i-manager's Journal of Educational Technology (JET)


Volume 16 Issue 3 October - December 2019

Research Paper

Effective Communication in Online Courses: A Self-Assessment Guide for Instructors

Gina Cicco*
School of Education, Staten Island Campus, St. John's University, New York, USA.
Cicco, G., (2019). Effective Communication in Online Courses: A Self-Assessment Guide for Instructors. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.3.16499

Abstract

This article will review the importance of effective communication in fully online courses, to the extent that positive culture and climate are established, and healthy faculty-student relationships are cultivated. Online courses require instructors to utilize diverse pedagogical techniques in order to reach the student audience through diversified instructional stimuli, and to connect with students based on their learning preferences and needs. Effective communication is enhanced by regular exchanges of relevant information, such as assignment instructions, recommendations of supplementary resources for learning modules, and supportive feedback and commentary. The results of effective communication and interaction inevitably include improved rapport among course participants, higher course retention, better outcomes in achievement and mastery of learning objectives, and overall academic performance and course satisfaction. This article will propose a brief self-assessment guide for conscientious online instructors, who aim to deliver curricular objectives while implementing optimal communication practices and instructional methods. Utilizing best practices in online courses may impact both faculty and student perceptions of the overall online course experience.

Research Paper

Reflective Process of Pre-Service Teachers Who Watch Video Recordings of Lessons They Taught

Gila Cohen Zilka*
Department for Teaching Social Studies and Communication, Bar-Ilan University, Achva Academic College, Israel.
Zilka, G. C., (2019). Reflective Process of Pre-service Teachers who Watch Video Recordings of Lessons they Taught. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 7-20. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.3.16412

Abstract

Using video to record lessons conducted by pre-service teachers is easier today than it was in the past, opening the possibility opens for them to observe themselves and learn from their videotaped lessons. In this study, we examined how classroom video recording affected the reflective process, self-efficacy, and a sense of threat/challenge of pre-service teachers, from the point of view of social emotional learning (SEL). The sample of this mixed-method study included 300 Israeli pre-service teachers. Measurements were taken at two points. It was found that watching the video recording allowed many of the respondents to observe their behavior patterns. Respondents stated that it was difficult for them to ignore aspects they were not comfortable facing otherwise. Most respondents claimed that this was the best and most accurate method for them. We found that there was a positive change in the quality of social-emotional discourse of pre-service teachers and in their sense of ability to conduct such discourse. There is a change in awareness of their feelings and of the feelings of others. There has been a change in their self-confidence, sense of personal identity, and in their emerging professional identity. It is recommended that all teachers have the opportunity to watch a video recording of their lessons and experience a reflective process that may lead to a change in behavior patterns.

Research Paper

The Integration of Mobile Technology into Curricula for Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers

Jale Aldemir* , Daisyane Barreto**, Hengameh Kermani***
* Department of Early Childhood Education, New Jersey City University, USA.
** Instructional Technology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, North Carolina, USA.
*** Early Childhood Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington, North Carolina, USA.
Aldemir, J., Barreto, D., and Kermani, H. (2019). The Integration of Mobile Technology into Curricula For Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.3.16464

Abstract

While technology integration has influenced and changed the preparation of teacher candidates at all levels for a long time, utilization of mobile devices such as tablets, is still relatively new to teacher training institutions. Research indicates that the issue of technology integration in early childhood should move beyond the discussion of whether technology use is appropriate, and rather focus on how to integrate this medium in Early Childhood Education (ECE) in a developmentally appropriate manner. This study provides significant and valuable insights for the early childhood teacher education community by identifying a process to train early childhood pre-service teachers to evaluate and select iPad applications that are developmentally appropriate, and exploring emerging patterns of ways in which early childhood preservice teachers integrate and implement tablet technology and related apps within prekindergarten children's education.

Research Paper

The Impact of Safe Internet Intervention Programs on Pupils

Orit Zeichner*
Department of Education, Kibbutzim College of Education, Technology and the Arts, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Zeichner, O., (2019). The Impact of Safe Internet Intervention Programs on Pupils. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 34-43. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.3.16572

Abstract

The centrality of the internet in contemporary society as well as its advantages and dangers reinforce the need for safe internet education in a formal school setting. One hundred and eight school pupils tried out educational programs for intelligent use of the internet in one focused seminar day. This study examines the impact on attitudes of pupils towards intervention programs developed by students at the College of Teacher Training in Israel for intelligent internet use. The study related to four subjects: Online Privacy, Knowledge of Intelligent Internet Use Policy, Reporting and Sharing Information about Online Dangers, Exercising Discretion in Using Internet. It was found that safe internet intervention programs had a positive impact on respondents' attitudes. The girls, more than the boys, indicated that the educational program influenced their behavioral patterns. It was also found that in light of programs on "Detecting and Dealing with Internet Dangers" and "Reporting and Sharing Dangers in the Network”, instruction that does not necessarily contain positive content and does not put emphasis on correct use of the internet may prove more effective. The study findings show that it is of great importance to have system-wide education that encourages safe internet use among pupils.

Research Paper

The Effects of Quizlet on Foreign Language Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Success and Perceptions

Fatih Toy* , Kagan Buyukkarci**
* Department of English, Isparta Provincial Directorate of Education, Isparta, Turkey.
** Department of English Language Teaching, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Toy, F., and Buyukkarci, K. (2019). The Effects of Quizlet on Foreign Language Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Success and Perceptions. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 44-60. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.3.16450

Abstract

The current study aims to examine the effects of using Quizlet on foreign language learners' vocabulary learning success. Another aim of this study is to investigate the possible effects of Quizlet on learners' perceptions about vocabulary learning. The study implemented a mixed method research design. The study involved eighth grade students as participants (n=200). The study was conducted in an 8 week period. Both groups (experimental and control) received an achievement test on vocabulary as pre-test and post-test. Additionally, experimental group students were also given a survey to determine the perceptions about Quizlet use for vocabulary learning. The results indicated that the use of Quizlet for vocabulary learning revealed a significant difference between two groups. Quizlet was found to increase the students' achievement for vocabulary learning particularly regarding word recognition. The surveys showed the students' positive perceptions towards Quizlet while vocabulary learning.