Data-driven decision making, popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, is evolving into a vastly more sophisticated concept known as big data that relies on software approaches generally referred to as analytics. Big data and analytics for instructional applications are in their infancy and will take a few years to mature, although their presence is…

An early 15th century drawing by Leonardo da Vinci depicted a device that used gears and a pendulum that moved in synchronization with the wearer as he or she walked. This is believed to be the early origins of today's physical activity monitoring devices. Today's devices have vastly expanded on da Vinci's ancient concept with a myriad of options…

The authors describe the University of Central Florida's top-down/bottom-up action analytics approach to using data to inform decision-making at the University of Central Florida. The top-down approach utilizes information about programs, modalities, and college implementation of Web initiatives. The bottom-up approach continuously monitors…

Although the term data-driven decision making (DDDM) is relatively new (Moss, 2007), the underlying concept of DDDM is not. For example, the practices of formative assessment and computer-managed instruction have historically involved the use of student performance data to guide what happens next in the instructional sequence (Morrison, Kemp, &…

Adaptive Educational Hypermedia Systems provide personalized educational content to learners. However most of them do not support the functionality of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the reusability of their courses is hard work. On the other hand some LMS support SCORM specifications but do not provide adaptive features. This article…

This paper addresses issues of using computer technology to support in-classroom teaching and learning regarding one of the most frequent problems in such scenarios: the students' attention. First, it presents the distraction and focus of attention problems that arise while using computer technology with off-the-shelf software for supporting…

Discusses the use of course management systems in the context of the development of the U.S. higher education system. Course management systems automate and standardize elements of the higher education mission that have been the subject of refinement for nearly 1,000 years. (SLD)

Course management systems (CMSs) are software systems designed to manage course content and course activities. These tools integrate technological and pedagogical features into a web-based system that allows instructors, even those who are unfamiliar with web-based technologies, to design, deliver, and manage an online course. However, CMSs have…

A major change has occurred in the way Web technology is being used in society. The change is grounded in user empowerment using Web 2.0 tools and processes. Students are already sophisticated users of these tools and processes, but outside of the mainstream instructional practices in higher education. In this reflection, the educational potential…

"Teacher Net" is described as a low cost computer network to provide computer assisted and managed instruction. The system consists of one microcomputer, an interface box, and as many as 16 keypads or keyboards for data input. The system can be used for independent student practice, assessment, group instruction, and data management.…

In 1982, Minneapolis Public Schools adopted a plan to provide students with equal access to excellent educational programs within a racially integrated school environment. Describes the role computers, software, and scanners play in Minneapolis' instructional management system, and the planning process was used to make computer-managed instruction…

Literature on the use of computers in education is vast, but there is a need for more reports from practitioners in the foreign language classroom. Leaders in the foreign language profession must provide in-service opportunities, and foreign language teachers themselves must seek active involvement with computers. Paradoxically, the United States,…

The implicit power of modern communications technologies to improve citizenship education is explored in this paper. The relationship between the use of educational technology and the effectiveness of social studies instruction are only beginning to be studied, and these inquiries have been focused more upon the "harder" science…

This study reports the use of technology in understanding reading and learning abilities (comprehension) of undergraduates in a psychology course. The study's favorable results provide support for further implementations and tests of self-paced computer instruction as a supplement or alternative to more traditionally organized teaching. Contains 4…

This report on the status of programs authorized under Article 8, "Technology and Educational Improvement," from July 1, 1983, through December 31, 1985, summarizes progress in areas addressed by each of 12 sections of the article: (1) Technology Utilization Plans; (2) Inservice Training for Technology Use; (3) Regional Coordinators; (4)…