Hybrid Element Heuristic Algorithm Optimizing Neural Network-Based Educational Courses

The rapid development of computer networks has enabled information technology to penetrate many fields, providing unprecedented opportunities for all aspects of our lives. In order to allow students to acquire necessary knowledge and skills through efficient learning, this article studies the design and development of educational technology courses based on hybrid metaheuristic algorithms to optimize neural networks. This paper proposes a metaheuristic algorithm and explains the simulated annealing algorithm and microregular annealing algorithm in detail. Using these algorithms, a mathematical model of the normal scheduling problem was also constructed, and the mathematical model was applied to the design and development of educational technology courses. In addition, the neuron model in the neural network and the activation function of the neural network are discussed from various aspects. In the experiment, according to the needs of students, a learning platform for educational technology courses was designed and developed. The experimental results of this article show that there are significant differences in the starting point of the ability level of learners for different majors. Education majors have a higher level of understanding of educational technology courses; 38.20% of students know well, while art majors have a low level of understanding of education technology courses, with 36.05% of students majoring in art.

Pre-Service Teachers' Perceived Relevance of Educational Technology Course, Digital Performance

Educational technology courses are designed to equip prospective teachers with knowledge and skills to use technology for effective instructional delivery. However, the way students perceive the appropriateness and relevance of the instructional content would go a long way in determining their performance and commitment to the course. Student performance in educational technology courses could be improved, if they perceive the instructional content to be relevant to their academic pursuits and future career development. Therefore, this study examined pre-service teachers' perceived relevance of educational technology content, digital tools and their performance in an educational technology course. The study was carried out on 261 pre-service teachers and the result showed that the perceived relevance of educational technology course by the students was high. The correlation coefficient (r) of 0.015 showed a positive relationship between pre-service teachers' perceived relevance of educational technology courses and the performance at the end of semester examination of the course.

Learning Technology Integration From a Service-Learning Project: Connecting Preservice Teachers to Real-World Problems

Background: Stand-alone educational technology courses have long faced the challenge of connecting preservice teachers to real-world problems of using technology for teaching and learning. Although many studies investigated the benefits of service-learning in teacher education, few were conducted in stand-alone educational technology courses. Purpose: This article reported the benefits and difficulties of a service-learning project that connected preservice teachers with authentic technology integration problems in K-12 classrooms. Methodology/Approach: Fifty-four undergraduate preservice teachers participated in this descriptive case study. They were guided to reflect on their learning related to technology integration through weekly problems/concerns survey and a final reflection survey. Semistructured interviews captured the salient aspects of preservice teachers’ experiences during the service-learning project. Findings/Conclusions: Preservice teachers valued the authenticity of the service-learning project because they could (a) apply their technology integration knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and (b) explore resources and ideas relevant to teaching content in their subject areas. Challenges faced by preservice teachers are also discussed. Implications: Service-learning can create an authentic learning experience that connects technology integration with teaching content. Project orientation and feedback for appropriate technology options are the most valuable instructor supports.

Empowering “Digital Immigrants”

Contemporary research shows that a significant proportion of American K-12 teachers feel that they are inadequately prepared for the challenges of applying new and unfamiliar technology to existing curricula and using technology as part of their daily practice in classrooms (Tondeur et al., 2012). In this chapter, the authors examine how they motivate a group of in-service teachers to use emerging technology tools for teaching and learning through their educational technology courses. For a few semesters in their educational technology courses, the authors have experimented with different ways to help both pre-service and in-service teachers overcome their challenges. Through trial and error, the authors have found strategies to help these digital immigrants to “learn, unlearn, and relearn” (Toffler, 1973) their acquired misconceptions and habits regarding technology. This inquiry is a distillation of these strategies.