Journals : Skype As Learning Tools

Using Skype as a Research Tool 
Abstract :
Interviews are a valuable research tool, particularly when researchers must understand participants’ experiences in great depth. Historically, however, geographically disparate research participants have posed a challenge when conducting interviews for reasons relating to both time and expense. At the same time, although new technologies allow scholars and practitioners to study people at a distance, this has often been limited to questionnaire-type data (e.g., using Survey Monkey). Now, online interviews are becoming an increasingly viable research method and there are many data collection tools available to support this method. This presentation will present findings from one study that explored the information behaviors of university students enrolled in a teacher-librarianship program. The results are used to examine the potential for using Skype (and similar programs) as research tools in library and information studies

How Does Skype, as an Educational Tool, Contribute to Elementary Math

Abstract :

How does Skype, as an educational tool, contribute to elementary math teachers’ reported level of self-efficacy? A sample of n = 16 teachers was purposefully selected to use Skype in their classrooms with a webcam and microphone to communicate with other math teachers and math mentors. The findings revealed that teachers viewed Skype as an educational tool that contributes to the increase of their self-efficacy, which may increase students’ performance in state math testing. Institutes of higher education, professional development providers, teacher organizations, school districts, and math leaders may benefit from having an awareness of how online communication software such as Skype can increase elementary math teachers’ efficacy in the field of teaching and learning. Teacher self-efficacy can be increased through opportunities for ongoing discussions with other math teachers and especially math mentors in the school or within the school district. Supporting math teachers through Skype’s features such as video and voice calls, sharing of files, and sending and receiving instant messages is important for teachers’ sustained growth; however, online teaching support needs to be intentional, ongoing, and systematic.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Skype as a tool for promoting internationalization of the nursing curriculum
Abstract :
The paper examines the effectiveness of Skype as a medium for communication, support and internationalisation of student nurse programmes. The researchers sought to examine whether online face to face contact via Skype improved support and communication with students nursing overseas and if the use of Skype for online communications with students in action learning sets within the home university, developed cultural awareness of those nursing students who stayed on native soil.

Journal : The Influence Of System Characteristics On E-Learning Use

The influence of system characteristics on e-learning use


Abstract :
The benefits of an e-learning system will not be maximized unless learners use the system. This study proposed and tested alternative models that seek to explain student intention to use an e-learning system when the system is used as a supplementary learning tool within a traditional class or a stand-alone distance education method. The models integrated determinants from the well-established technology acceptance
model as well as system and participant characteristics cited in the research literature. Following a demonstration and use phase of the e-learning system, data were collected from 259 college students. Structural equation modeling provided better support for a model that hypothesized stronger effects of system characteristics on e-learning system use. Implications for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Journal : Wiki As Learning Tool

Wiki as a Collaborative Learning Tool in a Language Arts Methods Class



Abstract :
The purpose of this study was to determine how contributing to a class wiki affected the learning of preservice teachers enrolled in a language arts methods class. Participants included 37 preservice teachers enrolled in three sections of a field-based language arts methods class during two semesters. Data collection included online observations of the development of the wiki pages, students’ reflections periodically posted in WebCT, final reflections, e-mail correspondence, interview transcripts, and researcher notes. Students’ reflections indicate that contributing to the class wiki led to a deeper processing of the course content and was personally beneficial to the students in spite of persistent technology challenges.

Journal : Laptop And Student Achievemrnt

The Impact of Laptop Use on Student Achievement


Abstract :
interest in utilizing laptops as an instructional tool to improve student learning. There is substantial evidence that using technology as an instructional tool enhances student learning and educational outcomes. Past research suggests that compared to their nonlaptop counterparts, students in classrooms that provide all students with their own laptops spend more time involved in collaborative work, participate in more project-based nstruction, produce writing of higher quality and greater length, gain increased access to information, improve research analysis skills, and spend more time doing homework on computers. Research has also shown that these students direct their own learning, report a greater reliance on active learning strategies, readily engage in problem solving and critical thinking, and consistently show deeper and more flexible uses of technology than students without individual laptops. The study presented here examined the impact of participation in a laptop program on student achievement. A total of 259 middle school students were followed via cohorts. The data collection measures included students’ overall cumulative grade point averages (GPAs), end-of-course grades, writing test scores, and state-mandated norm- and criterion referenced standardized test scores. The baseline data for all measures showed that there was no statistically significant difference in English language arts, mathematics, writing, and overall grade point average achievement between laptop and non-laptop students prior to enrollment in the program. However, laptop students showed significantly higher achievement in nearly all measures after one year in the program. Cross-sectional analyses in Year 2 and Year 3 concurred with the results from the Year 1. Longitudinal analysis also proved to be an independent verification of the substantial impact of laptop use on student learning outcomes.

Journal : Shared Document In Learnercentered Collaborative Learning

Evaluating the role of a shared document-based annotation tool in learnercentered collaborative learning


Abstract :
This study presents a shared document-based annotation tool, EDUCOSM. Usefulness of the system is empirically evaluated in a real-life collaborative learning context. Relationships between learner's self-rated use of learning strategies, cognitive outcomes, and completion of various tasks in the system are investigated. A small scale empirical study (n=31) was conducted in order to investigate various dependencies between variables from pre-course self-rated questionnaire, system log file data collected during the course and post-course e-mail survey. The results show that learners who are willing to do real work with the tools provided by the system, and are able to elaborate what they are doing, produce both highest quality annotations and learning outcomes. Impulsive students produce high-level annotations and score above average in the final examination. Visually oriented students produce higher-level annotations compared to other groups separated by sense perception (i.e.,verbally, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile). Students who feel that they need guidance from teacher or tutor did not do in their studies as well as their more autonomous peers. Further studies are needed to investigate possible distractive effects of peer-to-peer annotation to individual learning processes as self-made highlightings and comments were experienced to be more useful than those made by other learners.

Journal : Mobile Telephone as Learning Tool

Mobile Telephone Technology as a Distance Learning Tool


Abstract :
This paper presents the methodology, results and effectiveness in the development of Mobile telephonebased (Short Message Service-based) distance learning. The proposed novel real time interactive distance learning approach is about the application of information technology to education, was setup, delivered and evaluated using a real-life environment. Statistical analysis of the achieved results of the earners confirmed this SMS-mobile based learning being as effective as direct face-to-face learning.

Journal : Learning And Technologies

Connecting Student Learning & Technologies


Abstract :
Winds of change are blowing through American classrooms from several directions. Schools are serving a more ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse student body than ever before. From our universities and research institutions, studies about education, cognitive psychology, and neurology have offered new insights on how humans learn. And from the marketplace, the infusion of technology has redefined work skills and society’s expectations about what it means to be an educated person.

Journal : Changing How Children Learn Using Technologies

Changing How and What Children Learn in School with Computer-Based Technologies


Abstract :
Schools today face ever-increasing demands in their attempt to ensure that students are wellequipped to enter the workforce and navigate a complex world. Research indicates that computer technology can help support learning, and that it is especially useful in developing the higher order skills of critical thinking, analysis, and scientific inquiry. But the mere presence of computers in the classroom does not assure their effective use. Some computer applications have been shown to be more successful than others, and many factors influence how well even the most promising applications are implemented.

Journal : Assistive Technology For Student With Intelectual Disabilities

Assistive Technology as a Self-Management Tool for Prompting Students with Intellectual Disabilities to Initiate and Complete Daily Tasks: A Literature Review


Abstract:
This paper summarizes the results of a review of the empirical literature (1990-2005) focusing on use of assistive technology as a self-management tool for persons with intellectual disabilities. Forty investigations were identified which provided information on assistive technology to assist persons with disabilities to initiate and complete daily tasks. Four areas of research were defined and analyzed through the identified studies: (a) pictorial prompts; (b) tactile prompts; (c) auditory prompts; and (d) computer-aided systems. Research supports assistive technology as an effective tool for providing antecedent prompts that can be self-operated by persons with intellectual disabilities. Implications of the research and suggestions for future research are discussed

Good Qualities

Have Fun watchinh (^_^)

Invention Of Creativity

 

                                            ~Model kapal yang diperbuat daripada bahan buangan~

Pen As An Important Tools In Learning

1.       Signal Pen

Signal Pen has a smart design but with only one main functionality in addition to writing. It sports an ergonomic shape for comfortable writing, but what differentiates it among the latest gadgets in technology is the ability to alert the user when to relax the hand and fingers.

2.       USB Flash Pen with Laser

  

 

     This elegant pen is a great office companion, providing a few useful tools for everyday use, such as portable flash storage of 8GB, USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity for file transfers between the pen and your computer, a laser module for presentations, and replaceable ink cartridge.

 

3.       Battery Mobile Charger Pen

The Battery Mobile Charger smart pen uses one AA or Ni-Mh battery and every time you need a power backup tool you can connect your cell phone to the pen and wait about 100 minutes for charging. This will provide you with up to 2 hours of battery life or 20 hours of standby in case of emergency. In addition, it comes with 5 different cell phone adapters matching the most popular models on the market like Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.

4.       Wireless Spy Camera Pen with Solar Charger 

 

      

     This pen is a wireless spy pen with a built-in digital camera that records images with sound and transmits them in real-time to the 2.5-inch TFT LCD display of the MP4 receiver located at up to 20 meters away. The pen works with the 2.4GHz technology and the receiver supports multiple cameras, having 64MB memory expandable up to 2GB via a memory card. You can charge it with the included solar charger, while the MP4 player uses a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

5.       DocuPen RC800

This is one of the smartest pens available. It has an advanced scanning functionality enabled in a very small form factor that allows you to carry it with you wherever you go, inside a pocket or laptop bag.

6.       Livescribe Pulse Smart Pen 

This high-end model from Livescribe, measuring 14 x 16 mm at 36 grams.
The main function of this pen model is to record audio sequences while you are writing, and play them whenever you need to recall specific aspects in your work.

7.       Dane-Elec Zpen   

     Zpen has a cool and high-tech look, while providing a portable solution for writing your notes.Its main capability is to translate your handwriting into digital format on the computer it connects to via USB. You can write on any type of paper as long as you keep the receiver clipped on the sheet, and store up to 1GB of data. 

8.       Pen Cell 

This simplified extension of the Pen-Cell is targeted for an alternative age group while maintaining the unique concepts of "Cross-Communications" and advanced applications in technology as the original. An added multi-directional scroll bar and smart-grip allows quicker navigation and personal-user features. This version is more compact, just as reliable, easy to use, and fun.

9.       Helix 

How different do you think a pen would work or look in the days to come? Giving the glimpse of the futuristic writing instrument, Indonesian designer Raka Gemma has devised a highly functional pen that doubles as a digital wristwatch for the trendy users. Dubbed the “Helix,” this wearable pen features modern technology and smartly merges functions of an elegant pen and a sleek, stylish watch. When not being used for writing, the Helix can be worn on the wrist as a bracelet, which would be a trendy add-on for the modern go-getters.

10.   Dotpen 

Dotpen pro from Candle Dragon seems to have everything to be the perfect digital pen, meaning it allows you to write simple text, detailed sketches and draw anything you want, on any type of paper, sending all wirelessly, in real-time, to the design or office applications on the computer or your Smartphone. It allows you to read on the display as you write and, more than that, you can use the Dotpen pro as a mouse and stylus as well.

Fun Science - Color Changing Carnations

Where does the water go when a plant is watered? With this experiment, children can discover for themselves how essential the functions of roots and stems are to plant growth. As the colored water is absorbed, students will be able to see how the water is absorbed into the plant and the petals of the carnation change color.

Fun Science - Stink Bomb

Make a stink bomb using two common household ingredients. Ammonia and the chemicals from match heads react to form ammonium sulfide, the same stinky chemical found in commercial stink bombs.