Sue Byrd Steinweg

A Comparison of Traditional and Online Instruction in an Introduction to Special Education Course

There has been a proliferation of college courses and programs offered via distance education and particularly via the Internet (online). Although there is evidence that distance education using video conferencing or off-campus classes is effective, there is insufficient research addressing the online classes. Much of the existing research has investigated perceptions rather than outcomes. In contrast, this research presents a comparison of performance of candidates in introductory special education classes presented in traditional and online formats. Pretests and posttests of course content and attitudes toward inclusion, and rubric scores from three performance products were used to compare the outcomes in the course. The results support the “no significant difference” phenomenon and the use of distance education as a valid mechanism for delivery of teacher education.

Reaching through the Screen: Using a Tablet PC to Provide Feedback in Online Classes

Growth in the number of online classes in higher education has provided additional post-secondary opportunities to students in rural communities. This growth has also resulted in challenges for students and faculty. Using the digital ink of a tablet PC to provide hand written feedback on document files allows faculty to efficiently provide precise feedback. Students indicate that feedback provided with the tablet PC contains clear information as well as a “human touch” for online assignments. Faculty members report the ease of using tablet PC technology increases the efficiency with which they can provide more detailed digital feedback.

Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition that can be ameliorated for premature infants. Such intervention strategies include careful administration of oxygen in incubators through monitoring of blood gases, early detection of ROP utilizing the international evaluation of ROP diagnosis, and timely drug and surgical interventions for premature infants. These strategies apply to all premature infants but especially to those whose birth weight was less than 1,500 grams and who received oxygen for a prolonged period of time.