This study examines Channel One's influence on middle schools in Sullivan County, Tennessee. The purpose of the study is to investigate the views, feelings, and opinions of Sullivan County middle school teachers regarding the use of Channel One in their classrooms. The study utilizes data gathered from surveys and personal interviews from five middle schools in Sullivan County, Tennessee that subscribe to Channel One. Areas of data presentation include the uses of Channel One in each teaching classroom, the positive and negative consequences Sullivan County middle school teachers perceive Channel One has on their students, the effects of Channel One's advertising upon their students, and the overall satisfaction of teachers who use Channel One in their curriculum. Conclusions of the study emphasize the need for more teacher in-service training specifically for teachers who have Channel One in their classroom.

The purpose of this study was to examine the variables that are apparently affecting the incorporation of computer technology in Northeast Tennessee rural K-12 public schools. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the independent variables--gender, age, and prior experience, and the dependent variables--knowledge about, attitude toward, and use of computer technology among Northeast Tennessee teachers and principals. This study utilized a survey methodology seeking responses from teachers and administrators in Sullivan, Hawkins, Johnson, Washington, Carter, and Unicoi counties. The findings were based on the return of 208 completed surveys which represented a 52% return rate. Based on the findings of the study the following conclusions were reached: First, the overall level of access to computer hardware and software in individual schools is not adequate if computer technology is to become part of the students' learning. Second, schools are providing little or no teacher training in using computer technology for lesson planning, delivery of instruction, research, or to promote hands-on student learning. Third, teachers and administrators believe that computer technology would be extremely helpful in their work now, and in the near future (5 years from now). Fourth, teachers and administrators believe that computer technology will be almost indispensable in the schools of the near future. Fifth, male and female educators report similar attitudes toward, knowledge about, and use of computer technology. Sixth, educators of different ages report similar attitudes toward and use of computer technology. Educators of different ages, however, do not report similar knowledge of computer technology. Seventh, teachers and principals with different levels of prior education experiences report similar attitudes toward, knowledge about, and use of computer technology. Eighth, in planning future training computer training programs, it is probably not necessary to differentiate groups according to personal attributes such as gender, age, and prior experience. Ninth, the potential for the instructional use of computer technology has not yet been realized. The following recommendations were suggested: (1) there should be enough computer technology for teachers and principals to have unrestricted access, (2) there should be sufficient and adequate computer technology training for teachers and principals offered at the local level, (3) there should be adequate support and time for teachers and principals to learn how to use technology and plan for its use in the school setting, (4) this study should be expanded and replicated to include a larger sample size of educators from all across the state of Tennessee, (5) the relationship between age and knowledge of computer technology should be further investigated, (6) teachers and principals who are proficient in computer technology should serve as role models and peer tutors for those who want to learn how to use computer technology, and (7) district and building administrators should provide computer technology training and planning during the school day.

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The purpose of this case study was to examine the degree to which those managing change for a distance learning initiative followed David Nadler's (1989) four action steps designed to reduce resistance in making the transition from the former operational state to a newly-created state.;The four action steps include providing opportunities for participation among employees, allowing employees to identify current operations that will not work in the new organizational state, rewarding behavior that assists in the transition, and allowing sufficient time for the change to take place. The findings in this study revealed that participation was the critical component that effected successful change.;Those units in which administrators encouraged employee participation in the transition were able to make adaptations in their operations that allowed for the development of effective and efficient student support services for distance learners. Employees were also very satisfied with the management of change provided by the administrators.;Those units in which administrators did not encourage employee participation in the transition were able to make adaptations for distance learners; however, the services provided were neither effective nor efficient. Further, employees were dissatisfied with the managers' styles in directing the change.;It is therefore recommended that managers involve employees whenever possible in their units' operations--decision-making, problem-solving, and transitions undertaken by the unit--for a productive and satisfied workforce.;Further research is suggested in employee participation and managerial style, as well as in women's leadership, and teamwork in organizations.

Distance education has the potential to offer a meaningful alternative for students with disabilities. Colleges and universities have opportunities to provide quality online courses to students with disabilities; yet data show these students may often choose to discontinue higher education pursuits. Little is currently known about how students with disabilities experience the distance learning environment or how institutions of higher education. This phenomenological study focuses on the quality of the learning experiences and learner satisfaction of students with disabilities in distance education courses. The purpose of this study is to investigate 1) how online learning is experienced by students with disabilities, 2) what factors facilitate or inhibit their online learning, and 3) how what instructors do to facilitate online learning is perceived by students with various disabilities. This study examines how students with various disabilities assess the quality of distance education coursework in terms of three constructs: course interaction, structure, and support. Data was gathered via interviews with consenting participants who had affirmatively responded to a study participation solicitation email and completed a brief survey. Sadly, discussions of topics related to students with disabilities experiences are still rare in the distance education literature. These interview data suggest that, despite having many tasks to which they must attend, more training for instructors is needed on how to work with students with disabilities. The Offices of Students with Disabilities Services and instructors should develop a way to work together, rather than separately, in a proactive rather than reactive fashion, to better serve the needs of students with disabilities. Further research in this area may allow students with disabilities with online courses in higher education to become more vocal about their needs from their individual perspectives and in their own words, and pave the way for improving the quality of the online learning environment for them.

The overall success rate of implementing enterprise resource planning systems is about 30%. Guided by systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the strategies used to ensure a successful implementation by information technology managers working in higher education settings. The data were derived from semistructured interviews of 6 managers and documentation from a higher education institution in the northeastern United States that successfully implemented an ERP system. Data analysis consisted of reviewing interview transcripts, from which themes and patterns were identified and coded. Three recurring factors arose throughout the analysis involved commitment, communication, and change management. The main themes included pre-implementation strategy activities, implementation strategies, post-implementation strategy activities, and continuous improvement. Managers engaged in enterprise resource planning systems implementations should frame the strategic approach with a strong commitment, effective communication, and a comprehensive change management plan throughout the process. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve the institution's business processes, cultivate a more knowledgeable workforce, increase student academic experience, and improve the institution's performance overall.

The study school in Bibb County, Georgia had a passing rate of approximately 60% on 9th grade literature and composition End of Course Tests (EOCT). An instructional paradigm was needed to help provide quality instruction and facilitate students' efforts to meet the mandate for performance. Research supports differentiated instruction (DI), instructional technology (IT), Gardner's multiple intelligences, and Vygotsky's theory of constructivism as the foundation for quality instruction. This ex post facto study used a cluster sample to explore 2 questions. One research questions explored the effect of DI enhanced with IT on students' learning in 9th grade literature and composition class. The other examined the differences in EOCT scores between students receiving 9th grade literature and composition instruction through a traditional approach and those receiving instruction through DI enhanced with IT. One hundred and five 1st time 9th graders in a literature and composition class were divided into 2 groups. One received traditional instruction, and the other received differentiated instruction with technology. Pretests and EOCTs were analyzed using a t test to determine the difference between the 2 instructional practices. Both groups achieved statistically significant growth between the pretest and posttest; however, the treatment group scored a statistically significant 7.4-points higher on the posttest when compared to the controlled group's posttest. It is recommended that stakeholders read this study, revise budgets, and seek out grants to create classrooms addressing the needs of 21st century learners. Significant growth is obtained from instructional practices that include differentiated instruction enhanced with technology, and teachers must be trained in instructional practices that incorporate DI and IT in order to promote positive social change in the educational system.

Virtual learning environments have become prevalent in the workplace to improve talent development. However, because there are so many different types of design options, not all learners are finding success in the virtual learning environment. This mismatch can negatively impact employees' motivation and learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how design features of a virtual learning environment impacted adult learners' motivation in the workplace. Constructivist and self-determination theories were used as theoretical frameworks. The research question in this study explored how social and external contextual factors influence an adult learner's motivation to learn in a virtual learning environment. A qualitative case study was used to explore the data collected from 8 federal employees who used a virtual learning environment for professional development. Data were collected from interviews, surveys, and direct observations and analyzed using inductive coding to determined patterns and themes for study. The results from the study indicated the participants viewed visual learning, learner control, ease of use, technical competence, instructor support, and technical support as critical factors that must be addressed when using a virtual learning environment to improve talent development. The findings from the study can provide insights that could be used by training developers for how to design virtual learning environments to provide a positive environment. The social change impact will be to improve the virtual learning environments for the federal workforce to improve motivation and create a culture of talent development for individual growth and organizational capabilities.

Although research supports the blended learning methodology as a way to personalize and engage students, research also documents the widespread hesitation among educators when it comes to embracing technology. District leaders believe that such is the case in an upper Midwest school district where all high school students are provided devices, yet these leaders note that few teachers are fully exploiting the tools. Framed by the connectivism and social constructivism theories, this qualitative case study focused on teachers' views of blended learning, its influence on their teaching practices, and how they see it helping students to learn. The guiding research questions addressed the successes and challenges of blended learning, including how Moodle was used for formative e-assessment. Data were collected from 12 purposefully selected high school teachers by a questionnaire, 3 different observations in each of their classrooms, computer screenshots provided by participants, and 3 semi-structured interviews per teacher. Open coding produced common themes during the data analysis. Findings show that these teachers believe that blended learning promotes individualization, collaboration, organization, engagement, real-world relevance, and student-centered learning. While they agreed that blended learning supported their practice, challenges were cited such as students disengaging in the learning process, device and infrastructure concerns, and the time to integrate technology effectively. Based upon these findings, professional learning communities were designed to improve teacher pedagogy for using blended learning. This study may serve as a model for staff from other schools who are integrating higher levels of technologies as they try to level the playing field and prepare students to be global citizens with the necessary 21st century skills.

To satisfy demand for online learning opportunities at the high school level, 3 school districts in the northeast United States established a consortium to share resources to develop and deliver online courses. High school teachers who volunteered to develop courses for the consortium attempted the task without previous training in online course design and facilitation. High school students enrolled in the courses often did not successfully complete them, which obstructed the mission of the consortium. The purpose of this qualitative single critical case study was to explore teachers' experiences with and perceptions of designing and developing online courses without accompanying professional development. The iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses (v2) and technological, pedagogical, content knowledge (TPACK) served as the conceptual frameworks for the study. Five teachers who developed and facilitated an online course for the consortium, without companion professional development, volunteered to be interviewed. Data were reduced using NVivo software and analyzed using a priori codes based on NACOL standards then open-coded for emerging themes. Results indicated that other than content expertise, teachers did not believe they had sufficient competencies in any of the areas identified in the iNACOL standards. Based on these results, an online professional development course for teachers was designed to provide introductory training and to model elements of quality online course design using the Moodle learning management system. Positive social change may be achieved if teachers have the knowledge and skills required to develop high-caliber, innovative, and convenient education opportunities that encourage students' course completion which leads to learning and academic success.