Barbara A. Bichelmeyer

Rapid Prototyping: An Alternative Instructional Design Strategy

There is a design methodology calledrapid prototyping which has been used successfully in software engineering. Given the similarities between software design and instructional design, we argue that rapid prototyping is a viable model for instructional design, especially for computer-based instruction. Additionally, we argue that recent theories of design offer plausible explanations for the apparent success of rapid prototyping in software design. Such theories also support the notion that rapid prototyping is appropriate for instructional design. We offer guidelines for the use of rapid prototyping and list possible tradeoffs in its application.

Power distance and group dynamics of an international project team: a case study

Project-based team activities are commonly used in higher education. Teams comprised of members from different national cultures can be faced with unique challenges during the creative process. Hofstedes (1991) cultural dimension of power distance was used to examine one such design teams intra- and inter-group interactions in a graduate-level educational technology course in the United States. This case study analysis utilized data from observations, participant interviews and a questionnaire to determine what impact power distance had on team process. Low power distance was one factor that enabled Team Alpha to avoid potential conflicts, conflicts they were not able to avoid with their partner team. Rather than viewing themselves as a group of four individuals from different cultures, Team Alpha members developed their own culture, one specifically in opposition to that of predominantly American student teams. A power distance stance was one component of this opposition.

What happens when accountability meets technology integration

ConclusionThis discussion posited that the language of accountability at the federal and state levels has established the goal of schools as the raising of test scores and that this goal has trumped technology integration efforts. After outlining the basic tenets of both standards-based education and professional development efforts focused on technology integration, we highlighted three tensions that impact the relationship between standards-based education and professional development for technology integration. These tensions are traditional vs. progressive pedagogy; standardized tests vs. authentic assessment; and technology as central vs. technology as peripheral to pedagogy. We concluded with a few suggested strategies for addressing these tensions and provided suggestions for research. We believe that the most promising possibility for transcending the tension between standards-based education and professional development for technology integration is to refocus schools on excellent pedagogy. When excellent pedagogy becomes the cornerstone of school vision and the central focus of all professional development, standards and technology integration will also find their rightful places.

Effects of teacher professional characteristics on student achievement: an investigation in blended learning environment with standards-based curriculum

Use of different teaching materials and curriculum for the same subjects is always a confounding factor in studies investigating teacher characteristics and student achievement. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of different teacher qualities on student achievement in high schools with a standards-based curriculum delivered over a blended learning environment. Utilizing quantitative research approach, this study investigates the effects of teacher characteristics and teaching practices in a course offered through Cisco Networking Academy, which has a standards-oriented curriculum delivered online. Participants in the study were 226 teachers and 3299 students from Networking Academies located in the USA. The findings suggest that certain teacher characteristics such as teaching experience, degree, and primary teaching field do not have effects on student achievement.

Student Achievement in the Cisco Networking Academy: Performance in the CCNA1 Course

This paper examines the student, program delivery and school factors that influenced student achievement in the Cisco Networking Academy. The Academy uses the Internet to distribute a centrally developed curriculum and standards-based online testing, and combines that with local instructors who teach classes to students. This study, conducted with 10,371 students at 1,651 schools, found that individual student ability, gender, age, and motivation were the most important influences on student achievement. Instruction quality was also important, but unlike prior studies, the impact of school level factors was small. We conclude that this combination of centralized curriculum, standards-based testing, and local instruction worked equally well in a variety of environments and enabled students to reach their own potential.

Working with multicultural virtual teams: critical factors for facilitation, satisfaction and success

Information and communication technologies provide the necessary infrastructure for individuals from different cultures and locations to work and learn collaboratively. However the inner workings of such collaboration still keeps its mystery. In this literature review, the issues of how collaborative work comes into being and develops in multicultural virtual teams, the ways to facilitate them and what makes the work in such a team satisfactory and successful are explored. More specifically, how communication works among team members who come from different cultural backgrounds in a context lacking social cues; how potential conflicts due to different cultural understandings on very basic issues are resolved; or how certain notions such as trust is formed, maintained, etc. In pursuit of exploring these concerns, various articles obtained from the conducted literature survey were examined to discover recurring issues. Based on the findings and interpretations from the literature, this paper provides strategies to overcome and leverage similarities and differences inherent in team members. The findings of this literature review are especially important for those people who are planning to organize activities, which involve collaborative multicultural virtual teams.