<p> This study was designed to involve a variety of research methods, resulting in a mixed methods, case study approach to investigate best teaching practices in an elementary blended learning environment. The research-based evaluation work of Charlotte Danielson was incorporated as the theoretical framework for this research. Differing methods of tablet use were observed in 10 classrooms while data was collected on student engagement. Blended learning is among best teaching practices, though surprisingly, educators in this study were not familiar with blended learning models and techniques. The term "blended learning" in the context of this K-5 study meant utilizing different technology devices as a means to enhance teaching. Many educators are utilizing tablets in their classrooms on a daily basis without adequate professional development. The influx of tablets in America's schools has not been well planned nor have professional development opportunities provided teachers with the necessary training to fully implement and integrate best practice in their classrooms. Findings from this study help fill the gap in elementary level and rural area schools. Results from this research indicate that blended learning tools enrich the elementary school classroom. Tablet usage in this study demonstrated seamless bridging for all levels of academic achievement. Students were observed utilizing metacognitive skills when collaborating with their peers and demonstrating their learning through projects on their tablets. Three themes emerged from the interview data. First, blended learning and the integration of technology as a best practice supports current literature. The second theme involved professional development, including teachers' desire for both building- and district-level support as well as the frequency of professional development, and teacher technology support. And third, the school is the vehicle for teacher collaboration, differentiation for students, and engagement of students.</p>

<p> Computing ethics is a complex area of study that is of significant importance to the computing community and global society. Such concerns as surveillance and automation underscore the need for increased ethical understanding and training in computing. However, education and research in computing ethics are difficult due to the diverse meanings of ethics. This content analysis study analyzed definitions of computer ethics, the subject matter of computer ethics, and the relationship between the definition and subject matter. The purpose of this study was to educe and present the meaning of computing ethics, resulting in a thematic definition of computing ethics for use in education and research. This analysis also provides a coherent concept of the subject matter of computing ethics in relation to the synthesized definition. This study discusses definition and subject matter themes that emerged such as interdisciplinarity, collaboration, scholars and professionals, contributions and costs, computing artifacts, global society, privacy, design and development, and use. The results of this study can assist computing ethicists with research, aid computing educators with curriculum development, and provide a theoretical frame for relating ethics to computing. This exploration demonstrates that groups within the computing community can find common ground, even on such a difficult and complex matter as ethics.</p>

<p> This quantitative study investigates cyber-plagiarism among undergraduate college students, particularly the prevalence and motives for copying and pasting unattributed sources on written assignments within the theoretically rich and broader context of self-efficacy theory. </p><p> Four-hundred-thirty-seven students from three universities completed an online survey designed to examine the relationship between cyber-plagiarism and measures of self-efficacy. A Pearson Correlation revealed no empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that students cyber-plagiarize because they lack an ability to synthesize. The results also indicated that students do not perceive cyber-plagiarism as a socially acceptable practice at their universities, and that they strongly believe in an author's ownership in the digital age. Respondents reported that they almost never participate in cyber-plagiarism, yet perceive cyber-plagiarism as a prevalent practice among their peers.</p>

The purpose of this study is to examine teachers’ perceptions of professional development and changes in classroom practice. A proposed conceptual framework for effective professional development that results in changes in classroom practices was developed. Data from two programs that provided professional development to teachers in the areas of technology, mathematics, and science was used to inform the conceptual framework. These two programs were Target Technology in Texas (T3) and Mathematics, Science, and Technology Teacher Preparation Academies (MSTTPA). This dissertation used a multiple article format to explore each program separately, yet the proposed conceptual framework allowed for comparisons to be made between the two programs. he first study investigated teachers’ perceptions of technology-related professional development after their districts had received a T3 grant. An online survey was administrated to all teachers to determine their perceptions of technology-related professional development along with technology self-efficacy. Classroom observations were conducted to determine if teachers were implementing technology. The results indicated that teachers did not perceive professional development as being effective and were not implementing technology in their classrooms. Teachers did have high technology self-efficacy and perceived adequate school support, which implies that effective professional development may be a large factor in whether or not teachers implement technology in their classrooms. The second study evaluated participants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of mathematics and science professional development offered through a MSTTP academy. Current and former participants completed an online survey which measured their perceptions of academy activities and school environment. Participants also self-reported classroom implementation of technology. Interviews and open-ended survey questions were used to provide further insight into academy activities. The results indicated that academy participants perceived effective academy activities along with a supportive school environment. Additionally, participants reported sometimes implementing technology in their classrooms. These findings suggest that several factors might influence the successful classroom implementation of professional development. The data which supports the conceptual framework shows that effective professional development may play a key role in successful classroom implementation. Future professional development activities should be designed around characteristics for effective professional development to increase the likelihood that classroom implementation might occur.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2006. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-02, Section: A, page: 0536. Adviser: Daniel J. Walsh. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-143) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

Thesis (M. Ed.(CIE))-University of Pretoria, [2007]. / Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--The University of Auckland (New Zealand), 2005. / (UnM)AAI3201547. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-12, Section: A, page: 4359. Adviser: John Hattie.

Thesis ( Ph.D)--University of Tasmania, 2003. / Accompanying CD in pocket inside back cover. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Instructional Systems Technology, 2006. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-12, Section: A, page: 4413. Adviser: Thomas M. Schwen.

Thesis (Ph.D. Education)--University of Waikato, 2009. / Title from PDF cover (viewed January 14, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 345-362)