Sultan Qaboos University College of Education Department of Instructional & Learning Technologies

Graduation Project

Final Report

Submitted to: - Dr. Ali Al-Mosawi Course name: - Graduation Project(TECH4999) Done by: - Asila AL-harthi (82666)

Table of Content
No. subject 1 About the project
Project Title Project Language Project Overview Software Description Program feature

Page 3
3 3 3 3
4

Needs Analysis
Used Tools Actual Status Desired Status Gab Reasons of the problem Suggested Solutions The Implemented Solution The reasons for adopting this solutions

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5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8

3 4 5

Goals analysis Performance Objectives Learners and Context Analysis

Learners Analysis Context analysis

9 9
11 13

Formative evaluation
Designer review Subject matter experts review
Programmer experts review

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17 17 17 17

One-to-One review

7 8

Summative evaluation Appendices

Appendix 2: Storyboard Appendix 2: (Pre-Questionnaire) Appendix 3: (Interview) Appendix 4: (Post-Questionnaire)

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22 25 26 27

1. About The Project Project Title: E-Dictionary for Omani curricula Project Language: The software language is Arabic. Project Overview: Omani Curriculums has many definitions, concepts, rules,, etc. that students in different grades should understand and sometimes, memorize them. Moreover, curricular of specific grades depend most of the times on those of the previous grade. E-Dictionary for Omani Curricula is software that students can install it easily in any computer. It includes terms of all curriculum subjects that students study at school in grade 8. The terms are then at the students fingers tips with one click to enable them to find any definition of any subject terms easily. In addition, all terms definition are supported with sound and a picture to ensure students understanding. Software description After you install this dictionary and opening it you will see first software interface which includes some buttons about: entering the programs, about the program, instructions about using it, and exciting software. When the user will press in entering button s/he will be moved to another screen which includes two buttons: general dictionary and specific dictionary. By clicking in general dictionary the user will be able to search about any term related to any subject just by typing the term in blank box. When user type the term drop down list will appear and it includes suggested term. So, the user can choose from this list any term or just type it. After, user finishes typing the term, the definition of that term will appear supported with sound that read the definition and the user
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have choose to play or stop the sound as s/he desired. Also, an image appears to explain the definition more. By clicking in specific dictionary button, you will be moved to another screen which includes all subjects that student learn in grade 8. Thus, if the student what to search about terms related to specific subject, just click in that subject button and search about it. Finally, navigating through this software is easy and clear. Project Features 1. First e-Dictionary for Omani curricula. 2. It supports terms' definition with sound and picture. 3. The picture that explains each term connects the student to Omani environment. 4. It includes two type of dictionaries (general and specific)

2. Need Analysis Used tools To ensure that there is need for this e-Dictionary, I develop prequestionnaire and I conduct short interview with students from grade 8. 1. Questionnaire: The result of pre-questionnaire can be summarized below:
(Table1) Summary Of Result
Standard deviation .811 .811 .644 .301 .301 .359

Disagree

I don't Know

Statement
1. I have trouble finding the definitions of the terms previously studied in earlier grades or stages (Find it difficult to search in the books). 2. I take a long time to search in the books about definition.

Frequency& Percent

Agree

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

1 4.8 1 4.8 2 9.5 0 0.0

4 19.0 4 19.0 2 9.5 2 9.5

16 76.2 16 76.2 17 81.0 19 90.5

3. I feel I am making a hard effort in flipping the pages of books to find the definition or the term I need to memorize it in my studies now. 4. I believe that the production of electronic dictionary with all definitions and terms of subjects studied previously and I study now will make it easier to remember it, without the need to search for it long time. 5. I think that this electronic dictionary will reduce the painstaking effort and wasted time in the search in the previous books. 6. I think that this electronic dictionary will help me to memorize and remember terms and definitions better.

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

0 0.0 0 0.0

2 9.5 3 14.3

19 90.5 18 85.7

Table 1 above displays a summary of the need assessment of the project .It shows that the majority of respondents agree that there is a need for this eDictionary. In the first and second statement little over three-quarters 76% of respondents having trouble finding the definitions of the terms previously studied in earlier grades or stages and they take a long time to search in the books. While only 4.8% of respondents present opposite point of view. The third statements were about if the students feel that they making a hard effort in
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Mean 2.57 2.57 2.71 2.90 2.90 2.86

flipping the pages of books to find the definition or the term they need to memorize it in their studies now. Large number of respondents (81%) agrees with that point .However, small numbers of them (9.5%) disagree. Moving to the fourth and fifth statements which is about their believe regarding producing e-Dictionary that includes all definitions and terms of all subject if it will assist them to remember the definitions easily and if it will reduce painstaking effort and wasted time in the search in the book or not, mostly 91% of respondents agree with that point while only nobody present opposite point of view and 9.5% of them don't know. In the last statement, the most respondents, mostly (86%) point out that e- Dictionary will help them to memorize and remember terms and definitions better. On the other hand, no bodies disagree with that point and small number of them (14%) they said they don't know.

2. Interview: I conducted interviews with 10 students from grade 8 in Al-rmas school and the summary of it " all of them agree that producing e-Dictionary will help them to memorize and remember terms and definitions better as it will reduced the wasted time in the search in the previous books.

Problem analysis Step (1): Summarize the actual and optimal situation. Actual situation: Many students at grade 8 make a hard effort in flipping the pages of books to find the definition or the term they need to remember or memorize in their studies now .In addition, they waste long time searching about these definitions.

Optimal situation: The students at grade 8 should have a tool that assist them to find need terms and definitions in easier way and without wasting long time flipping pages of books to find specific terms or definitions. Step (2): Identify the gap and need Gap: They have many subjects and they don't have enough time to search in the books. Need: Being able to find the terms and definitions from any subjects without wasting long time flipping pages of the books to find specific terms or definitions. Step (3): Determine performance problems and causes. 1. They teachers didn't provide clear directions for students to find needed terms or definitions. 2. The terms and definition don't list in one place in the book. 3. They feel boring flipping pages of books to find needed terms and definitions. 4. They didn't have enough time to search about these terms and definitions. Step (4): Determine solutions. In order to fill the gap and achieve the desired status, which will help students to find needed terms and definitions in faster, easier as help them to remember, understand and memorize these terms and definitions, I have these suggested solutions: 1. They teachers should provide clear directions for students to find needed terms or definitions. 2. The ministry of education should support each subject with booklet that includes all definitions of particular subject.

3. E-Dictionary should be design to make students feel interesting when they search about specific terms and assist them to figure out needed terms and definitions faster without wasting long time. The Implemented Solution & reasons for adopting it: The best solution is designing e-Dictionary that includes all terms with its definitions from all subjects that assist them to figure out needed terms and definitions faster without wasting long time. E-Dictionary for Omani curricula will be delivered though CDs, flash or through the internet. For Several reasons I choose this solution and this delivery methods. These reasons presented using ACTIONS model: 1. Accessibility: Its easy to access for all students either from CD, flash or internet (Ease to use as a standalone). 2. Costs: it doesnt cost anything in comparing with traditional printed materials. It just can be downloaded for free or gives to student through her/his flash or a CD (ONE CD cost only 200 paisa) in contrast with printed materials which cost papers and ink and more money to publish booklets that includes theses terms with its definitions. 3. Teaching and Learning: It enables students to search about any term's definitions in general or specific dictionary; see picture that explains the definition and listen to the definition by using the CD, flash or internet. 4. Interactivity and User-friendliness: Its student-machine interactions & student-content interaction (by allowing students to search about any term's definition, play sound, stop it). E-Dictionary for Omani curricula program design is user-friendliness with clear instructions. 5. Organizational Issues: the program can reduce the money that needed for printed booklets with terms' definitions if the ministry decide to support each subject with booklet that includes all terms for particular subject
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6. Novelty: the idea of developing e-Dictionary for Omani curricula is new. 7. Speed: e-Dictionary for Omani curricula program can be distributed through the internet, through teachers or students directly by (CD & FLASH) in a fast way without distractions. 3. Goal analysis: The aim of e-Dictionary for Omani curricula is to assist students at grade 8 to find the definition of any curricular term at easier and faster way. This will help them to easily recall old (and understand new) curricular concept/definition. 4. Performance Objectives: After using e-Dictionary for Omani curricula, students at grade 8 will be able to: Find any term's definition quickly. Find any term's definition easily. Memorize any term's definitions easily. Recall old curricular concept easily.

Goals analysis chart

Find the definition of any curricular term at easier and faster way using Omani curricular e-Dictionary

1. Find any term's definition quickly

2. Find any term's definition easily.

3. Memorize any term's definitions easily.

4. Recall old curricular concept easily.

1.2 Select enter button.

2.2 Select enter button

3.2 listen to the sound.

4.1 Search about the definition.

1.1 Open the e-Dictionary.

3.1 Read the definition.

1.1.1 Open computer.

1.1.3 Typing in keyboard.

2.1.1 Open computer.

2.1.2 Typing in keyboard.

1.1.2 Using mouse.

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Goal Find any term's definition quickly.

Type Motor Skills

Steps to achieve it - Develop e-dictionary for Omani Curricula. - Support e-Dictionary with clear instructions.

Find any term's definition easily

Motor Skills

- Develop e-dictionary for Omani Curricula. - Support e-Dictionary with clear instructions.

Memorize any term's definitions easily.

Verbal Information

- Read the definition. - Listen to the sound. - Look at the picture.

Recall old curricular concept easily.

Verbal Information

- Search about it in edictionary for Omani Curricular.

5. Learners Analysis: Target audience (educational level): This program is designed for grade 8 students Relevant group characteristics: All students are Omani. They are from same school (AL-rmas) school. Of course, there are individual differences between students at grade8. So; they have different skills, ability and attitude. Most of them like to learn using computer and all of these characteristics will be considered when designing the program.

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General learning preferences: Learners prefer to have digital dictionary than printed materials because it can facilitate the process of searching about any term's definition. They like to listen to the terms' definitions because it helps them to memorize the definitions. Learner characteristics: Entry behaviors (Students prerequisites): Have reading skills. Computer operation skills. Using the mouse. Typing through the keyboard. Ability to run up a CD. Adjusting sound velum at computer. Prior knowledge in topic area: They know how to investigate the programs (clicking on the buttons, typing in keyboard, using mouse). Also, they may know or don't know terms' definitions before. Attitudes towards content and potential delivery system: Learners believe that e-Dictionary for Omani curricula will help them to find any term's definitions easily. They like using computer and dealing with different computer software. They have good attitude towards learning by computer (computerassisted learning). Computer - assisted learning will assist me to deliver the content to the students because the learners have positive attitude towards learning by using computer.

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Academic motivation (ARCS): Attention: Grade 8 students can gain their attentions by using different color , good background and through their interactions with software when they search about definitions, play sound, look at the picture that explain the definition. Relevance: All terms and definitions are related to students' study .So, this e-Dictionary will assist them in their study now and in future. Confidence: when students can search about any term's definition easily and faster. Also, when they play, stop sounds and read definition according to their own need, we can said that students are confident using the software. Satisfaction: when the students find all terms' definitions easily and faster than using printed materials we can said that students are satisfy about the software. Attitudes towards training organization: We assume that the students have trust to get benefits from the information that included in the CD. Also, they have positive attitude toward school and resource learning center.

6. Context Analysis: Environment: Schools (computer labs and learning resource center) or homes. Distributed points: Omani school (grade 8 students). I will distribute the CD to grade 8 students by hand, by the help from IT teacher, coping the software at the computers in school lab or give them URL to download it.
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Requirement to use CD: Laptop/desktop, operate the computer Students can use the CD in anywhere, any time and with their own pace. It is flexible because they dont need any specific time, or place to run and use it. Managerial support The embedded instructions in the program can help students by guide them through the e-Dictionary for Omani curricula step by step. Also, they can contact with me via e-mail if they face any difficulties. In addition, if they use it in computer labs or learning resource center at school the instructors who work there will help them if they need any help. Physical aspects of the work place Students at grade 8 can operate this CD through school labs or at home in their own computer if they have computer at home. Nowadays most schools in Oman have internet connections & a lot of students have internet in their houses which can be used to download the program. Social Aspects Gender: Females at first time than it will be distributed to male also. Age: almost 13 years (grade 8 students). Economic: different economic levels will not affect delivery the CD to students because they can get it from different resources and the CD is cheap. Cultural: All students are Omani. Constraints Writing some codes in visual basic (especially for the sounds and embedded SWF file in the program). To overcome these problem I search
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in the internet, revise my previous assignment that I did in programming course, and I got help from D. Mohammed AL-Bulishi who assist me to embedded SWF file to the program) Collecting the data and organize it in MS Access take a lot of time. Editing sounds for each term's definition take a lot of time because this dictionary includes 52 terms and I should do that for each one. Editing text in visual basic is not easy task. Maybe some students have negative attitude towards using technology. Resources used in the project: Resources for collecting Data I collect project data from several resources. These are; Embedded data in the project: Omani curricula Teacher guide http://forum.moe.gov.om Internet to download some pictures related to the terms. Resource for developing the program: www.youtube.com ; Specially these sites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdNaN_GLTMk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt9v6QbcM-s&feature=relmfu Programming course Software used to develop the program: Visual studio 2010. Adobe Photoshop Adobe illustrator Adobe soundbooth Format Factory
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 GoaldWave MS Access Ms Word MS PowerPoint SPSS Human resources: Subject Matter Experts. Designer Experts. Students. Programmer (assist me to add SWF file). One person to record the sound. Factors that facilitate the project: There are various factors that assist me to complete this project. These factors are: I have already finished some courses in the major which make me familiar with the most programs that I need in my project. I have teaching practice in school which helps me to contact with students directly to assess the need, implement the project, and evaluate it. Contacting with some teachers from http://forum.moe.gov.om site and they helps me a lot to collect and review the data as formulating my idea My sister is in grade 8 so, I use her book to collect the data My college mate assists me in recording the sounds.

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7. Evaluation
Formative Evaluation: The table at the bottom summarizes the considerations regarding my project that I collect using different methods such as (interview, observation, pre/post questionnaire) Stages Designers review Considerations - Interface page Improvements - Design new interface page - Fonts' color - Choose clearer font color - buttons' color and fonts - Re-design it - Changed

Subject matter experts - Editing some terms' definitions context to review make it more clear - change some pictures Programmer experts review

- Done

- Add combo box that - Added includes suggested words -Add code to change the words in the combo box as user type the letters - Added

One-to- One review

- Change instructions

- Change it from text to video - Added

- Add main button in each forum in project

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Summative Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of this e-Dictionary, I conduct post-questionnaire with students from grade 8. Questionnaire: The result of post-questionnaire can be summarized below: The post-questionnaire exams the program from two different aspects. Each table will present the result of one aspect.
(Table2) Educational Aspect
Frequency& Percent

1. The program makes me more aware of the terms that I study. 2. The program facilitates the search process about any terms that I want to find its definition. 3. The image that appears with the definition of the term helps me understand the term more. 4. The picture and sound of the definition helps me to understand and memorize the definition faster and better than before. 5. I found in the program what I expected.

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

0 0.0 1 5.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

1 5.0 2 10.0 1 5.0 1 5.0 5 25.0 2 10.0 1 5.0 0 0.0

19 95.0 17 85.0 19 95.0 19 95.0 15 75.0 18 90.0 19 95.0 20 100

2.95

2.80

2.95

2.95

2.75

6. This program will benefit me in my educational life now and in future. 7. In general the information included in the program is good. 8. The program contains clear instructions.

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

2.90

2.95

3.00

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Standard deviation .224 .523 .224 .224 .444 .308 .224 .000

Disagree

I don't Know

Statement

Agree

Mean

Table 2 above displays a summary of the summative evaluation of the project from educational aspect. In general, it shows that the majority of respondents agree that this e-Dictionary will benefit them in their educational life. In the first statement the majority of respondents (76%) agree that this e-Dictionary make them more aware about the terms that they study. While no one of respondents present opposite point of view and only (5%) of them said they didn't know. The second statement was about if the program facilitates the search process about any term that they want to find its definition or not. Large number of respondents (85%) agrees with that point .However, small numbers of them (5%) disagree and 10% of them said they didn't know. Moving to the third and fourth statements were about picture and sound that appear with each term's definition if it assist them to understand and memorize the definition faster and better than before , 95% of respondents agree with that point while nobody present opposite point of view and only5% of them said they didn't know. In the fifth statement, the three-quarters of respondents (75%) point out that they found in the program what they expected in e- Dictionary. On the other hand, no body disagrees with that point and quarter of them (25%) they said they didn't know. In the sixth statement, large number of respondents (90%) agrees that this e-Dictionary will benefit theme in their educational life now and in future. In contrast, nobody present opposite point of view and only 10% of them said they didn't know. The seventh statement was about if the information included in the program is good or not. Large number of respondents (95%) agrees with that point .However, nobody disagree with that point and small numbers of them (5%) of them said I don't know. In the last statement, all respondents (100%) point out that the program contains clear instructions. On the other hand, nobody disagree with that point.

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(Table3) Technical Aspect

Frequency& Percent

1. The language used in the program is clear.

Frequency Percent

0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 19 95.0

0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 5.0 1 5.0 1 5.0 3 15.0 2 10.0 1 5.0

20 100 20 100 20 100 19 95.0 19 95.0 19 95.0 17 85.0 18 90.0 0 0.0

3.00

2. The Fonts is clear.

Frequency Percent

3.00

3. The program's buttons work correctly.

Frequency Percent

3.00

4. Browsing the program is fun for me.

Frequency Percent

2.95

5. The way of navigating the program is clear and easy.

Frequency Percent

2.95

6. How to search about the terms' definition in the program is clear. 7. The program design is good.

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

2.95

2.80

8. The idea of the program is new.

Frequency Percent

2.90

9. I face technical problems when I use the program

Frequency Percent

2.95

Table 3 above displays a summary of the summative evaluation of the project from technical aspect. In general, it shows that the majority of respondents agree that this e-Dictionary is good software. In the first three statements, all of respondents (100%) agree that the e-Dictionary's language and fonts are clear. In addition, the buttons work correctly. While no one of respondents present opposite point of view. The fourth and fifth statements were about browsing and navigating the e-Dictionary. The majority of respondents (95%) foubd that
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Standard deviation .000 .000 .000 .224 .224 .224 .523 .308 .224

Disagree

I don't Know

Statement

Agree

Mean

browsing the program is fun and also it's clear and easy .However, no body present opposite point of view and small numbers of them (5%) of them said they didn't know. In seventh statement, large number of respondents (85%) agrees that the program design is good. In contrast, nobody present opposite point of view and only 15% of them said they don't know. The eighth statement is about if the idea of the program is new or not. Most respondents (90%) agree with that point .However, nobody disagree with that point and small numbers of them (10%) of them said they didn't know. In the last statement, the majority of respondents (95%) point out that they didn't face any technical problems in the program. On the other hand, no bodies disagree with that point and only 5% of respondents said that they didn't know.

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8. Appendices )Appendix 1: (Storyboard

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( : :

32

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)Appendix 2: (Pre-Questionnaire
/ : ( . . . . (5-21) ( ) . :........................... :............................. :......................... :.......................... ( ) 1 1. ( ) 2 2. 3 3. 4 4. 5 5. 6 6. ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................ ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................

7.

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Examples of pre-questionnaire answers:

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)Appendix 3: (Interview Questions

1.

2. (

3.

92

)Appendix4: (Post-Questionnaire / : ( ) . . . ( ) 1 8. 2 9. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 01 11 21 31 41 51 61 71

03

Examples of post-questionnaire answers:

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