Research Article
Mehmet Haldun Kaya, Tufan Adiguzel
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep323
ABSTRACT
For technology integration to achieve intended instructional objectives, professional development is of paramount importance for in-service instructors. Technology enhanced reflection providing multimodality and evidence-based data has the potential of helping instructors achieve technology integration in their teaching. Thus, this study addressed the lack of professional development programs for in-service English language instructors aiming at technology integration through evidence-based multimodal reflective practices. By following the developmental research methodology, an instrumental case study was conducted using mixed-methods design including both qualitative and quantitative data. The professional training was carried out with eight English language instructors at tertiary level who aimed to integrate technology into their English classes by being involved in evidence-based multimodal reflective practice. In this study, there were five different data sources (instructors’ opinions, recorded lessons, video annotations, face-to-face interaction notes and pages in the learning management system) and seven data collection tools (interviews, tutor reflection template, self-reflection template, peer-reflection template, technology integration questionnaire, online discussion forums and evaluation criteria form). As a result, this professional training particularly designed and implemented for the in-service English language instructors at tertiary level did make a change in their both technology integration and evidence-based multimodal reflective practice. Apart from the change in the instructors’ technology integration, this study had an impact on their understanding, practice and quality of reflective practice involving evidence-based multimodal reflection tools as it helped the instructors to increase depth in their evidence-based multimodal reflective practice.
Keywords: technology integration, reflection, professional development, teacher training
Research Article
Eulho Jung, Hua Zheng, Nick Webster, Adonis Hamad, Fatih Demir, Dongho Kim
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 13, Issue 4, Article No: ep321
ABSTRACT
Higher education institutions partner with technology providers to stay competitive in the fast-evolving innovations of technological advancements. The purpose of this study is to reflect on and investigate technology integration cases at a mid-sized public university in the U.S. Taking a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes critical reflection and multiple case studies (Stake, 2006). After reviewing the data, a technology partnership model was created that is composed of five phases: (1) analysis, (2) negotiation, (3) pre-implementation, (4) implementation, and (5) evaluation. The findings indicate that a systematic process must be utilized to ensure efficiency in vendor–university partnerships. Discussions, limitations, and implementation are provided.
Keywords: technology partnerships, educational technology, online learning, vendor relationships, critical reflection
Research Article
Kelly McKenna, Beth Pouska, Marcia C. Moraes, James E. Folkestad
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 214-228
ABSTRACT
Accessible learning analytics available from the data within learning management systems, can assist with teaching and learning practices, but often this data is difficult to interpret. Learning analytics, specifically those presented in visual-form, can provide information that supports learners’ reflection and guides them to the necessary changes that lead to successful self-regulated learning. This research study utilized photo-elicitation methods to prompt learners’ reflections of their self-regulated retrieval practice activities, quiz-based learning opportunities, which were qualitatively analyzed. A tool, U-Behavior, was created which was designed to extract students attempt data on the retrieval practice activities which were presented to students as opportunities to study the course content rather than as evaluations of understanding. Upon completion of the retrieval practice activities, learners were presented with their personalized learning analytics in visual-form and prompted to reflect on their learning. Visual-form learning analytics create opportunities for feedback and critical reflection for both instructors and learners and improve student learning. Analysis of the visual-form learning analytics and corresponding reflections highlighted learners’ understanding of high-impact learning practices, the realization of intended study behaviors versus engrained behaviors, high score orientation, and a focus on comparisons.
Keywords: Learning analytics, Visualizations, Reflection