Journal on Educational Technology 

About: Journal on Educational Technology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Educational technology & Teaching method. Over the lifetime, 1842 publications have been published receiving 11393 citations.

Augmented Reality: An Overview and Five Directions for AR in Education

Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging form of experience in which the Real World (RW) is enhanced by computer-generated content tied to specific locations and/or activities. Over the last several years, AR applications have become portable and widely available on mobile de- vices. AR is becoming visible in our audio-visual media (e.g., news, entertainment, sports) and is beginning to enter other aspects of our lives (e.g., e-commerce, travel, marketing) in tangible and exciting ways. Facilitating ubiquitous learning, AR will give learners instant access to location- specific information compiled and provided by numerous sources (2009). Both the 2010 and 2011 Horizon Reports predict that AR will soon see widespread use on US college campuses. In prepa- ration, this paper offers an overview of AR, examines recent AR developments, explores the impact of AR on society, and evaluates the implications of AR for learning and education.

A Study of Variables that Predict Dropout from Distance Education.

Abstract: A need exists for research to determine predictors of dropout from distance education since attrition rates in distance education far exceed attrition rates in classes taught in a traditional format. This problem is of particular importance because governmental funding to institutions of higher education is often based on attendance. Ninety-four students from three community college courses were the sample for this study. In addition to completing the human subjects paperwork, the students completed two instruments: The Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and A Student Information Sheet. A correlation and discriminant analysis were performed to identify predictors of dropout. It was determined that locus of control and source of financial assistance, and in particular self-pay, were able to predict dropout with nearly 85 percent accuracy. The results of this study are important as counselors and faculty now have a basis on which to advise students either into traditional or distance formatted courses for best possible completion.

Social Media Tools as a Learning Resource

Abstract: Social media tools have become ubiquitous. You can see our students use them all the time. Among them most popular tools are Facebook, Wiki, YouTube, bulletin board, LinkedIn, blogging, and twittering. The advancement of modern technologies tries its best to accommodate the needs from people, especially the younger generation. As educators, how can we take advantage of this momentum? This paper will share a research study that was conducted in fall of 2009 at the central campus of the University of Houston. The study investigated student's use of different social media tools, their perceptions and attitudes towards these tools, and their preference of social networking groups. The results show that the three top-used social media tools are Facebook, Wikipedia and YouTube; the top four reasons for using social media tools are for social engagement, direction communication, speed of feedback, and relationship building. Regarding social networking group, they preferred a group of civically engaged and no membership required as well as a group based on contemporary topic that may not last long. Based on their input, the author suggested some educational implications of some of these tools as a valuable resource for teaching and learning.

Beyond Black Boxes: bringing transparency and aesthetics back to scientific investigation

Abstract: This article describes two years of work done under the project "Beyond Black Boxes" (BBB), which focuses on developing new computational tools and design materials that enable students to create, modify and customize their scientific instruments.

QR Codes in education

Abstract: QR codes, developed by a Japanese company, have been around for over fifteen years. With the advent of smart and Web capable mobile devices, we witness a steady growth of interesting commercial applications using QR codes. As the movement of using QR codes in education is still in its infancy, this paper serves to be one of the first comprehensive papers in journal publication to fully delineate (a) the user characteristics of QR codes, (b) the processes of making and reading QR codes, (c) the survey of commercial applications using QR codes, (d) the literature review of educational applications using QR codes, and (e) offer suggestions and implementations of QR codes in school education.