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This experimental study examined the effects of word processing on revision and writing quality of expository compositions produced by seventh—graders. Thirty—six students in two accelerated English classes served as subjects. Prior to the experimental period, all students completed a handwritten composition (pretest) and received identical instruction in (a) composing and revising and (b) using a word processor. One intact class was randomly assigned as the experimental group. During the six-week treatment period all students wrote six compositions (three drafts per composition). The experimental group completed all composing and revising on the computer and the control group completed their compositions with pen and paper. Posttest l (produced on computer in the experimental group and by hand in the control group) and posttest 2 (handwritten in both groups) were analyzed for the frequency and types of revisions made between first and second drafts. The pretest and three posttests were analyzed for writing quality of final drafts. There were no significant differences: (a) between groups in the number of revisions in posttest l (computer written by experimental subjects and handwritten by control subjects), (b) in percentage of high—level revisions made with and without the word processor, and (c) in quality of compositions produced with and without the computer. There was a significant difference between groups in the number of revisions in handwritten compositions (posttest 2) produced by both groups after the treatment; the word processing group revised more frequently than did the group not exposed to six weeks of word processing. The experimental subjects also significantly increased in frequency of revisions from the time of posttest l (computer written) to posttest 2 (handwritten). A significant difference across time in writing quality scores was found. The findings suggested that students who compose and revise on computer can make substantially more revisions when they resume pen and paper composing and revising; however, use of the word processor does not differentially affect types of revisions attempted or writing quality. Word processors increase motivation, and adequate systems may increase the ability to detect and eliminate textual problems. Recommendations for research, theory, and instruction are discussed. / Ed. D.

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of technology competence of school-based administrators in Florida's schools and to investigate factors associated with the concept of technology competence. The variables of technology competence, perceived skill importance, and frequency of technology use were investigated along with the demographic characteristics of district size, county connectivity, school size, school grade levels, school connectivity, years of administrative experience, and the administrator's access to a computer at work. The areas of technology competence investigated were basic computer operations, file management, word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, presentation/multimedia, Internet, e-mail, technology ethics, technology integration, and information searching. Responses to a five-part questionnaire provided by two groups of administrators, principals and technology proficient other administrators, throughout Florida were analyzed. Issues addressed by this research were: What level of technology competence, skill importance, and technology use did school administrators possess? Was there a significant difference between the values obtained from the two groups of administrators for the variables of technology competence, skill importance, and technology use? Do school administrators possess proficiency in the technology competency areas proposed by the literature? Was there a significant correlation between technology competence and the demographic variables of district size, county connectivity, school size, school grade levels, school connectivity, years of administrative experience, and the administrator's access to a computer at work? Findings revealed a wide range in the mean scale scores for technology competence and technology use for both administrator groups while skill importance scores were high for both administrative groups. Results indicated statistical and practical significant differences with the principal group scoring lower for all 3 dependent variables. It was determined from the findings that administrators, as a whole were sufficiently proficient with word processing, e-mail, technology ethics, file management, and technology integration, marginally proficient with information seeking, Internet, and basic computer operations, and lacking proficiency in the areas of database, spreadsheet, presentation/multimedia, and graphics applications. It was also determined that administrative experience was the only demographic variable that had a significant correlation with technology competence. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that much work needs to be done to improve the technology proficiency of school administrators. Current administrators need training opportunities to improve their competency levels in several areas of technology use. Additionally, educational leadership programs need to ensure that aspiring school administrators are trained in the use of technologies for school management functions. Only through increased technology competence on the part of school administrators shall schools be able to start taking full advantage of the technologies available to improve education.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This empirical study focuses – through the use of a descriptive survey – on the viability of integrating multimedia programmes in teaching Tswana at ten secondary schools in the Motheo District of the Free State Department of Education. The study sought to explore, inter alia, the progress made by schools in providing Tswana teachers with access to computers, the extent to which Tswana teachers use multimedia programmes in their daily practice and to determine the quality of Tswana multimedia programmes that are offered in the market. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie empiriese studie fokus – deur die gebruik van ‘n beskrywende ondersoek – op die lewensvatbaarheid om multimedia programme by die onderrig van Tswana by 10 sekondere skole in die departement opvoeding in die Motheo distrik van die Onderwysdepartement van die Vrystaat te integreer. Die studie het, onder meer, gepoog om vas te stel in watter mate daar al vordering gemaak is by skole om onderwysers van Tswana toegang tot rekenaars te verleen, hoeverre onderwysers van Tswana multimedia programme in hul daaglikse praktyk gebruik asook om die gehalte van multimedia programme wat vir Tswana beskikbaar is te evalueer.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether playing a problem-based learning (PBL) computer game, Alien Rescue III, would promote continuing motivation (CM) to learn science, and to explore the possible sources of CM. Another goal was to determine whether CM and interest to learn science in the classroom were identical constructs. CM was defined as the pursuit of academic learning goals in noninstructional contexts that were initially encountered in the classroom. Alien Rescue was played for a total of 9 hours in the seventh grade of a private middle school with 44 students, total, participating. The study used a design-based research approach that attempted to triangulate quantitative and qualitative methods. A science knowledge test, and two selfreport questionnaires--one measuring motivation and one measuring CM--were administered preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up. Qualitative data was also collected, including student interviews, classroom observations, written responses, and a science teacher interview. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine any significant changes in scores. A multiple regression analysis was used to explore whether a model of CM could be determined using the Eccles’ expectancy-value achievement motivation model. The constant comparative method was used to obtain relevant information from the qualitative data. Based on contradictory quantitative and qualitative findings, results were mixed as to whether students exhibited an increase in CM to learn space science. Students continued to freely engage Alien Rescue during the mid-class break, but this does not strictly adhere to the definition of CM. However, many students did find space science more interesting than anticipated and developed increased desire to learn more in class, if not outside of class. Results also suggest that CM and interest in learning more in class are separate but related constructs. Finally, no satisfactory model emerged from the multiple regression analysis but based on students’ interviews, continuing interest to learn is influenced by all the components of Eccles’ expectancy-value model. Response effects may have confounded quantitative results. Discussion includes challenges of researching in classrooms, CM, and Eccles’ motivational model, and the tension between PBL and game based approaches. Future design recommendations and research directions are provided. / text

Orientador: Heloísa Vieira da Rocha / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Computação / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T18:04:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lachi_RicardoLuis_D.pdf: 4478707 bytes, checksum: fe1b464d73bb0d024ceb47d853970c03 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de demonstrar que os dados armazenados nos Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVAs) podem ser usados como importantes fontes de informação para avaliar a qualidade dos cursos. Para isso foi construído um modelo de avaliação baseado na coleta de respostas para conjuntos de perguntas específicas relacionadas a aspectos que a literatura define como relevantes para a avaliação de um curso online. A validade e a confiabilidade desses conjuntos de perguntas elaborados são discutidas e, especificamente no caso das perguntas subjetivas, foi apresentada uma comprovação estatística de sua confiabilidade por meio do cálculo do valor do indicador de confiabilidade Alfa de Cronbach, a partir de uma amostra de respostas coletadas. A definição desses conjuntos de perguntas específicas permitiu identificar que dados registrados em um AVA devem ser recuperados e que efetivamente trazem informações importantes para a avaliação do curso online. Por fim, foi desenvolvido todo um suporte computacional, tanto para facilitar a aplicação do modelo de avaliação proposto, quanto para a recuperação de dados registrados em um AVA. Isso comprovou a possibilidade de automatizar e resgatar computacionalmente dados registrados em um AVA e que eles são uma fonte de informação relevante para a avaliação de um curso online. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho abrangem: a definição de um modelo claro e bem detalhado de quais aspectos devem efetivamente ser considerados na avaliação da qualidade de um curso online; a construção de um sistema computacional denominado SAESD (Sistema de Apoio para a Avaliação de cursos Superiores a Distância) para dar suporte e facilitar a aplicação do modelo de avaliação definido; a construção e o projeto de ferramentas computacionais capazes de recuperar informações relevantes para a avaliação da qualidade de um curso online, abrangendo desde a análise de logs do Sistema Operacional até o padrão de acessos dos participantes do curso online / Abstract: The goal of this study was to demonstrate that the data stored in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) can be used as important sources of information to evaluate the quality of a distance course. This way, it was developed an evaluation model based on collection of answers to specific sets of questions related to aspects that literature defines as relevant to the evaluation of an online course. The validity and reliability of these sets of questions are discussed and developed. Particularly, it was calculated the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the set of subjective questions in order to prove statistically its validity. These questions helped to identify which data recorded in a VLE should be recovered and which effectively provide important information for the evaluation of an online course. Finally, we developed an entire computer support, both to facilitate the implementation of the proposed evaluation model, and for the recovery of data recorded in a VLE. This demonstrated the possibility to automate and rescue data recorded in a VLE, besides proving they are a source of relevant information to the evaluation of an online course. The main results reached in this work include: the definition of a clear and well detailed model of what aspects should effectively be considered in evaluating the quality of an online course; building a computer system called SAESD to support and help the implementation of the evaluation model defined; the construction and design of computational tools able to retrieve relevant information to online course assessment, which includes, the log analysis of the operating system and the access pattern of the online course participants / Doutorado / Ciência da Computação / Doutor em Ciência da Computação

Social network sites have recently become extremely popular online destinations as they offer users easy ways to build and maintain their relationships with each other. Consequently, students, lecturers, teachers, parents and businesses are using these tools to communicate with each other in a fast and cost-effective manner. However, literature suggests that the full potential of social network sites has not yet been revealed since users are still battling to overcome the various negative characteristics surrounding these sites. A framework for appropriate use of these sites is needed so that users are able to overcome these negative aspects, allowing them to be more effective and use the sites successfully. The goal of this research is to construct a framework for perceived successful use of social computing tools in educational institutions. This framework will include critical success factors that need to be adopted by users in order to develop the positive aspects of social computing, while at the same time overcoming the disadvantages experienced by users. Factors for successful use were derived from the literature and consolidated into a theoretical framework in order to understand the factors that drive successful use of social network sites. Measures used to test successful use of social network sites were also derived from these sources and were included in the same theoretical framework; these measures allow users to evaluate the extent of perceived successful use of social network sites. This framework was tested empirically by means of a pilot study and online survey, and revised according to the results of the survey. The factors were identified using Cronbach alpha coefficients (in the pilot study) and exploratory factor analysis to confirm the reliability of the scales developed. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, t-tests and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used to measure the relationships amongst the variables in the framework proposed in this research. The factors influencing perceived successful use of social network sites were identified by the empirical study as: • Privacy and Security Settings need to be enabled. These are split into: - Settings: content that users allow others to see - Viewers: people who are allowed onto a user's profile • It is necessary for users to practise Legal and Acceptable Activities when using social network sites • Suspect Information needs to be checked before sharing it with others • Personal and Professional Time needs to be separated to ensure that work is completed before social activities occur • Users need to practise Professional and Ethical Behaviour • Users need to have a Positive Attitude when using social network sites • Usability of sites affects their success. This includes: - technical capacity (broadband) - ease of use - functionality (range of features and functions) • Current and Controversial Issues need to be discussed on social network sites. The extent to which social network sites are being used successfully can be evaluated by the presence of the following measures: • Range of Content must be available to users. This includes: - Content displayed on profiles - Viewers able to visit profiles • Visitors Behaviour is monitored and no unwanted visitors are present users' profiles • Social Contracts found on sites are followed by users • Critical Thinking Skills and Accurate Information are displayed by users • Work is completed before social activities occur on sites • A Variety of Users is present on sites • Collaboration between people as well as variety of opinions exist on sites • Social Capital (well-being) is present after users have been on sites • Learning and Advising Skills are enhanced on sites. The framework developed provides users with a useful instrument to overcome the negative characteristics associated with social network sites. If used successfully, social network sites can offer lecturers and students a unique method to develop their relationship, creating a positive learning experience.

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An exploratory study was conducted to determine if adults diagnosed as having moderate developmental disability could successfully use a personal computer and, if so, the input devices preferred and the user interface design factors to be considered when designing or selecting interactive applications for this population. Participants in the three-phase study were men and women aged 25-60 living in group homes sponsored by a social services agency. All had been professionally evaluated as moderately mentally retarded. Phase I observed reaction of participants, none of whom had ever used a computer, to two input devices (mouse and touchscreen) and a graphical user interface. Phase II built on Phase I observations to design a within-subject usability test to gather heuristic data on input devices and to develop user interface guidelines for the target population. In Phase III, a prototype was built to test the effectiveness of these guidelines. Phase I found participants successfully used a graphical user interface and most could use the mouse. In Phase II, which tested mouse, trackball, and touchscreen, the mouse was preferred, although its drag-drop times were longer. Reasons given were less fatigue and greater control of icons. The Phase III prototype consisted of two games: "Shopping," to teach money handling skills, and "Getting Dressed," to teach a basic life skill. Testing found the participants preferred screens that allowed them to control the action, that quick or unexpected screen responses were upsetting, and that strong visual feedback was important. For example, "Shopping" was redesigned to enable users to visualize purchases by dragging pictures into a shopping cart. This exploratory study found that developmentally disabled persons could use commercial computer hardware and applications effectively and were proud of their newly developed computer skills. It also derived user interface guidelines for the selection or design of applications for use with this target group. Recommendations are made for a follow-up field study to investigate the applicability of the derived guidelines to a larger population of developmentally disabled persons. / Master of Information Systems