INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
Year:2014 | Volume:4 | Issue:3 (15)|Papers Count:9

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effect of using educational software on the fifth grade students’ active learning of mathematics course in Babol City (with a constructivist approach). The method of research was quasi-experimental with a pre-test/post-test design with a control group and an experimental group. The statistical population included all 1287 fifth grade students in 2012, among whom a total of 50 students were selected through cluster random sampling method. In order to assess the participants’ academic achievement, a paper and pencil test of mathematics was designed. The reliability coefficient of the test was estimated in a pilot study to be 0.85. To determine the subjects’ degree of academic motivation, and to assess their creative learning, Harter’s standard questionnaire and Torrance’s standard questionnaire of creativity were used, respectively. The participants were taught through using ActivInspire software. The implementation phases of the study included giving the pre-test, verifying the homogeneity of the two groups (control and experimental), teaching via media using ActivInspire software, giving the post-test and completing the questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS software by taking independent t test. Results of the analysis revealed that using the educational software was effective on the subjects’ academic achievement and improved their motivation for active learning of mathematics, but it did not have influence on their creative learning of mathematics.

The purpose of this study was to determine the share of psychological hardiness, self-efficacy and achievement motivation in predicting computer attitude of students in Payam Noor University of Shahre Kord. The type of the research was predictive correlation. The statistical population consisted of all students in Payam Noor University in the first semester of the academic year 2011-2012. For sampling, 100 students of 10 fields of study were selected by stratified random sampling method. Computer Attitude Scale (CAS), Ahvas Hardiness Inventory (AHI), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and Herman's achievement motivation questionnaire were used for measuring the research variables. Descriptive statistics and stepwise regression was used for data analysis. Results showed that psychological hardiness could significantly predict the computer attitude in students (P = 0.000), and adding self-efficacy to psychological hardiness increased significantly the predicting power of their computer attitude (P = 0.000); but adding achievement motivation variable to psychological hardiness and self-efficacy variables could not increase significantly the predicting power of computer attitude in these subjects. Consequently, according to the evidence, one of the ways to improve students' attitude to computer is strengthening the psychological hardiness and self-efficacy.

The present study aimed to compare the amount of information literacy and social skills of high school students trained in traditional education and distance one. Considering the aim, it is a practical study, and considering data collection, it is a descriptive cross sectional survey study. The population of the study was all5400 female and male high school students in Arak city. The sample size was 240people selected through a combination of stratified and cluster sampling methods. Data collection tools were standardized social skills questionnaire and researcher-made information literacy questionnaire. The reliability co-efficiencies of the questionnaires were 0.91 for information literacy and 0.73 for social skills. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, frequency, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (two independent groups t test). The results showed that there was no significant difference between information literacy of students in traditional education and in distance education system. Also there was no significant difference between social skills in the two groups.

The aim of the present research was to study the relationship between application of information and communication technology and university staff empowerment. The study was applied, and in terms of method, was descriptive, correlational. The statistical population was all employees in the staff field of Islamic Azad University of central organization, Science and Research Branch of Tehran and Tehran Center Branch that included 225 persons in academic year of 2012-2013. Among them, 143 people were selected as the sample population based on Cochran formula, by stratified sampling method. The research measuring instrument consisted of two questionnaires: 15 questions for information and communication technology and 35 questions for empowerment, prepared based on five point Likert scale. The reliabilities of the questionnaires were calculated based on Cronbach alpha and were obtained 0.925 for information and communication technology and the 0.928 for empowerment questionnaire. Data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques such as Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients by SPSS software. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between the application of information and communication technology and components of empowering employees (improving employee performance, independence and freedom of action, feeling of decision- making responsibility, occupational diversity, self-controlling and professional ability, willingness and development of staff).Among the dimensions of empowerment, the component of improving employee performance had the most correlation, and the component of self-controlling had the least correlation with information and communication technology.

The aim of this research was to determine the rate of using cell phone for educational and general purposes by postgraduate and PhD students of the University of Tehran. To obtain this goal, using a descriptive survey method, students' opinions were investigated. The statistical population consisted of 12933 postgraduate and PhD students of Tehran University, among whom a sample of 516 students were selected based on the stratified random sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity of which had been calculated by e-learning experts and supervisors. Its reliability was calculated 0.84 using Cronbach alpha coefficient. For data analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS software were used. The findings showed that the rate of using mobile capabilities and features for general and educational purposes by the students was less than the average rate, and only in some capabilities, such as audio, SMS and call for general purposes was more than average. Other findings showed that general use of mobile phones was different between students based on educational degree and fields of study. Also, there was not a significant difference among educational subgroups in the usage of mobile phone capabilities and features for educational purposes. Therefore, faculty members are recommended to change their traditional approaches in teaching-learning activities to encourage more the student community to use mobile technologies for educational purposes.

The purpose of the present study was to identify different levels of sensation seeking and to assess how these relate to using additional functions of cell phones. Research method was correlational. A sample of 400 students (228 female, 172 male) from the University of Zanjan was selected using random cluster sampling. The students were asked to complete sensation seeking questionnaire as well as questionnaires on using images and video clips of cell phones. Data was analyzed by using Pearson correlation coefficient and two independent group's t test. Statistical analyses revealed significant relationship between level of sensation seeking and using cell phone images and video clips. In addition, individuals with low levels of sensation seeking used political and religious images in their cell phone photo gallery significantly less than high sensation seekers. Low sensation seekers used video clips with nature, social, romantic, scientific, or political themes or those related to poets, authors, or sportspersons (related to women) significantly more than the individuals with high levels of sensation seeking. In contrast, high sensation seekers used shows and videos featuring naked or semi-naked persons significantly more than students with low levels of sensation seeking. Girls used images of political, religious, and literary figures more than boys and boys were more inclined than girls to use photos of political and sport figures.

Designing a pedagogical pattern in virtual higher education, in order to establish more concentration, make necessary prediction, prepare suitable investment, and supply strategic program in learning system is a necessary and urgent step. So the goal of the present study was to design pedagogical pattern (teaching and learning) in electronic higher education. This study has been conducted by mixed method with qualitative and quantitative patterns using researcher-made questionnaire with 29 questions, whose reliability was 0.91. Statistical population of the study included 517 faculty members of Shahid Chamran University, among whom, based on Krejcie and Morgan table, 220 individuals were selected as sample through stratified random sampling method. Based on exploratory factor analysis and descriptive and content analysis, the results revealed significance of factors such as planning and resources management, learner orientation, flexibility and communication instruments, evaluation, student profiling, learning methods and strategies, organizing, design method, aims analysis, medium analysis, learner and content analyses, tenets, technology, evaluation tool, virtual quality, time management, employment management, virtual behavior and thought, education priority, and virtual experiment, which have been presented as descriptive pattern in findings.

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of fundamentals of modern educational technology training on students’ life skills in universities of Mazandaran Province. Considering the objective, it was a practical research, and considering the method, it was a semi-experimental procedure with pretest/posttest and control group. The statistical population included all university students in academic year of 2012-2013 (n=312586). Using cluster random sampling method, three colleges were selected, and using stratified random sampling method with optimum ratio allocation, a number of 50 individuals were selected as sample and placed in the test and control groups. Data collection tool was a researcher made questionnaire that contained 45 questions and four skill dimensions (decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and creative thinking). The face and content validity were approved by faculty advisors and reliability was calculated 0.86 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed using covariance analysis test and t test. Findings showed that the fundamentals of modern educational technology (web-based training, computer and mobile learning) had a significant effect on life skills (decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and creative thinking). Also, there was no significant difference between modern educational technology impacts on students' life skills based on their gender.