Showing papers on "Coursework published in 2020"

What Do We Teach When We Teach Tech Ethics?: A Syllabi Analysis

Abstract: As issues of technology ethics become more pervasive in the media and public discussions, there is increasing interest in what role ethics should play in computing education. Not only are there more standalone ethics classes being offered at universities, but calls for greater integration of ethics across computer science curriculum mean that a growing number of CS instructors may be including ethics as part of their courses. To both describe current trends in computing ethics coursework and to provide guidance for further ethics inclusion in computing, we present an in-depth qualitative analysis of 115 syllabi from university technology ethics courses. Our analysis contributes a snapshot of the content and goals of tech ethics classes, and recommendations for how these might be integrated across a computing curriculum.

Priorities for addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college student mental health.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has already produced profound impacts on college students, with unprecedented directives for student relocation from their college campuses and dormitories mid-semester and coursework that took place through virtual learning. The current disruptions and anticipated potential long-term changes call for immediate prioritization regarding next steps for addressing college mental health and well-being. This viewpoint article highlights two urgent priorities for addressing current college mental health needs: the development of strategies for ensuring mental health service access, and intentional outreach to college students with special circumstances. The current crisis also represents an opportunity for campus administrators, mental health professionals, researchers, and policymakers to leverage innovative models of care as well as identity-related student assets, strengths, and resilience-promoting factors to support students' eventual return to campus and to respond more effectively to future massive disruptions.

College Student Transition to Synchronous Virtual Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northeastern United States

Abstract: This study examined undergraduate college students’ perceptions, general preferences, emotional responses, and comment themes with the transition to a virtual learning classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic from a college in the northeast United States. A total of 148 students (44 males, 104 females) completed an 18-item transition to virtual classes survey. Students indicated that their professors utilized the Learning Management System effectively with virtual coursework, and that their professors adapted and communicated changes in course content during the transition, while indicating their preferences that professors communicate changes in course syllabi or schedule in a timely manner, and that both course syllabi and grades be available on the Learning Management System. Students expressed negative emotions like uncertainty, anxiety, and nervousness when transitioning to virtual classes. Four open-ended questions generated six comment themes with students indicating the need for constant communication, the use of the learning management system, leveraging technology, instructor support, flexibility and characteristics, classroom engagement, and course management.

Improving the student learning experience through dialogic feed-forward assessment

Abstract: Assessment feedback gains consistently low satisfaction scores in national surveys of student satisfaction, with most concern surrounding its timeliness, quality and effectiveness. We present the results of a two year qualitative study, thematically analysing semi-structured interviews with students who have undertaken dialogic feed-forward coursework on a second year undergraduate geography module in a British university. The assessment consists of submitting a considered draft of a coursework essay, which is discussed and evaluated face-to-face with the course tutor before a self-reflective piece is written about the assessment process and a final essay is submitted for formal grading. We present evidence that this process asserts a positive influence on the student learning experience in a number of inter-related cognitive and affective ways, impacting upon learning behaviour, supporting student achievement, and raising NSS scores related to feedback. We espouse an ipsative, cyclical approach to dialogic feed-forward, focusing on learners’ longitudinal development.

Can a brief, digital skill training intervention help undergraduates “learn to learn” and improve their STEM achievement?

Abstract: Students who drop out of their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors commonly report that they lack skills critical to STEM learning and career pursuits. Many training programs exist to develop students’ learning skills and they typically achieve small to medium effects on behaviors and performance. However, these programs require large investments of students’ and instructors’ time and effort, which limits their applicability to large lecture course formats commonly employed in early undergraduate STEM coursework. This study examined whether brief, digital training modules designed to help students apply learning strategies and self-regulated learning principles effectively in their STEM courses can impact students’ behaviors and performance in a large biology lecture course. Results indicate that a 2-hr Science of Learning to Learn training had significant effects on students’ use of resources for planning, monitoring, and strategy use, and improved scores on quizzes and exams. These findings indicate that a brief, self-guided, online training can increase desirable learning behaviors and improve STEM performance with minimal cost to learners or instructors. Implications for future design of interventions and their provision to students in need of support are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Outperforming yet undervalued: Undergraduate women in STEM.

Abstract: In spite of efforts to increase gender diversity across many science fields, women continue to encounter beliefs that they lack ability and talent Undergraduate education is a critical time when peer influence may alter choice of majors and careers for women interested in science Even in life science courses, in which women outnumber men, gender biases that emerge in peer-to-peer interactions during coursework may detract from women's interest and progress This is the first study of which we are aware to document that women are outperforming men in both physical and life science undergraduate courses at the same institution, while simultaneously continuing to be perceived as less-able students This is problematic because undergraduate women may not be able to escape gender-ability stereotypes even when they are outperforming men, which has important implications for 1) the recognition of women's achievements among their peers in undergraduate education and 2) retention of women in STEM disciplines and careers

Reasons why self-directed learning is important in South African during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: We live in unprecedented times and are bombarded with various changes to normality and everyday usual business. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of university education in South Africa and the world. The move towards remote teaching has denied medical students to do their practical work in hospitals, science students to access their laboratories where they conduct their experiments as part of their coursework and has denied students a chance to gain information in university libraries. This has had effects on both students’ and lecturers’ progress in the academic year and has called for an abrupt change in the way they view teaching and learning. The aim of this article is to highlight the significance of being a self-directed learner during the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer the following question: Why is self-directed learning important in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic? To answer this question, I discuss the challenges faced globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I focus on the challenges higher education institutions face with regard to remote teaching. Thereafter, I discuss self-directed learning and its importance in students and teachers with the aim of highlighting what self-directed learners can do when faced with the abrupt changes brought about by COVID-19. Lastly, recommendations are made to highlight that higher education institutions should prepare learners to be self-directed in their learning in order to prepare them for such abrupt changes in the future.

Integrating Service-Learning Pedagogy Into Community College Coursework: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract: Developmental students face significant academic and life challenges as they pursue a college degree. As students in developmental studies often struggle to complete their courses, research focused on innovative pedagogy that engages students while developing skills is needed. This project sought to investigate implementing an on-campus, service-learning (SL) component into developmental reading courses. Students participated in SL by reading to children at the on-campus Early Childhood Center (ECC) one time per week, during scheduled class, with time provided for structured metacognition through reflective journals. A phenomenological approach was used for this study, and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to examine responses and note trends in data. It was found that students who participated in SL as part of their developmental reading course reported multiple positive effects such as developing a positive academic mindset, improving self-efficacy, and increasing motivation to read.

Investigating the Factors Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Undergraduate Students’ Interests in Coursework

Abstract: Today the world is suffering from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic illness, and people all around the world stay at home due to its rapid spread. People including students gather information and government instructions through TVs, social media and others around them. Since the classes were canceled in many countries, the novel coronavirus affects students’ interest in coursework. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of TV news, social media and communication with people on interest in coursework, and mediating roles of fear of contamination, depression, and anxiety on these effects. A path analysis was carried out with the data collected from 773 college students. The results showed that interest in coursework was most strongly affected by communication with people. This was due to its direct and indirect effects. Social media and TV News did not directly affect interest in coursework, but indirectly affected. The study also found that among the three mediator variables, the mediator roles of anxiety was bigger than the others. Understanding the findings of this research has become very important to us, especially at a time when face-to-face lessons have been canceled all over the world and transitioned to online education. Specific recommendations for practitioners and limitations for future research were also provided in the study.

The New USMLE Step 1 Paradigm: An Opportunity to Cultivate Diversity of Excellence.

Abstract: The February 2020 announcement that United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 results will be reported as pass/fail instead of numerical scores has been controversial. Step 1 scores have played a key role in residency selection, including screening for interviews. Although Step 1 scores are viewed as an objective criterion, they have been shown to disadvantage female and underrepresented minority applicants, cause student anxiety and financial burden, and affect student well-being. Furthermore, Step 1 scores incompletely predict applicants' overall residency performance. With this paradigm shift in Step 1 score reporting, residency programs will have fewer objective, standardized metrics for selection decisions, which may lead to greater emphasis on USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores or yield unintended consequences, including shifting weight to metrics such as medical school reputation.Yet, greater breadth in residency selection metrics will better serve both applicants and programs. Some students excel in coursework, others in research or leadership. All factors should be recognized, and broader metrics should be implemented to promote and recognize diversity of excellence. Given the need for metrics for residency selection as well as for a more holistic approach to evaluating residency applicants, assessment during medical school should be revisited and made more meaningful. Another opportunity may involve use of situational judgment tests to predict professionalism and performance on other competencies. It will be important to evaluate the impact of the new Step 1 paradigm and related initiatives going forward. Residency application overload must also be addressed.

A Gender Perspective in Initial English Language Teacher Education: An Argentinian Experience

Abstract: In second language teacher education there is a gap in the literature concerning initial teacher preparation on gender and sexuality education. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of a foreign language teaching module with a gender perspective on the education of a group of 30 student–teachers at an online initial English language teacher education programme in Argentina in 2018. Following an ecological approach to teacher research, data were gathered through surveys and student–teachers’ completion of coursework. Overall, the student–teachers found the experience beneficial both regarding their personal development as citizens and future teachers, in terms of their increased awareness of gender matters and their ability to produce motivating language activities anchored in wider social practices which promote gender equality and diversity. The study includes implications for initial teacher education and curriculum development.

Digitalization in Higher Education: A Qualitative Approach.

Abstract: The increasing use of digital technology by young people has become a major concern in the 21st century. This access to technology has led to hot-button arguments surrounding the place of these technologies in our lives and the implications that they have for the future. The incorporation of multimodal and digital technologies in courses has been increasing, with documentaries, social media posts, and blogs host significant spaces for learning and coursework. These forms of knowledge and communication have started to become legitimized in the classroom setting, in addition to the traditional educational technologies such as lectures and textbooks. This paper explores the assumptions by instructors and students concerning why and how multimodal and digital technologies are incorporated into undergraduate classes by qualitative approach. Also, the actual experiences that students and instructors have in using these forms of media in an educational context are investigated via participant observation, in-depth review and open-ended questionnaire techniques along the research

Cumulative Knowledge-Building for Inclusive Education in Initial Teacher Education.

Abstract: Initial teacher education must respond to the demand that newly qualified teachers are able to teach inclusively. This response has been the creation of opportunities for learning in coursework and...

Relationship of Burnout and Engagement to Pharmacy Students' Perception of Their Academic Ability.

Abstract: Objective. To assess burnout and engagement in first- and second-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students and to investigate their relationships to students' perception of their academic ability. Methods. An online survey that included three validated scales was administered in May 2017 to first- and second-year pharmacy students enrolled in didactic coursework at Touro University California College of Pharmacy. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess burnout and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was used to measure student engagement. To characterize academic ability, Academic Self-Perception, a subscale of the School Attitude Assessment Survey-Revised, was used. Regression analysis was performed using statistical software. Results. One hundred sixty-two students (81.4% response rate) completed the survey. Emotional exhaustion and professional inefficacy were negatively correlated with students' academic self-perception. Dedication was positively correlated with academic self-perception. Conclusion. In pharmacy students completing the didactic portion of the PharmD curriculum, various engagement and burnout parameters correlated with academic self-perception.

High School Students’ Perceptions of Traditional and Online Health and Physical Education Courses

Abstract: Background High school students have few physical education (PE) and health requirements for graduation. Twenty-first century students have choices to take their PE and health courses in the traditional face-to-face (F2F) setting or online through accredited virtual schools. The purpose of this inquiry was to examine differences in high school students' perceptions and experiences in traditional versus online PE and health-related courses. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized mixed methods through survey distribution. Participants included 506 students from traditional F2F high school health and PE classes and 355 students finishing an online course from an accredited online academy. Results The online education setting was found to be statistically significantly more favorable for students in terms of the feedback and responsiveness of the teacher, understanding and interest of the content and perceived positive health changes during the course. However, the qualitative findings on student perceptions were relatively consistent between both the online and F2F classes. Conclusions The results indicate that students' positive perceptions in an online high school class may equal or surpass those in a traditional F2F format. Increasingly, youth are exhibiting enhanced capacity for online-based coursework. Physical education classes have traditionally been F2F, but warrant further consideration as an online platform.

Remote Anatomic Pathology Medical Student Education in Washington State.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has halted in-person medical student education in many large academic centers, including the University of Washington. We identified a unique opportunity to bring comprehensive and targeted anatomic pathology training to large numbers of medical students who would not receive it otherwise but also need credited coursework. METHODS: We developed a comprehensive 2-week remote-learning course encompassing lectures, virtual slides, discussion groups, and unique case-based activities. Activities are tailored to the nonpathologist future clinician, emphasizing basic microscopy and pathology terminology. We employ multiple strategies and technologies to increase engagement while distance learning, including screen annotation, "flipped classroom" slide presentations, and repetition of common themes. RESULTS: Given 13 virtual courses to choose between 13% of students enrolled in our course (70 of our 540 rising third- and fourth-year students), a nearly 10-fold increase in average pathology rotators. CONCLUSIONS: This is an unprecedented opportunity to provide tailored anatomic pathology instruction, both helping our medical students continue training during crisis and illuminating the field of pathology for our future colleagues. Preliminary results have been overwhelmingly positive regarding understanding of pathology concepts as well as attitudes toward pathology.

Mental health literacy in a diverse sample of undergraduate students: demographic, psychological, and academic correlates.

Abstract: Investigating variables associated with mental health literacy in the college-age population takes us one step closer to providing intervention for this vulnerable group, where growing rates of psychological disorders are a serious public concern. This study adds to the existing literature by incorporating, within a single model, multi-faceted variables (demographic, psychological, and academic) that contribute to mental health literacy in demographically and ethnically diverse college students. Participants were undergraduate students enrolled at nine different colleges that are part of a large, urban, public university system. A total of 1213 respondents (62.0% female, 73.3% non-white) completed an in-person assessment of mental health literacy and answered questions about demographics, college experience, and mental health experience. Data were analyzed to identify which variables best discriminated between high, mid-level, and low performers on this assessment. Discriminant correspondence analysis revealed that the difference between high and low performers (accounting for 90.27% of the total variance) was driven by participants who had taken at least one course related to clinical psychology and who typically majored in psychology and applied health science fields. These participants were more likely to report being white, female, between the ages of 28–32, and in the fourth year or later of their undergraduate program. In addition, high performers were more likely to have been diagnosed and/or treated for a psychological disorder, have more experience with psychological disorders through personal, family, or peer history, and have families who are open to discussing mental health issues. The main contributor to variation in mental health literacy scores was having taken a clinical psychology course, followed by majoring in psychology. Importantly, our findings identified not only the high performers, but also the low performers, for whom an increase in knowledge and awareness of mental health is crucial to overall psychological well-being. These results have important implications for the design of educational interventions aimed at improving mental health literacy at the college level, especially for students who otherwise would not have been exposed to this information from coursework or their major.

Facilitating Wellbeing in a Turbulent Time.

Abstract: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and study As faculty members, staff members, and students attempt to create and maintain a new normal because of this pandemic, the preservation of wellbeing becomes the responsibility of each and every one of us The pandemic has taught us not to presume the importance of wellbeing and has allowed us time to reflect on establishing new assumptions and beliefs about how and when we work and study; how to be more efficient in our work and home responsibilities; and above all, what is most important We must support ourselves and our students by maintaining a routine, modifying work and coursework expectations, and seeking psychosocial support if needed Focusing on promoting wellbeing through leadership will move our institutions forward to a brighter future beyond COVID-19

Determining Expected Research Skills of Medical Students on Graduation: a Systematic Review

Abstract: Global interest in research skills in undergraduate medical education is growing. There is no consensus regarding expected research skills of medical students on graduation. We conducted a systematic review to determine the aims and intended learning outcomes (ILOs) of mandatory research components of undergraduate medical curricula incorporating the teaching, assessment, and evaluation methods of these programs. Using the PRISMA protocol, MEDLINE and ERIC databases were searched with keywords related to “medical student research programs” for relevant articles published up until February 2020. Thematic analysis was conducted according to student experience/reactions, mentoring/career development, and knowledge/skill development. Of 4880 citations, 41 studies from 30 institutions met the inclusion criteria. Programs were project-based in 24 (80%) and coursework only–based in 6 (20%). Program aims/ILOs were stated in 24 programs (80%). Twenty-seven different aims/ILOs were identified: 19 focused on knowledge/skill development, 4 on experience/reactions, and 4 on mentoring/career development. Project-based programs aimed to provide an in-depth research experience, foster/increase research skills, and critically appraise scientific literature. Coursework-based programs aimed to foster/apply analytical skills for decision-making in healthcare and critically appraise scientific literature. Reporting of interventions was often incomplete, short term, and single institution. There was poor alignment between aims, teaching, assessment, and evaluation methods in most. The diversity of teaching programs highlights challenges in defining core competencies in research skills for medical graduates. Incomplete reporting limits the evidence for effective research skills education; we recommend those designing and reporting educational interventions adopt recognized educational reporting criteria when describing their findings. Whether students learn by “doing”, “proposing to do”, or “critiquing”, good curriculum design requires constructive alignment between teaching, assessment, and evaluation methods, aims, and outcomes. Peer-reviewed publications and presentations only evaluate one aspect of the student research experience.

Improving Indicators of College Readiness: Methods for Optimally Placing Students Into Multiple Levels of Postsecondary Coursework:

Abstract: Over half of community college students place into developmental education, resulting in significant financial costs. We extend previous research demonstrating that using placement tests to assign ...

Role-Playing Computer Ethics: Designing and Evaluating the Privacy by Design (PbD) Simulation

Abstract: There is growing consensus that teaching computer ethics is important, but there is little consensus on how to do so. One unmet challenge is increasing the capacity of computing students to make decisions about the ethical challenges embedded in their technical work. This paper reports on the design, testing, and evaluation of an educational simulation to meet this challenge. The privacy by design simulation enables more relevant and effective computer ethics education by letting students experience and make decisions about common ethical challenges encountered in real-world work environments. This paper describes the process of incorporating empirical observations of ethical questions in computing into an online simulation and an in-person board game. We employed the Values at Play framework to transform empirical observations of design into a playable educational experience. First, we conducted qualitative research to discover when and how values levers-practices that encourage values discussions during technology development-occur during the design of new mobile applications. We then translated these findings into gameplay elements, including the goals, roles, and elements of surprise incorporated into a simulation. We ran the online simulation in five undergraduate computer and information science classes. Based on this experience, we created a more accessible board game, which we tested in two undergraduate classes and two professional workshops. We evaluated the effectiveness of both the online simulation and the board game using two methods: a pre/post-test of moral sensitivity based on the Defining Issues Test, and a questionnaire evaluating student experience. We found that converting real-world ethical challenges into a playable simulation increased student's reported interest in ethical issues in technology, and that students identified the role-playing activity as relevant to their technical coursework. This demonstrates that roleplaying can emphasize ethical decision-making as a relevant component of technical work.

Healing the Digital Divide During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the digital divide and inequalities among learners and compelled the need to reimagine how teachers and educators teach and support student learning no matter where they live or to what tools they have access [ ]they have not been able to participate to the same degree as their more privileged classmates Start With the Learners Teachers should begin with the following assumptions about their learners: * they may know much less about technology than the instructor;* they may have limited bandwidth and/or limited data on their phones;and * they do not own tech equipment like cameras, printers, and scanners [ ]learners may not have unlimited time to engage in coursework since they may have to share technology resources in their households There are also topicbased online resources for language learners (e g , Center for Language Study, 2020), reading (e g , PBS Teachers Lounge, 2020), and mathematics (e g , National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2020)

Teaching R in the undergraduate ecology classroom: approaches, lessons learned, and recommendations

Abstract: Ecology requires training in data management and analysis. In this paper, we present data from the last 10 years demonstrating the increase in the use of R, an open-source programming environment, in ecology and its prevalence as a required skill in job descriptions. Because of its transparent and flexible nature, R is increasingly used for data management and analysis in the field of ecology. Consequently, job postings targeting candidates with a bachelor’s degree and a required knowledge of R have increased over the past ten years. We discuss our experiences teaching undergraduates R in two advanced ecology classes using different approaches. One approach, in a course with a field lab, focused on collecting, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis. The other approach, in a course without a field lab, focused on analyzing existing data sets and applying the results to content discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Our experiences determined that each approach had strengths and weaknesses. We recommend that above all, instructors of ecology and related subjects should be encouraged to include R in their coursework. Furthermore, instructors should be aware of the following: learning R is a separate skill from learning statistics; writing R assignments is a significant time sink for course preparation; and, there is a tradeoff between teaching R and teaching content. Determining how one’s course fits into the curriculum and identifying resources outside of the classroom for students’ continued practice will ensure that R training is successful and will extend beyond a one-semester course.

Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Educators

Abstract: Teachers interacting with stressed and traumatized children are susceptible to secondary traumatic stress. Unlike college coursework in other social service disciplines, a dearth of literature on t...

The Effect of Occupational Licensing Stringency on the Teacher Quality Distribution

Abstract: Concerned about the low academic ability of public school teachers, in the 1990s and 2000s, some states increased licensing stringency to weed out low-quality candidates, while others decreased restrictions to attract high-quality candidates. We offer a theoretical model justifying both reactions. Using data from 1991–2007 on licensing requirements and teacher quality—as measured by the selectivity of teachers’ undergraduate institutions—we find that stricter licensing requirements, especially those emphasizing academic coursework, increase the left tail of the quality distribution for secondary school teachers without significantly decreasing quality for high-minority or high-poverty districts.

Dual-Modality Instruction and Learning: A Case Study in CS1

Abstract: In college-level introductory computer science courses, students traditionally learn to program using text-based languages which are common in industry and research. This approach means that learners must concurrently master both syntax and semantics. Blocks-based programming environments have become commonplace in introductory computing courses in K-12 schools and some colleges in part to simplify syntax challenges. However, there is evidence that students may face difficulty moving to text-based programming environments when starting with blocks-based environments. Bi-directional dual-modality programming environments provide multiple representations of programming language constructs (in both blocks and text) and allow students to transition between them freely. Prior work has shown that some students who use dual-modality environments to transition from blocks to text have more positive views of text programming compared to students who move directly from blocks to text languages, but it is not yet known if there is any impact on learning. To investigate the impact on learning, we conducted a study at a large public university across two semesters in a CS1 course (N=673). We found that students performed better on typical course exams when they were taught using dual-modality representations in lecture and were provided dual-modality tools. The results of our work support the conclusion that dual-modality instruction can help students learn computational concepts in early college computer science coursework.

Evaluating the Academic Performance of K-12 Students in the Philippines: A Standardized Evaluation Approach

Abstract: With growing technological advancements, demands for the industry with skilled and equipped workforce are proportionately rising. While this match between curricular offerings in academia and needs in the industry has been addressed in many countries across the globe through initiatives such as the K-12 educational system, some countries like the Philippines have only started its adoption. In the Philippines’ early adoption of the K-12 educational system, several concerns have been raised regarding its implementation, mainly, the mismatch between coursework offered in Philippine K-12 educational institutions with industry demands. With such outcomes, it is necessary to determine the status of the K-12 educational system in the Philippines. This paper attempts to shed light on such concerns by evaluating the performance of the K-12 students using a standardized approach. The Scholastic Abilities Test for Adults, a standardized test for measuring the academic competence of adults, is used in this study to measure scholastic abilities. The descriptive analyses made in this paper may aid in the development of more robust strategy frameworks for positioning the current K-12 educational system to global and industry demands. Moreover, the results obtained in this study would aid stakeholders in overseeing strategies that would address current gaps in the K-12 educational system of the country.