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This study examined the factors that contributed to ePortfolio persistence in an online program from data collected in 2016 (Thibodeaux, Harapnuik, & Cummings, 2017) and again in 2018. A myriad of research points to learning portfolios as having transformational power; however, many traditional instructional models that use ePortfolios in higher education downplay the significance and transformational learning that effective ePortfolios offer. To research this phenomenon, a convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used to gather data from an online program in order to explore the learning conditions and context of ePortfolio usage over multiple years. Results indicated that real-world projects and authentic artifacts, the ePortfolio used as a career tool, and management of the ePortfolio were common factors identified in studies that contributed to continued use of the ePortfolio. Findings also revealed that learner autonomy, control, and agency, as well as continued opportunities for choice and voice, led to increased appreciation and ownership of the ePortfolio beyond the program of study.

This study used grounded theory analysis to examine and analyze student perceptions of the influence of choice, ownership, and voice on learning and the learning environment in an online M. Ed. program in the southeastern region of the United States. Choice, ownership, and voice make up three of the four components of the learner-centered approach called the COVA learning approach developed by Harapnuik, Thibodeaux, and Cummings. Literature related to constructivism, metacognition, and reflection confirms through years of research that choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning opportunities have the potential to positively influence learning. Seventy-three graduate students in the M. Ed. program completed a survey indicating their agreement with statements that gave them choice, ownership, and voice in learning and the learning environment. The study further examined graduate students' candid perceptions for the purpose of identifying themes that related to choice, ownership, and voice in learning and the learning environment. Results showed that all three components positively influenced the learners' experience and that metacognitive practices and opportunities for reflection assisted students as they developed their voice as learners.

This study examined factors that contributed to persistent use, or discontinued use, of ePortfolios beyond the program of study, as perceived by former educational technology students in a graduate program. The related literature points to contemporary research that choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning are growing trends emerging as persistent factors that contribute to ePortfolio learning. To research whether these elements were critical to students' continued use of ePortfolios, a survey instrument was used that contained indicators related to choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning. 141 former graduate students completed the survey and several students participated in semi-structured interview groups. Of the former graduate students, 17.7% of the students have continued to use their ePortfolio. Of those that are using the ePortfolio, the results of this study indicated that authentic projects, assessment of one's own earning, receiving feedback, and management of the ePortfolio during the learning process had significant influence on the continued or discontinued use of the ePortfolio after students graduated from the educational technology program. Open-ended interviews revealed that student participants preferred to create ePortfolios that allowed them some control, ownership, and agency over the learning process in various developmental aspects of ePortfolio learning.

This study examined perceptions of the influence of the COVA learning approach on authentic projects and the learning environment by Digital Learning and Leading students in an online graduate program. Related literature points to an array of learner-centered pedagogies and learning environments that offer choice, ownership, voice, and authentic (COVA) learning opportunities. To research the influence that choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity had on authentic projects and the learning environment, 85 graduate students participated in an online survey and their perspectives were extracted out of open-ended narratives. Results from this study suggest that when learners are given choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning opportunities, deep and meaningful learning can result. Additional analysis revealed nine themes that suggest that the COVA learning approach complemented student learning preferences and styles for authentic projects and the learning environment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate the Clinical Information Processing Instrument. This instrument attempts to examine information processing in electronic medical records (EMRs). We drew upon the theory of swift and even flow to guide survey development and construction. Materials and Methods: We used a mixed‐methods approach to gather data from registered nurses. Nurses were invited to participate in focus groups, an expert panel, and the survey validation process. A semi‐structured questionnaire addressed the following themes: method of communication, quality of information, and usability of the system. Results: We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling. The Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin measure was greater than 0.7 (0.90), and the Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (X2 = 1519.03, df = 105, P < 0.001). The proposed structural equation model was analysed and revised to a final model that was statistically significant. The final survey, Clinical Information Processing Instrument, contained 18 Likert scale questions that supported the tenets of the theory of swift and even flow. Discussion: The nurses perceived EMRs as efficient for medication management, time management, and communication. The Clinical Information Processing Instrument is a validated survey tool that assesses information flow in EMRs. Conclusions: The Clinical Information Processing Instrument was validated as an approach to analyse the utility of EMR in disseminating information among clinical staff. To increase the utility and meaningful use of EMR systems, it is important to consider factors that affect the distribution of information among clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the one-to-one access to technology device for students, and the impact of technology on quality of education. Topics discussed include use of digital devices and equipment's for creating learning environment for teachers, information on the secured robust connectivity from the Internet service providers, and Wi-Fi access for students to download applications, videos, and portable document format (PDF) files at school.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are both sexually transmitted diseases which, when left untreated, can be passed to infants during delivery. The eye disease conjunctivitis that results from infant exposure to gonorrhea can cause blindness, but this is prevented by routine prophylactic administration of silver nitrate eye drops at the time of delivery. The increase of maternal chlamydial bacterial infections in recent years is causing some concern. Chlamydia infection is now the more commonly found cause of infant eye infection. The antibiotic drugs currently used to prevent gonococcal eye infections have not been shown to prevent chlamydial infections. Erythromycin and tetracycline eye ointments were evaluated for effectiveness in the treatment of both chlamydial and gonococcal eye infections. Of the 12,431 infants tested, gonococcal infections were present in 8 infants. Of those, one was treated with silver nitrate, four received erythromycin, and three were given tetracycline. Chlamydial infections involved 230 infants; 20 percent were treated with silver nitrate, 14 percent with erythromycin, and 11 percent with tetracycline. Chlamydial eye infections were not effectively reduced by treatment with erythromycin or tetracycline. Better screening and treatment for chlamydia in the mother is suggested; additionally, better screening and treatment of maternal gonococcal infection could help reduce the incidence of neonatal gonococcal ophthalmia.

The article reviews a study that explores the effect of practicum field experiences on dispositions for leadership in an Educational Leadership Program at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Topics discussed include the finding that practicum field experiences had little effect on the dispositions of online graduate students as assessed by the campus mentor of the candidates. Also mentioned are practicum activities being correlated with several educational leadership standards in the U.S.

The incorporation of electronic medical records into nursing practice highlights the need to facilitate communication among nurses. The extensive use of information suggests that electronic medical records should be considered in the cognitive workspace to manage information and facilitate communication. The purpose of this study was to construct an integrative model to explain the role of electronic medical records in the cognitive workspace. This work is grounded in the Theory of Swift and Even Flow and Distributive Cognition. The Distributive Cognitive model views the workplace as a cognitive system, such that cognitive processes do not occur in individual clinicians, but as a collaborative effort among nurses. The Theory of Swift and Even Flow was used to explain the flow of information among nurses. We used a qualitative approach to gather data from nurses at local inpatient facilities. Seven focus groups among three facilities were completed (n = 34). A semistructured questionnaire guided the focus group sessions. The results suggest that electronic medical records contribute to the cognitive workspace by serving as a conduit for information to be collected and distributed. These systems may positively influence nursing care when the quality, quantity, and timeliness of information are optimized.