Gene Gloeckner

Workforce readiness: A study of university students' fluency with information technology

This study with data collected from a large sample of freshmen in 2001 and a random stratified sample of seniors in 2005 examined students perceived FITness (fluency with Information Technology). In the fall of 2001 freshmen at a medium sized research-one institution completed a survey and in spring 2005 a random sample of graduating seniors completed a similar survey. The surveys measured the students self-reported proficiency in basic information technology knowledge and skills such as word processing and presentation software as well as more complex applications such as digital audio. We found a significant increase in perception of skills in presentation software and browsers and although both groups reported low skill levels, a significant decrease in perception of skills in database, web animation, programming, desktop publishing, digital video, and video audio. Although one might assume an undergraduate would indicate an increase in information and communication technology skills, this study found that often students perceptions of ability decline. However this decrease may be due to their increased awareness of the skills needed in the workforce.

Reflections on a Decade of Changes in Homeschooling and the Homeschooled Into Higher Education

This article reviews selected research on successes of homeschooled students over the past decade. The article raises several methods issues, especially related to sampling issues and recent changes in some state laws. In addition the article reviews research collected from college admissions officers’ on their perceptions and attitudes relate to homeschooled students. The comparative results of the studies reported in this review, combined with the data collected from college admission officers provides evidence that homeschooling is an effective alternative path to college for the children of many families.

Roads Scholars: Part-Time Faculty Job Satisfaction in Community Colleges

Are part-time faculty members satisfied with their roles in higher education? Data from part-time faculty responses regarding their experiences in higher education vary. Valadez and Antony (2001) analyzed data from 6,811 part-time faculty collected from the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) 1992–1993 National Survey of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF). They concluded two-year part-time faculty members are satisfied with their roles, but they are concerned with issues regarding salary, benefits, and long-term job security. Similar findings were published by Leslie and Gappa (2002). Other researchers, however, have found dissimilar results (Townsend & Hauss, 2002; Jacoby, 2005). The paradoxical findings from these surveys suggest there are unanswered questions regarding part-time faculty job satisfaction in community colleges. Using survey responses from part-time faculty teaching at the 13 community colleges comprising the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), this study identified statistically significant factors associated with job satisfaction and proposed policy recommendations for improving part-time faculty job satisfaction. A total of 405 respondents (N = 405) answered the part-time faculty satisfaction survey to varying degrees of completion. This was a survey response rate of approximately 12% of the total population of part-time faculty who taught in the CCCS during the 2008 calendar year. Recommendations for improving part-time faculty job satisfaction in the CCCS include increasing part-time faculty salaries, offering health insurance benefits, offering additional inexpensive benefits, establishing a seniority system, offering increased opportunities for online teaching, and offering annual teaching contracts.

Predictors of Work Injuries: A Quantitative Exploration of Level of English Proficiency as a Predictor of Work Injuries in the Construction Industry

ABSTRACT Both labor shortages and language barriers are present in some areas of the construction industry. These issues translate into higher than average accident and death rates seen among workers of Hispanic origin and the possible confounding effect of a language barrier. In order to address these concerns, an instrument was developed to identify the level of English proficiency. This was compared to injuries sustained on the job in the last 30 days. Participants were ranked on their level of English proficiency, and then divided into two groups. The middle group of predominately bilingual individuals was removed in order to maximize any differences between the two groups. The two groups were then compared based on the different independent variables identified in the research questions, as well as other possible relationships of interest as identified in the auxiliary findings. The overall findings of this research indicate no significant differences in work injuries when based on level of English proficiency. The study revealed the greater the English proficiency; the greater the likelihood a person would experience an injury. This contradicts some findings in the literature identifying Spanish speaking individuals as having a higher accident rate than their more English speaking counterparts.

Understanding differential organizational responses to work/life issues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore differential adoption of work/life programs by organizations by studying CEOs. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed from interview data from 26 Denver‐area (Colorado, USA) CEOs. Findings – A decision‐making model was conceptualized as the major finding of this study. CEOs decided on work/life programs on content‐based bottom‐line arguments, on process‐based criteria, such as moral, spiritual, or flexibility beliefs, or on personal experiences that these programs return to the bottom line. If a CEO decided based on bottom‐line arguments, the main variable is whether or not retention is important. Research limitations/implications – As a qualitative study, caution should be exercised in generalizing to the general population of CEOs, particularly those who choose not to adopt work/life programs. Practical implications – The study provides data useful for top management persuasion, executive development, understanding executive decision‐making processes, and understanding factors important to work/life program adoption. Originality/value – Many factors have been studied concerning differential work/life program adoption, including the composition of the HR team. This is the first study to consider the influence of CEOs as key decision‐makers in the adoption decision. This study also offers a model that potentially explains the decision‐making process used by executives for human resource programs, and perhaps other programs as well.

Information and Learning Technology (ILT) Adoption Among Career and Technical Teachers in Malaysia

This study investigated the diffusion of Information and Learning Technology (ILT) among career and technical educators in Malaysia. It was conducted at a large career and technical institute and utilized a non‐experimental research approach. The results show that a majority of faculty members reported that ILT is important as a teaching tool, yet also suggest that few faculty members use it in their teaching practice. Compared to males, female faculty members owned significantly more personal computers. Faculty members who owned a personal computer rated higher on the variables of usage, knowledge, satisfaction, and support, and lower on “barrier to use” than those who did not own a personal computer. The findings revealed that career and technical faculty members were most comfortable using familiar technologies including the Internet, word processing, and presentation software. The study suggests that career and technical training facilities in Malaysia should address general barriers and increase both technological and pedagogical support to successfully implement ILT in teaching and learning practice.

Influence of an Equine-Assisted Activities Program on Dementia-Specific Quality of Life

Institutional facilities face challenges providing experiences to residents with dementia that promote participation in meaningful activities. Guided by the Lived Environment Life Quality Model, this study investigated associations between 9 different activity situations—one an equine-assisted activities program (EAAP)—and positive, negative, and neutral behavioral indicators of quality of life (QoL) in 6 residents with dementia who expressed an interest in horses. Direct observational data were collected for 4 hours twice weekly over 8 weeks. Using χ2 tests, differences across activity situations were tested. More positive patterns of time use (conversation; χ2 = 44.3, P < .001) and emotional well-being (pleasure; χ2 = 21.8, P = .001) were found in EAAP compared to other activity situations. Further, EAAP was the only activity situation associated with all positive QoL indicators. These findings add to our understanding the importance of providing meaningful activities that promote use of abilities and provide environmental support, for enhancing QoL, especially for institutionalized people with dementia.