3543 research outputs found
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Elementary Teacher Professional Development for Computer Science and Digital Game-Based Learning
The purpose of this qualitative case study research is to understand the professional development needed for elementary school (Grades K–6) educators to effectively teach computer science as part of the Computer Science for All initiative. Two research statements guided this study: Professional development training is needed for Florida elementary school educators to effectively teach the topics in the Computer Science for All initiative; Florida elementary school educators use digital game-based learning to effectively teach the topics in the Computer Science for All initiative. The sample was a purposeful sample consisting of 15 elementary school teachers at an elementary school in Florida. The data collection instruments were face-to-face interviews, teacher observations, professional development artifacts, and member checking sessions. Initial coding and pattern coding were used to identify codes and to collapse and reorganize these codes to identify emergent themes. The inductive and topological analysis models were used to analyze data collected. The key findings of this study were that teachers had limited professional development trainings in the areas of computer science and digital game-based learning in their academic and professional careers. The participants described the professional development training that is needed for them to effectively teach computer science using digital game-based learning. The participants stated that they would need professional development trainings that were hands-on, involve modeling of instruction, understanding of the pedagogical background and benefits that goes into computer science and digital game-based learning, and access to resources. The results contribute to the existing body of research
Taking Back Control: A Quantitative Study on Teacher-targeted Bullying
Teaching is a profession involving the sharing of knowledge with others but unfortunately, many states report challenges in recruiting new educators to the classroom. Even more concerning, educators are leaving the profession in such alarming rates that core courses in schools often lack experienced and appropriately trained teachers. This study explores a phenomenon that has received little focus in education, yet partially influences the retention and recruitment decision of educators: workplace bullying. This well-documented problem affects many fields, and is increasing within the American workforce. This quantitative survey study of K-12 educators in Texas had three aims: (a) to determine if demographic characteristics of the educator could predict victimization; (b) to determine if demographic characteristics of the educator could predict the frequency of bullying; and, (c) to evaluate the relationship between school culture and educator retention to a school, school district, or profession. The data analysis found that the demographic characteristics of gender, age, and tenure were not predictive of victimization; however, gender was significant in determining the frequency of bullying. Similar to other workplace industries, educators experiencing workplace bullying contemplate leaving the school, the school district, and the profession, thus highlighting the importance of the school culture in retention decisions. The findings of this study highlight the need for further research to understand the extent of the issue in an effort to implement successful strategies for decreasing workplace bullying and retaining classroom educators
Epiphany 3 Series C 2019
This PDF comments on the Propers for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Series C and offers ideas for proclamation and preaching
Lent 4 Series C 2019
This PDF comments on the Propers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Series C and offers ideas for proclamation and preaching
Perception of African-American Adult Learners Toward Using Technology in Education
The problem this study explored was how do African-American adult learners perceive using technology in higher education to increase their academic success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how African-American adult learners perceive using technology in higher education. This study was important because it provides an understanding of how African-American adult learners use technology in higher education because perceptions plays a significant role in the learning process, as it is the process where individuals interpret things based on their experiences. to further their academic achievement. This study was also significant because it provides a means for educators to help African-American adult learners find meaningful learning experiences through utilizing educational technology to assist them with being successful in college. The framework used to guide this study was a combination of the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) and constructivism learning theories. The perceptions of using technology in this study were conclusive when technology was used in higher education. Fourteen African-American adult learners participated in this study. The data sources included individual interviews, focus groups, and the researcher’s field notes. The individual and focus group interviews were coded to determine the perceptions of African-American adult learners’ use of technology in education. The results indicated that African-American adult learners’ perceptions of using technology based on their experiences were both positive and negative. The findings of this study indicate African-American adult learners’ perceptions of technology for academic purposes had a positive impact on their learning
New Media, New Networks, and the American Mind: The Television Revolution of the 21st Century
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the ways in which the prevalence of online television streaming has affected the direction and development of television and popular culture moving forward. The first section will focus on the origins and technological accomplishments of three major television streaming services—Netflix, HBO, and Hulu—and how these specific companies have influenced the changing landscape of television media. The second section will focus on three original series produced by Netflix, HBO, and Hulu and discuss the ways in which these series contribute to a growing trend of diverse narratives in television streaming. Both of these sections will include discussions of the glaring challenges facing racial and socio-economic equity in the profit-driven entertainment industry, and the ways in which television streaming services misuse consumer data. While this is not a comprehensive study of all the factors contributing to the development of television media in the 21st century, this thesis will attempt to identify and qualify positive trends that result from the burgeoning era of online television streaming
Community Perceptions of the Influence of a Christian School on Student Readiness
This study was conducted with primary community stakeholders consisting of administrators, educators, and parents within a rural Florida community. A qualitative case study methodology was employed to glean the perceptions of the community stakeholder groups of the influence of a Christian school on student readiness for college and career success. The data were gathered using semi structured interviews that were conducted during the summer of 2018. The perceptions of the community stakeholders included the influence of a Christian school on college preparation, career and workplace success, college enrollment, and high school graduation rates. The stakeholder perceptions were assigned a numerical value to enhance and provide a descriptive analysis of the data. The study consisted of a small sample population within the community; however, the findings or conclusions reflected in the data presented an overall positive perception of a Christian school on student readiness. The results of this study may be fundamental for further investigations of the effectiveness of Christian education on student readiness in similar rural communities
Promoting Academic Self-Efficacy in First-Generation College Students
The objective of this research was to assess differences in academic self-efficacy between demographic classifications, with special regard to differences between first- and continuing-generation college students. Additionally, I explored the relationship between levels of academic self-efficacy and perceived stress within the academic domain. Bandura (1997) coined the term self-efficacy to refer to the individual’s belief that they can take necessary action in order to achieve their goals. In this thesis, I aimed to measure the success of a written academic self-efficacy intervention within a college freshman sample, but the lack of sufficient matched pairs led me to modify the secondary hypothesis to instead measure the changes in academic self-efficacy between two time intervals. Regarding the primary hypotheses, the analyses revealed no significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and generational status, nor a correlation between academic self-efficacy scores and perceived stress scores. However, additional analyses were conducted to identify gender and race/ethnicity as areas of interest in student stress outcomes, as female participants and students of color reported significantly higher stress levels. This research was limited by a small sample size and limited generalizability. I made future recommendations to address these disparities and apply this information in a productive capacity
Investigation of Guided Study Tables as a Support for College Students with ASD in the Transition to Post-Secondary Education
The purpose of this quantitative research study was to investigate the relationship of guided study tables on the academic success and development of executive functioning skills needed for independence in the transition to post-secondary education for college students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Using Schlossberg’s transitional theory as the theoretical framework and executive functioning skills as the conceptual framework, the study investigated a specific support of a comprehensive, transitional program available to college students to help with the transition to college. A correlational design and a descriptive survey provide foundational research and evidence connected to a specific support designed to help college students with ASD. Four semesters of data from the program, totaling 47 students, was provided for analysis including the average number of hours in guided study tables, the semester grade point average, and results from the student’s program evaluation related to executive functioning skills. The results indicated participation in guided study tables positively impacted the academic success of the student with ASD. In addition, the participation in guided study tables was related to the overall independence and self-advocacy skills as noted in the program evaluation
Criminally Homeless? The Eighth Amendment Prohibition Against Penalizing Status
The article examines the extent to which the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment protects the ability of homeless persons to subsist in public places. It reviews Martin v. City of Boise and how the Eighth Amendment has been applied to test the constitutionality of local laws targeted at the homeless. It discusses whether homelessness constitutes a recognizable status protected by the Eighth Amendment, and, if so, whether protection is extended to unavoidable conduct resulting from that status