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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.

In spite of the fact that contemporary society is called information or knowledge society, the meaning of terms information and knowledge is often out of our attention. The author seeks, bearing in mind the seriousness of discussed topics in the text, to present a systemic view with emphasis on the interrelationship between ideas and phenomena, based on a thorough definition of the theoretical foundations. The main aim of this work is to (from several different perspectives) point out selected important consequences of knowledge "objectification". It turns out that theme of education plays a major role in response to the question which modern society faces in the context of informatization.

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