Dr. Olga Samsonova
Higher Colleges of Technology, Education, Faculty Member
- Dr. Olga Samsonova holds two Masters's Degrees, one in Early Childhood Education with Special Education Endorsement f... moreDr. Olga Samsonova holds two Masters's Degrees, one in Early Childhood Education with Special Education Endorsement from Brooklyn College, USA (2009) and the other in History from Simferopol State University, Ukraine (1999). She earned her Ph.D. in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation from Walden University, USA (2017). She has over 20 years of experience in adult continuing education and K-12 environments and currently works as a Lecturer in Higher Colleges of Technology (Abu Dhabi, UAE). Her primary research focuses are 1) Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning, 2) Online Resources for Effective Teaching, and 3) Blended Learning.edit
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of implementing tiered instructions in conjunction with the I-Ready online program on the academic advancement of English as a second language (ESL) learners. The research... more
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of implementing tiered instructions in conjunction with the I-Ready online program on the academic advancement of English as a second language (ESL) learners. The research utilized a quantitative case study design to examine the diagnostic test scores at the one academic year's commencement, midpoint, and conclusion. The RAT framework assisted the investigation. Data was obtained from a sample of 45 ESL thirdgrade students. Students in Tier 1 who needed further assistance in achieving proficiency standards were allocated to small groups during the regular lesson. In contrast, students in Tier 2 were provided with a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) block with a different teacher, and Tier 3 students were assigned to the learning lab for the personalized I-Ready lessons. The study's findings revealed that implementing tiered instructions significantly enhanced students' academic performance. Superior outcomes were achieved in phonics, high-frequency words, and vocabulary. This research study has contributed to the advancement of ESL teaching and learning by providing a foundation for future investigations into the efficacy of the online tiered approach in aiding ESL students.
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This mixed-method study examined the parents' perceptions of distance learning during the COVID-19 closure. Three research questions directed the research, and a purposeful sampling technique was applied. A structured online Google Forms... more
This mixed-method study examined the parents' perceptions of distance learning during the COVID-19 closure. Three research questions directed the research, and a purposeful sampling technique was applied. A structured online Google Forms questionnaire that contained closed and open-ended questions was posted through Facebook and used as a data collection instrument. The research findings display parents' views about the school, children, and their readiness for distance learning during the pandemic, as the disadvantages and advantages of distance learning. The study gains attention to school leadership to encourage collaboration among the community, schools, and families that had become an essential element during the transfer to online education during the pandemic.
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This work examined the parents' perceptions of distance learning during the COVID-19 closure. Three research questions directed the research, and a purposeful sampling technique was applied. 86 parents from the USA, UAE, Mexico, Pakistan,... more
This work examined the parents' perceptions of distance learning during the COVID-19 closure. Three research questions directed the research, and a purposeful sampling technique was applied. 86 parents from the USA, UAE, Mexico, Pakistan, Canada, and Thailand whose children attended online private and public schools participated in the mixed-method study. A structured online Google Forms questionnaire that contained closed and open-ended questions were posted through Facebook and used as a data collection instrument. The data analysis showed that half of the respondents acknowledged that their kids shared the same room while engaged in distance learning, and schools did not provide a home learning device. However, about 50 % of the parents felt like being supported by the school's administrative staff and ready to help their children. Parents presented some concerns related to distance learning, such as the lack of motivation, social interactions, one-on-one support for special education students, teachers' readiness, gaps in knowledge, and challenges for children to stay focused. Distance learning advantages included flexibility in lesson participation and task completion, more family time, and forcing students to be responsible for their education. Some recommendations were made based on the study results about what needs to be done differently in the educational systems in case of future pandemics and closures, guaranteeing high quality for everyone.
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In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning... more
In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles. The blended learning (BL) approach to learning has been the object of various studies in the last two decades as a way to achieve the required results. Many higher educational institutes started to prefer BL over traditional teaching, and the UAE universities are not exceptions. There has been an increased recognition of the fact that more attention needs to be paid to this area. Hence, this selected annotated bibliography aimed to find out and describe the primary outcomes of the BL approach research in this country. Emergent themes from the UAE studies include 1) students' and instructors' technology readiness and their attitudes towards E-learning; 2) students' and instructors' views and experiences with BL approach; 3) BL too...
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Understanding Elementary Teachers’ Experiences and Views Using Interactive Whiteboards for Pedagogical Practices
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In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles.... more
In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles. The blended learning (BL) approach to learning has been the object of various studies in the last two decades as a way to achieve the required results. Many higher educational institutes started to prefer BL over traditional teaching, and the UAE universities are not exceptions. There has been an increased recognition of the fact that more attention needs to be paid to this area. Hence, this selected annotated bibliography aimed to find out and describe the primary outcomes of the BL approach research in this country. Emergent themes from the UAE studies include 1) students' and instructors' technology readiness and their attitudes towards E-learning; 2) students' and instructors' views and experiences with BL approach; 3) BL tools and technologies (mobile learning and social-networking sites); 4) BL resources (Blackboard Learn, video content, online discussions, and Google Docs); 5) impact of BL. Twenty studies have been used for this review. The primary audience for this annotated bibliography is BL researchers.
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In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles.... more
In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles. The blended learning (BL) approach to learning has been the object of various studies in the last two decades as a way to achieve the required results. Many higher educational institutes started to prefer BL over traditional teaching, and the UAE universities are not exceptions. There has been an increased recognition of the fact that more attention needs to be paid to this area. Hence, this selected annotated bibliography aimed to find out and describe the primary outcomes of the BL approach research in this country. Emergent themes from the UAE studies include 1) students' and instructors' technology readiness and their attitudes towards E-learning; 2) students' and instructors' views and experiences with BL approach; 3) BL tools and technologies (mobile learning and social-networking sites); 4) BL resources (Blackboard Learn, video content, online discussions, and Google Docs); 5) impact of BL. Twenty studies have been used for this review. The primary audience for this annotated bibliography is BL researchers.
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The main purpose of this study was to evaluate Abu Dhabi public school teachers' perceptions of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and find out how this technology is used in the classroom setting. This study was conducted at the Teacher... more
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate Abu Dhabi public school teachers' perceptions of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and find out how this technology is used in the classroom setting. This study was conducted at the Teacher Training Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE during professional development sessions in January 2019. One hundred twenty-three teachers (Grades K-12) from numerous public schools completed structured pre and post-training surveys and were participants of group discussions. The result of the study highlighted a positive attitude and a great deal of satisfaction among most teachers towards IWBs. Preparing lessons, teaching, engaging, and motivating students, as well as assessing with IWBs all appeared to be beneficial for public school teachers. The research stressed the main benefits of IWBs usage and provided suggestions for professional development sessions on IWBs to be more effective for teachers practice.
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This research examines several public school teachers' perceptions and usage of interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The study was conducted using the conceptual framework of Roger's (2003) theory of diffusion and innovation, Davis' (1989)... more
This research examines several public school teachers' perceptions and usage of interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The study was conducted using the conceptual framework of Roger's (2003) theory of diffusion and innovation, Davis' (1989) technology acceptance model and Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behavior. Nine public school elementary teachers who used IWB technology in their classrooms for a full academic year were selected as the participants for this research study. The data were collected using two interviews over Skype or phone in conjunction with an analysis of lesson plans snapshots. The teachers' experiences were classified according to lesson development with IWBs, teaching using IWBs, and assessing students with IWBs. The teacher's perceptions were categorized as the successful integration of IWBs, pedagogical practices with IWBs, general issues with IWBs, and school support. The study concluded that overall teachers have positive attitudes towards IWBs and see integrating technology as a beneficial aid in their pedagogical practices. In addition, the participants identified the need for professional development, extra planning time for new lessons development, consistent technical support, and upgrades to the technology as essential elements for the successful implementation of IWBs in the classrooms.
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The purpose of this study is to examine how American elementary public school teachers perceive and use interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The qualitative case study method was used for this study. Nine teachers were selected for this study... more
The purpose of this study is to examine how American elementary public school teachers perceive and use interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The qualitative case study method was used for this study. Nine teachers were selected for this study and the IWBs usage for at least a year was used as the criteria. Data were collected through 2 Skype or phone interviews and teachers' lesson plan snapshots. As the results of the research, various themes on teachers' experiences emerged. The results show that participants have positive attitudes towards IWBs and consider them helpful. However, teachers also stated about the need for additional planning time, professional development, technology support, and technology upgrades.
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This study anticipated investigating the effect of using tiered instructions with the I-Ready online program on the learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) progress. A longitudinal study approach was employed, and diagnostic test... more
This study anticipated investigating the effect of using tiered instructions with the I-Ready online program on the learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) progress. A longitudinal study approach was employed, and diagnostic test scores were analyzed at the school year's beginning, middle, and end. The RAT framework supported the study. Test data from 45 third-grade students were collected. Tier 1 students who needed additional support with standards mastery were pulled into small groups, Tier 2 students received a multitiered system of supports (MTSS) block, and Tier 3 students attended the learning lab. The study results indicated the use of tiered instructions improved students' performance. Better results were obtained in phonics, high-frequency words, and vocabulary domains. This research study expanded the value of ESL teaching and learning because it can be used for further investigations into the use of the tiered approach in supporting ESL students.
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As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools, colleges, and universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were closed and transferred into distance learning. This research aims to find students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings... more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools, colleges, and universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were closed and transferred into distance learning. This research aims to find students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings towards distance learning during the pandemic lockdown. The study participants are eighteen female undergraduate students at an Abu Dhabi federal college enrolled in an Education Summer 2020 course. It utilizes a mixedmethod approach by examining students' reflective journals and their responses to the questionnaires consisting of qualitative and quantitative questions. Multiple categories emerge from the study: Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning, Assessment Descriptions, Blackboard Learn (BBL) Setup, Communication with the Instructor, Collaborate Ultra, Nearpod, Padlet, Classroom Discussions, and Group Work. The study's significant findings confirm that the educational institution was ready, and students were prepared for distance learning. Future research on distance learning and findings implementation are discussed in the study.
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As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools, colleges, and universities in the UAE were closed and transferred into the distance learning mode. Eighteen female undergraduate students at an Abu Dhabi Federal college enrolled in an... more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools, colleges, and universities in the UAE were closed and transferred into the distance learning mode. Eighteen female undergraduate students at an Abu Dhabi
Federal college enrolled in an educational summer class were the study participants. This study aims to find students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings toward distance learning (DL) utilizing a mixedmethod research approach by examining students' reflective journals and their responses to the questionnaire, which consisted of qualitative and quantitative questions. Multiple categories emerged from the study: advantages and disadvantages of DL, assessment description, Blackboard set up, communication with the instructor, Collaborate Ultra, Nearpod, Padlet, classroom discussions, group work, and media resources. The study's notable findings showed that college was ready and students were very well prepared for the DL. They always feel supported by the administration and staff. Future research on DL and findings implementation were discussed in the study.
Federal college enrolled in an educational summer class were the study participants. This study aims to find students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings toward distance learning (DL) utilizing a mixedmethod research approach by examining students' reflective journals and their responses to the questionnaire, which consisted of qualitative and quantitative questions. Multiple categories emerged from the study: advantages and disadvantages of DL, assessment description, Blackboard set up, communication with the instructor, Collaborate Ultra, Nearpod, Padlet, classroom discussions, group work, and media resources. The study's notable findings showed that college was ready and students were very well prepared for the DL. They always feel supported by the administration and staff. Future research on DL and findings implementation were discussed in the study.
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In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles.... more
In the present time, the required value of education can be achieved only by changing the parameters related to technology use and transforming a classroom into a student-centered that meets different students' needs and learning styles. The blended learning (BL) approach to learning has been the object of various studies in the last two decades as a way to achieve the required results. Many higher educational institutes started to prefer BL over traditional teaching, and the UAE universities are not exceptions. There has been an increased recognition of the fact that more attention needs to be paid to this area. Hence, this selected annotated bibliography aimed to find out and describe the primary outcomes of the BL approach research in this country. Emergent themes from the UAE studies include 1) students' and instructors' technology readiness and their attitudes towards E-learning; 2) students' and instructors' views and experiences with BL approach; 3) BL tools and technologies (mobile learning and social-networking sites); 4) BL resources (Blackboard Learn, video content, online discussions, and Google Docs); 5) impact of BL. Twenty studies have been used for this review. The primary audience for this annotated bibliography is BL researchers.
Research Interests:
The sole objective of this research was to assess Abu Dhabi public school teachers' standpoints on interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and how this technology is utilised in the classroom environment. This study was organised at the Teacher... more
The sole objective of this research was to assess Abu Dhabi public school teachers' standpoints on interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and how this technology is utilised in the classroom environment. This study was organised at the Teacher Training Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE, during a professional development session in January 2019. One hundred twenty-three educators (Grades K-12) from several public schools completed structured pre and post-training surveys and were members of group discussions. The outcome of this research underlined an overall optimistic attitude and a great deal of satisfaction among most of the educators towards IWBs. Organising lessons, teaching, engaging, and motivating students, with the assistance of IWBs, all appeared to be valuable for public school teachers. The study emphasised the main advantages and recommendations for professional development sessions on IWBs to be further useful for the educators' practice.
This presentation will introduce multiple online resources that can be used for hybrid teaching and learning and present some teaching techniques and advises for embedding these resources into curricula.
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A Montessori approach is known as a self-activated, collaborative, and hands-on educational method. The multicultural nature of Montessori schools offers many benefits for the English as a Second Language (ESL) students who experience... more
A Montessori approach is known as a self-activated, collaborative, and hands-on educational method. The multicultural nature of Montessori schools offers many benefits for the English as a Second Language (ESL) students who experience lots of drawbacks starting their educational journey in a new country. This exploratory case study took place in a private Montessori school in Florida. The data were collected using in-depth interviews of immigrant parents and two focus groups that included Montessori teachers and immigrant students. The study concluded that overall parents and students have positive attitudes toward the Montessori approach and offered guidelines for future research on educating ESL students.
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The goal of this chapter is to determine students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings about distance learning during the pandemic lockdown. Distance learning happens while an instructor is physically located in a different place from... more
The goal of this chapter is to determine students' readiness, perceptions, and feelings about distance learning during the pandemic lockdown. Distance learning happens while an instructor is physically located in a different place from the learner and uses emerging media and related experiences to produce learning opportunities. The study's participants are eighteen female undergraduate students participating in an Education Summer 2020 course at an Abu Dhabi federal college. It takes a mixedmethods approach, looking at students' reflective journals as well as their replies to qualitative and quantitative surveys. The study's important findings demonstrate that the educational institution was prepared for distance learning, as were the students.
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Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) are widely used in elementary schools around the world. The aim of this qualitative case study was to evaluate how American elementary public school teachers perceive and use IWBs. Using purposive sample... more
Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) are widely used in elementary schools around the world. The aim of this qualitative case study was to evaluate how American elementary public school teachers perceive and use IWBs. Using purposive sample techniques, nine teachers were selected for this study. Data was collected through 2 Skype or phone interviews and teachers' lesson plan snapshots. The research data was analyzed using Yin's [1] model of case study analysis. Generally, study participants had positive attitudes towards IWBs. Measuring them as beneficial, though they identified the need for professional development, additional time for planning and developing new lessons, technological support, and upgrades of the technology. The social change implications from this research encompasses productive practice of elementary teachers for integrating technologies to support 21st century learning.