Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Programs for Higher Education
Advisor
Michael Simonson
Committee Member
Soledad Arguelles
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Committee Member
Maryellen Maher
Keywords
ability levels, advanced computer skills, alternative education, CD-ROM tutorials, checklist, computer skills assessment, curriculum enhancement, district training, educational software, instructional software, intermediate computer skills, keyboard skills, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Office, novice computer skills, operating system, presurvey data, professional development, productivity software, software training, teacher certification, teacher computer skills, teachers, technology integration, training sessions, Windows 98, Windows platform
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to assess the computer skills of teachers at 5 alternative education schools so they could be grouped into sessions that would meet their ability level. Teachers at the alternative education schools used at least 5 educational software programs to enhance the curriculum at their schools; however, these teachers did not have the most basic computer skills and, therefore, experienced problems managing multiple educational software packages and the Microsoft Windows operating system. Although the district provided educational software training for teachers, the training was designed for participants with basic computer skills. Therefore, teachers who attended the training sessions received that training because of their teaching certification or the subjects they taught, not their computer skills.
The writer developed a 3-part survey and checklist that would deliver a computer skills level score of novice, intermediate, or advanced. Weekly sessions were available so teachers could learn how the Microsoft Windows operating system works. This was accomplished by using a district-purchased, take-home Introduction to Windows 98 CD-ROM tutorial. Teachers were able to continue using the Microsoft Windows Office series of additional CD-ROM lessons after their treatment ended.
An analysis of presurvey data indicated which teachers lacked basic computer skills and had difficulty using the operating system. Improving their understanding of the Microsoft Windows operating system helped teachers learn to use the operating system, keyboard, and other features associated with Windows. The most successful part of the training was the completion of the operating system software because it provided a springboard for teachers to learn how to utilize educational and productivity software programs that operate within a Windows platform.