Eighth-Grade Student Use of Computer-Mediated Communication for the Development of Social Studies Projects: Student Experiences, Perceptions, and Social Studies Achievement
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Authors
Slaven, Michael Stephen
Issue Date
2007-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Online discussion , Social studies , Technology integration
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis, completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Education
Specialist in Instructional Technology at Valdosta State University, is composed of two
main sections, an action research proposal and a journal ready article. The action research
proposal includes a review of the literature, a description of the intervention, a timeline
for the research, a description of the data collection tools, a plan for data analysis, and a
summary of how the results will be communicated with the learning community. The
action research was conducted at Dooly Middle School in Pinehurst, Georgia, a rural area
with a low socio-economic population. The 3-week intervention consisted of eighthgrade
students, in three different social studies classes, using e-mail and an online
discussion board to communicate with their assigned group members to support the
development of social studies projects on the Civil War period of American history. Data
pertaining to student experiences, perceptions and social studies achievement was
collected and analyzed. Students' experiences and perceptions pertaining to the use of
email and an online discussion board were positive, and their projects demonstrated
mastery of the social studies content. After the data collected during the intervention was
analyzed, the journal ready article was prepared. This article includes a description of the
intervention, a summary of the results, a discussion of the results and incidental findings,
and a description of how the results were shared with the faculty at Dooly Middle. The
administration at Dooly Middle has displayed a significant interest in technology
integration and in this particular action research study. The results of this research may
further encourage the school to support the use of computer-mediated communication
tools, such as email and online discussion boards, in the classroom.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Valdosta State University
License
Copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction or use beyond the exceptions granted by the Fair Use clause of U.S. Copyright law may violate federal law.