published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

Immersion is an acclaimed method for second language acquisition, but is not available to majority of students. The idea of this study is to create Mobile Immersion on smartphone using Instant Messenger, WhatsApp. 45 Form 1 (7th Grade) students participated in a 3-month experiment. They were divided into two big groups: one with Mobile Immersion (Mobile Group) and the other without (Control Group). A vocabulary list of 200 high-frequency verbs was the main learning material. Net Gain in vocabulary score between pre-test and post-test was used to measure their learning progress. The statistics show no significant difference between the two groups’ means. However, within Mobile Group, there is significant correlation between individual’s chat frequency and vocabulary gain. Furthermore, chat histories of participants reveal a possible theme that has implications for researchers and educators. A questionnaire is also used to survey participants’ attitudes towards the Mobile Immersion. This paper shares the experience from the case study and draws insights into a new direction contributing to the knowledge base of Second Language Acquisition and Mobile-Assisted Language Learning. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

This study looks into the ability of computer systems, using both video disc images and overlay graphics, to replicate the Army's new M1 tank, so that soldiers using a light pen and simulated test equipment can effectively troubleshoot the tank, using only the technical manual and video terminal display. The computer trained students were then compared with an untrained control group to see if the simulated "hands-on" skills could be effectively transferred to the actual M1 tank during a real troubleshooting exercise. Students' attitudes were also sampled to provide an affective evaluation of the troubleshooting simulation. Research reveals that computer-assisted instruction has had some success in training electrical troubleshooting. The need to train soldiers in mechanical maintenance and the high cost of using the real tank system as a teaching aid led to this study of using computer technology as a cost effective alternative. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the training group and the control group in the number of errors made and the number of correct steps per minute at the p > .05 level. An additional test showed that skills learned could be further transferred to a similar, but untrained task on the tank. Students' affective responses indicated that they enjoyed learning from the computer simulation. This technique may have a major implication for civilian education as well. It could be possible to use this interactive video/computer technique to teach 'hands-on' tasks, ranging from chemistry lab experiments to overhauling an automotive transmission. Students could simulate selected tasks, equipment, supplies, and procedures repeatedly to gain mastery in complete safety without consuming valuable resources. Student performance on the computer terminal has been shown to be directly transferable to the actual equipment, and the substitute computer training has been acknowledged by the students as being an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Although much has been written about learning in online discussion, the research literature reveals the need for further empirical research to be carried out.  For example, the use of online discussion is often seen as a means by which students can engage in a socially constructivist approach to learning, (Pena-Shaff et al., 2005; Hudson et al., 2006; Schrire, 2006) whilst others raise questions about the depth of engagement and the preparedness to learn in this socially constructivist context (Hawkey, 2003; Roberts and Lund, 2007).  The need to gain further understanding of learning through discussion is raised by Ravenscroft (2005); McConnell (2006); Goodyear and Ellis (2008).  This study adds to empirical research by exploring students’ engagement with online discussion at an individual and course level. Two key research questions are: What are the different approaches taken by students when responding to learning activities which ask them to engage in online discussion?  What are students’ perceptions of how their engagement in online discussion impacts on their learning and the learning of others?  The study is qualitative, phenomenographic in nature drawing on six case studies of Higher Education students’ engagement with online discussion.  A rich set of empirical data is gathered within the case studies.  A grounded approach to data collection and analysis is used, including the analysis of interview data in order to hear the students’ voices about their experiences.  The findings from the analysis of the case studies reveal different strategies that students use when engaging in online discussion, and diverse students’ views of learning through online discussion, even from within the same course context.  A framework for learning through online discussion emerges from the discussion.

M.Ed. / Several authors have noted that the 21st century economy requires companies to adopt new ways of organising work. This puts organisations under pressure to acquire new skills and new ways to manage knowledge and information. (Coleman & Laplace, 2002:1; Khoshrow-Pour, 2002:111). They further maintain that technology helps organisations keep pace with changes in the workplace and can also drive many revolutionary changes. E-learning is one of the technological interventions that companies worldwide are using to keep up to the speed of changing business trends. E-learning attracts companies, organisations because it makes learning accessible anywhere, anytime (Rossette, 2002:13). Accessibility to learning material is a very important aspect in business worldwide (Aggarval, 2003:1&2). Employees are able to learn while at their workstations thereby saving travelling costs and in turn increase the company’s productivity. Being able to learn anytime provides employees with the opportunity to be in control of their learning. The traditional method of learning has been criticised for being expensive, time-consuming and unresponsive to immediate learner needs. As a result the number of companies using e-learning over traditional workplace learning is increasing worldwide (Simmons, 2002:13). Many companies have realised the value of e-learning and exploring this new method to try and save costs associated with the traditional method of learning. 1 / Prof. D. van der Westhuizen

The concern of this study is the slow uptake of online learning at the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) in Swaziland. The Institute of Distance Education in Swaziland was set up in 1996 (Sukati, 2010) to offer distance learning to students. To date, most courses have used traditional print based materials, with some face to face contact in regional centres. IDE Policy makes clear that increasingly courses should be available online, using the institute’s learning management system (Moodle). However, uptake by lecturing staff of online learning has been very slow, and only a few courses are available on-line. The study identifies the factors that are perceived to support or inhibit the adoption and implementation of online learning at the IDE, and strategies that are seen as effective in facilitating its adoption and implementation. The research is located in the qualitative paradigm, and uses interviews as the main data gathering tool. Five different but coherent interview guides were used to collect data from staff offering online learning; staff not offering online learning; IDE programme coordinators; and two members of senior management. Some documentary analysis was also undertaken. The findings show that there were institutional factors, personal factors and external factors that both supported and acted as barriers to the adoption and implementation of online learning at the IDE. The study proposed strategies that might strengthen the supportive factors and overcome the barriers to adoption and implementation of online learning at the IDE. The conclusion drawn from the study was that there were more barriers than supporting factors and that this explains the slow adoption and implementation to online learning at the Institute. It also shows that while similar factors operate on the adoption and implementation of online learning at IDE as those identified in the literature, there are some factors which are particular to the IDE itself, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, et al., 1989) is thus modified to show the factors operating in this context.

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Thesis. 1979. M.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Bibliography: leaves 108-109. / by Ralph J. Mayer. / M.S.

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