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This study focused on the continuance usage intention toward online learning environments and also proposed and empirically tested an integrated model to better understand the determinants of students’ continuance intention to use these environments. For this purpose, variables which may have an effect on the continuance usage intention were examined and an “online continuance usage intention model” was revealed. When the variables of the hypothetical model were determined, Technology Continuance Theory, Information Systems Success Model, Cognitive Model and Information Systems Expectation Confirmation Model have been practiced on. Empirical data from 467 public university students who had used an online learning environment for the first time were tested against the proposed research model by using path analysis. The results indicated that, confirmation of the usage of online learning environments could be explained by information quality, system quality and service quality variables. 63% of the variance of the satisfaction variable was explained by information quality, system quality, service quality, confirmation, utilitarian value, outcome expectations and perceived value. Research results confirmed the propounded constructs of Information Systems Success Model and Information Systems Expectation Confirmation Model. In line with the obtained findings and results, some of the various suggestions were provided for the next studies and implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Information Technologies teachers' views and usage cases on performance based assesment methods (PBAMs) are examined. It is aimed to find out which of the PBAMs are used frequently or not used, preference reasons of these methods and opinions about the applicability of them. Study is designed with the phenomenological design which is a qualitative research method. Interviews, observations and document analysis methods are used and triangulation is ensured. The study is carried out with the teachers who thought to reflect the phenomenon (performance based assesment methods used in Information Technologies lesson) clearly. All of the 6 Information Technologies teachers working in 5 different schools of Ankara are graduated from Faculty of Education, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies. As a result of the study, it is found that teachers are not using the PBAMs enough. It is seen that portfolios, projects and performance tasks are used but the other methods are almost never used. Teachers show the lack of time and the difficulty of these methods as the most important two deterrent factors in front of the applicability of PBAMs. Enabling students to take responsibility, process evaluation and performance evaluation are the factors leading to the usage of these PBAMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological development has flourished lately, and its role in education might play a key role in young people's social, educational, and professional lives. Educators must teach young people relevant information and skills not only to give them a chance to explore and understand the world around them, but also to familiarize them with digital technologies. However, before we can educate young people, we must empower teachers using digital technology because teachers who use digital technologies appropriately are not only good role models, but also instrumental in helping students develop positive attitudes towards such technologies. The purpose of this study is to determine teachers' digital empowerment levels. In this study, descriptive methods were used to determine current levels, and it was found that teachers exhibit average levels of digital enpowerment. When examining sub-categories, it was discovered that their awareness and motivation levels are higher than average; however, technical access and empowerment levels remain average. A gender (male and female) comparison suggests that while both groups score highly on awareness and technical access, males and females are roughly average in terms of motivation, empowerment and other overall indicators. When sub-categories of digital empowerment were analyzed according to teachers' specialties, computer and science teachers score higher on awareness, motivation, technical access, and empowerment, but score average overall. Social science, Turkish and language teachers score highly on awareness and motivation, but average on technical access, empowerment and other overall indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student-centered approach in education requires collecting information about the students' individual characteristics. Learning styles as one of these individual characteristics vary from one student to the other. Knowing learning styles of the students helps educators to identify the weakest and the strongest sides of each individual and gives them a chance to take action towards improvement. It also helps creating the most appropriate learning environments which directly effect the motivation and achievement of the students. The main aim of this study is to identify learning styles of the Department of Information Management students. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory, which identifies four different learning styles, namely accommodator, diverger, converger, and assimilator, was used. The survey instrument was distributed to 273 students at the Hacettepe University Department of Information Management. Learning styles of the students were found to be of the type: the assimilator (50.2%), the converger (24.9%), the diverger (13.6%), and the accommodator (11.4%) respectively. These findings suggest that although the assimilator is the most preferred learning style by the students, a wide variety of individual learning styles exist in the classrooms. Consequently, it is important that lecturers should accommodate multiple learning styles when creating learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth in the use of learning technologies, particularly the use of the web based technologies and communications have offered educators with many more opportunities to investigate the most suitable learning environments for their students' learning styles. The purpose of the present study was to examine the students' learning styles and their views on blended learning. The study was conducted with thirty-four students at Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. The two instruments were the questionnaire designed to identify students' views on blended learning and Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI) to measure students' learning styles. Additional data were gathered from achievement scores of students; and records demonstrate students' participation to e -- learning environment. Results revealed that students' views on blended learning process, such as ease of use of the web environment, evaluation, face to face environment etc., differ according to their learning styles. Results also revealed that the highest mean score corresponds to face to face aspect of the process when students' evaluation concerning the implementation is taken to consideration. The overall findings showed no significant differences between students' achievement level according to their learning styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to extend the evaluation of learners'' views on blended learning and its implementation process by developing and validating an objective assessment instrument. Cronbach'' alpha, item analysis and item discrimination indices, principal component analysis, varimax rotation, and discriminant validity were used to measure the reliability and validity of the scale. A 50-item refined version of the scale was found to be highly reliable and of reasonable length. Further refinement was made based on principal component analysis. This indicated two major components, which facilitate the elicitation of learners'' views on blended learning and its implementation process in relation to the complexity levels of the learning process. The scale is recommended to identify individual''s views on blended learning and its implementation process and thus, to contribute to the improvement of a blended learning environment for learners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose — The main aim of this paper is to describe the development of a scale designed to measure self-efficacy for information literacy. Design/methodology/approach — Cronbach's alpha, item analysis and item discrimination indices, principal component analysis, varimax rotation, and discriminant validity were used to measure reliability and validity of the scale. A 28-item refined version of the scale was found highly reliable and of reasonable length. Findings — Further refinement based on principal component analysis indicated three major components, which allow approaching information literacy skills regarding to their complexity levels. Originality/value — The information literacy self-efficacy scale is recommended to identify individuals with low self-efficacy beliefs, which may be a significantly limiting factor for them to explore their information literacy skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explains the past, discusses the present and makes projections for the future of educational technology in Turkey. Technology has an important role in enhancing educational progress. Therefore, educators need to adapt technology within their field of study. Educational materials such as textbooks, films, radio, television, overhead projectors, video recorders and, of course, computers enrich learning environments in schools. Educational materials motivate students and induce them to study subject matter while providing opportunities for students to access and evaluate information. In Turkey, the use of educational technology in schools has been taken very seriously by the Ministry of National Education since the 1930s. Universities and other institutions are also interested in research and application of educational technology to their own settings. La Technologie de l'Education en Turquie: Passé, Présent et Avenir Cet article explique le passé et le présent et propose des projections dans l'avenir pour la technologie de l'éducation en Turquie. La technologie joue un rôle important pour favoriser le progrès en éducation. Aussi les enseignants doivent l'adapter dans leur discipline. Les moyens d'enseignement tels que les livres, les films, la radio, la télévision, les rétroprojecteurs et enfin les ordinateurs enrichissent l'environnement éducatif des écoles. Les moyens d'enseignement motivent les élèves et les incitent à étudier les sujets en fournissant l'occasion pour ceux-ci y avoir accès et d'évaluer l'information en Turquie, l'utilisation de la technologie de l'éducation dans les écoles a été prise très au sérieux par le Ministère de l'Education dès les années 30. Les universités et d'autres institutions s'intéressent aussi aux recherches et aux applications de la technolgie de l'éducation dans leurs domaines. Bildungstechnik in der Türkei: Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung der Bildungstechnologie in der Türkei von der Vergangenheit bis zu Gegenwart dargestellt und ein Einblick in die Planung für die Zukunft gegeben. Technologie spielt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Verbesserung des Bildungsfortschritts. Daher müssen auch Erzieher sie innerhalb ihres Studiengebiets anwenden und anpassen. Bildungsmaterialien wie Lehrbücher, Filme, Rundfunk- und Fernsehsendungen, Einsatz von Overheadprojektoren, Videorekordern und natürlich jetzt auch von Computern bereichern die Lernangebote von Schulen. Bildungsmaterialien motivieren Lernende und bewirken dadurch, dass sie sich schon während des Zusammenstellens von Material durch Zugriff auf Informationen und deren Bewertung mit Inhalten befassen müssen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to adapt the Student Expectations of Online Learning Survey Revised [SEOLS-R] developed by Harris, Larrier and Castano-Bishop (2011) into Turkish. For this purpose, the adaptation process of the scale, which consists of 7 factors and 43 items in the 5-point Likert structure, started first with the necessary permissions, and then a translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out. After the cultural adaptation process, the construct validity of the scale was tested with 411 students who study in distance education programs of Amasya University. After the construct validity findings, the reliability values of the scale were examined. In line with the findings, it was concluded that the Turkish version of the SEOLS-R scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool suitable for Turkish culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to determine approaches of administrators and teachers related to the use of interactive whiteboards and tablet PCs which are distributed in schools within FATİH project. Research was carried out with 32 administrator and 36 teachers who works at FATİH project implementation schools. Seperate forms consisting of different open-ended questions were posed to teachers and administrators. Data was analyzed with content analysis. Administrators indicate that the courses supported by this technology will provide effective learning; courses will be more efficient in a shorter time; motivation, interest and involvement will be affected in a positive direction. Teachers states that technology supported courses will increase the interest of students and develop various skills. According to the statements the most important problem related to the use of these technologies seems to be caused by lack of sufficient educational e-content. Organizing "practical" trainings which aims at gaining ability to create educational e-content for teachers could be solution to sufficient e-content problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this study is to determine prospective teachers' usage of social media based scientific communication within case study research method perspective. Study group consisted of seventeen prospective teachers who were enrolled in Teaching Practice Course. Within implementation process, blogs were designed and used as an online learning environment in order to provide them to see their thinking skills and their self awareness, to learn how to think as a teacher and equip them with scientific communication skills. As a result of the content analysis of blogs, it was observed that prospective teachers were successful on basic skills such as examining, classifying and evaluating the studies published by others, whereas, they were not successful in higher order thinking skills such as generating new ideas, comparing the information with previous studies and presenting it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]