Online courses are complex, human-driven contexts for formal learning. Little has been said about the environment emerging from the interaction of instructor(s), learners, and other resources in such courses. Theories that focus on instructional settings and methods that are designed to accommodate inquiry into complex phenomena are essential to the systematic study of online courses. Such a line of research is necessary as the basis for a common language with which we can begin to speak holistically about online courses. In this dissertation, I attempt to generate better questions about the nature of online instructional environments. By combining prior works related to educational criticism and qualitative research case study with original innovations, I develop a model for studying the instructional experiences of online courses. I then apply this approach in the study of one specific online course at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

This study examined the perceptions of satisfaction, engagement, comfort, and confidence level with Web 2.0 technologies as learning strategies in online courses, as well as differences based on gender, age, race, income, and a correlation among these factors and digital skills. The researcher survey design was used for this study, and was sent to all adult learners enrolled in an undergraduate degree-completion or graduate program. The population of 2,100 adult learners was asked to participate in the study, and 134 adult learners completed it. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted in order to address the research questions. The analysis consisted of one sample t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in order to determine the level and differences in perception of Web 2.0 use and correlation. One sample t test indicated that respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied, engaged, comfortable, and confident with Web 2.0 technologies. There were no significant differences among participants based on gender, age, income, or race in their overall satisfaction. When looking at individual survey items, results indicated that a female's comfort level in virtual meetings in online courses was significantly lower than males. The findings also showed that the Hispanics and other ethnic race groups' comfort level using social networking sites was significantly higher than that of the Caucasian and African American participants. However, the Caucasian groups' comfort level was significantly higher in social networking sites and instant messaging than that of African American groups. Moreover, both Caucasian and African American participants' confidence levels were significantly higher using Web 2.0 technologies at work than Hispanics'. Additionally, the study checked for correlations among digital literacy, satisfaction, engagement, comfort, and confidence, and positive correlations were found. An increase in confidence and satisfaction was associated with an increase in engagement, and increases in satisfaction were associated with increases in comfort. To summarize, most adult learners can learn and acquire digital literacy skills based on their satisfaction, engagement, comfort, and confidence in using Web 2.0 technologies in online learning. Digital literacy skills are needed for adult learners to participate in a digital and global society.

<p>Fluid power education would benefit from the adoption of an alternative to traditional hands-on instructional methods. Hands-on education is invaluable because it offers students experience interacting with and controlling fluid power systems and components, but systems are typically space-consuming and expensive. The study sought to prove the viability of mixed reality (MR) as an alternative to traditional hands-on fluid power instruction through the creation of MR lab exercises. A summary of design methodology was created to demonstrate how virtual fluid power components were modeled and presented in a mixed reality environment. Data was collected from students enrolled at Purdue University who participated in traditional and mixed reality fluid power lab exercises. Student responses were expected to express a positive reception of mixed reality as a fluid power instructional tool. The study anticipated that utilizing mixed reality in a fluid power laboratory setting would increase student comprehension of fluid power concepts. Educational variables were limited by restricting testing to students within the advanced fluid power course of Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute. Students in this course provided feedback that drew comparisons between traditional and mixed reality instructional methods. Labs were created to remain within the course schedule so as not to disrupt course curriculum. Data from Likert-type surveys were analyzed from pre- and post-lab questionnaires as well as student feedback from their experience after completing each mixed reality (MR) lab. Analysis showed that MR is a viable alternative to traditional hands-on instructional methods as students showed an increase in material comprehension of both fluid power components and concepts. Students perceived MR as a beneficial instructional tool but continued to show preference towards physical interactions with components. A combination of instructional methods is recommended.</p> <p>  </p>

Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). As such, ICT is commonly integrated in academic institutions on a global level, and has been used in the educational process inside and outside the classroom. Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). However, the integration of such technology in teaching and learning may face some barriers especially in emerging academic institutions. Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of such technology (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016). This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University, a new university in Saudi Arabia, served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009). / Doctor of Philosophy / Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming a critical part of operations and innovations in many sectors around the world (Basri, Alandejani, and Almadani, 2018). Currently in Saudi Arabia, the integration of technology in educational environments is viewed as essential in the growth of Saudi education (Alali, 2015). Some scholars report that while the use of ICT is advocated in many universities and schools, and in particular in Saudi Arabia, some instructors are not likely to use it in their teaching processes because of barriers hindering their utilization and integration of ICT (Asiri, 2012; Albugami and Ahmad, 2015; Al Mulhim, 2014; Muhametjanova and Cagiltay, 2016). This study aimed to examine how ICT is being used for teaching and learning within the context of an emerging university in Saudi Arabia, as well as what factors faculty identify as barriers and enablers to its use. The current study replicates the research conducted by Nyirongo (2009) in the country of Malawi, and is based on the theoretical principles of technology adoption proposed by Rogers, Ely, and Surry (Ely, 1999; Rogers, 2003; Surry, 2002). Faculty members at Al-Baha University served as the participants. This study found that there are several common factors that impede the adoption and integration of ICT for teaching and learning at Al-Baha University. Those factors are: lack of computer availability and accessibility for faculty members and students, poor Internet connection, lack of faculty participating in decision making regarding electronic technology, access to training and pedagogical support regarding such technology, and lack of technical support. These findings correlate with the same kinds of factors that have been identified as barriers in other educational contexts (Al Mulhim, 2014; Albugami and Ahmed, 2016; Alkahtani, 2017; Hsu, 2016; Kilinc, et al. 2018; Kler, 2014; Machado and Chung, 2015; Nyirongo, 2009).

This study examined the influence of instructional technology on Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) vocabulary acquisition and the intrinsic motivation language learners present while learning vocabulary in a second language. A quasi-experimental design helped determine the impact of the instructional technology intervention using Quia and Quizlet to learn vocabulary over direct instruction. A nonrandom convenience sample of (N = 47) participants was divided into the experimental group (n = 25) and control group (n = 22). Data was collected from face-to-face interactions. Participants were secondary Spanish two students, ages 14–17, and from a north Texas public school. I taught 10 lessons over 10 days during a 30–45-minute instructional technology or direct instruction activity independently. The findings revealed whether the strategies, (a) instructional technology or (b) direct instruction, have a significant impact on Spanish vocabulary acquisition and student intrinsic motivation. The study's findings were derived from independent t-tests, which indicated that using instructional technology did not impact vocabulary acquisition over participants learning through a direct instruction method. Student intrinsic motivation was also not impacted. The analysis determined no significant impact between instructional strategies or the student's intrinsic motivation while learning vocabulary in a second language. While this study provides practical methods to implement in a classroom for language learners, the recommendations are intended for all educators to guide and teach language development and implement instructional lessons that influence students' vocabulary acquisition using motivating strategies.

In today's schools, the ability to integrate technology into the teaching and learning environment is a necessary and crucial skill. Many K-12 classroom environments are technology-rich, with 1:1 devices, blended learning, and even distance instruction taking place. However, new teachers often enter the classroom unprepared to successfully utilize educational technology and navigate the technology-rich classroom environment. This research study examined the preparation of preservice teachers to teach with technology in today's classrooms, and explored the gap between the preparation teachers received in their teacher education program and what they needed to be able to be successful as classroom teachers. The primary goal was to explain how teachers are currently being prepared to teach with educational technology and compare that preparation to the skills they found they needed when they began teaching. This study was an exploratory qualitative study that employed survey and interview research approaches to establish a baseline of how technology skills are being addressed in educator preparation programs and how new teachers are utilizing technology in their classrooms. The survey questions consisted of structured and open-ended questions, and the interviews were semi-structured interviews. Results of this research study provide information for future research in the area of teacher education related to technology, can help teacher education programs improve how they prepare preservice teachers, and can help schools better meet the needs of their new teachers.

This dissertation entailed a qualitative case study on the confluence of technology and social studies in fostering a constructivist education. Through the examination of pre-service social studies teachers’ understanding of the online primary source resources (OPSR), three themes emerged. The first exposed the fragmented understanding of important pedagogical theories of constructivism and historical thinking among participants; the second suggested that OPSR was mostly valued by pre-service teachers for its provision of primary sources; and the third related to how pre-service teachers viewed the current state of technology and context as problematic for technology integration. Accordingly, four findings were revealed. First, the pre-service teachers in the study demonstrated a limited understanding of the application of foundational theories central to their field of study; second, there were instances of deeper appreciation of the potential of OPSR, indicating that pre-service teachers’ theoretical understanding is ix nascent and may deepen overtime; third, the full potential of technologies such as OPSR was not recognized; and fourth, the pre-service teachers’ perceptions of school and educational system conditions tended to negatively influence their views toward the integration of technology into their teaching practices. Implications indicate that first, foundational pedagogical theories are critical with regard to technology integration in education and as such teacher preparation programs must not assume what is taught is what is learned; second, instances of deeper understanding among pre-service teachers only appeared during the application of their theoretical understandings; third, context is critical in how OPSR would be used in classrooms and such contextual issues must not be ignored by teacher preparation programs; and fourth, teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (PCK/TPCK) is critical in the integration of technology in education. / text

This case study describes one professional development approach to support technology integration at all public schools in one large county in central Virginia. Using data obtained from daily time logs, the frequency of Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT) use by classroom teachers was analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe overall percentage of ITRT use, the various types of professional development requested by teachers, the consistency of those activities over time, and if the frequencies of activities varied as a function of school level, Title I status at the elementary level, or subject area taught by teachers at the secondary level. Qualitative data was collected via focus group interviews of the involved ITRTs, and an exploratory attempt to understand the reasons behind their use was made. Data indicated that ITRTs were used 52% of the time offered with 5% variation over 3 years. Across school levels, ITRT time was used more at the secondary level and use varied no more than 9% over time. Google Apps for Education and web-based programs represented 73% of the training requests. Over time, fluctuations in the number of requests for assistance with different applications were explained by contextual factors. Elementary schools classified as Title I accounted for 23% of the total time elementary ITRTs were used. At the secondary level, teachers of science and language arts requested ITRT assistance more often. ITRTs made sense of these results by identifying first order barriers as more influential than second order barriers. Of these, access barriers were the most frequently cited barrier by the ITRTs followed by subject culture, institution, assessment, attitude and beliefs, and knowledge and skills. Elementary ITRTs cited more instances of barriers than secondary. Recommendations for practice and future research were made.

Este trabalho apresenta contribuições do autor na área da educação em engenharia, no campo da Educação em Micro e Nanoeletrônica (Microeduc) e Educação em Nanociências e Nanotecnologias (Nanoeduc) no Brasil. É apresentada a modelagem de duas plataformas virtuais experimentais denominadas microEDUC e nanoEDUC para compartilhar saberes e práticas docentes. Ferramentas de edição colaborativas e armazenamento online de mídias permitem que educadores organizem e compartilhem seus saberes a ensinar (ementas, planejamentos, planos de cursos, planos de ensino-aprendizagem, planos de aula e agendas) e saberes ensinados (práticas e experiências docentes, lista de exercícios, apresentações, videoaulas, WebQuests, apostilas, livros eletrônicos, materiais didáticos, etc.). Oficinas com estratégias de aprendizagem colaborativa móvel foram modeladas e testadas com o objetivo de estimular a curiosidade e o interesse de professores e estudantes sobre as áreas de projetos de circuitos integrados e de fabricação de dispositivos microeletrônicos. As plataformas virtuais colaborativas testadas foram ativadas na internet com o pacote de serviços Google Apps com os complementos Google Apps Script, Google App Engine, Google Sites API, Gmail API, YouTube API, Google Drive DSK e outros para criação de midiatecas online (bibliotecas, audiotecas, videotecas, wikitecas, documentecas, TVtecas, radiotecas, etc.), edições de textos e documentos colaborativos usados nas criações de roteiros para Web Rádio e Web TV, dicionários e glossários colaborativos, criação de web books, e várias outras atividades didáticas colaborativas. A documentação das oficinas colaborativas móveis, dos roteiros das mídias educativas, das análises de mídias, das instanciações automáticas de páginas e documentos para colaboração e gerenciamento de discos virtuais foram feitas na linguagem STML Scripts (Structured Text Markup Language) criada, definida e sistematizada pelo autor, durante o desenvolvimento deste trabalho. Videoaulas e videotutoriais foram produzidos com a metodologia de videocasting seguindo-se as etapas convencionais para produção de audiovisuais (pré-produção, produção e pós-produção). Os canais de Web Rádio e Web TV foram individualizados para professores e disciplinas, dentro de videotecas online com transmissões ao vivo orientadas aos dispositivos móveis. As capturadas das aulas foram feitas com filmadoras semiprofissionais de baixo custo em diferentes ambientes: sala de aula convencional, laboratório de microeletrônica e estúdio móvel de Web TV. Na Escola Politécnica da USP foram capturadas aulas testes do curso de eletrônica e etapas de processos de fabricação de transistores MOSFET no laboratório de microeletrônica. Um estúdio móvel viii de Web TV foi construído com 18 m2 de área total, para realizar testes de oficinas colaborativas, testes de VT, gravações de videoaulas, videotutoriais, transmissões experimentais de Webconferência, e de programas de Web Rádio e Web TV. Os equipamentos usados no estúdio foram condicionados na forma de kits de produção para reduzir os tempos de setup das gravações. As ferramentas e serviços utilizados nas plataformas virtuais colaborativas móveis testadas foram eficazes nos processos de planejamento das estratégias de ensino-aprendizagem, na execução das atividades didáticas das oficinas colaborativas presenciais, nas produções das videoaulas e tutoriais, porém nas dinâmicas das aulas e na efetividade da aprendizagem colaborativa móvel apresentaram diferentes resultados, correlacionados ao nível de fluência digital e tecnológica dos envolvidos: alunos, professores e assistentes. Concluiu-se, neste trabalho, que os recursos e tecnologias pesquisados mostraram-se potencialmente adequados para compartilhar e divulgar conteúdos educacionais nas áreas de MN&NN compatíveis com aplicativos web e dispositivos móveis. / This paper presents the authors contributions in the area of engineering education on thematic discussions in the field of Education in Microelectronics (Nanoeduc) and Education in Nanotechnologies (Nanoeduc) in Brazil. Proposes the modeling of two experimental virtual platforms focused on the development of teaching practices on the web, integrated with social media such as blogs, wikis, social networks, platforms for sharing media audio, video, text and image. Presents some examples of different models of potentially interesting collaborative workshops to stimulate the curiosity and interest of students in technical schools and high schools, for areas of integrated circuits design and chip manufacturing. The platforms were modeled and configured to allow that different teachers in the fields of Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies, share your knowledge, practices and teaching experiences to produce learning materials. Through STML Script language (Structured Text Markup Language) was possible to describe collaborative scripts for video production, create scripts for automatic generation of pages and content pages on web. The contents and formats of audio and video media, tested, were run on microEDUC and nanoEDUC platforms, following the traditional model for the production of radio and TV programs (pre-production, production and post-production). Transmission tests were done with live audio and video, using built-in public and private pages, created in microEDUC and nanoEDUC platforms using embedded HTML codes. Capture audio and video with teachers at the Polytechnic School of USP, for the study of suitable formats for video classes were tested. Various models of popular digital cameras and low cost camcorders with different qualities were tested. The platforms were modeled using the package of services Google Apps for Education to facilitate the integration of services: webinar, web conferencing, virtual classrooms, virtual collaboration spaces, virtual research lab, thematic online video libraries, virtual workshop scripts for Web Radio and Web TV, collaborative dictionary, collaboration on books editing, and collaborative books. A mobile studio for the production of Web TV and Web Radio was built in the style of kits It was concluded in this work that the resources and technologies researched shown to be potentially suitable to share and disseminate educational content in the areas of MN&NN compatible with web applications and mobile devices.

Este trabalho apresenta contribuições do autor na área da educação em engenharia, no campo da Educação em Micro e Nanoeletrônica (Microeduc) e Educação em Nanociências e Nanotecnologias (Nanoeduc) no Brasil. É apresentada a modelagem de duas plataformas virtuais experimentais denominadas microEDUC e nanoEDUC para compartilhar saberes e práticas docentes. Ferramentas de edição colaborativas e armazenamento online de mídias permitem que educadores organizem e compartilhem seus saberes a ensinar (ementas, planejamentos, planos de cursos, planos de ensino-aprendizagem, planos de aula e agendas) e saberes ensinados (práticas e experiências docentes, lista de exercícios, apresentações, videoaulas, WebQuests, apostilas, livros eletrônicos, materiais didáticos, etc.). Oficinas com estratégias de aprendizagem colaborativa móvel foram modeladas e testadas com o objetivo de estimular a curiosidade e o interesse de professores e estudantes sobre as áreas de projetos de circuitos integrados e de fabricação de dispositivos microeletrônicos. As plataformas virtuais colaborativas testadas foram ativadas na internet com o pacote de serviços Google Apps com os complementos Google Apps Script, Google App Engine, Google Sites API, Gmail API, YouTube API, Google Drive DSK e outros para criação de midiatecas online (bibliotecas, audiotecas, videotecas, wikitecas, documentecas, TVtecas, radiotecas, etc.), edições de textos e documentos colaborativos usados nas criações de roteiros para Web Rádio e Web TV, dicionários e glossários colaborativos, criação de web books, e várias outras atividades didáticas colaborativas. A documentação das oficinas colaborativas móveis, dos roteiros das mídias educativas, das análises de mídias, das instanciações automáticas de páginas e documentos para colaboração e gerenciamento de discos virtuais foram feitas na linguagem STML Scripts (Structured Text Markup Language) criada, definida e sistematizada pelo autor, durante o desenvolvimento deste trabalho. Videoaulas e videotutoriais foram produzidos com a metodologia de videocasting seguindo-se as etapas convencionais para produção de audiovisuais (pré-produção, produção e pós-produção). Os canais de Web Rádio e Web TV foram individualizados para professores e disciplinas, dentro de videotecas online com transmissões ao vivo orientadas aos dispositivos móveis. As capturadas das aulas foram feitas com filmadoras semiprofissionais de baixo custo em diferentes ambientes: sala de aula convencional, laboratório de microeletrônica e estúdio móvel de Web TV. Na Escola Politécnica da USP foram capturadas aulas testes do curso de eletrônica e etapas de processos de fabricação de transistores MOSFET no laboratório de microeletrônica. Um estúdio móvel viii de Web TV foi construído com 18 m2 de área total, para realizar testes de oficinas colaborativas, testes de VT, gravações de videoaulas, videotutoriais, transmissões experimentais de Webconferência, e de programas de Web Rádio e Web TV. Os equipamentos usados no estúdio foram condicionados na forma de kits de produção para reduzir os tempos de setup das gravações. As ferramentas e serviços utilizados nas plataformas virtuais colaborativas móveis testadas foram eficazes nos processos de planejamento das estratégias de ensino-aprendizagem, na execução das atividades didáticas das oficinas colaborativas presenciais, nas produções das videoaulas e tutoriais, porém nas dinâmicas das aulas e na efetividade da aprendizagem colaborativa móvel apresentaram diferentes resultados, correlacionados ao nível de fluência digital e tecnológica dos envolvidos: alunos, professores e assistentes. Concluiu-se, neste trabalho, que os recursos e tecnologias pesquisados mostraram-se potencialmente adequados para compartilhar e divulgar conteúdos educacionais nas áreas de MN&NN compatíveis com aplicativos web e dispositivos móveis. / This paper presents the authors contributions in the area of engineering education on thematic discussions in the field of Education in Microelectronics (Nanoeduc) and Education in Nanotechnologies (Nanoeduc) in Brazil. Proposes the modeling of two experimental virtual platforms focused on the development of teaching practices on the web, integrated with social media such as blogs, wikis, social networks, platforms for sharing media audio, video, text and image. Presents some examples of different models of potentially interesting collaborative workshops to stimulate the curiosity and interest of students in technical schools and high schools, for areas of integrated circuits design and chip manufacturing. The platforms were modeled and configured to allow that different teachers in the fields of Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies, share your knowledge, practices and teaching experiences to produce learning materials. Through STML Script language (Structured Text Markup Language) was possible to describe collaborative scripts for video production, create scripts for automatic generation of pages and content pages on web. The contents and formats of audio and video media, tested, were run on microEDUC and nanoEDUC platforms, following the traditional model for the production of radio and TV programs (pre-production, production and post-production). Transmission tests were done with live audio and video, using built-in public and private pages, created in microEDUC and nanoEDUC platforms using embedded HTML codes. Capture audio and video with teachers at the Polytechnic School of USP, for the study of suitable formats for video classes were tested. Various models of popular digital cameras and low cost camcorders with different qualities were tested. The platforms were modeled using the package of services Google Apps for Education to facilitate the integration of services: webinar, web conferencing, virtual classrooms, virtual collaboration spaces, virtual research lab, thematic online video libraries, virtual workshop scripts for Web Radio and Web TV, collaborative dictionary, collaboration on books editing, and collaborative books. A mobile studio for the production of Web TV and Web Radio was built in the style of kits It was concluded in this work that the resources and technologies researched shown to be potentially suitable to share and disseminate educational content in the areas of MN&NN compatible with web applications and mobile devices.