留學生活水噹噹

對博士班的學生來說，最重要的事就是寫論文。我的論文說來幸運，在所有的研究人員都出奇配合的情況下，所有的資料收集都沒有任何問題，非常順利。從2002年8月開始寫第一章，9月提proposal，12月完成軟體，2003年1月開始收集資料，2月開始寫資料分析與結論的部份，4月defense，很突然地就這麼完成了。明眼人都看得出來，這樣的時間的確是非常非常趕，只要一個環節發生問題，所有的工作都必須延後，我也不可能順利在五月畢業了。



當然，不只是配合的問題，論文的生成，主要必須靠前面幾年修課以及參與計畫打下的基礎，而在這樣的過程中，老師同學給我無數的幫助，朋友給我默默的支持，對我來說，生命中能和這些人相遇，真的是我的運氣。因此，在這裡我想要和所有正在美國念書，或是曾有留學經驗的朋友們分享我的論文誌謝內容，因為你們可能更能感受到在異地求學的艱辛。



四年結束之後，nono站長將要遷居到紐約市，開始人生的下一個計畫。經過幾個月工作搜尋的歷程，終於找到一分合適理想的工作，八月開始，我將要在紐約開始新的生活，至於本站，還是會繼續"營運"，希望有更多的朋友，能夠一圓出國的夢想，並且在異地能夠一切順利平安。



有時間的話，nono站長會再將這段找工作的心路歷程放上來和大家分享。



（本文受著作權保護，請勿轉戴或是以任何形式複製，謝謝！)



Dedication



This dissertation is dedicated to my grandparents, who named me after the sunflower, expected me always to rise up bravely after falling, and were always optimistic about my life. Although it is not yet possible for them to walk with me again, I know they will always watch over me from heaven.





Acknowledgements



I still remember the day I came to the States four years ago. I was excited and nervous about everything. Fortunately, everyone I met here gave me tremendous support, encouraging me and helping me overcome all kind of difficulties. Four years have passed, and it has turned out to be the most rewarding journey in my life.



This dissertation would not have been possible to complete without the assistance and support of numerous individuals. Dr. Janette Hill, who was always available to me no matter what, provided lots of potential opportunities for me. I have learned so much from her attitude toward being a researcher as well as a teacher. She has been a really good model for me. I am grateful that I had the chance to participate in her project, which extended my knowledge and experience in all aspects.

I want to thank the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. Michael Hannafin, Dr. Paul Shutz, and Dr. Shawn Glynn, for encouraging me to contemplate how to conduct and improve my research by giving me so much insight.



Many other people have provided invaluable assistance along the way, particularly, Mr. Jack Kridler, who generously provided a K-12 context for my study, spent countless hours on my project with me and gave me lots of constructive feedback. I am happy to say that our relationship has extended from colleagues to friendship since finishing this project. Wan-Ting Huang and Beaumie Kim devoted lots of time to my study, and we have had a great collaborative working experience together; they really made my life a lot easier.



Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the deep influence upon my thinking that Dr. Thomas Reeves has had. Dr. Reeves has given me so much guidance and assistance through my four years in Athens, valued and respected the background and experiences that I brought into his classroom, helped me to work with other students as a great facilitator, inspired me to pursue my research interests, encouraged me to reach my goals, and always had great confidence in me. I have told myself that if I become a teacher someday, I want to be like him.



My best friends, Hui-ling Wang, Paul Lin, and Chia-chi Yang, always supported me and loved me. They helped me solve all kinds of problems and were always there when I needed them. We have traveled through life together for so long that they have become as much my family as my friends.



My greatest debt is to my love who fills my life with laughter and love and tirelessly demonstrates faith in me. Your love is like the guiding light of a lighthouse on the dark ocean. When I was depressed, felt uncertain about my future, or experienced difficulties, you always encouraged me to continue my voyage.



I thank God for preparing the most appropriate road for me as always. The road will definitely lead me somewhere, and all I have to do is to walk as best as I can.