Computer-Assisted Programmed Instruction Revisited: A Study on Teaching Typewriting in Nigerian Higher Institution.

In the last few decades, technology has been a significant tool in almost all human endeavour (Hancer & Tiizemen, 2008). The integration of technology into education is a growing phenomenon; hence huge amount of money is being invested into Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) in education across the globe in order to ensure improved students’ academic performance (Trautman & Klemp, n.d.). Since the development of various ICTs, computer technology has come to play significant roles in instructional process, thereby transforming the learning environment (Efendioghi & Yelken, 2010; Rosenberg, Grad & Matear, 2003). The hope and quality of achievements of nations nowadays is dependent on the science of technology innovations and the integration of appropriate technological devices in education. To improve the standard of education, adequate attention must be given to instructional techniques employed by the teacher. Instructional methods are process of cognitive, affective and psychomotor development targeted at contributing to students’ performance (Uhumuavbi & Mamudu, 2009)

The ecology of interactive learning environments: Situating traditional theory

In educational discourse on human learning (i.e. the result of experience) and development (i.e. the result of maturation), there are three fundamental theoretical frameworks, – behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism, each of which have been applied, with varying degrees of success, in online environments. An ecological framework of human learning and development in interactive learning environments is proposed. Such an inclusive paradigm organizes the fundamental theoretical assumptions of behaviourism (i.e. automated learning), cognitivism (i.e. recall, understanding, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, creativity, problem solving) and constructivism (i.e. private and shared meaning). Based on review of the literature, behaviourism is best conceptualized as a learning theory; constructivist theoretical assumptions are best applied to cognitive development including private online experience (cognitive constructivism) and shared online experience (social constructivism). Cognitivism is a particularly relevant theoretical orientation in understanding both human learning and development in interactive learning environments

Towards an interactive mobile lecturing model a higher-level engagement for enhancing learning

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.The use of mobile devices has grown in recent years and has overtaken the proliferation of desktop computers with their dual affordances of small size and easy connectivity in diverse fields. The usage of these devices has not been widespread in higher education. Mobile technology is a new and promising area of research in higher education. The affordance of mobile technologies has prompted their adoption as a means of enhancing face-to-face (f2f) learning. In this thesis, mobile lecturing is presented as a means of achieving mobile learning. The availability of mobile devices has positively enabled the mobile lecturing process. F2f lectures are recorded and distributed as lecture vodcasts using mobile devices. The vodcasts are generated through Opencast Matterhorn and YouTube. Currently, there are few descriptive models of mobile lecturing that can be used to enhance learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This thesis has several contributions: first I propose a “MOBLEC” theoretical model of mobile lecturing; mobile lecturing represents a new paradigm in mobile learning which enhances students’ engagement with lecture vodcasts to foster deep learning. The second contribution of this thesis is a mobile lecturing tool, MOBILect. MOBILect is developed in HTML5 for cross-platform solution across most mobile devices. This tool enables students to use mobile devices to actively interact with lecture vodcasts and with peers using the vodcast. Finally, I use different case studies to evaluate the MOBLEC model to explore the effectiveness of mobile lecturing in enhancing learning in HEIs. The MOBLEC model is proposed to define mobile lecturing: it describes mobile lecturing as a process resulting from the convergence of mobile technologies, learning engagements and learning interactions. The case studies are evaluative, relying on a group of students to evaluate the MOBLEC by accessing MOBILect. Empirical data was acquired through triangulation method involving focus group discussions, open-ended questions and interviews. All the questions were based on the MOBLEC model. The result of the studies provided positive indicators as to the usefulness and effectiveness of mobile lecturing in engaging students to enhance and foster deep learning. Mobile lecturing, through augmenting and accessing lecture vodcasts on students’ mobile devices anywhere and at any time, with an affordance to comment and respond to comments, has potential for empowering students who might be struggling to understand f2f sessions and the aggregated comments become a valuable educational resource. The thesis also outlines areas for future research work

A methodology for evaluating intelligent tutoring systems

DissertationThis dissertation proposes a generic methodology for evaluating intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs), and applies it to the evaluation of the SQL-Tutor, an ITS for the database language SQL. An examination of the historical development, theory and architecture of intelligent tutoring systems, as well as the theory, architecture and behaviour of the SQL-Tutor sets the context for this study. The characteristics and criteria for evaluating computer-aided instruction (CAl) systems are considered as a background to an in-depth investigation of the characteristics and criteria appropriate for evaluating ITSs. These criteria are categorised along internal and external dimensions with the internal dimension focusing on the intrinsic features and behavioural aspects of ITSs, and the external dimension focusing on its educational impact. Several issues surrounding the evaluation of ITSs namely, approaches, methods, techniques and principles are examined, and integrated within a framework for assessing the added value of ITS technology for instructional purposes.Educational StudiesM. Sc. (Information Systems

Learning style and digital activity: an ecological study

In order to understand student engagement in higher education through the use of digital technologies, it is necessary to appreciate the broader use of differing technologies. Forty-eight first-year university students completed an online survey that queried patterns of digital activity across home, school and community contexts and that included rating scale items that measured learning style (i.e., active-reflective, sensing-intuitive, visual-verbal, sequential-global). Results suggest that students vary widely in digital activities and that such variation is related to differences in learning style. For example, active learners were more likely than reflective learners to engage in digital activities in the community and users of some specific application, as opposed to non-users, were more likely to be verbal than visual learners. Implications for instructional applications of digital technology in higher education are presented

A basic web-based distance education model

Thesis (Master)--Izmir Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering, Izmir, 2005Includes bibliographical references (leaves: 147)Text in English; Abstract: Turkish and Englishxv, 201 leavesDuring the recent years, the rapid growth of the Web and multimedia technologies urged a shift of Computer-Based Educational Technology towards the Web. In the leading universities of the developed countries, studies on Web-Based Education have started and in an increasing manner are going strong. In the last few years, the leading universities of Turkey are also greatly interested in Web-Based Education and have started their re-structuring accordingly.The goal of this study is to design a basic model to be utilized by a university aiming to offer web-based distance education. In achieving this; by the use of system approach, a model comprising of three subsystems, namely system analysis, system design and evaluation&control, working in coordination with each other, has been tried to be proposed. There may be only one missing point of this study, that is; since preparing a lesson or program according to this model was not foreseen in this thesis, the effectiveness evaluations suggested in the evaluation&control subsystem could not be realized. It is recommended to realize such an evaluation in a further study to make it possible to reveal the effectiveness of web-based education by preparing a lesson or program according to this model.On the other hand, a survey has been conducted in Turkey in some of the universities either offering web-based education or are interested in studies in this field.The aim of this survey is to analyze from system design point of view the studies carried out in our universities on this matter and to get a picture of the existing situation.The directed questions aiming this were prepared by taking into consideration of the three stages of system design subsystem, i.e. administrative design, educational design, and technological design. It is intended for the result of this survey to shed light to the new-coming institutions in this field. As a matter of fact, each stage of this subsystem is a survey item itself and should be researched one by one in other studies.Furthermore, for individuals interested in distance education and web-based distance education and for people newly involved in this matter, this thesis is intended to be a reference material and to serve this purpose the sections are prepared containing the basic information accordingly. Nevertheless, since most of the information regarding system design are prepared without taking into consideration the disabled people, the relevant information are not complete. In another study, the offering of the web-based education to the disabled people, especially for deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, and blind students, has to be investigated.Finally, in this thesis the proposed model for the Web-Based Distance Education, as being a basic and conceptual model, has a flexible structure; i.e., suitable for all the institutions and establishments intending to offer the web-based education.What is important here, is to exploit the potential sources within the institution that will display the required systematic approach

Computer-aided detection (CAD) tool design for chest pattern recognition training of radiographers

Abstract : The technological advances in radiography, along with the increasing role played by radiographers, require a shift in the training of radiographers at undergraduate level. One of the major shifts has been in the use of technology for learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) which plays an important role in the development of both explicit and implicit knowledge. There has thus been increased interest in the use of technology-enhanced learning, teaching and assessment (TELTA) in radiography education. One of the approaches to the use of TELTA has been the implementation of various virtual tools, including computer-aided detection (CAD) tools. The aim of this exploratory design science research (DSR) study was to design a CAD tool for training student radiographers in chest pattern recognition, followed by the evaluation thereof and exploration of the students experience of the CAD tool. The study employed the DSR methodology which was implemented in five phases: a) awareness of the problem, b) suggestion, c) development, d) evaluation and e) conclusion. The CAD tool (artefact) was designed using Microsoft Visual Studio which operates on the Structured Query Language (SQL) server. The artefact was then evaluated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The designed artefact could not be tested for usability with the students as originally intended because of a few technical challenges. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to quantitatively evaluate the artefact and revealed that the artefact had an average score of 70.1, exceeding the score of 68 which is generally accepted to indicate that the artefact has good usability. The qualitative evaluation revealed that the artefact was designed adequately while identifying the limitations that prevented the version of the software to be implemented for wider usage. The study only addressed two out of the four objectives that were originally planned for the study. The objectives that were realised were the actual design of the artefact and the evaluation of its usability including its ability to allow timeous communication (and feedback) between the instructor and the students. The two objectives that were planned for exploring how the students experience the artefact and if it enhances their implicit skills, were not realised. In retrospect, the original study plan was over ambitious to have set four objectives to be achieved within a limited period of time.D.Tech. (Radiography

Pembangunan dan penilaian perisian kursus W-songket mengguna strategi perantisan kognitif

Usaha memelihara kraf tradisional adalah penting bagi memboleh pengetahuan dan kemahiran pembelajaran mengenainya diwarisi oleh generasi baharu. Kebanyakan pengetahuan tentang kraf tradisional diperturun secara rahsia kepada keturunan yang berminat sahaja. Pendidikan dalam bidang pemeliharaan kraf tradisional perlu dilakukan bagi memboleh pemindahan ilmu yang teratur bagi mengelak berlakunya kepupusan. Kajian lepas mendapati pembelajaran kemahiran kraf tradisional semakin tidak diminati oleh generasi muda yang menganggapnya tidak menarik dan rumit. Pembelajaran kemahiran kraf tradisional memerlu pelajar bergantung sepenuhnya kepada tunjuk ajar dan panduan terperinci pengajar. Justeru, pengajar mengalami kesukaran mengajar dan pada masa yang sama memantau dan menilai pelajar secara individu. Pendekatan pembelajaran mengguna teknologi komunikasi dan maklumat seperti perisian kursus adalah berkesan bagi membantu memenuhi keperluan pelajar serta mampu menyokong pengajaran guru. Kajian ini bertujuan membangun sebuah perisian kursus web kraf tradisional bagi pengajaran seni kraf songket mengguna strategi berarahan perantisan kognitif. Metod kajian terdiri daripada metod pembangunan perisian dan metod penilaian perisian yang dibuat melalui penilaian kepuasan penggunaan strategi perantisan kognitif. Analisis data penilaian kepuasan dilakukan setelah semua data dikumpul. Terdapat dua jenis data yang diperoleh iaitu data kuantitatif dan data kualitatif. Hasil kajian adalah perisian kursus W-Songket dan hasil penilaian kepuasan penggunaan strategi pengajaran perantisan kognitif menerima maklum balas tahap kepuasan yang baik daripada pelajar dan pengajar