Michael Menchaca | University of Hawaii at Manoa (original) (raw)

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Papers by Michael Menchaca

Southeast Asian Conference on Education official conference proceedings, Apr 8, 2024

Educational Technology & Society, 2014

2016 Future Technologies Conference (FTC), 2016

This paper reports value creation stories from an assessment of ten years in the life of an onlin... more This paper reports value creation stories from an assessment of ten years in the life of an online masters program. The program is a hybrid particular discipline masters program delivered 20% face-to-face and 80% online. The program achieved a high degree of success, with a course completion rate of 93% and a graduation rate of 84%. The program is based in a community of practice model (CoP) and the CoP model is identified by faculty and students as key to the program's success. A previous study applied a value creation framework (VCF) created for assessing value in the program. This paper shares detailed information concerning the framework, how it was applied, how a social network analysis was conducted, and the value creation stories evident in the program.

Investigations and Applications

Researchers such as Deutsch and Nicholson (2006) have proposed authentic assessment as a means to... more Researchers such as Deutsch and Nicholson (2006) have proposed authentic assessment as a means to connect learning with practice and develop a commitment to life-long learning. Recently, newer forms of distributed technology such as audio-conferencing and social networking have been central in moving learning opportunities beyond the classroom door. In this case study, the authors examine the process of developing and implementing a new culminating assessment in an online graduate program via newer technologies. Culminating student presentations shifted from an in-house, on-campus to an international, online venue. This chapter examines the rationale for the use of an international conference, the design of scaffolds required to support student success in the endeavor, and feedback from faculty and students on learning impacts of virtual conference participation. The case asks questions about viability and provokes debate about the types of experiences institutions should provide st...

Distance Education, 2014

ABSTRACT This study reports an analysis of 10 years in the life of the Internet-based Master in E... more ABSTRACT This study reports an analysis of 10 years in the life of the Internet-based Master in Educational Technology program (iMET) at Sacramento State University. iMET is a hybrid educational technology master’s program delivered 20% face to face and 80% online. The program has achieved a high degree of success, with a course completion rate of 93% and a graduation rate of 84%. iMET is based on Lave and Wenger’s seminal community of practice (CoP) model, which is identified by faculty and students as key to the program’s success. This study applied a value creation framework (VCF) created by Wenger, Trayner, and de Laat for assessing value creation in a CoP. The article presents detailed information concerning the framework and how it was applied. It then outlines how a social network analysis led to findings that value was created in the iMET CoP and how the value created led to a sustained CoP currently entering its 13th year.

Journal of College Teaching & Learning (TLC), 2013

Current conventional wisdom may perceive that higher education is outdated and maybe even likely ... more Current conventional wisdom may perceive that higher education is outdated and maybe even likely to collapse. Online education is often predicted to replace brick-and-mortar campuses with systems providing students access to world-class learning via smartphones and tablets. Many private and commercial ventures are embracing such concepts. However, in the race to implement large-scale models, significant key elements such as understanding that learning can be social, affective, personal, and even cultural may be missing. Thus, creative yet research-based programs at the university level are needed. While it is true that existing university structures might inhibit the implementation of radical programs, there are opportunities where such innovation can be offered. In the case of the Department of Educational Technology at the University of Hawaii, an option for a program at the certificate level not necessarily leading to a traditional degree was provided. The certificate option prov...

While online learning is a relatively new domain with few research based models, results from pre... more While online learning is a relatively new domain with few research based models, results from previous studies can be used in program and course design to provide a foundation for success. Tools and strategies, when carefully aligned and informed by research findings, can support high quality learning and a strong community of learners. A case study is presented that details tools, strategies, and student feedback about an online educational technology graduate program at the University of Hawaii-Manoa linking a professional community in the Hawaiian islands.

International journal on e-learning, 2014

This study explored barriers to utilizing information and communication technologies (ICT) for te... more This study explored barriers to utilizing information and communication technologies (ICT) for teaching and learning in the country of Jordan as indicated by participating stakeholders: students, teachers, and administrators. Jordan is a developing country in the heart of the Middle East with both tremendous opportunity as well as significant challenges. In the area of education, this study investigated ICT barriers through an interpretative case study, the Jordanian Education Initiative (JEI). The study relied on the technology- to-performance chain (TPC) model as a conceptual research framework in a qualitative analysis. Fifteen barriers were identified based on this analysis. Twelve barriers were directly attributed to utilization factors proposed by the TPC model that were in turn viewed as barrier factors (expected consequences and affect toward use, habit, social norms, and facilitating conditions). A significant number of barriers were related to “facilitating conditions,” a category that placed significant responsibility on the Ministry of Education to offer increased resources and opportunities to facilitate the process of integrating technology into education in Jordan. Although barriers were significant, the paper recommended additional institutional support for the JEI and increased technical and pedagogical training for teachers. The study also provided policy recommendations and suggestions for further research.

The purpose of the research was to evaluate an existing online Masters delivered through distribu... more The purpose of the research was to evaluate an existing online Masters delivered through distributed, distance learning. Through the evaluation, the significance of technology tools, pedagogic strategies, and how they interact in distributed environments was addressed. Data were collected from student surveys, faculty surveys, student interviews, and student portfolios. The Empowerment Evaluation methodology was used to triangulate data collected from multiple stakeholders to lend credence to the conclusions made, which included: technology tools in distributed environments should appeal to multiple learning styles of students; appropriate strategies in distributed environments included: processing content, discussing content, problem-solving through collaboration, reflecting, and building a community of learning; tools and strategies complement each other; face-to-face interaction was significant; and the evaluation revealed the program met goals and objectives.

Research indicates children generally fare better in traditional schools when parents are involve... more Research indicates children generally fare better in traditional schools when parents are involved. However, scant research exists in alternative settings such as blended and online schooling. This comprehensive review of the few studies in such settings found that: (a) categorization of technologically-mediated schools is ill-defined; (b) levels of parental involvement vary and are influenced by many factors; (c) links between parent involvement and student achievement exist in these alternative settings but further research is needed; (d) there are implications for public policy; and (e) finally, the review provides specific suggestions for further research.

J. Educ. Technol. Soc., 2014

Online charter schools are unique among K -12 online learning options for students. They are full... more Online charter schools are unique among K -12 online learning options for students. They are full -time, public schools that combine online learning with tradition al and home schooling practices. They are often charte red by a state agency, supported in full or in part wit h state funds and most often managed by a private educational management company. Some extol the virtues of these schools as being able to reach uniqu e student populations at a fraction of the cost borne by traditional publ ic school education. Others are c oncerned over the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these scho ols and the problems encountered by young learners who are separated from their teachers due to the online nature of learning in this environment. The goal of this literature review is to: (a) provide a definition of online charte r schools; (b) describe their evolution and current status; (c) describe their operations; and, (d) to reveal emerging concerns, includi ng governance, fu...