Research Article
Regina Kaplan Rakowski
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 324-337
ABSTRACT
Vocabulary is crucial for language learning. Therefore, searching for the most effective methods to master vocabulary is an important quest. This study investigated the effect of stereoscopic three-dimensional (S3D) images on recall and retention of foreign language vocabulary. S3D images, frequently used in virtual reality visualizations, are highly realistic and differ from non-stereoscopic three-dimensional (NS3D) images in that they provide an impression of depth. In this within-subject study, American subjects (N = 82) were exposed to 16 Polish words accompanied by corresponding images. Half of these images were in NS3D format, and half were in S3D format. The vocabulary was counterbalanced throughout four randomly distributed versions of the experiment. Quantitative data were drawn from immediately administered and one-week-delayed productive and receptive vocabulary tests. Qualitative data were gathered through background questionnaires and follow-up surveys, which included a mixture of open-ended and Likert scale questions. Two-tailed, paired t-tests showed no significant difference on vocabulary recall and retention of test scores for words represented with NS3D and S3D images. Post hoc tests revealed that lower performance on S3D images occurred only for those subgroups of subjects who exhibited discomfort or lack of experience with S3D technology, or both.
Keywords: Vocabulary learning, Stereoscopic 3D images, Multimedia, Virtual reality, Immersive environments
Research Article
Gulden Gursoy, Derya Orhan Goksun
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 338-357
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to improve the experiences of pre-service science teachers in content development using Web 2.0 tools and to determine the effects of these experiences on their self-efficacy beliefs in content development via Web 2.0 tools. The present study was conducted with a mixed design that included empirical and phenomenological methods. Forty-two pre-service science teachers participated in the study. During the implementation, pre-service teachers developed content using Web 2.0 tools such as Kahoot, Quizizz, Powtoon, Emaze, MindMeister and Toondoo and shared the content with the class using Edmodo. “Self-Efficacy Belief Scale on Fast Content Development via Web 2.0” was used as pre- and post-tests. Findings demonstrated that pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and all sub-dimensions of content development via Web 2.0 tools improved as a result of the implementation. The views of them were grouped under seven themes; prejudice, satisfaction, awareness, fun, infrastructure problems, language problems and tool problems. Additionally, when the mean of item responses were examined, it was seen that the highest one was about preparing worksheet self-efficacy belief. Furthermore, it was determined that pre-service teachers were happy to participate in the implementation, recognized ways to integrate technology in their fields, and had fun while developing content.
Keywords: Educational technologies, Web 2.0 tools, Self-efficacy, Content development, Teacher education
Research Article
Binnur Ergen, Tugba Yanpar Yelken, Sedat Kanadli
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 358-380
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is, by using meta-analysis method, to examine whether there is a significant difference in the effect size of the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) according to gender. For this purpose, it was examined whether both Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the knowledge types related to TPACK shows a statistically significant difference by gender. A total of 29 studies conducted both in Turkey and abroad between 2007 and 2017 and meet the inclusion criteria were synthesized by the meta-analysis method. “Cohen’s d” was chosen as the effect size index in order to examine the knowledge types related to TPACK by gender. Since the studies were obtained from the literature, primary studies were combined according to the Random Effects Model. It was concluded as a result of the analysis that there is a significant difference between the knowledge types about TPACK by gender, and in the sub-group analysis, technology knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge and technological pedagogical content knowledge have a significant effect size in favor of male; on the other hand, content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and technological content knowledge have an insignificant effect size in favor of male and pedagogical knowledge has an insignificant effect size in favor of female.
Keywords: Technological pedagogical content knowledge, Meta analysis, Gender, Sub-group analysis
Research Article
Emre Dinc
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 381-398
ABSTRACT
This study examined the thoughts of preservice teachers about technology integration and collected their ideas about possible barriers to technology integration in education. With this aim, the participants were asked two key questions which are (1) “What does ‘Technology Integration in Education’ mean to you?” and (2) “What might be the possible barriers to technology integration in education?”. A total of 76 preservice teachers, who took the course “Integrating Technology in Education” during their Elementary Teacher Education program took part in the study. The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis method in this qualitative study. As a result of the study, it was revealed that preservice teachers have critical perceptions related to technology integration, such as effective use of technology, inclusion of technology in the course curriculum, increasing engagement, visualizing the course content, working with administrators to integrate technology, and being able to teach with technology that cannot be taught beforehand. As for the external and internal barriers, the participants commented that lack of funding/budget, lack of equipment, lack of ability, and time are major barriers to technology integration in education. Unlike the other studies in the relevant literature, preservice teachers stated parents and security as barriers to integrating technology in education.
Keywords: Technology itegration, Technology use in education, Prospective teachers, Barriers to technology use, Descriptive analysis
Research Article
Ferit Karakoyun
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 399-415
ABSTRACT
Facilities provided by social network sites allow individuals to use social networks for various purposes such as communication, entertainment and information sharing. These purposes vary depending on the social networks individuals use and on their personality traits. The present study examined preservice teachers’ social network use purposes with respect to their personality traits. The participants of the study were 660 preservice teachers attending a Turkish university. For data collection in the study “Scale of Social Network Use Purposes” and “Basic Personality Traits Inventory” were used. The research data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multi-Linear Regression Analysis. The findings revealed that among the personality traits, conscientiousness, openness to experience and negative valence were predictors of the sub-factors of social network use purposes. As for other personality factors, neuroticism and extraversion were not significant predictors of the total social network use purpose score or its sub-factors.
Keywords: Social media, Social networking sites, Personality, Five-Factor Model, Preservice teachers
Research Article
Duygu Ispinar Akcayoglu, Gokce Dislen Daggol
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 416-429
ABSTRACT
Media literacy is defined as the ability to encode and decode the symbols transmitted via media and to synthesize, analyze and produce mediated messages. Media literacy raises questions about the impact of media and technology, which has the potential to increase individuals’ awareness about the effects of media on daily life. The aim of media literacy is to help students become competent, critical and literate in media forms because they need to interpret what they see or hear and prevent the interpretation from controlling them. Therefore, perceptions of students about their media literacy is a topic that requires attention at various education levels. The present study aimed to identify preparatory year program students’ self-perceptions about media literacy and to explore whether they benefited from mass media in learning a foreign language, English in this context. Data were collected using Media Literacy Level Determination Scale developed by Karatas (2008). Open-ended questions that aimed to reveal students’ perceptions of media literacy were asked with a view to supporting the data obtained from the scale. Both data collection tools also aimed to find out the factors associated with media literacy. The findings of the study are believed to open a perspective for the stakeholders in language teaching process by providing insight into the university students’ stance towards media literacy.
Keywords: Media literacy, EFL students, Higher education, Preparatory school