Browsing by Author "Clark, Aaron C."
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Collaborative Information and Multimedia to Assess Team Interaction in Technology Teacher PreparationErnst, Jeremy V.; Clark, Aaron C. (Council on Technology Teacher Education and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, 2011)
- Comparing Computer Usage by Students in Education Programs to Technology Education MajorsClark, Aaron C.; Wiebe, Eric N. (Council on Technology Teacher Education and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, 2001)
- Computational Labs in Calculus: Examining the Effects on Conceptual Understanding and Attitude Toward MathematicsSpencer-Tyree, Brielle Tinsley (Virginia Tech, 2019-11-21)This study examined the effects of computational labs in Business Calculus classes used at a single, private institution on student outcomes of conceptual understanding of calculus and attitudes towards mathematics. The first manuscript addresses the changes in conceptual understanding through multiple-method research design, a quantitative survey given pre and post study and qualitative student comments, found no significant gains in conceptual knowledge as measured by a concept inventory, however, student comments revealed valuable knowledge demonstrated through reflection on and articulation of how specific calculus concepts could be used in real world applications. The second manuscript presents results to the effects on attitudes toward mathematics, studied through multiple-method research design, using a quantitative survey given at two intervals, pre and post, and analysis of student comments, which showed that students that participated in the labs had a smaller decline in attitude, although not statistically significant, than students that did not complete the labs and the labs were most impactful on students that had previously taken calculus; student comments overwhelmingly demonstrate that students felt and appreciated that the labs allowed them to see how calculus could be applied outside the classroom. Overall students felt the labs were beneficial in the development of advantageous habits, taught some a skill they hope to further develop and study, and provided several recommendations for improvement in future implementation. Collectively, this research serves as a foundation for the effectiveness of computational tools employed in general education mathematics courses, which is not currently a widespread practice.
- Fundamental Computer Science Conceptual Understandings for High School Students Using Original Computer Game DesignErnst, Jeremy V.; Clark, Aaron C. (The Institute for STEM Education & Research, 2012)Beginning in 2009, the North Carolina Virtual Public Schools worked with researchers at the William and Ida Friday Institute to produce and evaluate the use of game creation by secondary students as a form of learning content related to career awareness in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, with particular emphasis in computer science areas. The study required the development of different forms of multimedia, inclusive with content and activities that could be conducted over the Internet. The team worked with a game art and design graduate class to produce materials and assessment instruments to be included in the project. The multimedia-based materials were piloted and field-tested in the Career Technical Education (CTE) online curricular offering of Computer Applications I. The evaluation and assessment of this project focused on student learning gains in content specific computer science areas, and overall appreciation of the technologies and structure used during the project. Teacher and student interviews, along with teacher journals help track the progress of both the students and edited materials. Conclusions from this study include support of gaming as a pedagogical process and the need for technological literacy. From feedback, the study concluded that informational technology software is a large variable in the success of this type of instructional unit.
- Identification of Quality Characteristics for Technology Education Programs: A North Carolina Case StudyClark, Aaron C.; Wenig, Robert E. (Council on Technology Teacher Education and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, 1999)
- Technology-Based Content through Virtual and Physical modeling: A National Research StudyErnst, Jeremy V.; Clark, Aaron C. (Council on Technology Teacher Education and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, 2009)