Factors affecting teachers’ student-centered classroom computer use

The present study aims at investigating which factors are relevant to induce teachers’ student-centered classroom computer use. Survey data were collected from 361 teachers at comprehensive schools. Based on a systemic view of technology use in schools, different individual teacher characteristics and school contextual factors were examined. Results from a four-step hierarchical regression reveal that student-centered classroom computer use could be significantly predicted by certain contextual factors: the type of school (secondary modern and high school), the existence of an ICT school policy plan, as well as by the individual teacher characteristics of belief in constructivist pedagogy and their frequency of classroom computer use. The final regression model accounted for approximately 31% of the variance in the outcome measure for these factors.     

Interaction between locus of control and three pacing procedures in a personalized system of instruction course

This study examined the interaction effects of three pacing procedures and perception of locus of control on student final examination performance in a PSI course. College students identified by the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale as expecting external reinforcement performed better under the reward and control conditions, and those identified as expecting internal reinforcement did better under the penalty condition. Student anxiety was postulated as having been a factor affecting performance. The author thanks Richard L. Tate for his helpful comments on earlier drafts of this article. Thanks are also extended to Richard R. Lee, Frances S. Holley, Jane C. Wager, and Dee H. Andrews for their assistance in conducting the study reported here.     

Model-based testing with UML applied to a roaming algorithm for Bluetooth devices

In late 2001,the Object Management Group issued a Request for Proposal to develop a testing profile for UML2.0. In June 2003,the work on the UML 2.0 Testing Profile was finally adopted by the OMG. Since March 2004,it has become an official standard of the OMG. The UML 2.0 Testing Profile provides support for UML based model-driven testing. This paper introduces a methodology on how to use the testing profile in order to modify and extend an existing UML design model for test issues. The application of the methodology will be explained by applying it to an existing UML Model for a Bluetooth device.     

Evaluating instructional software

This article describes a new model for evaluating instructional software. Also described is a study in which the new model was field tested. Unlike most such models, which focus on the instructional and technical characteristics of software, the model focuses on the extent to which students learn the skills a software package is intended to teach. It is argued that by using this approach, educators will be better able to reliably identify software that is instructionally effective.