ERIC Number: EJ1188341
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 35
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1087-3430
EISSN: N/A
Impact of Participation in NASA's Digital Learning Network on Science Attitudes of Rural, Mid-Level Students
Moseley, Christine; Brown, Lisa
Electronic Journal of Science Education, v17 n3 2013
The purpose of this research was to determine whether videoconferencing combined with face-to-face instruction, as used in the delivery of the NASA Digital Learning Network "Can A Shoebox Fly? Challenge" module, was a feasible instructional method to increase positive student attitudes towards science. Overall, the data indicated that this was the case. This study utilized a mixed method approach to data collection. A pre-test, post-test one group design was used to collect quantitative data obtained from a science attitudinal survey. Qualitative data were gathered from face-to-face interviews with the subjects as well as informal observations by the researcher during the design process. Social presence theory, a sub-area of communication theory, was used as the theoretical framework for this study. It was determined that the NASA Digital Learning Network modules do create social presence within the distance learning environment.
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Scientific Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Videoconferencing, Science Instruction, Public Agencies, Distance Education, Rural Schools, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Elementary School Students, High School Students, Positive Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness
Southwestern University and Texas Christian University. TCU Box 297900, Fort Worth, TX 76129. Tel: 817-257-6115; e-mail: ejse@southwestern.edu; Web site: http://ejse.southwestern.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A