Social media and education: Perceptions and need for support

Vol.9  No.3

Year: 2014

Issue: Dec-Feb

Title : Social media and education: Perceptions and need for support

Author Name : Daniel Mourlam

Synopsis :

Social media has become a way of life. Society has become very connected, yet the classroom still remains quite isolated, from other teachers, students, experts, parents, the community, and a host of others who could potentially enhance learning. There are a number of different ways by which schools and teachers could open their classrooms to the rest of the world, and social media constitutes one of those ways. This study sought to examine one of those ways through the implementation of a Facebook Group in a high school social studies course to determine student and instructor perceptions, as well as to better understand how social media could be implemented in the educative process. The results of this study indicate that, there may be a potential for social media use in the teaching and learning process, but only if the innovation is supported throughout its implementation.

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ICT To Support of Ideation Via General Education

Vol.9  No.3

Year: 2014

Issue: Dec-Feb

Title : ICT To Support of Ideation Via General Education

Author Name : Gisli Thorsteinsson

Synopsis :

This paper reports a case study series of four related case study lessons, set up as a course using a Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) to support the students' ideation skills in Innovation Education (IE) in Icelandic conventional classroom. The IE course content and preparation is described. Overall aims, objectives and research questions for the case study series are stated and specific data collection methods explained. Triangulated findings are reported as categories and results are discussed and analysed. Subsequently, the following research questions are answered. 

1. How could the VRLE be used with IE material in a conventional classroom? 

2. What pedagogical factors influence the innovation process, where the VRLE is used?

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Investigating Pre-Service Candidates’ Images of Mathematical Reasoning: An In–Depth Online Analysis of Common Core Mathematics Standards

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Investigating Pre-Service Candidates’ Images of Mathematical Reasoning: An In–Depth Online Analysis of Common Core Mathematics Standards

Author Name : C. E. Davis, James E. Osler II

Synopsis :

This paper details the outcomes of a qualitative in–depth investigation into teacher education mathematics preparation. This research is grounded in the notion that mathematics teacher education students (as “degree seeking candidates”) need to develop strong foundations of mathematical practice as defined by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics’ (CCSSM). In this investigation mathematics Pre-Service Candidates (“PSCs”) participated in an online 15-week methods course that infused writing prompts. This research activity probed the PSCs images of mathematical reasoning. It is based on the idea that in mathematical teacher education, teacher preparation requires teaching mathematical standards. In teaching the standards activities are required that infuse mathematical reasoning. This will aid PSCs in further infusing mathematical reasoning in their teaching both now and in the future.

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Co-Relates Between Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Teacher Trainees

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Co-Relates Between Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Teacher Trainees

Author Name : Shivani Yadav, Dr. Savita Sharma

Synopsis :

Anxiety is one of the major predictors of academic performance. Teacher trainees with anxiety disorder display a passive attitude in their studies such as lack of interest in learning, poor performance in exams, and on lesson plans & assignments. This research observes the relationship between level of anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 130 teacher trainees from colleges of Education. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s correlation, chi-square and independent t-test statistics. The results show that there is a low but significant relationship between anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. So, research on anxiety is one of the most active areas in psychology.

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Restructuring the Future Classroom - A Global Perspective

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Restructuring the Future Classroom - A Global Perspective

Author Name : Shivakumar, Manichander

Synopsis :

The students are the consumers as well as co-creators of knowledge. Information does not flow top-down any more. Networks, peers and students inquisitiveness teach students. Teachers act as filters. Collaboration is the key. In today's world for the netgen, knowingly or unknowingly technology and the free flow of information via internet has made young mind wanting. Over the last few decades, everything has changed in our lives with the all pervasive intervention of technology. However classrooms have remained untouched by technology. The classrooms that our grandparents went to are exactly the kind of classrooms our children study in. Chalk and blackboard, a packed classroom, text books, regimented curriculum, a teacher painstakingly explaining abstract concepts with the limited tools at her disposal. Imagine a Science teacher explaining how a DNA replicates, a History teacher teaching a class about the Harappan Civilization, or a Geography teacher teaching how Block mountains are formed.

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Experiences of Students with Visual Impairments in Adoption Of Digital Talking Textbooks: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Experiences of Students with Visual Impairments in Adoption Of Digital Talking Textbooks: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Author Name : Ahamad Hussin, James E. Folkestad , Carole Makela

Synopsis :

This study was conducted to explore the experiences of Malaysian secondary students with visual impairments in using digital talking textbooks (DTTs) to assist their learning. Data were obtained from individual in-depth interviews. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to understand the findings and confirm the emergent themes. Six super-ordinate themes emerged from the interview transcripts: (a) functionality, (b) user support, (c) knowledge/familiarity, (d) challenges of access, (e) alternative, and (f) adaptation of DTTs are discussed. In conclusion, four high-level recommendations are made for future DTT design: 1) design based on current and projected work habits of students, 2) develop proactive user support, 3) teacher training, and 4) design based on adaptation and flexibility.

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Infusing BSCS 5E Instructional Model with Multimedia : A Promising Approach to Develop 21st Century Skills

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Infusing BSCS 5E Instructional Model with Multimedia : A Promising Approach to Develop 21st Century Skills.

Author Name : Divya C.Senan

Synopsis :

The full promise of class room learning is dependent on its ability to incorporate 21st century skills in its instructional design, delivery and implementation. In this increasingly competitive global economy, it is not enough for students to acquire subject-level mastery alone. Skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, communication and analytical thinking are necessary for all levels of success. To cope with the demands of the 21st century, students need to know how to use their knowledge and skills-by thinking critically, applying knowledge to new situations, analyzing information, comprehending new ideas, communicating, collaborating, solving problems, and making decisions. If our students are going to compete successfully in the global economy, more must be done to support their acquisition of 21st century skills. This article attempts to articulate a vision for 21st century learning in schools, and identify a way in which a teaching strategy can improve outcomes for all students. The author here tries to infuse the 5E model and technology for the development of 21st century skills in science education curriculum programs and instructional practices.

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