<p> In Fall 2014 over 460,000 students enrolled in the 23-campus California State University system; unfortunately, more than 20,000 qualified applicants were denied admission due to capacity and budgetary constraints. In response to continued overcrowding, the Chancellor's Office and Board of Trustees are investigating "bottlenecks," defined as anything limiting students' ability to graduate in a timely manner. Blended learning, a pedagogy combining face-to-face and computer-mediated instruction, presents a potential solution to alleviate overcrowding and bottleneck problems. </p><p> In an effort to investigate the extent to which student demographics and performance analytics explain student success outcomes in a popular blended learning psychology course, an explanatory sequential design was used to study 18,254 students enrolled in the course between 2006 and 2014. In the initial quantitative part of the design, logistic regression and traditional regression analysis were used to determine the predictors of those who chose to drop the course, those who ultimately passed the course, and then to investigate why some students received higher grades than others. Results revealed that race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and early course participation were key predictors of success.</p><p> Some of the most significant findings &ndash; which included the fact that Mexican American, African American, and Filipino students were less successful in the course than their White counterparts &ndash; were examined in more detail in the qualitative part of the study that followed. Specifically, students who self-identified within these race/ethnicities provided a nuanced look at their own course experiences by completing questionnaires and interviews for the study. Thematic findings revealed socioeconomic status, time management, parents' education, and students' campus community as factors contributing to course performance. </p><p> This study represents one of few large-scale analyses of a blended learning environment focused upon learner outcomes, and it serves to inform the evaluative work surrounding student success interventions, including the ability to predict and understand student risk characteristics for dropping, failing, or performing poorly within a blended learning environment. Understanding the many reasons students engage in less successful behavior may inform student success strategies and alleviate bottlenecks, especially as the prevalence of blended learning courses increases within the California State University system.</p>

<p> The objectives of this study were to gain an understanding of how practicing teachers believe they are prepared to meaningfully and critically integrate technology into their classroom practices; and to understand how practicing teachers recruited those beliefs into their teaching practices. This included gaining an understanding of what they believed led to their engagement in the critical dimensions of technology use in their teaching practices. This mixed-methods study contained two phases. In Phase 1, 58 graduate students in a College of Education completed a newly developed Critical Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (C-TPACK) survey containing likert-scale and open-ended questions. A subset of four graduate students, who were also practicing teachers, participated in Phase 2 of this study where lesson plans, observations, and interviews were analyzed. The findings indicated that limited training in and exposure to C-TPACK during teacher education coursework and professional development (PD), uncertainty about students&rsquo; critical digital literacies (CDL), the teachers&rsquo; varying understandings of CDL, resource limitations and restrictive school policies posed barriers for the teachers&rsquo; recruitment of CTPACK to their practices. These findings showed the importance of tying critical theory to technology in education coursework and PD programs. This study proposes the use of a theoretical framework that prioritizes critical theory, namely the C-TPACK framework, when analyzing teachers&rsquo; technology integration practices. KEYWORDS: TPACK, C-TPACK, critical digital literacy, digital literacy, teacher education, professional development </p><p>

<p> Online education courses provide students with flexibility of time and place to learn (Kena et al., 2016). The percentage of college students enrolled in distance education course has increased to 28%. The problem is the high rate of students who failed to complete online courses is alarming. failing rates in online courses range from 10% to 90%. If college retention in online courses remains unaddressed, the US will continue to be in disadvantage to compete globally. Self-regulation has been endorsed as a key factor to predict successful online learning. The purpose of this quasi-experimental quantitative study using a correlational research design was to examine the relationship between a self-reported and a tracing instrument to measure self-efficacy over time. The study was fulfilled by conducting a study among college students taking an online course during the fall semester of 2017 at Hartnell College, CA. Research method was a correlational statistical test analysis. The theoretical framework for the research study was the social-cognitive Self-Regulated Learning framework by Pintrich. Self-reported instrument was able to measure change over time implying that the use of self-reported mechanisms could be used to measure the dynamic relationships of SRL. Traced-self efficacy in technology use increases academic achievement over time. Self-reported and traced self-efficacy variables could better predict mastery of content in an online course. The researcher contributed with a study that measured self-efficacy over time to better understand the dynamic role of motivation in self-regulation learning (Karabenick, 2015). Future studies should consider research methodologies that include analysis over time to be able to explore the dynamic relationship between SRL processes.</p><p>

<p> The demand for innovation in nursing education has increased the use of technology and expanded growth in online courses (Hoffman &amp; Dudjak, 2012; Sword, 2012; Valiga, 2012). Many faculty embrace online learning while others perceive knowledge and skills associated with navigating online learning as a barrier to education (Hoffmann &amp; Dudiak, 2012). A lack of research exist related to faculty efficacy in the use of technology for teaching in the online environment (Chang et al., 2011; Petit Dit Dariel et al., 2013; Sword, 2012). The purpose of the descriptive correlational pilot study was to investigate educational technology competencies and efficacy in teaching online. Additionally, the relationship was explored between educational technologies and online teaching efficacy. Bandura&rsquo;s self-efficacy theory served as the conceptual framework for the study. Two instruments were used to collect data: the Michigan Nurse Educator&rsquo;s Sense of Efficacy for Online Teaching Scale (MNESEOTS) and the Duke University School of Nursing Self-Assessment of Educational Technology Competencies Scale (DUSAETCS). The sample consisted of 64 nurse educators teaching at least 51% of course content online within a baccalaureate or graduate level program. A significant relationship was found between self-assessed competency in the use of educational technologies and nurse educators&rsquo; sense of online teaching efficacy (r = .56, p &lt; .001). Additionally, findings from the study revealed that nurse educators reported a sense of efficacy for online teaching from &ldquo;some&rdquo; to &ldquo;quite a bit&rdquo; on subscales addressing student engagement, instructional strategies, classroom management, and uses of computers with a mean of 28.94 on the total scale with a range of scores from 19-35. Participants indicated that they were &ldquo;somewhat competent&rdquo; to &ldquo;very competent&rdquo; in the use of educational technologies based upon responses on subscales addressing: competency, helping students achieve, implementing principles of good teaching, and creating learning experiences with a mean of 145.40 on the total scale ranging from 100-174. An OLS regression was run with predictor variables including online teaching efficacy, online teaching experience, faculty mentoring, instructional design support, and technology competence total score. Technological competency was the only significant variable predicting online teaching efficacy (b = 0.112; p &lt; 0.001) with 36.8% of the variance in online teaching efficacy explained by technological competence. Nurse educators with high online teaching efficacy beliefs value instructional designer support, preparatory course, and peer or mentor support. Additional research is needed to establish reliability and validity for the use of the DUSAETCS tool. Replication of this study is suggested using a larger sample size of online nurse educators to verify variables affecting faculty self-efficacy in the online teaching environment. With additional supporting evidence strategies can be developed to enhance self-efficacy and technological competencies of nurse educators.</p>

<p> Institutions of higher education seeking to stay relevant and accountable in today&rsquo;s fast-paced, shortened-focused, digital technology age, realize that the time has arrived to apply a variety of newer technology-based pedagogical strategies (Bergmann &amp; Sams, 2012; Bonilla, 2011; Gerstein, 2012; Mazur, 1996). A <i>flipped classroom</i> &ldquo;uses technology to move lectures outside the classroom and uses learning activities to move practice with concepts inside the classroom&rdquo; (Strayer, 2012, p. 171). Technology use is often dictated by faculty attitudes and perceptions rather than by course content (Davis, 2011; Parker, Bianchi, &amp; Cheah, 2008). </p><p> This mixed methods study was guided by two research questions:</p><p> 1. To what extent do age, gender, years of teaching experience, and faculty rank relate to attitudes toward instructional technology usage and usage via flipped teaching strategies?</p><p> 2. How do faculty perceive the use of instructional technology with regard to flipped classroom teaching strategies?</p><p> Using a multiphase mixed methods design, this study examined and explored faculty perceptions of instructional technology used in experiential flipped classroom settings. Phase I data collection surveyed faculty members <i> N</i>=<i>118</i> on four campuses of a private academic institution; Phase II data collection involved <i>N</i>=<i>13</i> focus groups and <i>N</i>=<i>6</i> depth interview participants who consented as part of the survey phase; Phase III comprised elite interviews with campus information technology staff <i>N</i>=<i>4</i>, who then participated in Phase IV reflective questionnaires.</p><p> No statistically significant relationship was found between age, gender, faculty rank, or years of teaching experience and attitudes toward instructional technology or usage via flipped teaching strategies. Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the emergence of six themes: a) early adopters, b) comfort, c) time, d) tools, e) training, and f) recognition. Results of connected quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that those who identify with the very principles of technology, such as innovation, progress, and change, adopted instructional technology for reasons that were highly personal factors versus external or job-related influences or factors.</p><p> This study may provide higher education stakeholders with a richer understanding of the relationship between faculty, flipped classroom, and best practices with regard to instructional technology use.</p><p>

<p> Lack of presence in online courses can result in perceived isolation leading to student dissatisfaction with the learning experience. The purpose of this study was to measure nursing students&rsquo; perceived extent of teaching, social and cognitive presence and course satisfaction in an online undergraduate nursing course, and whether relationships and associations existed between the three presences, course satisfaction, student demographic, academic, and technology variables, and selected instructional strategies. </p><p> The Community of Inquiry theory was the framework used in this descriptive correlational study of RN-BSN students (n= 76). Variables were measured using the <i>Community of Inquiry Survey</i> and the <i>Perceived Student Satisfaction Scale</i> instruments, and a researcher developed survey. </p><p> Findings indicated students&rsquo; perceived teaching and cognitive presence were present to a greater extent than social presence. Significant positive correlations (p &lt; .01) were found between teaching and cognitive presence (r =.79), cognitive and social presence (r =.64), teaching and social presence (r =.52), satisfaction and the teaching (r =.77), social (r =.63), and cognitive (r =.52) presences. There were no significant findings associated with age, ethnicity, race, number of online courses taken, expected course grade or GPA and perceptions of the three presences and course satisfaction. There was a significant difference (<i>p</i> &le; .05) with gender and perceived social presence with male students reporting stronger levels. Students experiencing course technology difficulties reported significantly (<i> p</i> &le; .05) lower perceptions of teaching presence than those experiencing no difficulty. Significant differences (<i>p</i> &le; .05) were found between specific course instructional strategies and each presence and course satisfaction. The findings provide faculty with an understanding of online course management and teaching/learning strategies that may increase students&rsquo; perceptions of presence in online courses and improve student satisfaction with online learning.</p>

<p>CARRINO, STEPHANIE SEDBERRY, Ph.D. Digital Connection in a Physical Classroom: Clickers and the Student-Teacher Relationship. (2015) Directed by Dr. Kathryn Hytten. 191 pp. Education is fundamentally relational, and the student-teacher relationship is central to student learning. However, high-enrollment classrooms, now common on college campuses, limit student-faculty interaction and opportunities for relationship building. ?Clickers? facilitate communication in large classes, but there is a lack of research on the potential relational functions of this technology. This study addresses this gap in the literature by asking: How might the use of clickers in the classroom contribute to the student-teacher relationship? Employing a mixed-method descriptive research design, I created and analyzed three data sets to respond to this question: I observed 3 large clicker-based classes, surveyed students to explore their perceptions of clicker use and student-teacher relational dimensions, and I interviewed a subset of students for assistance interpreting the results. Data analyses resulted in four general findings: clickers can be used for multiple purposes and ends; clickers facilitate aspects of the student-teacher pedagogical relationship; clicker communication is not perceived as comprising a student-teacher relationship; and clickers are viewed as a tool for collective rather than individual communication and dialogue. Clickers may have value as relational tools, as they facilitate some aspects of the student-teacher relationship. The frame of the technology may explain why only some relational dimensions are facilitated, and not others. More research is needed to explore how clickers and other educational technologies may facilitate the student-teacher relationship.

<p> As we become more advanced technologically in our online educational courses, it is imperative that we also incorporate effective research-based practices such as the use of formative assessment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of formative self-assessment to academic achievement and self-efficacy in online graduate courses. The research included a review of online education, formative assessment, self-efficacy, and associated learning theories. </p><p> A mixed methods study was used that included quantitative and qualitative data for triangulation of the study results. A correlational research design was used for the quantitative approach and a phenomenological research design was used for the qualitative approach. The correlational research design was chosen to examine the relationships between variables and to describe the current state. The phenomenological research design was chosen because the study was focused on the relationship of a particular phenomenon to the participant&rsquo;s cognitive and dispositional experiences. The subjects included students that were enrolled in Master&rsquo;s in Education or Doctor of Education courses from three universities located in Southern California. The methodology included student self-assessment through a project rubric, a survey to operationalize academic achievement, and a survey and interviews to operationalize student self-efficacy. While the statistical findings did not reflect strong correlations, the non-statistical findings reflected a positive relationship between formative self-assessment as it related to academic achievement and student self-efficacy in online graduate programs. Formative self-assessment provides online educators with a tool to enhance the course effectiveness and the overall learning process.</p><p>

<p> This exploratory dissertation investigates and describes 1) the habits of U.S. college students&rsquo; use of mobile devices in the classroom, and 2) U.S. college students&rsquo; perceptions on policy which bans mobile device usage in the classroom. The study also examines how students&rsquo; demographics influence their usage of mobile devices in the classroom and perceptions on the banning policy. The purpose of this study was to determine how frequently college students self-reported the use of mobile devices in the classroom whether for communication or for activities unrelated to class content and how college students feel about policies banning the use of such devices during class. </p><p> The following research questions framed this quantitative methods study: 1. To what extent do college students use their personal mobile device(s) during class for activities that are not related to class content? 2. Which mobile device activities not related to class content do college student access most often during class time? 3. To what extent do college students feel that mobile devices are a distraction from learning during class time? 4. How do college students perceive banning of mobile device use during class time? 5. To what extent are student demographics related to attitude about mobile devices in college classrooms? </p><p> This study utilized descriptive statistical analysis to summarize and analyze the survey results that were collected from 584 randomly selected U.S. college students. A questionnaire with 13 questions was distributed and collected through SurveyMonkey to the target audience who are: 1) 18&ndash;39 years old, 2) college students, and 3) studying in U.S. The survey results indicated a majority of college students don&rsquo;t perceive using a personal mobile device during class as a substantial distraction nor did the students who completed the survey prefer their instructors implement a policy banning the use of mobile devices for personal reasons in the classroom. In addition, the study found that most students use their personal mobile devices in the classroom for text messaging, social networking, and checking e-mail as those activities not related to the class content.</p><p>

<p> The purpose of this dissertation was to study perceptions of faculty and administrators at institutions of higher education on copyright ownership of faculty-created digital course content. The central question for this study was: Who had copyright ownership rights of faculty-created digital content and in what manner was copyright ownership developed, implemented, and asserted at institutions of higher education. The five research questions were: (a) How were copyright ownership policies of faculty-created digital content developed and implemented at institutions of higher education?; (b) How were faculty involved in the development of copyright ownership agreements?; (c) What institutional policy and contractual documents contained specific language on copyright ownership rights of faculty-created digital content?; (d) How were institutional assertions of copyright ownership of faculty-created digital content allocated and managed?; (e) How were copyright ownership issues of faculty-created digital content resolved? A descriptive study approach was used to study administrator and faculty perceptions on copyright ownership at five institution types within the State of Texas and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. A total of 100 random faculty and administrator participants were sent the online survey link via e-mail. The online survey included closed-ended and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results from the closed-ended and open- ended questions. In summary, the findings showed that within the participating respondent groups: (a) Most faculty were not involved in the development of copyright ownership policies; (b) Institutions asserted copyright ownership through some institutional document/policy and not through contractual agreements; and, (c) Copyright ownership issues did not arise between the institution and faculty. With the portability of digital content, and the need to utilize and develop said content within the university setting, more faculty and administrators should be aware of, and be involved in copyright ownership policies. The field of study of copyright ownership in accordance to faculty and administrator digitally created content was limited, and more studies should be conducted with a larger population. </p><p>