<p>Higher education scholars, policy makers, and administrators know little about the experiences of undergraduate students who matriculate with minimal experience with technology. It is often assumed that all students, particularly traditionally-aged students, have significant experience with, knowledge of, and comfort with technology. Although that assumption is correct for many students, it is false for others. Despite the enormous increase in the use of Web-based assessment surveys and the increasing importance of accurate assessment and accountability data, those efforts may not be collecting adequate and accurate data about and from all students. </p><p> This study explores the non-response bias of first-year undergraduate students on a self-administered Web-based survey. First, data were collected with a supplemental survey added to the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE). K-means clustering was used with this newly constructed Internet Access and Use survey to classify students according to their Internet access and use experiences. Second, demographic data from BCSSE and the Internet access and use data were included in a logistic regression predicting response to the subsequent National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). </p><p> The Internet Access and Use instrument proved to be a viable way to classify students along lines of their previous Internet access and use experiences. However, that classification played no meaningful role predicting whether students had completed NSSE. Indeed, despite its statistical significance the final logistic regression model using provided little meaningful predictive power. </p><p> Generalizing the results of this study to all Web-based surveys of undergraduate college students with random or census sampling indicates that those surveys may not introduce significant non-response bias for students who have had less access to the Internet. This is particularly important since that population is already vulnerable in many ways as being disproportionately composed of first-generation students, underrepresented minority students, and students with lower socioeconomic statuses. This reassures assessment professionals and all higher education stakeholders that cost- and labor-efficient Web-based surveys are capable of collecting data that do not omit the voices of these students. </p>

<p> Social networking sites (SNS) have become the major media through which millions of college students develop and maintain their personal online networks. Several recent studies have explored why college students use social networking sites and the factors that affect users joining these sites. However, little is known about the relationship between the amount of SNS use and an under-represented community college student's academic success. The main objective of this study was to examine relationships between SNS activities, academic performance, the type and frequency of SNS use, student engagement, and other socio-psychological characteristics that may affect school achievement. This study surveyed 567 low-income students enrolled in six community colleges in Southern California. This cross-sectional structured survey used a sample of 567 low-income students enrolled in six community colleges in Southern California that are predominantly attended by low-income students. Both bivariate (ANOVA and Chi-Squared test) and multivariate (logistic regression) techniques were employed. The present research study clearly detected a strong association between SNS and college performance among community college students, even after demographic and socio-economic characteristics were held statistically constant. This study documented an excessive use of SNS is associated with poor performance in college. While it was expected that the excessive use of SNS associated with college performance; however, it is interesting that many college students realized this potential negative association between inappropriate use of SNS and college performance. Yet, it seems that motivation and skills to modify their behaviors associated with excessive use of SNS are not in place. SNS usage has great potential to prepare students for college by bridging their online social life with the world of academic discourse. It is important to design, develop, and implement educational curriculum that encourage use of SNS as an alternative and substitute for excessive use of SNS for non-educational purposes. Educational interventional projects are needed to promote knowledge and awareness of students of potential negative impact of SNS on their college performance, particularly among students that are using SNS extensively for non-educational purpose. Leadership at higher educational institutions also needs to be encouraged to promote use of SNS for educational use.</p>

<p> This dissertation summarizes a study of the use of online homework with developmental mathematics students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. To address the problem of high failure rates in developmental mathematics courses this study investigated the relationship between online homework and academic achievement, persistence, and attitude. Special focus was placed on non-traditional and Alaska Native students. </p><p> A matched pair experimental design was employed. The independent variable was homework type and the dependent variables were achievement, persistence, and attitude. Nineteen sections of developmental mathematics, six instructors, and 423 student participants were involved. </p><p> The main effect of homework type was not statistically significant to any of the dependent variables. However, the effect of the interaction between homework type and course level was significant (p = 0.005). Upon further analysis it was found that one of the four levels (beginning algebra) had significantly higher post-test scores when online homework was assigned. The interaction effects of homework type/Native status and homework type/ non-traditional status were not statistically significant on any of the dependent variables. </p><p> Also, results from homework questionnaires were compared. In general, students rated paper homework slightly higher than online homework. Instructors rated online homework higher than students did. Non-traditional students scored paper homework higher than online homework. </p><p> The conclusion of this study is that while students have a slightly more favorable attitude toward paper homework, online homework in conjunction with graded paper quizzes and face-to-face instruction does not have a negative effect on achievement or persistence.</p>

<p> An important goal of nursing education is to produce graduates who are problem solvers and competent clinical practitioners able to practice in a very complicated health care environment; reflection and inquiry are two ways to accomplish this goal. This qualitative study explored how eight senior baccalaureate nursing students developed in their ability to utilize reflection and inquiry at higher stages over time through the use of the online clinical post-conference conducted as an asynchronous discussion board. Transcripts of participant postings were examined weekly to determine the stage of reflection and inquiry displayed and a comparison was done to determine if the stages increased over time. Boud's model of the reflective process and the practical inquiry model of Garrison, Anderson, and Archer provided the theoretical framework for this study. </p><p> Findings from this study demonstrated that participants developed in their ability to utilize reflection and inquiry at higher stages over time by engaging in the online clinical post-conference and that the online clinical post-conference was an effective venue that encouraged the use of reflection and inquiry. The social aspect of the online clinical post-conference (reading others' posts, having others read and comment on their posts, and asking each other questions) was seen as promoting learning from peers. </p><p> Findings of this study could be used by nurse educators to change their pedagogy to produce nurses who learn from experiences and are lifelong learners. Nurse faculty should consider incorporating the use of reflection, inquiry, and the online clinical post-conference in all clinical courses.</p>

<p> This thesis investigates how Generation iY students perceive that social media and / or texting technology has influenced their ability to track and comprehend the subtleties of face-to-face communication within an academic setting. Generation iY is defined as those born between the years 1982 to 2004. Also involved in this study are members of the faculty and staff that teach Generation iY. The theories being applied and examined in this study include, Postman's Technology Ecology, McLuhan's Media Ecology, and Ong's Orality and Literacy. These theories while addressing different aspects of technological change, all agree that the change is all encompassing with every advancement in technology. The study consisted of four focus groups. Two groups consist of Generation iY, and two groups of faculty and staff. Comparative analysis was utilized to point out the similarities and differences between the focus groups. This study has revealed that while Generation iY said that they prefer face to face communication; they are intimidated, fearful of judgment, overwhelmed, and lack the sense of responsibility that is inherent with face-to-face communication. They find social media and texting a more comfortable means of communication because it requires less effort and minimizes consequences. The quotes given by the Generation iYers in this study are in accord with what Elmore (2010), writes about them, Generation iY is isolated yet connected. Generation iY has an overdeveloped attachment to their peer group via social media. The faculty of Generation iY cites this as a major reason why Generation iY struggle with critical thinking. Weiler (2004), supports these concerns as she indicates that they gather information for the wrong reasons. They use critical thinking in order to prove their beliefs right to their peer group instead of trying to find answers to problems.</p>