Facutly of Ed

This study explored the impact of Web-Based Learning Tools )WBLTs), also known as learning objects, in secondary school mathematics and science classrooms. Surveys, open-ended questions, and student performance data were collected from a sample of 8 teachers and 333 students. Teachers rated the learning benefits, quality, and engagement value of WBLTs very high. Students rated these same features moderately high. Student performance with respect to remembering, understanding, applying, and analyzing concepts increased significantly )28–53%) when WBLTs were used. Qualitative data suggested that a number of students reacted positively to the following qualities of WBLTs: visual supports, learning benefits, ease of use, animations, graphics, and engagement. Some students were concerned about pace )too fast), challenge level )too hard), and the quality of help features when using WBLTs. Overall, it appears that the WBLTs used in this study had a positive impact on teacher and student attitudes, as well as student learning performance.

Over the past 8 to 10 years, web-based learning tools (WBLT s), also known as learning objects, have been evaluated and received positively by higher education students. However, little research has been done examining teachers perceptions of these tools, particularly in middle and secondary school environments. The purpose of the current study was to analyse teacher perceptions of the use of WBLT in middle and secondary school classrooms. Data collected from the Learning Object Scale for Teachers (LOES-T) showed moderate to good reliability and demonstrated construct and convergent validity. Overall, most teachers rated WBLT s as easy-to-use and engaging for students. They also reported that WBLT s promoted successful learning. A number of teachers noted that significant time was spent searching for appropriate WBLT s and preparing lessons. T echnological problems related to WBLT s were not reported often and focussed mostly on Internet speed. The main suggestion offered by teachers was to be prepared to spend time selecting, testing, and preparing the materials in order to ensure successful use of WBLT s.

The impact of gender on computer related attitudes, ability, and use has been actively documented, but little research has been done examining how to modify and reduce imbalances. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of ubiquitous computing (24-hour access to a laptop and the Internet) on gender differences in pre-service teachers with respect to computer attitudes, ability, and use. Regarding computer attitudes, gender differences before the laptop program were observed in only one of the four constructs assessed: future intentions to use computers (behavioral attitude). There were no significant differences in attitude between males and females after the laptop program. With respect to computer ability, males reported having stronger skills in five of the ten ability constructs assessed before the laptop program (operating systems, database software, creating a web page, and programming). There were no significant gender differences in ability after the laptop program, with the exception of programming which continued to favor males. It is speculated that the gender equalization effect observed in this study could have a significant impact on the extent to which technology is used by future students, especially given recent trends in promoting the use of technology in the classroom.

This study explored the effectiveness of computer attitudes, computer literacy, computer locus of control, and gender in predicting commitment to the use of computers. Three hundred and eighty-three education students, completed a survey about commitment to the use of computers (actual use, interest, and promotion), computer attitudes (affective and cognitive), computer literacy (experience, basic skills, application software, awareness, programming), and locus of control (specific to the use of computers). The results suggest that cognitive attitude, awareness, and application software ability were the best predictors of commitment to the use of computers. Less effective, but significant predictors, included affective attitude, locus of control and gender.

The purpose of this study was to examine individual differences in the effectiveness of learning objects in secondary school classrooms. Specifically, gender, age, grade, subject area, and computer comfort (self-efficacy) were examined in 850 students. Effectiveness was measured in terms of student attitude (learning, quality, and engagement) and student performance. No gender differences were observed between males and females with respect to student attitudes or performance. Age was significantly correlated with student attitudes and performance, however correlation coefficients were small. Grade 12 students were more positive about learning objects and performed better than grade 9 and 10 students. Science students had significantly more positive attitudes and performed better than mathematics students. Finally, students who were more comfortable about computers, appreciated learning objects more than their less confident peers, however performance was unaffected.

A learning object is an interactive web-based tool that supports learning by enhancing, amplifying, and guiding the cognitive processes of a learner. To date, no formal research has been done on the use of learning objects in secondary school science classrooms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of learning objects developed for high school students in areas of biology, chemistry, or physics. The evaluation metric used to assess the benefits and quality of learning objects was theoretically sound, reliable, and partially validated. Two thirds of the students stated they benefited from using the learning object. Teachers confirmed that learning objects were beneficial to student learning and that they would use them again. Students benefited more if they were comfortable with computers, the content was perceived as being useful, instructions were clear, and the theme was fun or motivating. Students appreciated the motivating, hands-on, and visual qualities of the learning objects most. Computer comfort and learning object type, but not gender, were significantly related to learning object quality and benefit.

Computer studies educators have a challenging task in keeping pace with the rapidly changing content of computer software. One way to meet this challenge is to examine the nature of knowledge transfer. Instead of focusing on unique software packages, teachers could concentrate on knowledge that is likely to transfer from one software application to another. The purpose of the current study was to describe what kind of knowledge is used in learning new software, assess the relative effectiveness of this knowledge in aiding the learning process, and examine how the results could advance educational learning theory and practice. Thirty six adults (18 male, 18 female), representing three computer ability levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), volunteered to think out loud while they learned the rudimentary steps (moving the cursor, using a menu, entering data) required to use a spreadsheet software package (Lotus 1-2-3). Previous understanding of terminology, software concepts and actions, and other software packages had the largest impact, both positive and negative, on learning. A basic understanding of the keyboard and common movement keys was also important, although higher level knowledge (e.g., terms, concepts, actions) is probably necessary for significant gains in learning performance. Computer ability had little impact on the type of transfer knowledge used, except with respect to the use of software concepts and, to a lesser extent, terminology. The interaction between problem type and effectiveness of a specific transfer area suggests that identifying specific common tasks among software packages is important in detecting useful transfer knowledge. It is equally important that computer users understand labeling idiosyncrasies of these common tasks.

Little research has been done examining the role of errors in learning computer software. It is argued, though, that understanding the errors that people make while learning new software is important to improving instruction. The purpose of the current study was to (a) develop a meaningful and practical system for classifying computer software errors, (b) determine the relative effect of specific error types on learning, and (c) examine the impact of computer ability on error behaviour. Thirty-six adults (18 males, 18 females), representing three computer ability levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), volunteered to think out loud while they learned the rudimentary steps (moving the cursor, using a menu, entering data) required to use a spreadsheet software package. Classifying errors according to six basic categories (action, orientation, knowledge processing, seeking information, state, and style) proved to be useful. Errors related to knowledge processing, seeking information, and actions were observed most frequently, however, state, style, and orientation errors had the largest immediate negative impact on learning. A more detailed analysis revealed that subjects were most vulnerable when observing, trying to remember, and building mental models. The effect of errors was partially related to computer ability, however beginner, intermediate and advanced users were remarkably similar with respect to the prevalence of errors.

Very few studies have systematically evaluated the effect of learning objects in secondary school classrooms. The vast majority of studies have focussed on higher education. The current study examined the impact of learning objects from the perspective of 850 students and 27 teachers (50 classrooms) of science, mathematics, or social science. The results suggest that teachers typically spend 1 to 2 h finding and preparing for learning object based lesson plans that focus on the review of previous concepts. Both teachers and students are positive about the learning benefits, quality, and engagement value of learning objects, although teachers are more positive than students. Student performance increased significantly – almost 30% – when learning objects were used in conjunction with a variety of teaching strategies. It is reasonable to conclude that learning objects are a viable teaching tool in a secondary school environment.

Learning objects are interactive web-based tools that support the learning of specific concepts by enhancing, amplifying, and/or guiding the cognitive processes of learners. Research on the impact, effectiveness, and usefulness of learning objects is limited, partially because comprehensive, theoretically based, reliable, and valid evaluation tools are scarce, particularly in the K-12 environment. The purpose of the following study was to investigate a Learning Object Evaluation Scale for Students (LOES-S) based on three key constructs gleaned from 10 years of learning object research: learning, quality or instructional design, and engagement. Tested on over 1100 middle and secondary school students, the data generated using the LOES-S showed acceptable internal reliability, face validity, construct validity, convergent validity and predictive validity.

A comprehensive review of the literature of gender differences in computer-related behavior reveals a myriad of conflicting results. A critical analysis of the empirical methods used to collect data is offered as one means of sorting out the numerous inconsistencies found. Nine areas are discussed where common mistakes are made, including 1) sample selection, 2) sample size, 3) scale development, 4) scale quality, 5) the use of univariate and multivariate analyses, 6) regression analysis, 7) construct definition, 8) construct testing, and 9) the presentation of results. It is concluded that although a number of researchers have fallen prey to making these mistakes, in most cases, easy remedies are available. Above all, researchers are encouraged to present more detailed and clear information regarding methods and results.

An interactive classroom communication system (ICCS) involves the use of remote devices that permit all students in a class to respond to multiple choice questions displayed on a LCD projector. After responses are clicked in, the results are instantly aggregated and displayed in chart form. The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in attitudes toward ICCSs for 659 secondary school students. The initial results suggested that male students had significantly more positive attitudes than female students with respect to student involvement, assessment, and perceived learning. However, a number of these differences disappeared when computer comfort level and type of use were added as covariates. Male students still perceived that ICCSs improved the overall learning process more than female students regardless of computer comfort level or type of use.

Audience response systems (ARSs) permit students to answer electronically displayed multiple choice questions using a remote control device. All responses are instantly presented, in chart form, then reviewed and discussed by the instructor and the class. A brief history of ARSs is offered including a discussion of the 26 labels used to identify this technology. Next a detailed review of 67 peer-reviewed papers from 2000 to 2007 is offered presenting the benefits and challenges associated with the use of an ARS. Key benefits for using ARSs include improvements to the classroom environment (increases in attendance, attention levels, participation and engagement), learning (interaction, discussion, contingent teaching, quality of learning, learning performance), and assessment (feedback, formative, normative). The biggest challenges for teachers in using ARSs are time needed to learn and set up the ARS technology, creating effective ARS questions, adequate coverage of course material, and ability to respond to instantaneous student feedback. Student challenges include adjusting to a new method of learning, increased confusion when multiple perspectives are discussed, and negative reactions to being monitored. It is concluded that more systematic, detailed research is needed in a broader range of contexts.

The use of online discussion boards has grown extensively in the past 5 years, yet some researchers argue that our understanding of how to use this tool in an effective and meaningful way is minimal at best. Part of the problem in acquiring more cohesive and useful information rests in the absence of a comprehensive, theory-driven metric to assess quality and effectiveness. Based on an extensive review of the research, the following variables were used to assess traditional discussion board use: thread, location of message within thread, author (student vs. educator), subject line clarity, time of posting, response time from previous message, number of times message was read, number of words, primary purpose, message quality, difficulty level of topic, knowledge level, processing level and use of external resources. These variables proved to be effective in assessing 12 key areas of discussion board use. It is argued that this kind of metric is essential if we wish to advance our understanding of online discussion boards for both educators and researchers.

Research on the impact of learning objects in secondary school mathematics classes is limited. To date, only two investigations have been reported in this area. The current study presents a comprehensive analysis of the use and effect of learning objects in secondary school mathematics classrooms. Teacher and student attitudes, as well as student performance, were used to assess the impact of learning objects for 298 students and 11 teachers in 20 different classrooms. Teacher attitudes were positive with respect to quality, engagement, and learning value of learning objects. Student attitudes, on the other hand, varied markedly. Overall, student performance increased significantly after using learning objects, although gains observed were small and highly variable. Student performance was significantly related to the intended purpose of a lesson and teaching strategy selected. Planning time, using learning objects for review or to introduce new concepts, and supplying guided handouts improved student performance. It is reasonable to conclude that mathematics-based learning objects are viable teaching tools when used with the appropriate goals and strategies.

An audience response system (ARS) permits students to respond to multiple choice questions using a remote control device. All responses are instantly displayed, usually in chart form, and subsequently reviewed and discussed by the instructor and the class. This paper offers a comprehensive review of teaching strategies used with ARS and includes a discussion of general, motivational, assessment based, and learning based approaches. Several promising strategies have been identified, particularly collecting formative assessment feedback and peer based instruction. More systematic, detailed research in a broader range of contexts is recommended. Overview An audience response system (ARS) allows students to respond to multiple choice questions using a remote control device. After students click in their responses, the results are instantly amalgamated and displayed in chart form. More often than not, responses are anonymous, but can be linked to specific students for evaluation purposes. The key advantage of using an ARS is that it can give feedback to both students and instructors on how well the entire class understands concepts presented. Once this feedback is obtained, a teacher can modify the course of instruction, or students can work out misconceptions via peer or classroom discussion. ARSs were first introduced at Stanford and Cornell Universities in the mid 1960s, but did not become commercially available until 1992 (Abrahamson, 2006; Judson & Sawada, 2002). In 1999, a new generation of more affordable ARSs was created, with widespread use emerging in 2003. Today, numerous colleges and universities use ARSs (Abrahamson, 2006).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an integrated, laptop-based approach on preservice teachers’ computer attitudes, ability and use. Pre-post program analysis revealed significant differences in behavioural attitudes and perceived control (self-efficacy), but not in affective and cognitive attitudes. In addition, there was a significant improvement in all ten computer ability areas (operating systems, communication, World Wide Web, word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics, multimedia, web page design, and programming). Finally, preservice teachers used laptop computers significantly more in a university setting than in their field placements.

A comprehensive review of the literature on the evaluation of learning objects revealed a number of problem areas, including emphasizing technology ahead of learning, an absence of reliability and validity estimates, over-reliance on informal descriptive data, a tendency to embrace general impres-sions of learning objects rather than focusing on specific design features, the use of formative or summative evaluation, but not both, and testing on small, vaguely described sample populations using a limited number of learning objects. This study explored a learning-based approach for eval-uating learning objects using a large, diverse, sample of secondary school students. The soundness of this approach was supported by estimates of reliability and validity, using formal statistics where applicable, incorporating both formative and summative evaluations, examining specific learning objects features based on instructional design research, and testing of a range of learning objects. The learning-based evaluation tool produced useful and detailed information for educators, design-ers and researchers about the impact of learning objects in the classroom. Overview According to Williams (2000), evaluation is essential for every aspect of designing learning objects, including identifying learners and their needs, conceptualizing a design, developing prototypes, implementing and delivering instruction, and improv-ing the evaluation itself. It is interesting to note, however, that Williams (2000) does not emphasize evaluating the impact of learning objects on 'actual learning'. This omission is representative of the larger body of research on learning objects. In a recent review of 58 articles (see Kay & Knaack, submitted), 11 studies focused on the evaluation of learning objects; however, only two papers examined the impact of learning objects on learning.

To date, little research has been done on the role of emotions with respect to computer related behaviours. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable, valid scale to assess emotions while learning with computers. Four emotions (anger, anxiety, happiness, and sadness), selected after a detailed review of the research, were evaluated. Internally reliability estimates were acceptable. Construct validity was confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations among emotions and affective attitude, but not cognitive and behavioural attitudes. Finally, predictive validity was corroborated by consistent and significant correlations among emotion, computer knowledge, and use.

Previous research on the development of learning objects have three notable characteristics: a focus on either technical or learning features, but not both, a target audience consisting exclu-sively of higher education students, and the absence of formal evaluation. This study provides a detailed description and formal evaluation of a multi-component model used to develop five learning objects for secondary school students. Overall, two thirds of the students reported that the learning objects were beneficial, citing a motivating theme, interactivity, and visual qualities as the most important features. However, almost 60% of all students were critical about the learning object quality. Clarity of instructions, help functions and organization/layout presented the most problems. While the development model used in the study emphasized both technical and learning components, the latter was far more important to teachers and students. Key steps that appeared to be beneficial in the development process included a collaborative team approach, understanding the learner, a focus on clear instruction and organization, and using a comprehensive, theoretically supported evaluation metric to examine the quality and benefits of learning objects.