CCE Theses and Dissertations
Sinclair Curriculum eXchange (SCX) Sharing Learning Resources to Improve Part-Time Instruction
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences
Advisor
Getrude W. Abramson
Committee Member
Timothy Ellis
Committee Member
George K. Fornshell
Abstract
The dissertation effort focused upon improving the quality and consistency of instruction across multiple course sections taught by full -time and part-time faculty. Sinclair Curriculum eXchange (SCX), an online repository of learning objects (LOs) was designed, implemented, and used to deliver a consistent set of teaching materials to introductory Computer Information Systems (CIS) students. Experienced CIS faculty documented successful learning activities along with instructions for using those activities in the classroom. The SCX system was used to assemble the materials for three LOs and one lesson, and then the SCX system was used to share the materials with all faculty teaching the course.
The quality and consistency of instruction were measured by a faculty survey and the analysis of student quiz scores. Overall, the faculty agreed that the materials were effective, they liked the teaching approach, and the materials made it easier to teach. Student quiz scores were compared across instructors, course sections, and instructor status. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences on three of the four quizzes or on all quizzes combined.
The results of the faculty survey and analysis of student quiz scores suggest that the SCX system has the potential to increase the quality and consistency of instruction across multiple course sections. It is therefore recommended that a complete course be developed in SCX and the system be re-evaluated. Two major issues surfaced during this study. Faculty participation was problematic in the development of course materials. The fine granularity level used required the creation of a prohibitive number of files.
NSUWorks Citation
Nancy Thibeault. 2005. Sinclair Curriculum eXchange (SCX) Sharing Learning Resources to Improve Part-Time Instruction. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. (880)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/gscis_etd/880.