Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Atlas - Academic Technology Literacy ASsessment: a technology literacy modified delphi method study(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2018) Luft, Stephen James; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Carrie B. Myers; Nick Lux (co-chair)How technology literate are you? Today, the world and associated technologies are far more complicated than the simple wheel, requiring a technologically literate society and workforce. Despite the widespread agreement about the critical nature of technology literacy and the role it plays in the success for college students, there exists no mechanism for helping students align their technology skills to the skills needed to be successful in college classes. The purpose of this modified Delphi method study was to identify exemplary technology literacy definitions from current technology literacy definitions, develop a basic academic technology literacy rubric and identify steps needed to implement the Academic Technology Literacy ASsessment (ATLAS) rubric system at the program, department, college and university level. The reduction of 25 technology literacy definitions to 10 technology literacy definition signified a certain level of them being exemplary. All the 10 technology literacy definitions had common threads of problem-solving, communication, responsibility and lifelong. Some of the definitions equated these as the demands of learning in the 21st century. Ten technology experts in higher education were asked how they would align academic technology literacy skills with skill levels. These alignments would be used to create an Academic Technology Literacy ASsessment (ATLAS) rubric. This was accomplished using a modified Delphi method study methodology. Over the course of three rounds, the SME participants aligned 93 out of 131 academic technology literacy skills with skill levels. The integration of the ATLAS was favorable at varying levels at all four areas. The greatest take-away from the responses was that participants observed that they did not see the black and white, digital native and digital immigrant separation of technology literacy. These perceived digital natives were in many cases as technology illiterate as the perceived digital immigrants This study provides students, faculty, and institutions with an understanding of technology literacy definitions, a tangible ATLAS rubric system that will provide those that feel overwhelmed with technology to identify where they are weak. Administrators will be able to identify actual steps on how to institutionalize the ATLAS rubric at the course, department, college and university level.Item The effects of implementing language objectives in a technology education class(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2017) Wong, Simone Scafide; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Walter WoolbaughIn recent years, U.S. public schools have had an influx of students for whom English is a second language (ESL). These ESL students or English language learners (ELL) have a more difficult time learning academic language compared to their native English speaking peers. The Sheltered Instructional Observational Protocol (SIOP) was developed to help ESL students succeed in classes taught in a second language. Studies have shown SIOP as an effective means of instruction for ESL, and that following SIOP in the classroom is also successful in increasing student success among non-ESL students. This paper focuses on the effects of implementing one specific feature of SIOP (setting language objectives) in a technology education elective. In this classroom research project, the instructor implemented language objectives into alternating units of study and measured the effect of the language objectives on students' perception of content, students' peer engagement, students' confidence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and students' interest in STEM careers. The researcher collected data from student assessment, student journals, surveys, classroom observations and student interviews. This classroom research project found that when working independently on design activities, students performed better when language objectives were implemented. Language objectives led to more peer-to-peer interaction, and a drastic increase in peer-to-peer questions. By setting language objectives, students became more confident in their abilities to learn STEM concepts, however, interested in STEM careers remained constantItem The feasibility of a bachelor of science degree in secretarial technology at Northern Montana College(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Business, 1989) Bergren, Garnet Thackeray; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Norman L. MillikinThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a bachelor's degree in secretarial technology at Northern Montana College. A secondary purpose was to examine the office needs of employers with implications for curriculum revision or development. A survey instrument was mailed to 150 employers throughout the State of Montana, from which 74 usable returns were received. A second survey instrument was mailed to 46 students enrolled in the Secretarial Technology Associate of Science Degree program at Northern Montana College, 39 usable returns were realized. The research findings led to the identification of the following trends in secretarial training or education at the post secondary level: (1) Post secondary education in office technology is essential to meet the office needs of Montana employers; (2) Montana employers regard education and experience similarly when selecting a secretary; (3) Montana employers would hire a secretary with a bachelor's degree. However, the secretary may need to consider working in one of Montana's larger communities to obtain a desirable wage; (4) while computer use continues to grow, many Montana offices use manual files and require a secretary to set up or maintain one; (5) the importance of written and oral communication skills in the secretarial curriculum is evident. The research findings of the student survey led to the development of a student profile, and to the following analysis of student opinion (1) many students enrolled in the secretarial program at Northern Montana College will seek higher degrees in business; (2) students believe that Northern Montana College should offer both an associate and a bachelor's degree in secretarial technology; (3) students would enroll in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secretarial Technology if it were available at Northern Montana College, (4) the Northern Montana College secretarial student is typically an nontraditional student from Northern Montana. The writer recommended curriculum changes in the associate degree program at Northern Montana College emphasizing microcomputer word processing and reinstating a course in records (information) management. In addition, the writer recommended that Northern Montana College pursue the Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration.Item Understanding the gender gap in secondary technology education programs of Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1997) Diehl, Julie A. (Julie Anna); Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Scott E. DavisItem The acceptance of technology education by Montana's industrial arts/technology education teachers(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1998) Ruble, Kevin M. (Kevin Mark); Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Scott E. DavisItem The implementation of technology learning activities by technology education teachers in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1990) Ray, Steven John; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Douglas PoletteItem Perceptions and identification of problem solving activities in secondary industrial arts and technology education programs in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1989) Lodermeier, William David; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Douglas PoletteItem The history and development of the Helena School of Aeronautics and Related Trades, 1931-1964(Montana State University - Bozeman, 1964) Sindelar, Robert StephenItem Engineering and science career development : self-reflection and other methods used to steer professional development(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2014) Mercer, Dawn Denise; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.With Baby Boomers leaving the workforce in large numbers ready for retirement, large skill gaps are being created in the workforce. Years of experience present today are gone tomorrow. In highly technical fields, such as NASA, the challenge of how to transfer this knowledge gathered from employees who have years of experience to those with less experience can be daunting. Typically, the method of transferring the information is through hands-on experience over time. However, time is a limited commodity and there is not enough of it to spend before workers who have the knowledge leave. This study attempts to determine if using more experienced employees in training opportunities, using real-world examples, can effectively transfer knowledge and assist employees in self-reflection and career planning. A group of twenty-six newer, less experienced employees at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center participated in four training sessions taught by thirty-three senior leaders and held over a period of several weeks. The content was built around the NASA Life Cycle Process, the backbone of planning, executing, and ending a program or project. Normally, understanding this process takes up to fifteen years. In addition to the training, participants completed feedback forms, a pre and post-survey, a portfolio questionnaire and one-on-one interviews. The data showed the training was highly effective in transferring sophisticated levels of knowledge applied to how work is done. And, though it also showed an impact in an employee's awareness of actions they can take to steer their career, it brings in to question their motivation and initiative to assert self-directed development.Item Analysis of curriculum patterns in middle school technology education in Bozeman, Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 1997) Campbell, Karen Patrice