Copyright (c) 2009 All rights reserved. http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn Recent documents in Randall S. Dunn en-us Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:55 PDT 3600 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/21 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/21 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:51 PDT This paper is meant as an exploration into possible approaches to answering the following research question: how are educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia integrating the Virginia Technology Standards of Learning into the day-to-day classroom learning environment and curriculum as a whole? Traditional qualitative research methods and online and technology-based qualitative methods will be explored to determine possible techniques and best approaches. Weaknesses and strengths will be outlined. Finally, the placement of these two methodological approaches - traditional and online - will be placed into the continuum of accepted research paradigms. Randall S. Dunn Unpublished Manuscripts http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/20 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/20 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:50 PDT This presentation is the first in a series addressing best practices in providing transition services for children moving towards post-secondary life experiences. Central Virginia's school districts and the community at large wish to evaluate practice in the school districts and develop more effective practices as transition providers. Randall S. Dunn http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/19 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/19 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:49 PDT This paper examines a structure for the implementation of technological innovations using business approaches to project management. The human factor is especially explored in its discussion. Randall S. Dunn Unpublished Manuscripts http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/18 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/18 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:32:49 PDT In this paper I will discuss the effects of online communication on social connectivity and the development of community, as specifically related to teacher communities. I will begin by discussing differing constructions and aspects of the concept of community and the important role of connectivity in the development of community. I will then discuss modern technologies in the realm of CMC (Computer-Mediated Communication), the foundations of these technologies as actual tools for collaboration and community, and the role these technologies play in developing connectedness in communities. I will then draw out characteristics and value in virtual community interaction and its relationship to "real" or offline community as it exists. Identity, cultural and language issues will be discussed as they relate to online communities. I will then focus on the implications that flow from this for the development of a teacher community through online communication. Finally I will analyze two threads to illustrate some of the themes discussed above. Randall S. Dunn Unpublished Manuscripts http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/17 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/17 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:31:28 PDT Recent technological advances have afforded great opportunities for educators to meet the increasing demands of distributed learning communities. The independent development of such virtual environments as Second Life, grant advanced tools for learning and communicating in synchronous approaches. Due to the relative newness of these virtual environments, empirical research on the use of these tools for fostering learning communities has yet to be fully developed and realized. This session tests a current research endeavor employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Pre-service educators will examine the potential of learning communities in virtual worlds as an platform to discuss relevant topics in first-time teaching experiences. The on-going project sees investigators and participants meeting in Second Life to discuss issues related to student teaching. Investigators employ the use of observation, interview methods, survey tools, and reflective journaling to paint an understanding of the nature of this environment as a community-building tool. Randall S. Dunn Scholarly Presentations http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/16 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/16 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:31:27 PDT As communication and connection are essential instruments for professional educators, this chapter seeks to examine the effectiveness of an online "virtual teacher's lounge" in the framework of off-line communities. Essentially, an online discussion forum for educators is evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the forum provides a "space" conducive for the development of a community of professional educators as benchmarked against an understanding of offline community formation and existence. The foundational works of Ferdinand Tonnies, James Coleman, and Ray Oldenburg are used to develop 12 characteristics of community -- as understood in the context of social communities. The study finds that online communities closely resemble offline communities in structure and interaction, but only for select participants. The participants observed demonstrating or facilitating the characteristics of community comprise around 10% of the total number of users participating in the analyzed discussions. Randall S. Dunn Scholarly Publications http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/15 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/15 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:12:26 PDT The challenge of using any new system for learning (technologically based or otherwise) is determining the process for not only its use but also its adoption (whether it is rapid, gradual or otherwise). Thus is the general challenge of introducing innovation, in educational and commercial endeavors alike. This session examines the gradual adoption of LiveText as the complimentary course management system for assignments associated with an Elementary Education Methods course. The session means to share experiences, gathered insights, challenges and successes collected through the experiences. The undergraduate course discussed, Teaching Social Science in the Elementary School, uses LiveText for portfolio development, unit and lesson development, collaborative tasks and for web-quest and problem-solving assignments. The course is offered in a hybrid/ blended format to sophomores and juniors seeking k-5 licensure. The session reviews examples of assignments in the analysis portion of the presentation. Further, the presentation and discussion makes available feedback from instructors and students on the adoption and the subsequent use of the tool set. Finally, the presentation presents an opportunity to share lessons learned through the adoption and use process by not only the presenter but session attendees as well. Randall S. Dunn Professional Presentations http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/14 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/14 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:12:21 PDT This study seeks to illuminate an understanding of naturally forming online communities of professional educators in the context of off-line communities. Essentially, an online discussion forum for educators is evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the forum provides a "space" conducive for the development of a community of professional educators as benchmarked against an understanding of offline community formation and existence. The foundational works of Ferdinand Tonnies, James Coleman, and Ray Oldenburg are used to develop 13 characteristics of community - as understood in the context of informal social communities as opposed to the types related to more formal aspects society. The primary approach to this study is qualitative in nature with some quasi-statistical support to elucidate analysis and conclusions. The study employs the use of a "snapshot survey" approach to gathering a single point of data for a single U.S.-based discussion forum. The research used QSR NVivo 7 to collect, catalog, and analyze discussions from this online forum, examining discussions topically, contextually, and structurally. The study analyzed all active discussions on a specific day, with all contained postings within the discussion threads - resulting in 4,211 postings split among 115 discussions made by 301 unique posters. The study finds that online communities closely resemble offline communities in structure and interaction, but only for select participants. These participants demonstrating or facilitating the characteristics of community comprise around 10% of the total number of users participating in the analyzed discussions. The level of participation correlates to the likelihood of benefit from and participation in the online community. Those participants who did not participate heavily in discussions primarily remained in the more formal and professional set of exchanges, whereas those with higher levels of participation in the analyzed discussions (and overall participation rates in the context of the forum in its entirety) participated both heavily in the more informal and "playful" discussions and in the more formal professional discussions, with the participation in the latter type taking on more of an "expert" role. Randall S. Dunn Unpublished Manuscripts http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/13 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/13 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:07:43 PST This study seeks to illuminate an understanding of naturally forming online communities of professional educators in the context of off-line communities. Essentially, an online discussion forum for educators is evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the forum provides a "space" conducive for the development of a community of professional educators as benchmarked against an understanding of offline community formation and existence. The primary approach to this study is qualitative in nature with some quasi-statistical support to elucidate analysis and conclusions. The study employs the use of QSR NVivo 7 to collect, catalogue, and analyze discussions from this online forum, examining discussions topically, contextually, and structurally - resulting in 4,211 postings split among 115 discussions made by 301 unique posters. An understanding of offline communities (as understood through the works of Ray Oldenburg, James Coleman, and Ferdinand Tonnies) is incorporated in the comparative analysis.The study finds that online communities closely resemble offline communities in structure and interaction, but only for select participants. These participants demonstrating or facilitating the characteristics of community comprise around 10% of the total number of users participating in the analyzed discussions. Those participants who did not participate heavily in discussions primarily remained in the more formal and professional set of exchanges, whereas those with higher levels of participation in the analyzed discussions participated both heavily in the more informal and "playful" discussions and in the more formal professional discussions, with the participation in the latter type taking on more of an "expert" role. Randall S. Dunn Scholarly Presentations http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/12 http://works.bepress.com/randall_dunn/12 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 06:11:22 PST This presentation focuses on the fundamental principles of special education, their origins and their specific applications in public school education. Further discussion covers the lessons learned form this field as applied to educational practice in Christian education. Randall S. Dunn Professional Presentations