This is qualitative study of, four teacher´s views on the use of iPad in teaching and learning. In addition, I will examine the disadvantages and advantages of iPad use as a teaching tool in preschools. My questions are: What is the practical use of tablets in preschools today? Are preschool teachers using the tablet as a teaching tool? If so, how? Is the use of tablets in preschools contributing to children´s social interaction, as well as between children and teachers` social interaction? The purpose of this study was to find out how the four teachers uses the iPad as a teaching tool in the interaction between children in preschool. I have chosen to use Vygotsky’s and John Dewey´s theories. Both mention the importance of social interaction in learning processes. Interaction is a large part in socio-cultural theory, which makes the theory useful. I made qualitative interviews with four preschool teachers. I also made observations. My interviews and observations were made in two different preschools. The results showed that the iPad is a complementary educational tool. The teachers also thought that an iPad is an educational tool that can be used for different activities. The tool is used in social interaction where children expand their social development as they learn to interact, communicate and respect each other. The children communicate while talking about how to use the iPad. All teachers` attitudes were positive when it came to using the tablet in preschool. However, the teachers felt that there may be some drawbacks. Among other things, teachers must introduce the iPad properly. The iPad should be an educational tool, not a toy. Educators should therefore be present when children use the tablets.

Η αλματώδης εξέλιξη που σημειώθηκε και εξακολουθεί να σημειώνεται τα τελευταία χρόνια στις τεχνολογίες του παγκόσμιου ιστού, έχει οδηγήσει σε προσπάθεια ενσωμάτωσης του παγκόσμιου ιστού (Web) σε όλες τις πτυχές της ζωής, σε συνδυασμό με τις εξελίξεις στις τεχνολογίες επικοινωνιών και ιδιαίτερα με την παροχή αξιόπιστων και ταχύτατων ευρυζωνικών δικτύων επικοινωνίας, έχει μετεξελιχθεί σε μία πλατφόρμα παροχής προηγμένων δικτυακών υπηρεσιών οι οποίες καλύπτουν ένα ευρύτατο φάσμα εκπαιδευτικών αναγκών. Αυτό σε συνδυασμό με την σημασία που δίνεται παγκοσμίως στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία και η σχέση που θα προκύψει απ’το πάντρεμα εκπαίδευσης και παγκόσμιου ιστού θα εισηγηθούν την εξέλιξη και ανάπτυξη μαθησιάκων εργαλείων με την νόμιμη ενσωμάτωση τους στα πλαίσια της τυπικής εκπαίδευσης. Η ανάπτυξη όμως και η ευρεία αποδοχή των παραπάνω τεχνολογιών οδήγησε στην δημιουργία ενός τεράστιου όγκου πληροφορίας, ο οποίος, σε συνδυασμό με παράγοντες όπως οι διαφορετικές μορφές αναπαράστασης της, η πολυσημία-αμφισημία-συνωνυμία των λέξεων κ.ά., αναστέλλουν τις δυνατότητες που ανοίγονται απ’αυτές. Συνεπώς και τα μαθησιακά εργαλεία σαν πεδίο εφαρμογής των τεχνολογιών αυτών αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα όπως τα παραπάνω που προκύπτουν απ’τις τεχνολογίες αυτές. Τα προβλήματα αυτά στα μαθησιακά εργαλεία αφορούν την επιλογή κατάλληλου εκπαιδευτικού υλικού βασισμένο σε σημασιολογικό υπόβαθρο ώστε να επιτευχθεί ένα αποδοτικό μαθησιακό αποτέλεσμα. Για να ξεπεραστούν προβλήματα του ιστού όπως τα παραπάνω, που αφορούν στην διαχείριση της πληροφορίας του, έχουν προταθεί, απ’την αρχή της δεκαετίας του 2000, νέες τεχνολογίες που προχωρούν με γοργούς ρυθμούς στην ολοκλήρωση και επέκτασή τους και μας εντάσσουν στην εποχή του Web 3. Οι τεχνολογίες αυτές δημιουργούν ένα νέο ιστό, το σημασιολογικό ιστό, που στήνεται σαν πέπλο πάνω απ’τον υπάρχοντα ιστό και δίνει νόημα στο περιεχόμενο των σελίδων που διακινούνται σε αυτόν. Πεδίο μελέτης της συγκεκριμένης διπλωματικής είναι η ανάπτυξη ενός φροντιστηριακού συστήματος βασισμένο σε οντολογίες προσδίδοντας στο περιεχόμενό του νόημα και σημασία. Ο χώρος της εκπαίδευσης εφαρμόζει τις νέες τεχνολογίες στα μαθησιακά εργαλεία με σκοπό τη διανομή εκπαιδευτικού υλικού και στην παροχή πιο ενδιαφέρουσας και διαδραστικής διαδικασίας μάθησης. Σκοπός του συστήματος αυτού είναι η ενίσχυση της τυπικής εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας σε σημασιολογικά θεμέλια. Στην παρούσα διπλωματική παρουσιάζεται η έννοια του σημασιολογικού ιστού και η αρχιτεκτονική του, οι δυνατότητες των εργαλείων που προτάθηκαν για την υλοποίηση της σημασιολογικής πλατφόρμας μάθησης και πως αυτά συνέβαλλαν στη δημιουργία του. Καθώς, και ποιες είναι οι κατηγορίες της εκπαίδευσης, δίνοντάς μας να αντιληφθούμε την αναγκαιότητα για τον συνδυασμό τους. Συγκεκριμένος στόχος είναι η μελέτη των βελτιώσεων που μπορούν να επέλθουν από επιλεγμένες σημασιολογικές τεχνολογίες, όπως μεταδεδομένα και οντολογίες, στην εξατομικευμένη μάθηση. Για την υλοποίηση αυτού του στόχου 1) περιγράφεται η κατασκευή του εκπαιδευτικού αντικειμένου με οντολογίες, με τη βοήθεια του εργαλείου Protege, οι οποίες δίνουν σημασιολογία στις συσχετίσεις ανάμεσα σε αυτές τις έννοιες, 2) σχεδιάζεται η αρχιτεκτονική και το πλαίσιο λειτουργίας ενός τέτοιου εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος, με τη βοήθεια ενός άλλου εργαλείου, του Drupal, που επίσης υποστηρίζει τεχνολογίες του σημασιολογικού ιστού. Απώτερος σκοπός της προσπάθειας αυτής είναι να τεθούν τα θεμέλια ενός μαθησιακού εργαλείου το οποίο θα αποτελεί ένα δικτυακό υπερμεσικό σημασιολογικό εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον με στόχο τη διδασκαλία στην τάξη και τη προσωπική εκπαίδευση σε γνωστικά αντικείμενα όπως τα Μαθηματικά και το οποίο αναπτύχθηκε χρησιμοποιώντας σύγχρονες τεχνολογίες παγκοσμίου ιστού. Αυτό το εκπαιδευτικό εργαλείο θα εκπαιδεύσει μαθητές στη πρώτη και δεύτερη βαθμίδα εκπαίδευσης, μέσω θεωρίας, ασκήσεων, παραδειγμάτων και κριτηρίων αξιολόγησης σε ένα φάσμα της ύλης που επιλέχτηκε ώστε να ξετυλίγεται το διέπον νήμα των αριθμητικών συνόλων. Αξιοποιώντας τις δυνατότητες της πλατφόρμας θα επιτευχθεί καλύτερη μόρφωση, βελτιωμένο υπόβαθρο για τους χρήστες σε ένα αυξανόμενης ανταγωνιστικότητας πανελλαδικό εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον. / -

Esta dissertaÃÃo analisa o uso das ferramentas de tecnologia da informaÃÃo e comunicaÃÃo (fÃrum, chat e videoaula) como possibilidade pedagÃgica na disciplina de CÃlculo I (uma variÃvel) no curso de Licenciatura em MatemÃtica na modalidade semipresencial do Instituto Federal do Cearà - IFCE, com a finalidade de promover uma aprendizagem mais vivÃncia atravÃs do uso das ferramentas de aprendizagens e assim combater as principais dificuldades apresentadas pelos estudantes, as quais tem acarretado evasÃes e reprovaÃÃes. Dentre os instrumentos e mÃtodos para respaldar este trabalho privilegiou-se uma pesquisa bibliogrÃfica sobre as concepÃÃes HistÃricas da EducaÃÃo à DistÃncia no Brasil, destacando a sua implantaÃÃo e desenvolvimento no IFCE. Pretendendo-se compreender os fatores que emperram a aprendizagem dos alunos no ensino do CÃlculo I e buscando-se minimizÃ-las fez-se um apanhado teÃrico sobre a concepÃÃo de alguns autores acerca das dificuldades de natureza epistemolÃgicas do ensino de CÃlculo. O presente estudo descreve ainda, a realizaÃÃo de uma experiÃncia com o uso das ferramentas, citadas acima, aplicadas na turma do curso de CÃlculo I do IFCE na modalidade semipresencial, anÃlise dos resultados se refere ao pÃlo de SÃo GonÃalo regiÃo metropolitana de Fortaleza. Os resultados apontam que a utilizaÃÃo do fÃrum, chat e vÃdeo aula, quando bem planejados, sob a perspectiva de uma Aprendizagem Vivenciada poderà contribuir na superaÃÃo de muitas dificuldades. Conclui-se, portanto que o uso adequado das ferramentas de aprendizagem tecnolÃgica, poderà repercutir na melhoria da qualidade do ensino, consolidando uma aprendizagem efetivamente que faÃa sentido para os alunos e ofereÃa meios para que este possa intervir positivamente na sociedade em que vive. / This dissertation analyzes the use of the tools of information and communication technology (forum, chat and videoclass) as pedagogical possibilities in the teaching of the discipline Calculus I (one variable) in the undergraduation course of Mathematics in blended mode of the Federal Institute of Cearà â IFCE, in order to promote a more meaningful learning and to combat the major difficulties faced by students, which have led to abandonment and failure. Among the tools and methods to support this work we focused on a literature search of the historical conceptions of distance education in Brazil, highlighting its development and deployment in IFCE. We aim at understanding the factors that hinder students' learning in the teaching of Calculus I and possibly seeking to minimize them based on a theoretical overview of some authors about the difficulties of epistemological nature of the teaching of calculus. By the same token, a study was conducted emphasizing the principles of Meaningful Learning pointed out by Ausubel and the seven steps of Meaningful Learning described by Santos. The present study also describes the realization of an experiment with the use of the tools cited above, applied to the IFCE Calculus I course in blended mode, set in SÃo Goncalo, located in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza. The results indicate that the use of the forum, chat and videoclass, when well designed from the perspective of Meaningful Learning, can help in overcoming many difficulties. It follows therefore that with the appropriate use of technological learning tools, you can have an effect on improving the quality of education, building an effective learning that is meaningful to the students and provide resources to enable them to intervene positively in the society they live.

The Internet has evolved since its establishment, embedding itself in daily life and paving the way for social networking. The ability to connect and communicate has become seamless, allowing instantaneous access to the Internet and social networking sites. Social networking has become a global phenomenon, transcending boundaries and transforming mobile technology. It has gained an enormous following and become an indispensable technology. Social networking has expanded into a multi-faceted medium of communication, with an extensive online presence. The capacity to share information and knowledge is essential in building intellectual capital in professional and academic environments. This research project aims to explore the application of a social networking learning tool in a primary school within South Africa. This study explores social networking technologies and the opportunities they present in facilitating and supporting learning. Today’s youth are following technological advancements closely. At present, primary school and high school learners access a vast range of social networking sites, and the focus of this study is to understand if social networking sites can be applied to benefit learning. This study elected to explore the social networking as a learning tool in a primary school within South Africa. This research followed a mixed methods approach and its findings indicate that social networking has the potential to be applied positively as a learning tool by school learners, teachers and academic heads. This study revealed that learners and academics acknowledge the growth of social networking and recognise its potential benefits. This dissertation provides a foundation for schools and learning institutions in South Africa, Africa and the globe, to incorporate social networking into their learning framework in order to build and enhance learning. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--Regenesys Business School, 2017. / This mini dissertation is donated by Regenesys Business School / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

South Africa is home to 11 official languages and speakers of these languages communicate with one another on a daily basis. Such multilingual communication occurs throughout the country, especially at hospitals and clinics. Every so often, someone needs to visit a healthcare facility and then it is difficult for the patient to find a health professional that speaks a language he/she understands. Some universities in South Africa, including the University of Pretoria, address this matter by teaching students an additional language to enable them to communicate with their patients. This study aimed to assist the University of Pretoria in this endeavour by providing three custom-designed, mobile-assisted Sepedi language learning applications to students from the Faculty of Health Sciences enrolled for the Sepedi language module. The students used the applications as supplementary tools for their studies over nine weeks and then completed a questionnaire on user experience. The questionnaire was used to determine whether the students perceived the mobile applications to be useful supplementary tools to their studies and whether they had a clear preference for a specific application. The results of this user experience study report a positive response to the applications, including strong preferences made by the students who participated in the study. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / African Languages / MA / Unrestricted

Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit befasst sich mit dem Learning Tools Interoperability Standard, kurz LTI Standard. Ziel ist es hierbei nicht nur den LTI Standard an sich in seiner Anwendung zu evaluieren sondern ebenso eine eigene Implementierung dieser Schnittstellendefinition zu erarbeiten. Um eine solche Implementierung zu erreichen wird sich Eingangs intensiv mit dem Standard in seinen verschiedenen Versionen auseinandergesetzt und anschließend der praktische Einsatz dieser Schnittstelle durch die Evaluation bestehender Kopplungsmöglichkeiten erprobt. Zur Evaluierung wird eine Auswahl von Lehrumgebungen und Lernanwendungen, bei welchen im Anschluss unter verschiedenen Gesichtspunkten die Kopplungen betrachtet und diskutiert werden.

Svenska skolor blir gradvis mer digitaliserade, vilket gör att fler lärare vänder sig till Google Drive för att förbättra elevers samarbete, särskilt ESL-lärare, som detta examensarbete fokuserar på. Syftet med denna studie är därför att ta reda på hur användandet av Google Drive kan påverka ESL-skrivning i gymnasiet. Detta examensarbete är kvalitativt och undersöker personliga åsikterna från tre ESL-lärare och tre ESL-elever på gymnasiet i Sverige. Dessutom ger papperet en inblick i hur bra lärarnas digitala utbildning i Google Drive motsvarar uppdraget att förbättra elevers engelska skrivförmåga. Utöver ger det här dokumentet en översikt över tidigare forskning om Google Drive som en plattform för samarbete. Baserat på resultaten hävdar deltagarna att gemensamt skrivna texter i Google Drive kan öka elevers motivation och förbättra flera aspekter av deras engelska, om det används idealt. Hur som helst så är några viktiga faktorer som bestämmer plattformens framgång: medvetande om och förebyggande av plagiering, obalanserad arbetsbelastning och grundläggande digital utbildning för lärare, som då kan vidarebefordras till deras elever. / Swedish schools are gradually becoming more digitalized, which cause more teachers to turn to Google Drive for improving students´ collaborative writing, especially ESL teachers, which this degree project focuses on. Hence, the aim of this study is to find out how using Google Drive can influence upper secondary collaborative ESL writing. This degree project is qualitative in nature and explores the personal opinions of three ESL teachers and three ESL students at an upper secondary school in Sweden. Moreover, the paper offers an insight to how well the teachers’ digital training in Google Drive corresponds with the mission of improving students´ English writing ability. Furthermore, this paper provides an overview of previous research on Google Drive as a platform for collaborative learning. Based on the findings, the participants argue that collaborative writing in Google Drive can increase students’ motivation and improve several aspects of their written English, if used ideally. However, some key factors that determine the success of the platform are awareness and prevention of plagiarism, unbalanced workload and fundamental digital training for teachers, which then could be passed on to their students.

No / This volume presents state-of-the-art research from a wide area of subjects brought about by the digital convergence of computing, television, telecommunications and the World-Wide Web. It represents a unique snapshot of trends across a wide range of subjects including virtual environments; virtual reality; telepresence; human-computer interface design; interactivity; avatars; and the Internet. Both researchers and practitioners will find it an invaluable source of reference.

The aim of this research review is to investigate how digital learning tools contribute to pupils reading development; how pupils’ motivation is promoted with digital teaching tools in education; and positive and negative aspects with the use of digital teaching tools in reading development. This was answered with the help of a literature review. The results also show that there are both positive and negative consequences with the use of digital teaching tools to promote reading development. Mostly positive consequences were found because it contributes to variety in the education which promotes the pupils’ motivation. The result also shows that teachers feel that they do not have enough digital competence, while most pupils feel confident in the use of digital teaching tools. The conclusion of the research overview shows that it depends on how the teacher uses digital teaching tools and in what context. The use of digital teaching tools in education can lead to both good and bad consequences depending on the pupil and teacher.

Until recently, most educational tools have worked in silos. If a teacher wanted her students to complete small programming exercises, record videos, and collaborate through discussion boards, three disconnected tools were probably needed. Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is a communication protocol that enables different learning tools to talk to each other and share scores with a Learning Management System (LMS). While most commercial LMS now support LTI, most educational software developed by small research efforts do not. This is often because of the lack of resources needed to understand the working of LTI and the process of using LTI in their applications. Our aim is to encourage the use of LTI within the CS Education community. We have developed tutorials that include example applications. We also provide a use case of how LTI is implemented in the OpenDSA eTextbook system. As another use case, we have enabled auto-grading of Jupyter Notebook assignments by providing immediate feedback to students and updating scores to the Canvas gradebook. We provide a Jupyter plugin to upload notebook files to the Web-CAT auto-grading system. We integrate Aalto University's ACOS content into OpenDSA as a third use case. / Master of Science / Until recently, most educational tools have worked in silos. If a teacher wanted her students to complete small programming exercises, record videos, and collaborate through discussion boards, three disconnected tools were probably needed. These disconnected tools did not integrate with the Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Canvas and Moodle. Instructors had to manually manage these separate tools and enter scores into the LMS. There are standards such as Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) that these learning tools can implement to enable them to talk to each other and to share scores with an LMS. However, most educational software developed by small research efforts do not support LTI. This is often because of the lack of resources needed to understand the working of LTI and the process of using LTI in their applications. We aim to encourage the use of LTI within the CS Education community. We have developed tutorials that include example applications. We also provide a use case of how LTI is implemented in OpenDSA, an eTextbook system developed at Virginia Tech. As another use case, we have enabled auto-grading of Jupyter Notebook (documents that run in a browser and can contain equations, visualizations, live code, and text) assignments by providing immediate feedback to students and updating scores to the Canvas gradebook. We provide a plugin to upload notebook files to the WebCAT auto-grading system directly from the browser. We integrate Aalto University’s ACOS content (Python and Java exercises) into OpenDSA as a third use case.