A study of the effectiveness of Edmodo on Preservice classroom teachers' views of web-assisted collaborative learning environments, sense of community of classroom, and perceived learning

This study explored the effectiveness of using web-assisted collaborative learning (COL) environments on the sense of classroom community and perceived learning (PL) using a learning platform Edmodo to enhance face-to-face learning within the framework of a community of inquiry. This study utilized pre-experimental quantitative research approaches based on a single group, pre-, and post-test model. To establish the effectiveness of the intervention, pre- and post-tests were conducted. To support the findings, independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences within groups such as gender. The findings of this study underline the importance of fostering the interaction of students with each other as well as content and instructors in online COL environments to enhance traditional classroom teaching and learning. The results show the effectiveness of the deployment of web-assisted COL environments on a sense of community of classroom and PL

Social networks users: fear of missing out in preservice teachers

As mobile computing and smartphones become an integrated part of our lives, the time individuals spend on social networks has significantly increased. Moreover, a link has been established between the uncontrolled use of social networks to the development of undesirable habits and behaviors including addictions. One such behavior, namely, fear of missing out (FOMO) is of particular interest and concern especially because of the widespread use of smartphones and computers, and thereby extensive use of social networks by the younger generation. This study establishes the relationships between FOMO and various social networks in an attempt to identify the problematic use of social media in Turkey and discover variables relevant to FOMO. The main objective of the study is to examine the prevalence of FOMO in preservice teachers. A total number of 363 preservice teachers on various academic courses were employed for the purpose of this study. The design was a survey which utilized a standardized questionnaire on FOMO together with a demographic questionnaire to explore the impact of the usage of smartphones and social networks by preservice teachers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The overall findings of the study showed that the spread of FOMO amongst preservice teachers is at intermediate level. Significant differences were also found between groups based on gender, age, and usage of social networks. Furthermore, data from males were indicative of higher FOMO levels than female preservice teachers and again, under 21s were found to have higher levels of FOMO compared to the other age groups. A significant relationship was reported between being online on social networks throughout the day and active use of social media over seven hours, and FOMO. Furthermore, preservice teachers using Twitter, Instagram, Swarm, or Snapchat have increased levels of FOMO. Implications are discussed within current models

Evaluation of teeth development in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients in mixed dentition by using medical image control systems

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the crown and root development in patients with cleft lip and palate using medical software programmes.Materials and Methods: In our study, 25 patients with mixed dentition unilateral cleft lip and palate were examined with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The tomography images obtained as high resolution medical images on the computer control system (MIMICS 15.0, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium and SOLIDWORKS 2014 Premium, Concord, Massachusetts) were converted to three-dimensional volumetric images. These three-dimensional images of the cleft on the sides of the teeth in the crown and root growth were measured by mesiodistal length and crown/root rate with volume and area. These measurements were compared with a control group of healthy individuals.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the volume, surface area and MD size, crown/root ratio of central incisor, canine, first premolar and second premolar teeth within defect, and healthy teeth. However, it was found that there was a significant difference between the volume, surface area and MD size, and crown/root ratio of the lateral teeth in each group.Conclusion: In particular, among patients with cleft lip and palate, on obtaining a solid model of the tooth structure by using these programs, tooth development can be examined in more detail, diagnosis can be made more reliable, as well as in treatment planning. We believe that these programs can be used to resolve certain limitations such as a lack of an application to be used in routine dental treatment and in particular the need to do more study.Keywords: CBCT, cleft lip and palate, medical software programme