Date of Award

1990

Degree Name

EdD Doctor of Education

Dissertation Committee

Susan M. Zgliczynski, PhD, Director; Edward Kujawa Jr., PhD; Ralph V. Patrick, EdD

Keywords

case study, curriculum, evaluation, integrated learning systems, qualitative, school district personnel

Abstract

The purchase and integration of integrated learning systems (ILSs) in schools is on the rise. Dissatisfied with stand-alone computers and software, educators are looking for a more sophisticated integration of computer technology throughout the entire curriculum, specifically, an ILS. Current research evaluating such systems is scarce. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument that decision makers in school districts could use to evaluate an ILS at the pre-purchase stage. The instrument was designed expressly for school district personnel who have completed a needs assessment and have determined that an ILS will meet their needs. The instrument was developed to help them assess which ILS will meet their needs. A qualitative approach using case study methodology was used to elicit information from ILS vendors and school district decision makers which would contribute to the development of the ILS assessment instrument. Data collection was completed through interviews, observations, and document review. Data analysis was accomplished using a coding system and matrices. An instrument was developed based upon the data collection and analysis. The final phase of the design process was the preliminary and operational field testing. Preliminary field testing was accomplished by asking representatives from ten school districts to evaluate the instrument for content, format, and usefulness. Based upon their responses the instrument was revised. To complete the operational field testing, personnel from five school districts used the revised instrument to evaluate integrated learning systems during their ILS selection process and validated its content, format, and usefulness to school district decision makers wanting an effective method to assess ILSs. Results of this study suggested that (a) qualitative methodology was an appropriate way to collect and assess data for instrument design, (b) the instrument for the evaluation of ILSs was needed by school district decision makers, (c) within the limitations of small sample size, the developed instrument was proven to be valid, reliable, and useful by school district personnel, and (d) a secondary benefit of the instrument was its comprehensive coverage of ILSs, making it a useful instructional tool as well as evaluation tool.

Document Type

Dissertation: Open Access

Department

Education

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