful, easy to use, simple and that learners would be eager to use it. The results of this study can inform policymakers and educators on optimising technology based early teaching and learning at school and home.
Keywords: COVID-19, kindergarten, mobile apps, home-based learning, technology acceptance model
Research Article
Héctor Galindo-Domínguez, María-José Bezanilla
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 2, Article No: ep294
ABSTRACT
It is though that those students who better manage their time and perceive themselves to be more effective in the tasks they perform are thought to be due, in part, to a stronger understanding and command of digital competence. This competence allows students to know and use a greater number of tools and techniques to respond to the problems that arise in their academic career, favouring the reduction of perceived stress. To test this hypothesis, a total of 200 students from different degrees of Education and universities participated in the study, who answered the Digital Competence Questionnaire in University Students, the Spanish version of Time Management Behaviour Questionnaire, the Scale of Perceived Self-efficacy in academic situations, and the Scale of Global Perception of Stress. The results show how the starting hypothesis is fulfilled in that time management and academic self-efficacy function as mediators between digital competence and types of positive or negative stressors. Finally, these findings implications are discussed.
Keywords: digital competence, self-efficacy, time management, stress, university, higher education, technology, ICT
Research Article
Chenin Chen
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 1, Article No: ep290
ABSTRACT
Along with the rapid development of technology, the constant innovation and application of computer and information technology has information technology change humans’ future lifestyles as well as induce comprehensive changes in humans’ learning. Due to knowledge digitization, knowledge creation and update is fast that the acceleration and enhancement of learning effectiveness becomes the important issue concerned in global education development. Along with the population of digitization, information technology largely changes life and learning model.
Applying experimental design model to the quasi-experimental research, total 188 business management students of universities in Fujian are preceded technology education with WebQuest. The experimental teaching is preceded 3 hours per week for 16 weeks (total 48 hours). Research results reveal 1. WebQuest would affect critical thinking psychology, 2. WebQuest would affect operation capability, 3. critical thinking psychology presents significantly positive effects on problem clarification in operation capability, 4. critical thinking psychology shows remarkably positive effects on effective interaction in operation capability, and 5. critical thinking psychology reveals notably positive effects on inductive inference in operation capability. According to the results, suggestions are proposed, expecting to help domestic technology education get into organizational and systematic development to further cultivate students’ technology literacy.
Keywords: WebQuest, technology education, business management students, critical thinking psychology, operation capability
Research Article
Lera A. Kamalova, Makhabbat Zh. Umbetova, Narine S. Putulyan
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 1, Article No: ep288
ABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to determine the most effective technologies and practices for the linguistic and sociocultural adaptation of foreign students studying in Russian and foreign universities, the use of which will help foreign students overcome barriers in academic performance, mastery of the Russian language, psychological and sociocultural adaptation in the host country. The fundamental basis of this study is the experimental work carried out at the Institute of Psychology and Education of Kazan Federal University, Arkalyk State Pedagogical Institute named after Y. Altynsarin, St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics. Sociocultural and linguistic adaptation of foreign students is organized on the basis of an integrated approach, which is a combination of intercultural, humanistic, personality-oriented, activity-based approaches to learning. Education and training of foreign students should be organized on the basis of modern technologies and practices (authoring online simulators in Russian, interactive whiteboard, case method, brainstorming, role-playing game, discussion) contributes to effective language, socio-cultural adaptation of students. An effective tool to promote the sociocultural and linguistic adaptation of foreign students is a specially organized tolerant developing educational environment of the university, organized taking into account the specifics of social problems and the psychological state of migrants, contributing to the leveling of emerging problems of socio-cultural adaptation, the integration of foreign students in the host community. In this study, the most effective diagnostics were identified that affect the mechanisms of linguistic and sociocultural adaptation of foreign students studying in Russian and foreign universities: diagnostics of the level of social isolation of a person, determination of the level of depression, methods for determining sociocultural identity, adaptation of a person to a new sociocultural environment, methodology for determining level of knowledge of Russian as a foreign language. The scientific novelty of this study is to determine the most effective technologies and practices of linguistic and sociocultural adaptation of foreign students in the context of globalization and the Eurasian integration of sociocultural and educational space.
Keywords: foreign students, migrants, adaptation, linguistic, sociocultural, technology, pedagogical, learning, Russian
Research Article
Olgun Sadik
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 1, Article No: ep285
ABSTRACT
This research was designed and conducted considering the theoretical and practical suggestions of design-based research (DBR) methodology and aimed to identify and address problems in a one-semester technology integration course at a Midwest university in the US. Community of practice (CoP) was used as the theoretical framework in this research to design and implement interventions, and improve the quality of the course. The researcher observed a community of teacher educators and aimed to make suggestions for building successful strategies for communities of practice in similar contexts. The study results showcased the connection between pedagogy, content and technology as an important theme for preparing future teachers in technology integration courses but also in all the teacher education courses. Furthermore, aligned with the previous literature, pre-service teachers’ beliefs and confidence were identified as important conditions for effective technology integration. CoP was found as a challenging but helpful model when all the members share ideas in a supportive and balanced environment. An experienced member of the community acting as a moderator and facilitating the discussions was helpful to address the communication issues in a community of teacher educators.
Keywords: community of practice, design-based research, teacher education, technology integration
Research Article
Ricardo-Adán Salas-Rueda, Jesús Ramírez-Ortega, Ana-Libia Eslava-Cervantes
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 1, Article No: ep286
ABSTRACT
This mixed research analyzes the use of the Collaborative Wall to improve the teaching-learning conditions in the Bachelor of Visual Arts considering data science and machine learning (linear regression). The sample is made up of 46 students who took the Geometric Representation Systems course at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) during the 2019 school year. The Collaborative Wall is a web application that facilitates the organization and dissemination of ideas through the use of images and text. In the classroom, the students formed teams and used mobile devices to access this web application. The results of machine learning indicate that the organization of ideas in the Collaborative Wall positively influences the participation of students, motivation and learning process. Data science identifies 3 predictive models about the use of this web application in the educational field. Also, the Collaborative Wall facilitates the learning process in the classroom through the comparison and discussion of information. Finally, technological advances allow organizing creative activities that favor the active role of students.
Keywords: collaborative wall, bachelor, technology, learning, data science, teaching
Research Article
Sri Gunawan, Chich-Jen Shieh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 12, Issue 2, Article No: ep279
ABSTRACT
Learning area integrated teaching, teaching unit topics and the contents of various subjects with team teaching and cooperative learning to have students learn better integrated concepts, is emphasized domestically. Nevertheless, it is discovered that subject-specific teaching is still used in living technology teaching area. The integration and application of knowledge content learned in classes could enhance the problem solving opportunity.
To effectively achieve research objectives and test research hypotheses, nonequivalent test experimental design is applied to the experimental research in this study. Aiming at 312 business school students of Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR), Indonesia, as the experimental objects, the research results are summarized as below. 1. STEM curriculum integration model presents significant effects on learning effect. 2. STEM curriculum integration model shows remarkable effects on learning gain. 3. Living technology teaching reveals notable effects on learning effect. 4. Living technology teaching appears significant effects on learning gain. 5. STEM curriculum integration model integrated living technology teaching presents remarkable effects on learning effect. 6. STEM curriculum integration model integrated living technology teaching shows notable effects on the promotion of learning gain. According to the results to propose suggestions, it is expected to have students analyze problems from more aspects and develop diverse solving strategies to effectively enhance living technology learning effectiveness.
Keywords: STEM curriculum, living technology teaching, business school, learning effectiveness
Research Article
Albina R. Drozdikova-Zaripova, Elvira G. Sabirova
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 12, Issue 2, Article No: ep278
ABSTRACT
Modern educational process has to take into account the tendencies in science and tech advancement and also demands of society to quality of education services. As one of the most effective ways, there is reasonably considered purposeful usage of digital educational resources. In this study, there has been considered modern educational technology of “Blended learning” by model of the “Flipped classroom”, that is based on the concept of unifying the technology of “class-lesson system” and technology of digital teaching on the grounds of new didactic possibilities given by ICT (informational and communicational technologies) and modern teaching means. Theoretical methods among which there are analyzing, comparing and summarizing the research subject on the base of psychological and pedagogical literature; query-diagnostic method that help to evaluate effectiveness of digital educational resources usage in teaching students with application of “Flipped classroom” technology. In the carried study, there are shown different variants and technological means in realization of “Flipped classroom” when making digital educational resources on subjects of “Methodology and methods in organizing scientific research” and “Method of teaching mathematics”. According to survey results it can be stated that students sufficiently highly evaluate the level in organization of teaching, the content of digital educational resources and also qualification and responsiveness of teachers. Study results can be used at development of teaching courses, digital educational resources that are introduced within scope of higher education, when making comparative studies for working out design methodology for digital educational resources. Pilot project on introduction of new educational technology on within realization scope of digital education resources at various levels of higher professional education, was held on the base of Kazan (Volga region) federal university institute and proved its trustworthiness.
Keywords: flipped classroom technology, blended learning, digital educational resource, informational and educational environment of higher education institution
Research Article
Victoria V. Iskru, John Schulz
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 12, Issue 2, Article No: ep276
ABSTRACT
Purpose of the study: The object of this paper is to explore the literature in order to discover on what conditions a video-mediated form of instruction can be a learning instrument, the one that enhances teaching, increases the potential of improving learners’ performance and leads to a change in students’ knowledge and behaviours. Methodology: This exploration is literature based and involves a critical discussion of articles on video-based instruction and video pedagogies. Main findings: Video-based forms of teaching and learning are steadily gaining popularity in the classroom and beyond and are supported by a growing body of academic and professional literature. However, while the pedagogical use of video within a lesson has been explored, what is missing is a focus on the pedagogy within the video – the pedagogical style or design of the video that leads to learning – the transformation of information. Applications of this study: Research involving university students suggests that students conceive of video as an important element of their learning process and they will often choose to use videos for support and clarification rather than any other form of digital instruction. The conducted analysis of the research subject will eliminate concerns of instructional designers over the video design and help employ video more consciously and efficiently. Novelty/Originality of this study: In the last decade, the majority of the literature focusing on creating video for learning purposes adopt a transmission of knowledge approach. Thus, the authors focus on a list of characteristics that will facilitate the transmission of content. Few of the articles focus on learning per se. This paper discusses the results of our review of the literature that support the transmission styles of learning, the “hygiene” principles and then it explores the literature to identify the elements that enable a more transformative learning pedagogy for video.
Keywords: video-based instruction, instructional methodology, learning videos, pedagogy, formal learning, digital elements, streaming technology
Research Article
Sanna Elina Oinas, Helena Thuneberg, Mari-Pauliina Vainikainen, Risto Hotulainen
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 12, Issue 2, Article No: ep271
ABSTRACT
As a variety of commercial educational applications are currently being taken into daily use to provide technology-enhanced feedback, research is needed to observe whether pedagogical evidence of the impact of feedback on learning and well-being is being utilized. To this end, this study explores the connections between technology-enhanced feedback, motivation, competence and the relationship with teachers. A nationally representative sample of pupils undertaking Finnish basic education (N=2031) was analyzed using latent profile analysis. Seven patterns for receiving technology-enhanced feedback were identified. Most girls (80%) and boys (55%) belonged to groups receiving mainly positive feedback in the form of teacher praise, which was connected to the highest scores in all measured indicators. Although the results indicate teachers’ efforts to encourage pupils through technology-enhanced feedback, we also identified profiles in which pupils (up to 30%) repeatedly received negative feedback related to behavior problems or forgotten matters, as well as profiles in which pupils (5%) reported that they never received any technology-enhanced feedback at all. Pupils who did not receive any feedback reported the lowest values in all scales. The relationship with teachers was particularly weak for pupils receiving negative feedback or no feedback. The results indicate that current technology-enhanced feedback practices do not fully meet pedagogical knowledge concerning efficient feedback.
Keywords: technology-enhanced feedback, motivation, competence, academic well-being
Research Article
Emeka Joshua Chukwuemeka, Dominic Samaila
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 11, Issue 1, pp. 99-109
ABSTRACT
The study investigated teachers’ perception and factors limiting the use of high-tech assistive technologies resources in special education schools in North-West Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a questionnaire to sought data from 120 respondents who were drawn using a multi-stage sampling technique from special education schools within the region. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The questionnaire was subjected to expert validation and reliability was established through a pilot study using 20 teachers from two special education schools within the study area, but not part of the sampled schools. The reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained for the questionnaire using the Cronbach Alpha formula. The data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that teachers do not use high-tech assistive devices regularly to teach students with physical disabilities. However, teachers perceived positively that there are great benefits to the use of these resources. It was recommended among others that both government and other stakeholders should organize workshop, seminars and other capacity building training regularly for teachers as means of updating their knowledge and skills in the use of assistive devices considering the dynamic nature of special education technology.
Keywords: assistive technology, high-tech, utilization, perception, special education, limiting factors
Research Article
Emre Dinc
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 381-398
ABSTRACT
This study examined the thoughts of preservice teachers about technology integration and collected their ideas about possible barriers to technology integration in education. With this aim, the participants were asked two key questions which are (1) “What does ‘Technology Integration in Education’ mean to you?” and (2) “What might be the possible barriers to technology integration in education?”. A total of 76 preservice teachers, who took the course “Integrating Technology in Education” during their Elementary Teacher Education program took part in the study. The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis method in this qualitative study. As a result of the study, it was revealed that preservice teachers have critical perceptions related to technology integration, such as effective use of technology, inclusion of technology in the course curriculum, increasing engagement, visualizing the course content, working with administrators to integrate technology, and being able to teach with technology that cannot be taught beforehand. As for the external and internal barriers, the participants commented that lack of funding/budget, lack of equipment, lack of ability, and time are major barriers to technology integration in education. Unlike the other studies in the relevant literature, preservice teachers stated parents and security as barriers to integrating technology in education.
Keywords: Technology itegration, Technology use in education, Prospective teachers, Barriers to technology use, Descriptive analysis
Research Article
Omer Simsek, Taha Yazar
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 289-308
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine prospective teachers’ TPACK self-efficacy and variables affecting their training to integrate technology in education according to their subject areas. The survey research, a quantitative research method, was used in the study. The sample of the study is composed of senior prospective teachers (n=3553) from 19 different departments of 18 state universities in Turkey. The departments were gathered into nine subject areas by taking into consideration the criteria of prospective teachers’ subject areas. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis H tests were used for the comparisons of the groups. The results of the study show that TPACK is perceived differently according to the subject areas. Prospective teachers think that teacher educators do not sufficiently exhibit technology integration behaviors in their lessons and participants think that they somewhat have authentic experiences in using technology in education. While both scores of TPACK self-efficacy and variables affecting prospective teachers’ training to integrate technology in education are higher in favor of Foreign Languages subject area; prospective teachers in Mathematics and Turkish language have lower scores than other subject areas in the study. As a result, the self-efficacy of prospective teachers’ technology integration significantly differentiates.
Keywords: Technology integration, TPACK, Self-efficacy, Prospective teachers
Research Article
Sayed Masood Haidari, Tugba Yanpar Yelken, Cenk Akay
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 229-245
ABSTRACT
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education not only requires students to receive in-class instruction but also necessitates them to engage in extra practices outside the classroom by using technological or non-technological resources. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the self-directed language learning behaviors of the EFL student teachers and their use of technology in the process by employing a mixed-methods study within an explanatory sequential research design. The quantitative data were collected from 110 EFL student teachers by using two distinct research instruments, whereas the qualitative data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire form, responded by 47 of these students. The results of the study indicated that technology utilization is a significant predictor of self-directed language learning. However, the findings show that the off-campus self-directed language learning abilities of the students, with or without the use of technology, do not significantly differ according to gender, age, and grade levels. The differences were only found in terms of unaided off-campus learning abilities of the students and their technology utilization frequency in language learning. The qualitative findings also show that students engage in a variety of self-directed language learning activities outside the classroom mostly by using technology.
Keywords: Technology enhanced learning, Self directed learning, EFL student teachers, Language learning
Research Article
Nurullah Sahin, Mehmet Fatih Ozcan
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 198-213
ABSTRACT
The Turkish history has a very rich content in literary context as well as political and administrative achievements. The Turkish language, which dates back to B.C., has become one of the great languages that continues its existence until modern day, leaving priceless reference guide behind. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of lessons taught using activities designed with Augmented Reality Technology on the academic achievement and motivation of students in the teaching of the subjects of Yusuf Has Hacib, Kasgarli Mahmud, Kutadgu Bilig and Divanu Lugati’t-Turk which are among the cultural heritages called “Old Turkish Language Mementoes.” In this context, Augmented Reality environments were designed in relation to the mentioned works and authors and these designs were uploaded to AURASMA 3D application and made available for smart phones. Quantitative research model was adapted in the study and the quasi-experimental method with pre-test-post-test control group was used. At the end of the study whose procedures took 6 weeks in total with the involvement of 50 college students, it was determined that AR activities has a positive effect on the academic success of the students and increases the academic success of the students, and it creates a positive environment which motivates the students towards the lesson and learning.
Keywords: Augmented reality, Educational technology, Old Turkish language mementoes, Academic achievement, Student motivation
Research Article
Ozcan Ozgur Dursun
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 137-155
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the changes in self-efficacy perceptions, professional self-esteem, and attitudes towards the teaching profession of pre-service information technology teachers in accordance with their academic achievement and career choices. A longitudinal research was conducted over a four-year time period with participation of 40 pre-service teachers. The data were collected through three separate scales at five different data collection points (entrance, freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years) corresponding to their initial states and their states at the end of each academic year. Findings indicated an improvement in terms of attitude towards the teaching profession and teaching self-efficacy through the time period. However, change in professional self-esteem did not follow such a clear pattern. While grade point averages (GPA) did not show significant relationships with attitude, self-efficacy or self-esteem in earlier states, as the participants gained experience, significant relationships arose among GPA, attitude and self-efficacy. Career choices of pre-service teachers were examined under three categories: teaching, coding and design. Preference for teaching was relatively high at the initial state and continuously increased over time. As the participants progressed in the program, their preference for coding and design increased as well. The increase in career choices of pre-service teachers accords with the courses in the program.
Keywords: Teacher training, Information technology education, Self-efficacy, Attitude, Self-esteem, Longitidunal study
Research Article
Salih Birisci, Emin Kul
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 1, pp. 75-93
ABSTRACT
This correlational study aimed to investigate the prediction levels of technopedagogical education competency for technology integration self-efficacy beliefs of pre-service teachers. The study group comprised 174 pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Education of a university located in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Both “Technopedagogical Education Competency Scale” and “Technology Integration Self-Efficacy Perception Scale” were administered as data collection tools. The results of the study showed that pre-service teachers had high levels of technology integration self-efficacy beliefs, with a high-level positive correlation with technopedagogical education competency. In addition, the dimensions of technopedagogical education competency such as ethics, design, exertion and proficiency were revealed as the predictors of technology integration self-efficacy; moreover, predictive effects of exertion and proficiency dimensions are insignificant. The findings obtained from the present study are thought to be helpful for the development of pre-service teachers' technology integration self-efficacy beliefs.
Keywords: Technopedagogical education competency, Technology integration, Self-efficacy belief, Pre-service teachers
Research Article
Fatima Islahi, Nasrin
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 1, pp. 37-54
ABSTRACT
To acquire benefits from technology in education, due consideration must be given to attitude of teachers which plays an important role in guiding and predicting future successful use of technology in the classroom. With the feminization in the teaching fraternity and the studies reporting gender specific perception towards usefulness of technology and ease of use, the present study was, therefore, undertaken to examine the attitude of teachers towards use of technology in teaching with a gender perspective. A survey was conducted on 482 secondary school teachers from India, using Attitude towards Information Technology scale. The attitude of the respondents were assessed in terms of four dimensions; namely significance in life, usefulness for students, productivity for teaching, and teacher’s interest and acceptance. The quantitative data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques like t-test and ANOVA. Findings suggest that with regard to different factors viz., training, location of schools, medium of instruction and marital status, no gender specific differences in attitude towards information technology was found. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the effective use of technology in classrooms should be expected from all teachers irrespective of their gender.
Keywords: Attitudes toward information technology, Gender differences, Teacher attitudes, ICT in the classroom
Research Article
Mangale Vadivu Vivakaran, Neelamalar Maraimalai
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 284-296
ABSTRACT
Computers, during its entry into the academic domain, were forecasted to revolutionize the entire educational system across the globe. At present, similar expectations have been encircling the social media technologies. Many researchers claim that social media, when introduced in higher education environments, tend to enhance the students’ learning experience by facilitating heightened levels of instructor-student interactions, peer learner support and learners’ collaboration. Though social media is claimed to take the higher education learning to the next level, it is crucial to identify the readiness and proficiency of the instructors who play the main role in efficiently implementing these technologies in their classrooms. Especially, instructors belonging to the institutions present in developing nations are less likely to have proper access to some of the basic facilities (such as power supply or internet connectivity) required for social media integration. Hence, the present study aims at identifying the feasibility of introducing social media aids to the higher education classrooms present in Tamil Nadu – one among the eight Indian states having the highest number of colleges in the Nation
Keywords: Social media, Higher education, Technology acceptance, Educational interventions, Atttudes toward social media
Research Article
Kerem Kilicer, Salih Bardakci, Ibrahim Arpaci
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 225-245
ABSTRACT
For today’s societies trying to cope with the current globally increased competition, existence of individuals who can take risks, solve problems and adopt changes an innovation has gained more importance when compared to the past. This situation brings responsibility to educational institutions for increasing the number of innovative individuals and the qualifications of these individuals. Therefore, in the process of designing and developing any kind of in-class activities which will contribute to innovativeness, it is important to determine the technology usage characteristics that can be used to define individuals who have high levels of innovativeness. The purpose of the present study was to determine the variables related to technology which will be used to discriminate between individuals who have high and low levels of innovativeness. In the study, which was carried out using the causal-comparative design, a logistic regression model was formed by using technology-related variables, and which technology-related variables managed to predict high level of innovativeness was tested. In the logistic model, the technology budget (purchases, internet, and phone bills), technology ownership (smart phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, internet, websites, blogs), technology renewal/update time (smart phones, computers), the number of utilized internet applications and internet usage habits were analyzed as predictors. The study was conducted with 244 university students from different class grades at a state university in Turkey. The results revealed that among the variables examined, only the variables of Internet usage habit, the number of Internet applications used, blog ownership and the money spent on technology use were significant predictors. In addition, the model in which these variables were used was found to classify high and low levels of innovativeness with accuracy of 71%. Implications are discussed.
Keywords: Emerging technology, Innovativeness, Technology usage habits, Preservice teachers
Research Article
Kevin Smith
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 2, pp. 111-130
ABSTRACT
Adaptive learning programs are frequently used in the K-8 mathematics classroom. These programs provide instruction to students at the appropriate level of difficulty by presenting content, providing feedback, and allowing students to master skills before progressing. The purpose of the study was to seek to interpret how preservice teachers’ experiences influence their perceptions and plans to integrate adaptive learning programs in their future K-8 mathematics classroom. This was a qualitative study with 17 participants who were enrolled in an undergraduate teacher education program. Data was collected and analyzed from archived journals the participants completed as a part of their K-8 Math Methods course, a survey, and semi-structured interviews. The findings from this study indicate that the participating preservice teachers perceive adaptive learning programs to be beneficial for students, and they recognize they have many decisions to make regarding what adaptive learning programs are used and how they are integrated into the classroom. The study also found that the instruction the preservice teachers received in their K-8 Math Methods course played a critical role in making them aware of the features available and myriad of options available in adaptive learning programs.
Keywords: Preservice teacher education, Mathematics education, Adaptive learning systems, Perceptions for technology
Research Article
Andrew C. Lawrence, Adel T. Al-Bataineh, Douglas Hatch
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 2, pp. 206-224
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine educator’s perceptions regarding the quality of student learning during the implementation of a one-to-one computing program in a private secondary school in central Illinois. The sample of the study consisted of 26 teachers, administrators, and counselors who worked with 320 students during one-to-one technology implementation program. First a Likert type scale was administered and then interviews were conducted with the participants to find out their observations, perceptions, and opinions with regard to student learning. The results show that most educators believe that student learning has slightly improved with the implementation of one-to-one technology program
Keywords: One to one technology, Technology implementation, Challenges of technology, Teacher perceptions of technology use
Research Article
Mark Kennedy, Thomas J. Dunn
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp. 76-89
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the use of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) has risen exponentially throughout higher education in the UK. Whilst TEL is an umbrella term for a range of technologies, evidence suggests that in the UK, TEL is usually delivered via the medium of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) for the provision of lecture materials and additional content. An emerging literature has established both the pedagogical potential and students’ perceived usefulness of TEL. However, researchers have yet to establish how the use of TEL via VLEs can be improved – a core requirement of establishing best practice. The current study sought to address this in a sample of 487 predominately undergraduate students. Content analysis revealed that views were overwhelmingly positive, but that students had clear views on what they wanted to see improved. Students expressed clear desires for the more consistent and more frequent use of TEL within lectures. Further, they felt that the potential of TEL to encourage and facilitate interactions, both within their University and with external stakeholders, has thus far gone unexploited. Implications for teaching practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords: Technology enhanced learning, Virtual learning environment, E-learning
Research Article
Cem Cuhadar
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp. 61-75
ABSTRACT
This study aims to expose the training and experience that pre-service teachers acquire in the course of their study at schools of education in regard to the use of information and communication technology (ICT). The study adopts the survey model and its sampling is comprised of 832 pre-service teachers who attend four different faculty of education in Turkey. The data were collected by means of a scale developed by Tondeur, van Braak, Siddiq and Scherer (2016) on the basis of SQD (Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence) model. It was basically found that pre-service teachers do not receive adequate training and support in regard to the use of ICT in education during the courses of their study at faculty of educations. This situation varies statistically according to gender and the faculty of education variables. In the process of technology integration in teacher education, it is important in terms of effectiveness and efficiency that resources other than human and human power are handled in a more realistic way. So, it is considered that the findings of the present study may help in the processes of planning and implementing the technology integration in teacher education.
Keywords: Technology integration, Teacher education, Preservice teachers
Research Article
Jamaal Young, Christina Hamilton, Marti Cason
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 4, pp. 303-318
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of integrating Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) technology on middle school mathematics achievement in an urban school. Propensity score matching was used to create a comparable control group in order to isolate the effects of IWB technology on mathematics achievement. An initial experimental group (n = 716) of ethnically diverse urban students receiving IWB instruction was matched to a control population (n = 856) based on propensity scores generated from demographic and ability data. Student achievement data were analyzed with 2 × 4 ANOVA to access treatment main effects and the effects of demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, and ability. Ethnicity was a significant moderator of the effects. Specifically, a positive effect size was observed for White students, and the achievement gap was also reduced for Hispanic students. Implications for mathematics pedagogy with an IWB are provided based on these conclusions.
Keywords: Technology integration, Interactive whiteboard
Research Article
Cigdem Ozbek, Irem Comoglu, Bahar Baran
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 3, pp. 280-302
ABSTRACT
This study aims to design of the two activities “introducing an innovation” and “role playing” in Second Life (SL) and to evaluate qualitatively Turkish foreign language learner’s roles and outputs before, while, and after the implementation of the activities. The study used community of inquiry model consisting of cognitive presence and social presence as a theoretical frame to discuss the roles and outputs. The participants were twelve students and two English teachers from two different high schools. Teaching and learning in SL took six weeks. The first activity “introducing an innovation” let students develop an innovation and introduce it in English at a congress hall. The second activity “role playing” had four different scenarios in which students would be involved in; travel agency, get permission from family to go out, restaurant, and renting a car. It was found that the two activities in Second Life had various requirements in terms of the teacher, the student and the social environment and that they differed in pre-activity, while-activity and post-activity phases in terms of outputs. When the learning contexts created in this study are considered in terms of cognitive presence, the outcomes of the interaction effect between the teacher, the student, and the social environment were higher in the role-playing activity than in the second activity. Written preparations done before the activity in both teaching activities had positive effects on students’ performance during the activity. The fact that students responded to the questions spontaneously without following the scenario and that they found the correct answer through discussion affected their cognitive presence positively. For social presence, the role-play activity resulted in highersocial presence than introducing an innovation since the students studied individually in the introduction of an innovation.
Keywords: Language education, Technology in foreign language learning, Community of inquiry, Second Life, Role playing
Research Article
Eylem Yalcin Incik, Cenk Akay
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 3, pp. 232-248
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this research is to identify the competency and the perceptions of pre-service teachers on technopedagogical education. While study group of quantitative dimension is composed of 626 pre-service teachers; study group of qualitative extent is composed of 67 pre-service teachers. The sample represents 35% of the population of 1778 students. The quantitative data were collected through Technopedagogical Education Competency (Tpack-Deep) Scale and Technology Perception Scale and the qualitative data were collected with an open ended-question form. It was concluded that pre-service teachers generally regard themselves at a moderate level in the sense of technopedogogical education competency, have positive perception towards technology and there is a positive correlation between pre-service teachers’ technopedogogical educational competency and perception towards technology. According to results of qualitative analysis of the study, pre-service teachers think that educational technologies have contributions to preparing information-communication technologies based upon presentations, developing technology-based materials, preparing homework, doing research, raising awareness about the importance of educational technology use in the learning and teaching process, acquiring information about their department, developing skill of using technology based on information-communication technologies and having positive attitude
Keywords: Educational technology, Technopedagogical competency education, Information technology, Preservice teacher, Teaching and learning
Research Article
Corey Seemiller
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 3, pp. 214-231
ABSTRACT
Whether banking, communicating, watching television, or shopping, people can now do nearly anything on their personal digital devices. This digital access even extends to the college classroom where students use their personal devices for a multitude of non-class related purposes. Findings from a survey of 193 college undergraduates found that during class, students access particular types of platforms more frequently than others, providing insight into what they are doing when they are on their devices. Overall, students more often engage in accessing class information, utilizing online communication, using online photo sharing, and information seeking than other platforms. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for educators are offered.
Keywords: Technology, Clasroom, Digital distraction, Learning
Research Article
Nuri Kara, Kursat Cagiltay
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 2, pp. 119-141
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to understand in-service preschool teachers’ thoughts about technology and technology use in early educational settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 in-service preschool teachers. These teachers were selected from public and private preschools. Convenient sampling was applied because teachers who were eager to attend the study were selected. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data. Based on the content analysis, eleven main themes as to technology related views and practices of in-service preschool teachers emerged. Findings of the study indicated that the majority of in-service teachers had positive views about appropriate technology use in preschool education. Findings also showed that early educational settings need to be equipped with adequate technologies. Moreover, in-service preschool teachers emphasized that they expect to be supported by the preschool curriculum and several programs aiming at enhancing their technology use skills. Lastly, teachers were aware of not only the advantages of technology but also the potential disadvantages. Results of the study may help instructional designers, researchers and practitioners better integrate new technologies into preschool education.
Keywords: preschool education, preschool teachers, technology use, children, in-service teachers
Research Article
Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Francis Amankwah, Stephen Baafi-Frimpong, Joseph Asomani
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 2, pp. 103-118
ABSTRACT
Research findings in the literature show that teachers’ concern about change process is
extremely personal and it influences the implementation of innovation. This study aimed at
assessing information and communication technology teachers’ stages of concern regarding
the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) curriculum in basic
schools. It also examined the effects of teachers’ personal factors or variablessuch as gender
and teaching experience on their stages of concern towards the implementation of ICT
curriculum. Modified Stages of Concerns Questionnaires (SoCQ) (Hall, George & Rutherford
1979) based on Concern Based Adoption Model (CBAM) were used to collect data from 346
respondents. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
The result of the study showed that teachers generally had their first and second high
concerns at informational and consequence stages respectively and with low concern at
awareness stage. Furthermore, statistically significant difference was found between gender
and informational, management, consequence, collaboration and refocusing concerns.
However, according to the results, teachers’ stages of concerns were not related to their
teaching experience.
Keywords: information and communication technology, curriculum implementation, basic education, teacher concerns
Book Review
Olivia Nichole Ritter
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 99-102
ABSTRACT
This book’s value lies in the succinct provision of evidence that confounds simplistic views of the objectives and potential directions of STEM education. More importantly, this book elicits significant questions about how the proposed alternative conceptions of STEM may materialize. As an educator in a system dominated by high-stakes standardized testing, the authors’ perspectives concerning the importance of the intrinsic value of genuine learning and the aesthetics underlying the subjects of mathematics and science are refreshing and provide hope for potential change.
Keywords: STEM, science education, mathematics education, technology education
Research Article
Nuray Gedik
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 76-98
ABSTRACT
Instructional Technology is a field having approximately a century old past. From its initial
conceptualization to date, it has been in question in terms of its label, definition, and scope.
Parallel to international interest, Turkey has embraced IT as a field of study and practice.
This qualitative study aims to investigate the existing conceptions of experts on
Instructional Technology in Turkey and reveal the current status of the field from their
perspectives in terms of its definition, purpose, scope, and research approaches. The
experts were chosen from among Turkish academics having a PhD degree in the field. The
results showed that diverse definitions were made with an interchangeable use of the labels
“Educational Technology” and “Instructional Technology”. The emphasis for the purpose
was on “how to” best support/facilitate/enhance/improve instruction and learning in a
broad scope. The experts found gaps on the methodological aspects of existing studies. The
results showed that there existed a dilemma between the conception of what IT should be
and the practical use of what it really is. There were both common concerns with other
countries and concerns unique to Turkey. The main challenges were discussed for further
analysis.
Keywords: instructional technology, educational technology, instructional design, instructional systems design, conceptualizations of instructional technology
Research Article
Emmanuel Fokides
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 56-75
ABSTRACT
The study examines the factors affecting Greek pre-service teachers’ intention to use
computers when they become practicing teachers. Four variables (perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, self-efficacy, and attitude toward use) as well as behavioral intention
to use computers were used so as to build a research model that extended the Technology
Acceptance Model (TAM) and structural equation modeling was used for parameter
estimation and model testing. Self-reported data were gathered from 487 pre-service
teachers studying at the Departments of Primary School Education in Greece. Results
revealed a good model fit and of the nine hypotheses formulated, seven were supported.
Overall, the TAM, with the addition of computer self-efficacy beliefs, adequately
represented the relationships among the factors. It also possesses the explanatory power
to predict pre-service teachers’ intention to use computers when they become practicing
teachers since a high percentage (68%) of the variance in behavioral intention to use
computers was explained, while the most influential factors were perceived usefulness and
attitude toward computers. Implications for practice are also discussed.
Keywords: attitudes toward computers, perceived ease of use, pre-srvice teachers, self-efficacy, structural equation modelling, technology acceptance model
Research Article
Sahin Gokcearslan
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 40-55
ABSTRACT
Recent mobile learning technologies offer the opportunity for students to take charge of
the learning process both inside and outside the classroom. One of these tools is the tablet
PC (hereafter ‘tablet’). In parallel with increased access to e-content, the role of tablets in
learning has recently begun to be examined. This study aims to reveal the relationship
between the level of acceptance of tablets (TAM) and the level of selfdirected
learning with technology (SDLT) of students and to differentiate these in terms of
gender. A mixed method research design is used in this study. In addition, the qualitative
part of the study aims to determine the reasons students have for using or not using tablets
for supporting learning. The study group consisted of 414 high school students, involved in
the pilot application group of the FATIH project in Turkey. According to the study, a
significant positive relationship was determined between four of the variables of tablet
acceptance and the SDLT level. While the degree of acceptance of tablets was different
according to gender, the SDLT level was not.
Keywords: tablet computers, self-directed learning, secondary education, learning with technology, gender studies
Research Article
Ekaterina Pechenkina, Carol Aeschliman
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 26-39
ABSTRACT
This article, with its focus on university students as intended recipients and users of
technological innovations in education, explores student preferences across three
dimensions of technology-enhanced learning: mode of instruction; communication; and
educational technology tools embedded in learning and teaching activities. The article
draws on results of an exploratory case study, where mixed (quantitative and qualitative)
data was collected from a randomized student sample generated through the institutional
learning management system. An online survey (N=66) gaged students’ engagement with
educational technologies, online and blended learning and social media as a learning tool.
The findings confirmed previous research arguing that students generally use educational
technology in a narrow way, rarely engaging with technological tools, unless it is presented
to them as integral to their learning or if they are already familiar with a particular tool
and/or perceive it as useful. Despite a well-cited characteristic by proponents of ‘digital
natives’ that students need constant entertainment, this study found no evidence that this
was the case.
Keywords: educational technology, student preferences, blendid learning, social media
Research Article
Jennifer L. Harris, Mohammed T. Al-Bataineh, Adel Al-Bataineh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 368-381
ABSTRACT
This research was a quantitative study using 4th grade participants from a Title 1 elementary
school in Central Illinois. This study set out to determine whether one to one technology (1:1
will be used hereafter) truly impacts and effects the academic achievement of students. This
study’s second goal was to determine whether 1:1 Technology also effects student motivation
to learn. Data was gathered from students participating in this study through the Pearson
enVision Math series with Topic Tests, Discovery Education Assessment results, and attendance
records being used. The results show that 1:1 Technology could be a factor in student academic
achievement and motivation to be at school. These findings are important due to the
technological shift that schools are currently facing. With more technology exposure for
students and more professional development for teachers to hone their newly acquired
teaching methods, 1:1 Technology may be the catalyst needed for school districts to help their
students achieve at higher levels.
Keywords: one to one technology, technology implementation, student motivation, academic achievement
Research Article
Hicham Ziyad
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 314-330
ABSTRACT
In the past fifteen years, Web 2.0 social networking technologies have ushered in a new era of
information production, distribution and consumption with significant implications for
language teaching and learning. An example of such technology is Moodle, which is a learning
management system with several useful features that can transform the learning environment
into a site for interactivity, connectivity and great amounts of extensive learning. With this in
mind, the present case study aims to investigate tertiary education students’ acceptance of and
engagement in a Moodle-hosted writing course. Using case study methodology, qualitative
data were elicited from 24 semester-two students on the basis of focus group interviews
constructed in line with Technology Acceptance Model 2. Another source of data is Moodle log
reports, which offered a detailed account of students’ contributions and activities in the online
writing course. The results showed that almost all the students perceived Moodle as a useful
tool for sharing, collaboration and learning. The results also uncovered three different
categories of students in terms of level of engagement; namely, highly engaged, moderately
engaged and poorly engaged. The implications of these results for an effective implementation
of Moodle are discussed.
Keywords: ELT, Moodle, Technology acceptance, Engagement, Blended writing course
Research Article
Barbara Freeman, Kristina N. Higgins, Mark Horney
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 281-313
ABSTRACT
This article reports the findings of a study designed to examine the influence of multimodal
writing on the communication of mathematical ideas. Elementary school students (ages 8-13)
were required to write mathematics notes using two digital writing technologies, a personal
digital notepad and a social mathematics blog, in the context of a formal intervention. Fortytwo
students participated, across three schools. The study showed that when students wrote
notes that could be assessed for correctness, their answers were predominately right,
indicating that mathematical sense-making was taking place. It also showed that the digital
notepad and blog were used differently and that the type of technology influences the writing
content. Moreover, students’ mathematical writing were understandable by their peers and
students collaboratively explored solutions. Younger students were more likely to draw
pictures to represent their ideas than older students. These findings show that writing can
help students acquire mathematical understanding, and suggest that multimodal writing may
help them surmount difficulties often associated with learning math. Although this research
demonstrated that writing can help teachers gain an awareness of their students’
mathematical understanding, it also revealed that writing environments need to be monitored
and students require close guidance to bring about systematic improvement.
Keywords: mathematics education, instructional technology, elemantary education, digital writing tools, blogging
Research Article
Filiz Goktuna Yaylaci, Ali Faruk Yaylaci
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 3, pp. 241-263
ABSTRACT
There have been a wide range of studies on the interplay between education and technology. Furthermore, there are many other studies aimed at analyzing the scholarly output on this subject with a holistic approach. However the studies are mostly focused on the facilitator role of technology. Although the idea that educational processes have become more fun, thanks to the widespread use of technology, there is a strong need for the critical analysis of the interplay among education, entertainment and technology. Taking this need into account, and drawing on Neil Postman’s critical approach on this trio, this article aims to discuss and evaluate the tendencies and understandings in relation to the notion of “edutainment” primarily with reference to “edutainment” studies carried out in Turkey. It is expected that this evaluation would contribute to similar future studies, thus helping the policy development. According to findings of the study, although the edutainment studies in Turkey reflect the general tendency throughout the world, there only a few of them quantitatively. There is no consensus on the designation and definition of the concept of edutainment. From Postman’s point of view, it could be said that edutainment studies in Turkey lack a critical perspective with regard to technology and entertainment, and there is a quite limited framework.
Keywords: Edutainment, Educational technology, Entertainment, Technopoly, Neill Postman
Research Article
Alexandra Salas
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 174-186
ABSTRACT
This article provides a literature review of the research concerning the role of faculty perspectives about instructional technology. Learning management systems, massive open online courses (MOOCs), cloud-based multimedia applications, and mobile apps represent the tools and the language of academia in the 21st century. Research examined illustrates how important understanding user attitudes can be in the technology deliberation process. Consequently, the faculty opinions should not be underestimated in technology acceptance discussions as coupled with ongoing education technological developments is the challenge of innovation adoption.
Keywords: e-tools, Distance Education, Faculty-perceived usefulness, Voice-authoring tools, Instructional technology
Research Article
Zhwan Dalshad Abdullah, Azidah Bit Abu Ziden, Rahimi Binti Chi Aman, Khalid Ismail Mustafa
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 338-354
ABSTRACT
The present quantitative study aims to find out the underlying factors of attitudes towards information technology and the relationship with academic achievement among students, through a self-developed questionnaire. The attitudes of the respondents were assessed in terms of three dimensions; namely affection, behavior, and belief. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between Arts and Science students in terms of their attitude towards IT in favor of Science students, and also proved that there was no statistically significant correlation between students' academic achievement and their attitudes towards IT. While students at the medium level of academic achievement tended to score higher on the affection toward IT comparing with students at the satisfactory level of the academic achievement. The results of this study provide information for policy makers, and the researchers who are interested in understanding the factors that affect technology use by students in their learning.
Keywords: Student attitudes, Information technology, Academic achievement, Students’ disciplines
Research Article
Hasan Karal, Mehmet Kokoc, Canan Colak, Yasin Yalcin
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 319-337
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore instructors’ perspectives on the effect of using pen-based technology in the online mathematics courses and understand instructors’ experiences in online mathematics teaching with pen-based technology. In this study, two instructors who taught online mathematics courses in fourteen weeks used digital pen as a pen-based technology. The data were obtained from semi-structured interviews and observation of online mathematics course records. The findings indicated that the use of digital pen in the online mathematics course was fairly beneficial in pedagogical and interaction aspects and it was necessary to use digital pen in online mathematics courses for displaying steps of problem solving process synchronously. It was concluded from the study that digital pen technology plays a positive role in the enhancement of interaction between the elements of an online learning environment by providing real-time feedback to students and permitting to digitize mathematical concepts. The observation findings also supported the statements of the instructors. The findings of the study have further provided some insight into how to use digital pen by an instructor in online mathematics course efficiently.
Keywords: Online mathematics course, Digital pen, Digital ink technology, Interaction in online learning, Teaching with digital ink
Research Article
Sydney E. Brown, Sarah Thomas Karle, Brian Kelly
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 260-280
ABSTRACT
DSGN110 was a multidisciplinary course teaching first year students enrolled in in a variety of majors about design thinking. The course is offered for the majors of architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, community and regional planning, along with computer science and business students. By blending face-to-face and online instructional strategies, desired practices and learning outcomes associated with the more intimate nature of studio-based learning and learning through action were scaled and achieved in the large enrollment course. The quantitative analysis of the pre and post survey revealed significant change across all constructs and the qualitative data analysis supported these findings, demonstrating that a blended course design utilizing collaborative technology platforms offered an innovative solution to teaching and learning in a manner reflective of a studio-based pedagogy.
Keywords: Blended learning, Studio-based learning, Design thinking, Mixed methods, Technology and learning, Educational technology
Research Article
Sinem Vatanartiran, Sirin Karadeniz
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 6, Issue 3, pp. 206-220
ABSTRACT
Lack of technology leadership and technology integration plans are important obstacles for using technology effectively in schools. We carried out a large-scale study to be able to design a technology integration plan for one of the pilot provinces that Fatih Project was initiated. The purpose of this research is to examine the perceived challenges and needs of K12 teachers when integrating technology into their classes, which would be used as the needs analysis data of the technology integration plan. A mixed design was used and 844 teachers participated in the study. An online survey was used to gather both the quantitative and qualitative data. The findings showed that there are three major issues for teachers to integrate technology into their instruction: Executive, infrastructural, and instructional. Executive issues are mostly related to managerial and financial challenges, Infrastructural issues include technological and physical challenges, and instructional issues consist of challenges related with instructional materials, students’ readiness, and teacher competencies.
Keywords: FATİH project, Technology integration plan, Needs analysis, Teacher training, Change management
Research Article
Mohammad Al Bataineh, Sharon Anderson
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 6, Issue 1, pp. 38-61
ABSTRACT
This study used a cross-sectional, ten-point Likert-type scale survey design, to examine the perception of Jordanian seventh to twelfth-grade social studies teachers of the competency needed for technology implementation in their classrooms. The instrument for this study was a modified version of a survey developed by Kelly (2003) called the Technology in Education Survey (TIES). The scale ranged from 1-10, with 1 being the lowest score, indicating not important or not competent, and 10 being the highest score, indicating very important or very competent. Due to the cultural context of the study, the researcher used an Arabic-language version of the survey used by Al Ghazo (2008). The convenience sample (n = 221) was a blend of male (n = 135) and female teachers (n = 86). A significant interaction was found between age and gender of social studies teachers and their perceptions of competency needed to implement technology. Female teachers who were thirty or younger and who were thirty-one to thirty-nine scored the highest mean of perceptions of competency toward implementing technology in social studies classrooms, higher than all male teachers, while male and female teachers who were forty or older scored the same lowest mean (49.5) of perceptions of competency. Female teachers with the least teaching experience had high perceptions of competency for implementing technology in social studies classrooms, while female teachers with the most teaching experience had lower perceptions of competency than male teachers. The result of the study provides useful information to social studies educators, professional development leaders, national policy makers and teachers of social studies who are interested in understanding the factors that affect technology use in social studies classrooms in Jordan
Keywords: Social studies education, Educaional technology implementation, Teacher competency, Technology in the classroom
Research Article
Susan Troncoso Skidmore, Linda Reichwein Zientek, D. Patrick Saxon, Stacey L. Edmonson
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 5, Issue 3, pp. 179-197
ABSTRACT
Although the majority of colleges and universities are equipped with the latest instructional technologies, an appreciable integration of technology has not been observed in instructional practices (Flavin, 2013; Garrison & Akyol, 2009; Salinas, 2008). The purpose of this research is to understand the impact that generational differences can have on developmental education faculty members’ self-reported familiarity, use, and challenges with instructional technology as measured by the Developmental Education Technology Survey (DETS; Skidmore, Saxon, Zientek, & Edmonson, 2012). The DETS was developed to examine the level of technology integration in developmental education programs across Texas higher education institutions. Responses from 753 developmental education faculty members from 68 institutions (69% institutional response rate) are the focus of this study. Findings suggest that generational classification serves as a statistically significant predictor of familiarity with instructional technology. A statistically significantly larger proportion of the faculty of the Silent generation also identified their own skill level as a challenge compared to other generations. Developing an understanding of faculty members’ proclivity to use instructional technology through the lens of generational classification can lead to more targeted professional development, which can help faculty members move towards using instructional technology as a resource to improve teaching and learning.
Keywords: Generational status, Developmental education, Integration of technology, Technology usage
Research Article
Matthew U. Blankenship, Erin E. Margarella
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp. 146-160
ABSTRACT
This article reports a review of the literature that focused on relationship between writing instruction and technology in the secondary classroom since the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act over the past two decades. Based on the search, six themes have emerged across the fields of writing instruction and assessment. Within writing instruction, it was found that researchers often focused on a third space (Bhabha, 1994) where writing can take place in meaningful ways. Also, technology often served as a motivator during the instructional process of writing and worked to engage students in varied lessons. Finally, researchers found an increase in the amount of writing for secondary students when technology was introduced into the instructional classroom. Within writing assessment, the research focused on special populations including special education students, minorities, economically disadvantaged and English language learners. Next, technology served as a motivator in both the instruction and assessment of writing and tended to be a factor that increased writing assessment scores. Finally, researchers posit technology can be used to allow teachers to give effective and efficient feedback through the instructional and assessment cycles and tended to increase student assessment scores. These themes emerged across all articles reviewed and truly demonstrate where writing with technology research has occurred in the secondary classroom.
Keywords: Writing, Instruction, Technology, Policy, Secondary Education, Motivation
Research Article
Atef Abuhmaid
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp. 73-89
ABSTRACT
Cutting edge technologies are one of the main areas in which private schools compete so they can showcase themselves as pioneers In Jordan, as it is in other education contexts worldwide. The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is becoming one of the rapidly adopted educational technologies everywhere. However, while moving too fast to adopt new technologies, often decision is made without taking teachers’ perceptions into account. The current study focuses on teachers’ perspectives on two main aspects of the integration of IWBs in four Jordanian private schools: First, teachers’ perceptions of IWBs as instructional tools, and second, the presence of various supporting factors identified by the literature for the success of integrating IWB into schools. The study used a 26-item Likert scale which was administered to 200 teachers in the participating schools. The results showed that the participating schools spend extensive efforts and resources in integrating IWBs into their contexts; however, some supporting factors for the effective implementation might have been overlooked. In addition, in contrast to what some professionals might expect and some vendors might try to promote, IWBs did not make teachers’ job “easier” in terms of relieving teachers’ workloads, despite their values as reported by teachers.
Keywords: Interactive whiteboard, IWB, Instructional technologies, Technology integration in education, ICT, Educational technologies in Jordan
Research Article
Katja Fleischmann
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp. 39-52
ABSTRACT
Technology has not only changed the work practice of designers but also how design is taught and learned. The emergence of digital technology has made computer labs a central learning space for design students. Since this change, studio-based learning in its traditional sense appears to be in decline in higher education institutions. This is in spite of the fact that characteristics of the studio have been identified as supporting interaction, active learning, and social engagement. These, however, are also characteristics connected to the use of Web 2.0 technologies such as Facebook, Flickr, and Skype. Could these services be utilized to revitalize studio culture in a contemporary sense? How can new technologies be used to facilitate interactions between students inherent to traditional studio culture? These questions were explored in practice by documenting student reactions to using Flickr and Skype during a five week project requiring collaboration between first year creative arts students at two geographically distant institutions in Australia. Findings provide a better understanding of how to expand the studio idea into the digital environment, in particular regarding the challenging task of offering the media design major fully online in the near future.
Keywords: Design education, Design studio, Web 2.0 technology, Social media, Higher education
Research Article
Mehmet Akif Ocak, Şahin Gökçearslan, Ebru Solmaz
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp. 22-38
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate pre-service teachers’ perceptions on the use of blogs regarding ICT integration in the FATIH project in Turkey. Participants were 174 pre-service teachers continuing their education. Data collection tool was a questionnaire which measured pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the blogs. Questionnaire embodied some sub-categories of blog use such as learning, motivation, active participation, writing skills, group work, and critical thinking. Findings revealed that using blogs in classes affected learning and teaching process. The obtained results also showed that the blogs contributed to the recuperation of writing and critical thinking skills. These results indicated that students found social contributions of the blogs such as sharing information and interacting with peers. Based on the findings of study, appropriate conclusions and implications were addressed within the context of the FATIH project.
Keywords: Blogs, FATIH project, Tablet computers, Technology use in education, Technology integration
Research Article
Betul C. Czerkawski
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 309-321
ABSTRACT
Emerging technologies do not necessarily facilitate or advance learning processes; teaching strategies that are used in the learning process, integration and incorporation methods do. In online instruction, research shows that “effective distance education depends on the provision of pedagogical excellence” (Bernard et al., 2004, p.413). From this perspective, a case study was conducted as a means of preliminary evaluation in a graduate program so that the effectiveness of emerging technologies and their impact on student learning could be understood. The article starts with a description of a case where emerging technologies are integrated throughout the curriculum of an online educational technology master’s program. It then discusses concerns related to the integration practices and whether these practices are in line with the foundational pillars of educational technology as described by Spector (2012). Finally, a set of suggestions are proposed for those graduate programs incorporating emerging technologies in online learning on a regular basis. The analysis of this case study would benefit others in two major ways. First, faculty members can conceptualize emerging technology integration using a recent framework. Second, such a conceptualization would set the stage for deeper analysis of learning effectiveness and program evaluation.
Keywords: Technology integration, Emerging technologies, Online master’s programs, Program evaluation, Learning effectiveness.
Research Article
Saifuddin Khalid, Kamrul Islam, Tom Nyvang
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 263-280
ABSTRACT
In a rural context in a developing country purchasing a computer and connecting it to the Internet is in itself difficult, even when the lack of money is a minor issue. These issues prevent individuals in rural communities from familiarizing themselves with educational technology and ICT in general. The present study investigates the specific barriers to buying and utilizing ICT and ways in which these barriers can be overcome in a case study involving stakeholders from an educational institution in rural Bangladesh. Through a transformative methodology and a phenomenographic approach to the analysis (Larsson & Holmström, 2007), interview data on the decision-making experience of computer purchases, and the after-purchase experience of learning computer-related skills, the integration of the technology and the skills in interviewees’ (students and teachers) learning environments is analyzed. The barriers to purchasing a computer fall in four major categories: Cultural, financial, infrastructural, and knowledge barriers; with knowledge transcending the other barriers. When addressing the barriers to facilitate purchase of a computer locally situated knowledge is crucial. The study concludes that more research is needed to fully understand the diffusion and development of knowledge and inclination to purchase a computer.
Keywords: Phenomenography, Educational technology, Barriers to technology, Diffusion of innovations, Promoting ICT, Training facilitation.
Research Article
Zeynel A. Misirli, Yavuz Akbulut
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 249-262
ABSTRACT
The use of emerging technologies shape learners’ knowledge creation and transformation processes. In this regard, this study aimed to develop a scale to investigate 8th graders’ competencies regarding the educational technology standards based on ISTE-NETS. After a review of relevant literature, an item pool was prepared. The pool was improved through expert opinions and pilot implementations. The items were administered to 620 Turkish students from six different cities for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A four-factor structure with a total of 21 items emerged and explained 51 percent of the total variance. Factors were named technical proficiency, creativity, digital citizenship and participation, and innovativeness. Each factor had acceptable internal consistency coefficients. For the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the scale was administered to 210 new participants from a different city in Turkey. A few modification indices led to acceptable fit values. Thus, the suggested factor structure was considered plausible. Implications of the study were provided, followed by the recommendations for further research.
Keywords: Technology integration, Technology literacy, Educational technology standards, NETS-S, Scale development
Research Article
Lai Cheng Tung
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 236-248
ABSTRACT
Given the rising popularity of both open and distance learning (ODL) and social networking tools, it seems logical to merge and harness these two popular technologies with the goal of improving student educational experience. The integration seems to hold tremendous promise for the open and distance learning mode. To reduce the gap in the literature, this study explores the educational benefits of social media tools on distance learners’ perspectives and experiences in an online course taught using elgg (open source social media tool) platforms. To achieve this, the study relied on collecting qualitative and quantitative data from students who were required to use elgg, in addition to LMS, for one semester as part of their coursework. The findings indicated that students enjoyed the social learning experience afforded by the elgg better when compared to LMS to support one another in their distance learning experiences. It was also noted that students, with little experience in social networking and the sharing features on elgg, in most cases, exhibited high involvement in course-related work and graded exercises. Additionally, it was observed that students shared information limited only at the level required by the instruction mode. The study concludes that most students perceived their learning experience was enhanced by their interaction with each other and with the instructors in the elgg. The article ends with a discussion of results and highlighting the areas for future research on the topic.
Keywords: ODL, Social networking technology, Student interaction, LMS, elgg, Social learning experience
Research Article
Hersh C. Waxman, Anna Witt Boriack, Yuan-Hsuan Lee, Angus MacNeil
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 3, pp. 187-196
ABSTRACT
A sample of 311 principals from a large metropolitan area in the southwest region of the U. S. responded to a questionnaire that addressed public school principals’ perceptions related to the major functions of technology in their schools. Principals reported that the major functions of technology were: (a) communication, (b) instruction, (c) data sharing and management, (d) a resource, (e) administrative tasks, and (f) student learning. Male principals felt that technology was used as a resource and for administrative tasks more than female principals. Furthermore, principals with 12 or more years of experience perceived that technology was used for instruction, data sharing and management, and administrative tasks more than principals with less than 12 years of experience. These results indicate that both gender and years of experience influence how principals perceive the functions of technology in their schools. This could affect the technology leadership of principals, which may influence the success of technology implementation in schools.
Keywords: Technology use, Principals’ use of technology, Educational technology, ICT in schools, Technology integration
Research Article
Mustafa Jwaifell, Al-Mothana Gasaymeh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp. 138-149
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to explain the use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) by English female teachers in Modern Systems School in Jordan. Viewed from the lens of Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the study examined and reported teachers' use of IWB and its features that have impact on their decisions to adopt it in Modern Systems School . The study employed the qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through different ways such as semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and participatory observations. Rogers' (2003) diffusion of innovations theory was used to guide the investigation. The study concluded that the extent of teachers’ use of IWB is related to their perceptions of the five major attributes: Relative advantages, compatibility, simplicity, trialability, and observability. The regular use of IWB has shifted the teachers’ methodologies of teaching from traditional ways to using dialogues, open sources, and group work. The study finally recommended giving more attention to training workshops regarding how to integrate IWB into the educational process.
Keywords: Interactive white board, IWB, Diffusion of innovation theory, ICT tools, English teachers, Instructional technology.
Research Article
Nuri Kara, Nese Sevim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp. 108-120
ABSTRACT
Since 1950s, teaching machines have changed a lot. Today, we have different ideas about how people learn, what instructor should do to help students during their learning process. We have adaptive learning technologies that can create much more student oriented learning environments. The purpose of this article is to present these changes and its effects on learning environment. First, after explaining the concepts of teaching machines and adaptive learning systems including their main features as well as integral components, similarities and differences between these technologies are discussed briefly. Then, following the discussion on weaknesses and strengths of adaptive learning systems, what instructional designers should consider in developing and using them are mentioned.
Keywords: Adaptive learning, Adaptive learning systems, Teaching machines, Instructional design, Instructional technology
Research Article
Myriah T. Miller, Jill Olthouse
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp. 66-80
ABSTRACT
This comparative study identified the differences between gifted children’s offline and online peer feedback within a summer talented writer’s workshop. Researchers analyzed ten students’ writings for degrees of critical thinking evident in their feedback. Online feedback included students’ writings in social writing sites Storybird.com and KidBlog. Offline feedback was submitted on a teacher designed rubric, and then incorporated into a revised manuscript using Microsoft Word. Critical thinking was defined as the three upper tiers of Bloom’s Taxonomy: analysis, and evaluation, and synthesis. Each comment in students' online and offline feedback was coded according to one of the levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. In addition, interpretative summaries were written describing how students used feedback within each category. Results indicated that critical thinking (specifically analysis and evaluation) was more evident in the responses that were structured opposed to those that were in the social media contexts. There was also evidence of an increased amount of informal dialogue in the online feedback opposed to the structured feedback. Online writing technologies are seen to be most successful when teachers' expectations for critical thinking and students' desire for informal positive feedback are combined; this success depends on the presence of a skilled teacher and supportive peers, rather than on the presence of a specific technology tool.
Keywords: Critical thinking, Educational technology, Peer feedback, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gifted Students, Social Media, Writing
Research Article
Mohsen Bagheri, Wan Zah Wan Ali, Maria Chong Binti Abdullah, Shaffe Mohd Daud
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp. 15-29
ABSTRACT
Given the importance of globalization as well as the need to train skilled and knowledgeable employees for the 21st century workforce, higher education needs to take a more critical look at the educational practices and instructional methods which lead to improvements in students’ essential skills such as self-directed learning. This study sought to examine the effects of project-based learning (PoBL) strategy on students’ self-directed learning skills in a system-based education course offered in the educational technology department of Arak University in Iran. In order to achieve this end, a sample of 78 students in the field of educational technology who enrolled in the system-based education course was selected. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: the experimental group (PoBL strategy) and control group (conventional teaching strategy). The self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) was administrated three times (i.e. pretest, post-test one, and post-test two). The experimental group received the PoBL strategy and the control group was exposed to conventional teaching (CT) methods. The results of two-way repeated measure ANOVA tests revealed that students who were taught using PoBL strategy performed significantly better in terms of self-directed learning skills than did students who were taught using CT strategy.
Keywords: Project-based learning, Self-directed learning, Educational technology, Higher education
Research Article
Ann-Louise Petersen, Leona Bunting
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 4, pp. 249-264
ABSTRACT
This article focuses on computing in teaching. It focuses on the differences between a traditional view of teaching and a view where the teacher no longer is the knowledge broker but more of a coordinator or a coach. The empirical examples stem from a research project called “One computer one pupil”, a study of two classes in year three with children aged 9 and two classes in year five with children aged 11 in a Swedish primary school. When the project started the pupils had been using the computers for about 2,5 years. In contrast to the teacher in grade five, the classes in year three had teachers with a great interest in developing ICT. The children became very skilled in using ICT and working with the laptop was very popular. According to the theoretical model of Voogt (2008), features of a “traditional pedagogy”, like prescriptions of the activities, were mixed with elements of an “emerging pedagogy”, where the pupils in collaboration performed their tasks in a creative way. However, some of the classroom work was quite unfocused relative to the goals of the subject. Instead of using the technology to reach the goals of the subject, the technology more or less became a goal in itself. To follow up ten Brummelhuis’ and Kuiper’s (2008) terms technology push and educational pull, we have added the term “technology pull.”
Keywords: Teaching design, Computer use, Technology push, Technology pull, Primary school, One–to-one learning environment.
Research Article
Adrie A. Koehler, Minchi C. Kim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 212-233
ABSTRACT
Teachers are faced with many barriers during their first few years of teaching, and they desire support to help them through this challenging time. Unfortunately, many beginning teachers rarely receive this assistance. Lack of support can create barriers that grow into to overall job dissatisfaction and lead to the failure of teacher retention. In the past, state departments of education and school administrators have focused on the use of mentoring programs to help address these concerns. However, much inconsistency exists among these programs’ duration, structure, and intensity, with many beginning teachers changing schools or leaving the profession all together. The purposes of this paper are to discuss key problems and concerns faced by beginning educators, to explore current professional development practices created for assisting beginning teachers, and to examine new ways to support beginning teachers through the use of educational technologies. Specifically, this article proposes principles to guide the design and improvement of beginning teacher induction programs through the incorporation of distance education technologies
Keywords: Beginning teacher induction, Distance education, Barriers to teaching, Guidelines for the use educational technology in teacher training
Research Article
Lúcia Pombo, António Moreira
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 201-211
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the process of evaluation in bLearning courses, namely the objects of evaluation, discussing their relevance according to the opinion of international experts in Online Teaching and Learning, taking into account the curricular proposals of the three cycles of Higher Education (HE). The question ‘what should be evaluated?’ is one puzzle piece of the whole process of evaluation. The other pieces should be articulated among themselves and combined, namely ‘who should evaluate?’, ‘how and when to evaluate?’ and ‘what is evaluation for?’ Those questions were asked in a survey conducted with 35 international experts with an average experience of 13 years in the area, from international HE institutions (HEIs) that offer this kind of courses. The study highlights the need of HEIs to reassess their approach to the quality assurance of bLearning courses, and brings some contributions to those who are in charge of bLearning courses, providing a useful framework for evaluation. Furthermore, this paper contributes to the knowledge on educational technology and raised new issues for further research and discussion
Keywords: Evaluation objects, Benchmarks, Blended learning, Technology-based environments, Higher Education
Research Article
Keith E. Nelson, Aran Barlieb, Kiren Khan, Elisabeth M. Vance Trup, Mikael Heimann, Tomas Tjus, Mary Rudner, Jerker Ronnberg
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 3, pp. 184-200
ABSTRACT
How individual differences in information processing affect second language (L2) learning has been unclear in prior research. Adults lacking prior skill in Swedish were pretested for working memory, processing speed, and executive memory capacity. Participants then received 6 computer-based instructional sessions with pictorial animations of Swedish sentences, with a built-in experimental contrast between some lessons at high and some at low rates of presentation. The faster rate carried greater processing demands for the learners. Higher levels of Swedish performance during Instructional sessions were associated with higher working memory levels, as expected from widely-used models of working memory (e.g., Baddeley & Hitch, 1994). In contrast, results at demanding long-term retrieval on a posttest were more complex and revealed several dynamic relationships between processing speed, working memory, and Swedish language learning. Learners with low rather than high working memory showed higher L2 skills at long-term testing when instructional lessons had employed fast animations. This first-time demonstration that prior cognitive profiles strongly influence learners’ progress in second language requires refinements in existing theories. Further, the results hold certain implications for tailoring second language teaching on-line or in other technology-based instruction to learner profiles on abilities in working memory, processing speed, and executive memory
Keywords: Educational technology, Software, Designing learner-sensitive procedures, Computer-assisted learning, Second language acquisition, Dynamic systems
Research Article
Serkan Celik
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 2, pp. 115-129
ABSTRACT
The interactive whiteboards (IWB) has now been incorporated into the Turkish schools and educational institutions with the launch of the Fatih Project. This article first described the adaptation of a self-efficacy scale on IWB use in Turkish. The secondary aim of the study was to report the self-efficacy levels of primary school teachers toward the technology and the use of IWB in teaching. The participants of the current research were selected on a non-random basis among the primary schools in Kirikkale having at least one designated classroom with IWB. The adaptation studies of the scale including 19 items revealed that it possessed two factors which were implied as common and specific tools of IWBs. The results suggested that the confidence levels of the participant teachers in using IWB tools and features were observed as not satisfactory. This research is expected to serve as a basis for further IWB related studies and contribute to enhancing opportunities to utilize current technologies within the Turkish educational contexts.
Keywords: Interactive whiteboards, New educational technologies, IWB, Teachers’ selfefficacy in the use of technology, Fatih Project
Research Article
Casimir C. Barczyk, Emily Hixon, Janet Buckenmeyer, Heather Zamojski
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 2, pp. 99-114
ABSTRACT
Students at a regional campus of a Midwestern university were surveyed using an online questionnaire to determine their ownership, skill, and use of technological devices. Four hundred ninety-three students responded to the survey. It was found that the survey sample mirrored the student population at the university. Students owned and used a wide variety of electronic devices. Eighty five percent of the students owned laptop computers, 62% digital phones, 60% desktop computers, and 52% gaming systems. Students used electronic devices an average of 6.03 hours per week on classroom activities and 3.93 hours per week surfing the Internet for pleasure. They perceived themselves as being very skilled at using email, surfing the web, and word processing. It was also found that there was a significant correlation between students’ ownership of and skill with educational technology and their experience with Blackboard. Technological barriers were found to have a negative impact on students’ experience with Blackboard. Those barriers also negatively impacted their technological use and skill. A simple linear regression model explains that students’ experience with Blackboard is enhanced by having greater skill with technology, but is diminished when confronted with technological barriers. Implications for course design are discussed.
Keywords: Educational Technology, Post-Secondary Education, Student Experience with Technology, Barriers to Use Technology, Course Design
Research Article
Cristina Portugal, Rita Maria de Souza Couto
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 1, pp. 60-75
ABSTRACT
This article describes a development work whose focus was examining whether designing a game as an educational technology based on interdisciplinary dialogue between design and education can contribute to education of deaf children in learning a language. Through methods and techniques of design it was sought to identify how this area of knowledge can be part of the processes of teaching and learning in terms of developing learning materials to enhance the strategies of acquiring knowledge. The work was guided by the Multi-Tracks, which is a game to help the acquisition of a second language by deaf children. This game was developed in light of methods and techniques of design, under the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Design/Education - LIDE, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in partnership with the National Institute of Education for the Deaf in Rio de Janeiro-INES/RJ. The development work was particularly interested in designing learning materials for deaf children by considering their special traits and dialogue with the surrounding reality. Considering that educational technology research in special education is rather weak, it was thought that this work may contribute to this interdisciplinary area.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary design, Educational technology, Learning games, Deaf Children, Special education
Research Article
Charles Buabeng-Andoh
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 3, Issue 1, pp. 36-49
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to explore teachers’ skills, perceptions, and practices about ICT in second-cycle institutions in Ghana. Questionnaires were distributed to 273 teachers in different departments, 241 were returned, and 231 were valid for data analysis, representing a response rate of 85%. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by a panel of experts in the field. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was 0.91. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used to analyze data. Of the 231 teachers, 66% were males and 34% were females. Majority of the respondents were between the ages 30-39. The correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between ICT use and teachers’ competences. Further, teachers’ perceptions in terms of using ICT were found to be positive but not statistically significant. Finally, the study revealed inverse correlations among ICT use, age, and teaching experience. The descriptive results indicated that teachers’ knowledge in basic ICT applications as well as integrating ICT into teaching and learning processes was low. These results provide evidence that the introduction of ICT in teaching and learning has not brought any change in the delivery of education in second-cycle schools in Ghana. This also implies that teachers have not shifted from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered learning. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that courses such as computer supported learning, ICTs and designing instructional materials should be introduced in initial teacher training programs to improve teachers’ level of confidence and perceptions towards the use of ICT.
Keywords: Technology integration in schools, Teachers’ perceptions of ICT, Student-centered learning, Information and communication technologies, Teacher education
Research Article
Kennedy O. Odu
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 2, Issue 3, pp. 238-249
ABSTRACT
The importance of science and technology education cannot be over-emphasized. Human capital development in science and technology education is the gateway to a scientific, technological, and progressive society. It is also the very bedrock upon which modern and advanced nations are based. However, science was featured in a few secondary and teacher training schools in Nigeria between 1859 and 1929. The major subjects taught in the schools were astronomy, chemistry, physiology, geology, and botany. These were later systematized and then changed first to Nature Study and later General Science. Training of technology education teachers in Nigeria started in 1962 with the establishment of the Department of Vocational Teacher Education at the University of Nigeria-Nsukka under the supervision of Michigan State University (USA) at its formative years. Human capital development in science and technology education is faced with a lot of challenges such as retraining of science and technology teachers, dearth of qualified technology trainers, and inadequate funding among others. This paper addressed how these challenges could be forestalled for successful implementation of human capital development and also the new responsibilities of the teachers for science and technology education in Nigeria.
Keywords: Human capital development, Technology education, Science education, Training of science and technology teachers
Research Article
Alireza Badeleh, G. Sheela
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 2, Issue 3, pp. 213-237
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based approach and the Laboratory Training Model of Teaching (LTM) chemistry. It strived to determine whether the ICT or the LTM would be more effective with respect to the male and female students’ overall as well as component-based achievement in chemistry and their retention of learning. The sample of the study consisted of 120 seventh standard students from two English-medium elementary schools in Mysore city, India. Four homogenous groups were formed randomly for the study and the effects of independent variables were tested under experimental conditions. The Test of Higher Mental Ability in Science (THMAS) was used to determine the homogeneity of the participants. After one month, the delayed posttest for achievement in chemistry was administered to determine the retention level of the students. The statistical techniques used to analyze the data were the independent sample t-test and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated that as far as the overall achievement in chemistry, component-based achievement, and retention of knowledge, comprehension, application, and skills are concerned, the ICT-based method of teaching chemistry was more effective than the LTM of teaching. The effects of gender varied according to comparisons.
Keywords: Information and communication technology, Laboratory training model of teaching, Achievement in chemistry, Retention of learning
Research Article
Nkasiobi S. Oguzor
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 2, Issue 3, pp. 188-199
ABSTRACT
The use of computers has become one of the driving forces in the delivery of instruction of today’s vocational education and training (VET) in Nigeria. Though computers have become increasingly accessible resources for educators to use in their teaching activities, most teachers are still unable to integrate it in their teaching and learning processes. Computers are used to improve teaching quality where quality is very expensive to reproduce, or to substitute for the lack of teachers, or schooling opportunities that cannot be made available with conventional teaching methodologies. This paper examines the challenges of integrating ICT into instructional practices in VET and the barriers confronting implementation. Hence, the need for compatible computer education policies, suggestions to integrate ICT into teaching and learning practices are provided to assist the teachers to the use of computers in order to help the students acquire theoretical knowledge, grounded in real practice. It is the contention of this paper that though creating an ICT environment for teaching and learning in Nigeria may seem difficult, it would enhance students’ achievement in vocational education and training.
Keywords: Instructional resources, Computer Usage, Information and communication technology, Vocational education and training
Research Article
Sinem Aslan, Yeol Huh, Dabae Lee, Charles M. Reigeluth
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 2, Issue 2, pp. 95-117
ABSTRACT
Aslan and Reigeluth (2011) described a possible future period of educational computing as a “Personalized Computing Period” (p. 12). They described a potential educational technology system, PIES (Personalized Integrated Educational System), to support student learning in this period of educational computing, based on the major and secondary functions proposed by Reigeluth, Watson, Watson, Dutta, Chen, and Powell (2008) for the information-age paradigm of education. Major functions include record keeping for, planning for, instruction for, and assessment for/of student learning. Secondary functions include communication, general student data, school personnel information, and technology administration. In this qualitative research study, seven classroom teachers and one technology coordinator from three high schools were interviewed to reveal how they used their current technology systems with respect to the functions described by Reigeluth et al. (2008). The results revealed that there were discrepancies between the participants’ current use of the systems and the ideal use for the information-age paradigm of education. Based on the results, recommendations are offered to teachers, policy makers and technology system designers for better meeting students’ information-age educational needs.
Keywords: Information-age learning paradigm, Personalized integrated educational system (PIES), Learning management system (LMS), Functions of technology
Research Article
Nuray Parlak Yilmaz
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp. 37-54
ABSTRACT
Twenty-six years have passed since computers entered the Turkish Education System. Studies regarding the evaluation of the integration process reveal that the technology use has not yet been reflected into classroom activities sufficiently. This article aims to evaluate studies conducted from the beginning of the process to determine problems with regard to the integration process, especially by focusing on the elementary education. The article carefully examined the relevant literature, short-term action plans, circulars, regulations, project documents, and research studies. It appears that all the investments and projects carried out so far regarding the generalization of the use of ICT in education have remained mostly at macro level. More concrete policies and practices taking all the dimensions into consideration were put into practice only in the last period of the technology integration process. There are still problems at present situation particularly in the dimensions of infrastructure, teacher education, instructional materials, and software. Micro-level studies, which are carried out at the level of individual school, should be supported. Then, there will be better chances to convert the results of studies into policies for effective reform.
Keywords: Technology integration, Educational reform, K-8, Turkish education system
Research Article
Bahar Baran
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp. 367-380
ABSTRACT
This study investigates university level students’ experiences of designing lessons with an interactive whiteboard as an instructional medium. The sample consisted of 40 students who will be both moderator of technological resources in schools and computer teachers after graduation from university. In the design of a lesson process, the ASSURE instructional design model was their roadmap. The results showed that none of the students had used interactive whiteboards before the course. However, most of them knew interactive whiteboards from other courses, seminars, or the Internet. Nearly half of the participants had some hesitations when they first learned that they were going to use interactive whiteboards in the course. After using it during a lesson, however, their opinions became positive. In addition, ASSURE instructional design model let them to progress systematically and step-by-step. Most of them had problems to find educational software to use with interactive white board. That is, their primary problem was with the “select instructional methods, media, and materials” step of the ASSURE model.
Keywords: Interactive whiteboard, Instructional design, ASSURE, Technology integration
Research Article
Hwee Ling Lim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp. 306-321
ABSTRACT
Sociocultural constructivism assumes that a learner’s capacity for intellectual growth increases with the presence of scaffolding or support during interaction. Moreover, from participating in dialogic interaction, there is appropriation of the knowledge shared and jointly created by learners which could transform individual understandings. Hence, interactions are opportunities for scaffolding and appropriation that affect intellectual development. This paper presents a study of an online course based on constructivist principles and evaluates the extent to which an instructional activity, supported by synchronous communication technology in a virtual environment, fosters collaborative learning. Survey findings on two student groups’ experiences of collaborative learning during online tutorials are presented. The results indicated that scaffolding was available as peers’ efforts in provision and clarification of ideas during tutorial discussions. Also, appropriation of shared knowledge was present as students’ perceptions of own attainment of learning from peer contributions during discussions. The conclusion discusses the effectiveness of the instructional activity in facilitating collaborative learning and offers recommendations for future research.
Keywords: Collaborative learning, Computer-mediated communication, Educational technology, Sociocultural constructivism, Virtual learning environment.
Research Article
Juliet Stoltenkamp, Jephias Mapuva
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 1, Issue 3, pp. 208-220
ABSTRACT
The utilization of the knowledge economy in the information age has been promoted by various tools developed both for communication and marketing purposes. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have proved their propensity to influence the flow, acquisition and dissemination of information across the globe. The business and education sectors have been the most conspicuous of all beneficiaries of ICT applications, especially in the fast-globalizing environment where interaction has become a necessity and an obligation rather than leisure. Enhanced tools for education, marketing and communication purposes have been coined with unprecedented efficacy and efficiency. Some of these technologies (e.g. blogs) have even livened communication and interaction among users. This paper will therefore focus on various e-tools and their application to open education, with prevalence being on the blog tool.
Keywords: E-tools, Globalized education, E-learning, Communication, Technology, Blogs
Research Article
Steven M. Ross, Gary R. Morrison, Deborah L. Lowther
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 1, Issue 1, pp. 17-35
ABSTRACT
Today, the exponential growth of technology usage in education, via such applications of distance education, Internet access, simulations, and educational games, has raised substantially the focus and importance of educational technology research. In this paper, we examine the past and present research trends, with emphasis on the role and contribution of research evidence for informing instructional practices and policies to improve learning in schools. Specific topics addressed include: (a) varied conceptions of “effective” technology uses in classroom instruction as topics for research, (b) historical trends in research approaches and topics of inquiry; (c) alternative research designs for balancing internal (rigor) and external (relevance) validity; and (d) suggested directions for future research. Attention is devoted to describing varied experimental designs as options for achieving appropriate rigor and relevance of research evidence, and using mixed-methods research for investigating and understanding technology applications in complex real-life settings.
Keywords: Educational technology research, Technology and learning, Research designs and trends, Impact of technology on learning
Research Article
Robert D. Tennyson
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 1, Issue 1, pp. 1-16
ABSTRACT
Employing my research and practical experience in the field of educational psychology, with a specialty in instructional design and technology, I would like to reflect on the theoretical foundations of instructional design. My purpose is to show the growth of the field through theories associated with learning psychology and educational technology. Both human psychology and technology are the main foundations for instructional psychology. Evaluation and assessment continue to be integral to the field but more in the form of tools. Included is my view of the field in reference to work I and my colleagues have done in what we label as a linking theory of instructional design. That is, linking learning theory directly with research findings and practice I argue that educators need to clearly propose and define their own theoretical foundations when engaging in the design of effective learning environments.
Keywords: Instructional technology, Learning theory, Instructional design, Technology, Theoretical foundations