Some details about the session --
Research Paper Session—features original research on the general theme of using technologies to enhance education. Proposals are double-blind peer reviewed. Presenters retain copyright privileges.
Discussion—six papers presented concurrently in an informal table discussion format in the same room during each one-hour time slot. No presentation equipment or electricity will be provided. Presenters may elect to bring their own laptops to present key findings in their research, if needed. Each roundtable will accommodate up to nine people.
Proposal Summary
To submit a research paper proposal, prepare the following to be pasted into the corresponding sections of the online submission form. Your completed proposal should describe your study in as much detail as possible without exceeding 2,000 words (excluding references). It should not include any references that would reveal the identity of the author(s). Proposals will be judged based on a blind peer review and evaluated for the following:
clearly stated and well-conceived research objectives
current and well-articulated perspectives or theoretical framework
appropriate and well-executed research methods
well-grounded results (or expectations)
well-written proposal (clear writing style, organization, clarity of ideas and expression)
importance of study (timeliness, advances the field)
A suggested submission follows:
RESEARCH PAPER – DISCUSSION (Round Table)
Cyberbullying is a prevalent issue in today’s classroom as teachers and administrators struggle with how to deal with the issue. There are disturbing differences between bullying and cyberbullying (Kowalski & Limber, 2007) as “the interactions that occur in virtual reality can affect the everyday reality that students experience elsewhere” (p. 823). Cyberbullying increases in elementary years, peaks during the middle school years, and declines in high school years (Beale & Hall, 2007). Similarly, cyberbullying bystanders typically follow the pattern often experienced in the actual world, which is remaining quiet rather than reporting the problematic issues to adults (Li, 2007; Shariff, 2005) such as a parent, teacher, or principal. There are numerous ways to engage in cyberbullying, including (1) email; (2) instant messaging; (3) websites; (4) chat rooms; (5) text messaging; and, (6) virtual environments.
The purpose of this study was to create scenarios within a virtual environment (Second Life [SL] that simulated authentic cyberbullying situations. This study had 3 distinct phases: 1) Exploratory, in which middle school students were surveyed on their perceptions of cyberbullying, where and when cyberbullying occurs, and who is affected, 2) Identifying, in which focus group sessions (with middle school students) helped define the signs, symptoms, and reality of Cyberbullying (in other words, what does it look like?), and 3) creation of simulations in SL and testing reaction to the sims with middle school students.
The questions explored were:
- Who is most likely to participate in bullying in a virtual world?
- Are there any common characteristics in cyberbullying?
- Will perceptions of a virtual/fictional victim differ from perceptions of a victim in the real world? If so, how will they differ?
- Are virtual environments viewed as safer places to bully others?
- Are students familiar with safety strategies related to cyberbullying? If so, what strategies do they use?
- How do students believe cyberbullying can be prevented?
Middle school students were selected for this study because research suggests that school age bullying/cyberbullying is the most severe/intense during the middle school years (Beale & Hall, 2007; Kowalski & Limber, 2007; Pellegrini & Bartini, 2000). Approximately 200 middle school students in grades 7 and 8 (i.e., approximately ages 13- 14) were recruited from three local schools. The students were asked to complete an adapted survey (Li, 2007) on cyberbullying. After the Cyberbullying Survey was completed, three focus groups were formed. The focus groups were led by the researchers/trained graduate assistants, at a convenient location for the participants and followed a cyberbullying focus group guideline and protocol created by the researchers. During the final phase of the study, the cyberbullying scenarios/simulations (based on participant feedback from the surveys and focus groups) were created within Second Life. Following creation, the scenario was fully “acted out” and subsequently recorded using screen capturing technology; later the recorded scenario was played on a screen for viewing and student reactions to the scenarios/simulations were noted. Creating the scenarios/simulations in this way prevented students from having to enter Second Life, where it would be possible for students to wander into areas with inappropriate adult content.
Results or Expectations
Describe your results or your expectations in cases where the results are not complete.
NOTE: it is okay to submit research that is not complete; however, you should be sure to provide evidence that the research is well-conceived and will be implemented and completed.
Educational and/or Scientific Importance
Describe the educational and/or scientific importance of your study.
References
List your references.
FOR 2009 NECC PROPOSAL -- Wright, Burnham, Inman
For Research Paper (Roundtable)—
Strand: I think probably the
Ethics & Equity addresses the ethical issues and necessary curriculum, guidelines, and policies involved in using technology and/or the equity issues/challenges involved in achieving equal access and reaching underserved population, and includes such strands as:
- Access Issues
- Ethical Problems
- Gender, Race, Socioeconomic Issues
Titles (must be 10 or less)
25 word description to SELL session:
five keywords
Cyberbullying, Second Life, virtual worlds, digital citizenship, technology integration, preservice, teacher education, professional development
address a theme area
NEED NECC STANDARDS
Audience
Teacher Educators, Administrators, and more….
Audience Level
9-12, Community College/University – ALL…….
ISTE NETS Addressed:
NETS-T –
NETS -S
NETS SUMMARY: Elaborate on how these standards are addressed. NEED TO WRITE
Objectives and Purposes (75-150 words)
Significance (75-150 words)
Perspective or Framework (75-150 words)
Research Methods (75-150 words)
Results or Expectations (75-150 words)
Implications for Practice (75-150 words)
Primary URL for your Presentation
Referenced Web Links