Educational technologies have revolutionized the learning and teaching environments. Offline/online applications and social media have changed the conventional learning and teaching habits and competencies. In terms of learners, it has been empirically proven that the use of educational technologies in the classroom make learning easier and more enjoyable. On the other hand, it also poses threats to students such as cyberbullying and online addiction. While exploiting the opportunities of technological use in the classroom, educators must also remain vigilant and formulate ways to overcome the challenges and risks brought by technology. Enriching Teaching and Learning Environments With Contemporary Technologies is an essential research publication that aims to present exemplary practices of technology use and their management in pedagogical purposes in learning and teaching environments. The book also analyzes problems that may arise and develops policies on educational technologies and the exploitation of technology with pedagogical purposes as part of the discussion to solve these challenges. Featuring a wide range of topics such as augmented reality, mass media, and religious education, this book is ideal for educators who want to use technology in class, educational administrators who have responsibilities for developing policies on educational technologies and managing the use of them, and researchers who want to carry out a deep investigation into the subject. Additionally, educational software developers, academicians, instructional designers, curriculum developers, education professionals, and students will also benefit from the research contained within the book.

The world's systems of higher education (HE) are caught up in the fourth industrial revolution of the twenty-first century. Driven by increased globalization, demographic expansion in demand for education, new information and communications technology, and changing cost structures influencing societal expectations and control, higher education systems across the globe are adapting to the pressures of this new industrial environment. To make sense of the complex changes in the practices and structures of higher education, this Handbook sets out a theoretical framework to explain what higher education systems are, how they may be compared over time, and why comparisons are important in terms of societal progress in an increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on insights from over 40 leading international scholars and practitioners, the chapters examine the main challenges facing institutions of higher education, how they should be managed in changing conditions, and the societal implications of different approaches to change. Structured around the premise that higher education plays a significant role in ensuring that a society achieves the capacity to adjust itself to change, while at the same time remaining cohesive as a social system, this Handbook explores how current internal and external forces disturb this balance, and how institutions of higher education could, and might, respond.

Student retention has become a difficult issue within higher education. As such, it is imperative to examine the causes, as well as provide educators with strategies to implement to improve retention rates. Critical Assessment and Strategies for Increased Student Retention is a pivotal reference source for the latest progressive research on a variety of current student success and attendance perpetuation issues. Featuring a broad range of coverage on a number of perspectives and topics, such as academic performance, counseling, and culture, this publication is geared towards practitioners, academicians, and researchers interested in understanding the difficulties with maintaining student retention.

In this introduction to educational policy, practice and professionalism, the authors focus first on providing an historical overview of English policy from the state's first interventions in education through to Thatcherism and the election of the Blair government. Chapters then explore the key contemporary policies of recent times and offer a critique on how they have worked in practice, with reference the hysteria that often surrounds education policy. An important theme is media representation of educational matters and the effects this has on the teaching profession. Commentaries and case studies are presented throughout providing an accessible link to what it was really like to learn, teach and live at the time the policy was in place. This new edition now includes: - an account of the measures taken by the Coalition Government of 2010-15, examining the Coalition's continuities with the previous administration whilst also exploring departures from previous thinking and practices; - updated references and case studies throughout to represent new research and legislation since the first edition; - an extended discussion of globalization and global 'policy borrowing'; - further coverage of social justice theory, including a perspective on identity theory and the role of education in the development of identity and the marginalisation of individuals and groups; - a new historical chapter covering the period 1945 to 1997; - a summary of the development of the curriculum and a critique of the 2014 National curriculum, as pioneered by Michael Gove; and - a new conclusion setting out the trajectory of current policies and how this may affect educational practitioners. This is essential reading for all undergraduate students studying education policy and practice.

Much has been written about children's literature as a genre; but very little material exists on how to use it in diverse South African classrooms where teachers prepare young learners in literacy skills. Introducing Children's Literature equips the prospective teacher with a strong theoretical introduction to the genre and details how children can be encouraged to become enthusiastic readers. This books also provides insight into the developmental stages of a child; the history of South African literature, with particular reference to the oral tradition; the role of the adult in establishing a reading culture; practicalities of introducing stories and literature to children in different phases from diverse contexts; the use of illustrations and technology to enhance other literacies; techniques of storytelling and selecting appropriate texts; the influence of the hidden curriculum in terms of moral development, stereotyping, sanitising and representation. The authors collectively have decades of experience in teacher education, teaching at the chalkface and raising their own children to enjoy reading. Many practical suggestions for using children's literature in the classroom makes this book a necessity for teachers, student teachers and parents.

What makes a great leader? Personality? A response to the demands of time and circumstance? Where is leadership located in modern organizations? Has it a place in the management of corporate enterprise? What contributes to a leader's control? These and many other questions are explores in the theoretical background of this work. An examination of twentieth century theories about the sources of personal powers, the social forces that enabled it, the psychological roots of leader relationships, the ingredients of leader style and quality, and the conduct identified as a leader behaviors is directed at identifying the measurable elements of this social phenomenon.

Three chapters document experimental attempts to analyse leader performance, recognizing form, style, and quality in quantifiable detail. The use of descriptive questionnaires as means of labeling leader performance and quantifying its characteristics provides definitive insights into the nature of this social phenomenon.

Finally a unique system for leader appraisal, the Leader Appraisal Questionnaire (LAQ), based upon sound theoretical principles and twenty years of experimental research with the questionnaire methodology, is detailed. This novel system, adaptable to all kinds of organizations and enterprises, provides a unique tool for leadership evaluation and development. Given that leadership is a primary consideration in all kinds o organizational pursuits, this book is a must for every major institutional ans corporate executive office, every government administration, institutions of higher learning and research, and any person who wishes to undertake and make success of a group enterprise.

This guidebook is designed to be the high school teacher's friend in addressing a wide variety of questions regarding the use of educational and instructional technologies. It can serve as a companion and guide through the myriad challenges and opportunities related to the effective use of technology in one's classroom and school. A sample of U.S. high school teachers provided us with detailed answers about their experiences with using technology in their teaching. Specifically, they shared their challenges, barriers, ideas, and suggestions for working successfully with administrators, technology specialists, students, fellow teachers, and parents when teaching with technology. We have organized the teachers' experiences and recommendations according to each stakeholder group. Rather than recommending or reviewing specific educational technology companies, applications, or tools, we provide a large number of strategies that are "built to last" and should be applicable regardless of the specific tool under consideration. We assume that it doesn't ultimately matter what the tool or technology is that you're using-it's how and why you're using it for teaching and learning that will determine whether it is successful or not. The "how" and "why" aspects encompass the built-to-last strategies included in this guidebook.

Working with scientists has been suggested as a powerful activity that can stimulate students' interest and career aspirations in science. However, how to address challenges of power-over issues and communication barriers in youth-scientist partnerships? In Youths' Cogenerative Dialogues with Scientists, the author describes a pioneering study to improve internship communications between youth and scientists through cogenerative dialogues. The findings show that cogenerative dialogues can help youth and scientists recognize, express, and manage their challenges and emotions as they arise in their internships. As a result, cogenerative dialogues help youth and scientists work productively as a team and enhance their social boding. Suggestions are also provided for science educators to design more innovative and effective projects for future youth-scientist partnerships.