Junco, R., Heiberger, G. and Loken, E. (2011), The effect of Twitter on college student engagement and grades. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 27: 119–132. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2729.2010.00387.x
Ravenscroft, A., Warburton, S., Hatzipanagos, S. and Conole, G. (2012), Designing and evaluating social media for learning: shaping social networking into social learning?. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 28: 177–182. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2729.2012.00484.x
Bennett, D. (2012). Learning with social media. Healthcare Traveler, 19(12), 4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.canterbury.ac.nz/docview/1021412143?accountid=14499
Appleby, M. (2013). Social Learning. Collector (0010082X), 78(10), 54-55.
Walaski, P. (2013). Social media. Professional Safety, 58(4), 40-49. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.canterbury.ac.nz/docview/1331594111?accountid=14499
Is Twitter for the Birds?
Miller, S. (2010). Enhance Your Twitter Experience. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), 14-17.
Using Twitter as a Pedagogical Tool
Description
A seven stage problem-solving cycle, summarized by seven verbs (forming the acronym CREATER):
- Care - something is wrong and needs to change.
- Relate - whose concern? Who are the key stakeholders? How do we relate to them?
- Examine - how do we define the concern as a solvable problem?
- Acquire - getting access to the resources needed for change.
- Try - a trial to begin a participative process of using the assembled resources at hand to choose and shape the change.
- Extend - extend the acceptance and adoption of the new program throughout the system.
- Renew - keeping it going, sustaining commitment, keeping it fresh and relevant.
Although they are presented as a sequence, each stage is relevant throughout a change process. They build on one another, depend on one another, and connect to one another in many ways, even though they are also conceptually distinct.
Evaluation
The value of this model is in the cycle, similar to an inquiry cycle that can be used for self-review in schools.. It goes beyond simply implementing change to looking at change and ensuring that it is sustainable. Additionally, there is a clear sequence in the process, with each step building on what has happened before, providing structure for a change team to work through in implementing any new initiative. Finally, the process ensures that adequate resources, trialing and buy in from those affected by change addressed.
Description
The objective of this study highlighted in the article is the use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine the relationship of students' behavioural intention to use (BIU) an e-portfolio system with selected factors of:
- perceived usefulness (PU),
- perceived ease of use (PEOU),
- and attitude towards usage (ATU), and develop a general model of e-portfolio acceptance.
Working through the TAM model, the research found the following factors in relation to the use of e-portfolios by the students in the study:
- When students perceive the e-portfolio system as one that is useful and easy to use, then they may have a positive attitude towards using the system.
- When students perceive the e-portfolio system as one that is easy to use, then they may have a positive attitude towards the usefulness of the system.
- When students have a positive attitude towards the system, they may use the system frequently and intensively and may have a favourable intention towards using the system.
- Users may use a technology even if they do not have a positive attitude towards it as long as it is perceived to be useful or easy to use.
The TAM is used in the research for its robustness in predicting technology adoption in various contexts and with a variety of technologies. Use of the TAM is predicated on individuals having control over whether or not they use the system; appropriate in this case with the focus on students acceptance of the use of e-portfolio systems.
Evaluation
A strength of the research is the fact that the article identifies and acknowledges limitation of the study. In doing so, it determines strategies for addressing the areas of highlighted weaknesses in the research. The paper also identifies areas for future research around the area of the use of e-portfolios.
The paper clearly outlines four hypotheses that are the basis of the research, then presents the strategies used to test each hypothesis. The paper concludes with discussion and conclusions based around the research findings, as identified in the above description.
Sugar, W., Crawley, F. & Fine, B. (2004). Examining teachers' decisions to adopt new technology. Educational Technology and Society, 7(4), 201-213.
Description
This study examines technology adoption through the theory of reasoned action (TRA) model. Underlying the TRA model is the assumption that the behaviour of interest is volitional, completely under the individual’s control. Research findings indicate that teachers technology adoption decisions are influenced by their individual attitudes towards the technology. External support from what could be expected to be influential people and professional development programmes were insignificant factors affecting teachers’ technology adoption decisions. A starting point for schools and providers of educational software should be to work closely with teachers around their feelings, opinions and beliefs around technology adoption.
Evaluation
The value of this reading is that it offers a perspective that I have not seen in any other reading; this being that the key factor in the implementation of new technology and ICT is the attitude and belief that teachers have towards the technology. This gives the impression that the starting point in successful implementation needs to be around working with teachers to examine, and, if necessary, work towards changing the belief. A further valuable consideration that the research brings to light is the role that teachers could have in selecting technology for adoption, as opposed to it being a purely managerial or administrative decision; with doing so overcoming the need to change the beliefs of teachers due to their involvement in the process.
Robinson, L. (2009) A summary of Diffusion of Innovations. Published by Enabling Change.
Description
Diffusion in innovation is how innovation is taken up in a population; it offers three valuable insights into the process of social change: what qualities make an innovation spread successfully; the importance of peer-peer conversations and peer networks; and understanding the needs of different user segments. In this change model, it’s the innovation that changes to suit the people. Five factors that determine the success of an innovation: relative advantage; compatibility with existing values and practices; simplicity and ease of use; trialability; and observable results. Reinvention is a key principle of this theory - how well the innovation evolves to meet the diverse needs of users. It’s conversations that spread adoption of new innovations; those we know and trust are likely to encourage us to adopt, although early adopters are an exception to this rule, often because they have less to lose. The population can be broken down into five different levels in terms of adoption: innovators, early adopters, early majorities, late majorities and laggards. These groups are static; the innovation needs to adopt to each group. A key factor to consider when introducing a new innovation is how many have already taken it up; this gives you an idea of your next step.
Evaluation
Insights for this article have been tested in thousands of research studies and field tests, giving them reliability and credibility. The article outlines the three key factors in the process of Diffusion of Innovation. From here it take the three factors and breaks them down further, explaining key concepts for each factor, supported with research and clear diagrams to emphasise key points. The structure of the article makes it very usable and potentially applicable for my own research purposes; I can see how it could be related to my focus; ‘Is social media and effective means for schools to engage with students and their families?’
Description
The study looks at the use of the C-BAM model, discussing the three key dimensions: stages of concern (SoC); levels of use (LoU); and innovation configuration (IC). These were looked at to gain a greater understanding of the implementation of computers in schools, particularly the use of mobile computers in a secondary school in Western Australian. CBAM is an effective model for explaining and understanding the actions of teachers in change around ICT. Additionally, CBAM is effective in developing a plan for effective ICT implementation, including effective professional development. Two dimensions, SoC and LoC are broken down into levels of concern, ranging from awareness and non-use at the lowest level, through to refocusing, integration and renewal at the highest level.
Evaluation
The research is useful as it outlines the effective implementation of CBAM, looking specifically at the three stages of the process in a broad sense, then in one particular programme ICT implementation. The process is clearly explained, with details on strategies at each dimension of the CBAM process. Although I won’t go into the same levels of detail for my own research, I can see how aspects of the process outlined here will be beneficial in my own investigations, particularly the questionnaires and checklists used to gather information.
Evans, L. and Chauvin, S. 1993. Faculty Developers as Change Facilitators: The Concerns-Based Adoption Model. To Improve the Academy. Paper 278. (Hosted by The Digital Commons, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Description
Understanding factors affecting planned change are likely to lead to successful long term change, rather than short lived change practice. The change focus is shifting from the outcome to the process of change. As individuals work through the change process they will alter their way of thinking and doing. Understanding individuals’ reaction to change is likely to help in implementing long term change. There are gradual steps to work through in the change process; it is not simply an event. Concerns about change are common to all of us. C-BAM highlights seven stages of concern; individuals can be at any point on the continuum, with facilitators needing to know where individuals sit. Initial concerns are around self; but as individuals become more confident the concerns are around the impact of the innovation. The change facilitator needs to be skilled at assessing the concern of individuals, for which three methods for doing so are described. Once the level of concern has been identified, interventions need to be put in place to address the concerns. Interventions at three stages of concern are highlighted. The reading finishes with three examples of the C-BAM being implemented, ranging from small scale to a large scale application in a state university.
Evaluation
The reading introduces research from a range of sources to support the information on the concerns-based adoption model for change, adding validity to the reading. Additionally the paper has been accepted for inclusion in To Improve the Academy by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The paper clearly describes the levels of concern in the C-BAM, and then offers practical strategies for change facilitators to identify levels of concerns of individuals, following up with interventions to address the concerns. The paper is very useful for my research, as it clearly outlines a process that I will focus on for my own question; with a planned process being something I haven't used in the past for changes that I have introduced, including the change around the question for my own research.
Sherry, L., & Gibson, D. (2002). The path to teacher leadership in educational technology. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education
Description
Access to infrastructure and hardware does not mean increased use by teachers. When technology is used, it may be to simply sustain current practice. Slow uptake of new technology can be due to a combination of technological, individual, organizational, and instructional factors. For successful implementation fundamental changes would need to school organisation, time allocation, and how teachers are prepared. There are two fundamental limitations to the tradition change models. A new model needs to address the limitations of the traditional models. LAT model is a four stage approach for teachers. Given adequate training, mentoring, access, and technical support, teachers tend to be more willing to move to the next phase at which they become co learners and co explorers with their students. A fifth stage - learner as leader developed. Schools fall short when spending on training falls short of spending on hardware, etc. The paper goes on to describe the three factors required for systematic sustainability.
Evaluation
The article identifies the common practice of over resourcing and under preparing teachers for the implementation of ICT. Systematic and logical systems are described that will effectively address the poor implementation process; these systems follow a clear progression that see teachers moving from novice to expert. Once systems are in place the issue of sustainability is also addressed, a key factor in my topic of research around the implementation and continual use of social media.
Description
Facetime has the potential to increase social connectedness, with so many students already spending a lot of time ‘plugged in’. The challenge of educators is how to use social media to increase learning outcomes. Facebook offers distance students the opportunity for real time chat with teachers. Some research has stated the computer mediated communication is essential in the delivery of programmes to today’s net generation students, suggesting the students will flourish in this type of learning environment. However, a concern is pandering to the immediacy requirements of today’s students, with this being reinforced by the use of tools like Facebook. Conversely, there is the argument that instant feedback is the best feedback. Computer mediated communication (CMC) allows the student to engage directly with the educator. Whereas there is 80% communication from the teacher, this lessens to 10-15% in a CMC environment.
All students rated Facebook as very useful as a tool for contacting their teacher, believing the teacher was able to provide adequate answers to questions through CMC. All students though Facebook was an appropriate teaching tool, appreciating the rapid turnaround of information.
Evaluation
A very useful article in relation to my research on using social media to engage students and families. The article highlights many key benefits in the use of social media, specifically Facebook, as an effective CMC tool. The research identifies why students were so engaged with CMC through Facebook, with these ideas relating back to effective teaching practice, particularly around the immediacy of feedback and the fact that students had regular access to their teacher on a one to one basis, regardless of location.
Pluss, Martin. January 2011: Learning Using Twitter [online]. Geography Bulletin, Vol. 43, No. 2, 2011: 16-18.
Description
This article looks at how Twitter is a useful and viable means for communicating with students during school and annual holidays, highlighting the importance of doing so due to the fact the many significant events take place when students aren't at school. The article also looks at the development of Twitter, from being random and generalist to more structured and informative. It goes on to discuss how Twitter is a means of seeing the evolution of an event, then once the event has run it's course how Twitter can be used to reflect upon what has taken place. Additionally, as Twitter is not always reliable, it offers students an opportunity to assess information; what is accurate and what isn't? A final comment is that teachers are not yet learning the value of social media, primarily because they don't see how it can be used.
Evaluation
Through the use of Twitter the school year can go beyond the parameters of school terms, into the holiday periods. Students have the skills and knowledge to use social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter. Teachers now need to take this prior knowledge to complement and build on current teaching and learning practice. Other organisations are doing so, such as the media. Education also relies on access to information, so we, as teachers, have a vested interest in using social media as a means of acquiring and sharing information. This will require a major shift in thinking, as social media is still a relatively new phenomenon.
Mercer, A. (2011). Learning Takes Flight with Twitter. Canadian Music Educator / Musicien Educateur Au Canada, 53(1), 35.
Description
Twitter is an effective way of getting information out to a lot of people, regardless of which platform they are on. Because of the 140 character limit authors are required to keep their comments brief. Anyone can follow a Twitter feed, but there are options to the writer to restrict access to tweets (Twitter posts). Twitter can be accessed and used, whether creating or consuming, through a browser or through one of numerous apps; tweets can even be followed through text messaging. A strength of Twitter is that it can be used to get information out to a large group of people with relative ease. Twitter can be used as a means of students interacting with each other through following a discussion tweet, then sharing their ideas and opinions through comments.
Evaluation
The cross platform usability of Twitter makes it an effective tool in a wider school community, as it is highly likely that there will be a range of devices used within that community, from desktop computers through to inexpensive cellphones. This allows for a potentially wide audience to have access to whatever information the school is aiming to share. The fact that tweets are limited to 140 characters makes the writing of tweets by students a lot less onerous that, for example, a blog post might be. Students need to select their words carefully, making the most of the characters that they have available. The accessibility of tweets through cellphones makes Twitter a very effective tool for sharing urgent information; parents caregivers may not have their computers with them, but wherever they are they are likely to have instant access to their cellphones. Using Twitter as a discussion board could provide shyer students with a means of sharing their ideas and opinions, something they might not be willing to do in a regular classroom environment.
Tim,
ReplyDeleteRemember to add the "EDEM630" tag to your posts. Blogger calls this a label which you can add using the edit mode.
Thanks Wayne. I've added a label to all of my posts and can now see them on the blog aggregator.
ReplyDeleteTim
Another tip -- You can also add the label "Bibliography" to your annotated bio posts in addition to the EDEM630. Remember to separate labels using a comma (from memory in blogger). That way you will be able to easily find all your bio posts for personal use.
ReplyDelete