bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term student experiences in a hybrid, open-ended and problem based Adventure Learning program
Authors: Veletsianos George , Doering Aaron
Published: April 2016

In this paper we investigate the experiences of elementary school children over a two-year period during which they engaged with a hybrid Adventure Learning program. In addition to delineating Adventure Learning experiences, we report on educational technology implementations in ecologically valid and complex environments, while drawing inferences on the design of sustainable and successful innovations. Our research indicates that the Adventure Learning experience over the two-year period was dynamic, participatory, engaging, collaborative, and social. Students eagerly became part of the experience both inside and outside of the classroom, and it quickly became apparent that they saw themselves as valued members of the unfolding storyline that mediated their learning. Our recommendations for future research and practice include a call to evaluate "authenticity," focus on the learner experience and narrative, and consider the interplay between pedagogy, technology, and design.
Increasing online interaction in a distance education MBA: Exploring students' attitudes towards change
Authors: Watson Sharon
Published: April 2016

This paper reports the results of the first phase of a mixed methods study investigating the attitudes of students enrolled in a distance education MBA program towards interacting more with other students online. It grapples with the issue of whether students enrolled in a successful distance education program grounded in instructivist and constructivist pedagogy would support changes to its design centring around social-constructivist theory. In this phase, a predominantly quantitative online survey was administered to 316 students. The most significant finding was a division in attitudes according to nationality and location, with Indian respondents less satisfied with the status quo and more interested in changes than their Australian counterparts. This raises the possibility of a fundamental difference in the attitudes, expectations and preferences of Australian and Indian distance education students. However, the results also show that if changes of the nature suggested were made, most respondents would not consider withdrawing from the MBA program.
Students as Web 2.0 authors: Implications for assessment design and conduct
Authors: Gray Kathleen , Thompson Celia , Sheard Judithe , Clerehan Rosemary , Hamilton Margaret
Published: April 2016

Students now have at their disposal a range of Web 2.0 authoring forms such as audio and video podcasting, blogging, social bookmarking, social networking, virtual world activities and wiki writing. Many university educators are interested in enabling students to demonstrate their learning by creating content in these forms. However, the design and conduct of assessment for such student-created content is not straightforward. Based upon a review of current literature and examples in the public domain, this paper identifies key challenges for academic assessment that arise from students' use of Web 2.0 authoring forms. We describe and analyse selected cases where academics have set assessable student Web 2.0 activities in a range of fields of study, noting especially the inter-relationship of learning objectives, assessment tasks and marking criteria. We make recommendations for practice, research and understanding to strengthen educational quality and academic integrity in the use of Web 2.0 authoring forms for assessable student learning.
A kind of expertise reversal effect: Personalisation effect can depend on domain-specific prior knowledge
Authors: Stiller Klaus D. , Jedlicka Rosemarie
Published: April 2016

In instructional multimedia design, it is often recommended that text accompanying pictures be presented in a personalised style to promote learning. The superiority of personalised over formal text may be explained using social agency theory (Mayer, 2005b), but it has not been investigated empirically whether such effects are valid in classroom settings, or depend on learner characteristics such as domain-specific prior knowledge. In this research, 65 pupils from the 10th grade of German grammar schools received computerised instructions about the structure of the human eye, containing static pictures and on screen text. The texts were written either in formal or in personalised style. Personalisation of the formal text was reached by replacing 130 impersonal articles with second person possessive pronouns and 24 third person articles with second person constructions. For learners with low prior knowledge, personalisation improved drawing and labeling performance, as well as the verbalisation of structural knowledge and transfer. For learners with higher prior knowledge, only labeling and drawing performance were improved, whilst structural knowledge was not affected and transfer performance was reduced.
Learner centredness in high school distance learning: Teachers' perspectives and research validated principles
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Rodriguez-Manzanares Maria A.
Published: April 2016

This paper reports on a study that examined teachers' perspectives on learner centredness in a distance learning context. Data collection relied on semi-structured interviews conducted with 42 Canadian high school teachers. Teachers' perspectives were analysed then categorised according to the four dimensions of a research validated framework of learner centred principles. The perspectives grouped into the cognitive and metacognitive dimension emphasised the goal oriented, student directed, personalised, and independent nature of distance learning. Those grouped into the dimension of motivational and affective factors emphasised course design driven, not by content, but by student interest, relevance, choice, and input. Perspectives in the dimension of developmental and social factors highlighted the role of discussion forums and chat for communication between students. In the dimension of individual differences, perspectives highlighted the asynchronous nature of distance learning that supports a flexible pace, respects individual needs, caters to different learning styles, allows diversity in assessment, one-on-one attention, support, and personalised attention.
 
Factors affecting the way students collaborate in a wiki for English language learning
Authors: Zorko Vida
Published: April 2016

Wikis are believed to be a powerful tool assisting the development of constructivist learning environments, as their very nature supports collaboration. However, not much research has been done into the types of collaborative interaction that take place in wikis when used for learning. The main purpose of this study is to explore the factors that affect the ways students collaborate in the wiki environment. To this end, a qualitative exploration of students' perceptions of collaboration in the wiki was carried out among sociology students at university level who used this environment in blended, problem based learning as part of their English for Specific Purposes course. The research shows that the wiki promoted many collaborative behaviours among students, such as learning from each other and communicating with the teacher. However, the data indicate that the wiki was less successful in facilitating other types of collaboration, such as communicating with peers and co-constructing products, primarily because the students had the opportunity to collaborate in live meetings and preferred to use Messenger and email to communicate. Overall, the results obtained here confirm that the wiki can be used to enhance effective collaboration in a constructivist approach to language learning.
Group blogs: Documenting collaborative drama processes
Authors: Philip Robyn , Nicholls Jennifer
Published: April 2016

The use of blogging (online diaries), to support student learning and reflection has increasingly been adopted for assessment purposes in higher education. The relative ease of use and accessibility of the tools indicate that these social networking applications are, potentially, a convenient means of documenting and sharing individual student learning. There are relatively few instances, however, of the use of group blogs for this purpose, that is where ownership of the blog is a collective enterprise rather than an individual one. This case study examines the use of group blogs to support collaborative processes in drama for the activity known as playbuilding, or group devised theatre. The efficacy of the group blog is compared with the alternative it replaces - the individual, paper based journal. Using an action research methodology, the findings are based on the results of focus groups, interviews, surveys and blog entries, and raise issues about the affordances of Web 2.0 technologies, support for creative group work, student engagement and reflective practice.
Engaging professional learning in online environments
Authors: Bell Amani , Morris Gayle
Published: April 2016

Much of what is regarded as effective professional learning is that which is situated, incorporates a social dimension and enables practitioners to converge in and around authentic practice. This article describes an inter-university online learning resource for tutors which is underpinned by a practice based approach to professional learning. The emphasis is on seeing authentic, discipline specific practice via a large bank of multimedia clips of experienced tutors and reflection on that action through the incorporation of reflective triggers. Evaluation suggests a fruitful way forward for supporting learning at work.
Developing a better understanding of technology based pedagogy
Authors: Gao Ping , Choy Doris , Wong Angela F. L. , Wu Jing
Published: April 2016

The focus of this paper is to present the major qualitative findings from a one year, mixed methods study that explores a cohort of preservice teachers' process of learning to teach with information and communication technology (ICT) across their teacher preparation program in Singapore. This study suggests a variation in the preservice teachers' technology competency, stances, decision making and actions in using ICT for classroom teaching and learning. The majority of the participants seemed to be unable to translate into teaching practice their increased technological competency and espoused constructivist orientation gained from the coursework. They tended to use ICT to improve and enhance teacher centred instruction on a regular basis during the teaching practicum. However, three focus participants were also able to use ICT to engage their students in student centred learning. They began to demonstrate their leadership potential in influencing others to use ICT for enhancing student learning. The findings suggest that preservice teachers may need more guidance, modelling and collaboration to develop a better understanding of technology based pedagogy from their own practice so that they can synthesise their constructivist orientation, student centred teaching approaches, and effective use of ICT.
Learning efficacy of simultaneous audio and on-screen text in online lectures
Authors: Debuse Justin C. W. , Hede Andrew , Lawley Meredith
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the application of voice recognition technology to online lectures focusing on the efficacy of the text component of a multimedia presentation. Specifically, participants were provided with online access to multimedia instructional packages comprising an image of the lecturer with accompanying computer slides, plus simultaneous scrolling text of the words spoken during the lecture. Participants' knowledge was measured before and after the lecture presentation. Contrary to cognitive load theory, the results did not show a negative redundancy effect, that is, there were no differences in learning efficacy between the conditions with and without on-screen text. Further, participants found no difference between text edited for semantic breaks compared to unedited text. The implications for online instructional design are that resources are better spent providing a combination of audio and slides rather than text and slides, and that if text is provided then editing for semantic line breaks is not warranted.
Cloudworks: Social networking for learning design
Authors: Conole Gráinne , Culver Juliette
Published: April 2016

Can we apply the best of Web 2.0 principles to an educational context? More specifically can we use this as a means of shifting teaching practice to a culture of sharing learning ideas and designs? This paper describes a new social networking site, Cloudworks, which aims to provide a mechanism for sharing, discussing and finding learning and teaching ideas and designs. We describe the development of the site and the key associated concepts, 'clouds' and 'cloudscapes'. We provide a summary of recent activities and plans for the future. We conclude by describing the underpinning theoretical perspectives we have drawn on in the development of the site and in particular the notion of 'social objects' in social networking and a framework for 'sociality' for transforming user practice online.
Secondary school music education: A case study in adapting to ICT resource limitations
Authors: Crawford Renée
Published: April 2016

This article explores the current availability and use of information communication and technology (ICT) for music education purposes, and music technology resources and facilities, in Victorian government secondary schools. Survey data is presented providing a snapshot of the status of computer and technology resources in government secondary schools in several Metropolitan Regions. Discussion is focused on a case study into one particular secondary school and the perceptions of one music teacher and her students regarding class music and ICT. While preferential treatment for resources, particularly access to ICT, was accorded to some disciplines, arts subjects such as music were frequently excluded. Results indicated that reforming music education to reflect contemporary music practice will not only engage student interest, but also assist in raising the status of music in the school curriculum by demonstrating its relevancy. An effective use of ICT and music technology can assist in emulating real life or authentic learning contexts to achieve this pedagogical change. However, a major challenge illustrated in this case study was the paucity of resources, a concern shared by many music educators. Nevertheless, the music teacher in this case study used the minimal resources at her disposal effectively, providing an exemplar of adapting to ICT resource limitations.
Are learning style preferences of health science students predictive of their attitudes towards e-learning?
Authors: Brown Ted , Zoghi Maryam , Williams Brett , Jaberzadeh Shapour , Roller Louis , Palermo Claire , McKenna Lisa , Wright Caroline , Baird Marilyn , Schneider-Kolsky Michal , Hewitt Lesley , Sim Jenny , Holt Tangerine-Ann
Published: April 2016

The objective for this study was to determine whether learning style preferences of health science students could predict their attitudes to e-learning. A survey comprising the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) and the Online Learning Environment Survey (OLES) was distributed to 2885 students enrolled in 10 different health science programs at an Australian university. A total of 822 useable surveys were returned generating a response rate of 29.3%. Using SPSS, a linear regression analysis was completed. On the ILS Active-Reflective dimension, 44% of health science students reported a preference as being active learners, 60% as sensing learners, and 64% as sequential learners. Students' attitudes toward e-learning using the OLES showed that their preferred scores for all 9 subscales were higher than their actual scores. The linear regression analysis results indicated that ILS learning styles accounted for a small percentage of the OLES actual and preferred subscales' variance. For the OLES actual subscales, the ILS Active-Reflective and Sensing-Intuitive learning style dimensions were the most frequent predictors of health science students' attitudes towards e-learning. For the OLES preferred subscales, ILS Active-Reflective and Sequential-Global learning style dimensions accounted for the most frequent source of variance. It appears that the learning styles of health science students (as measured by the ILS) can be used only to a limited extent as a predictor of students' attitudes towards e-learning. Nevertheless, educators should still consider student learning styles in the context of using technology for instructional purposes.
A review of podcasting in higher education: Its influence on the traditional lecture
Authors: McGarr Oliver
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the possible influence of podcasting on the traditional lecture in higher education. Firstly, it explores some of the benefits and limitations of the lecture as one of the dominant forms of teaching in higher education. The review then moves to explore the emergence of podcasting in education and the purpose of its use, before examining recent relevant literature about podcasting for supporting, enhancing, and indeed replacing the traditional lecture. The review identifies three broad types of use of podcasting: substitutional, supplementary and creative use. Podcasting appears to be most commonly used to provide recordings of past lectures to students for the purposes of review and revision (substitutional use). The second most common use was in providing additional material, often in the form of study guides and summary notes, to broaden and deepen students' understanding (supplementary use). The third and least common use reported in the literature involved the creation of student generated podcasts (creative use). The review examines three key questions: What are the educational uses of podcasting in teaching and learning in higher education? Can podcasting facilitate more flexible and mobile learning? In what ways will podcasting influence the traditional lecture? These questions are discussed in the final section of the paper, with reference to future policies and practices.
Planning to teach with digital tools: Introducing the interactive whiteboard to pre-service secondary mathematics teachers
Authors: Holmes Kathryn
Published: April 2016

Teaching is a complex endeavour that requires teachers to meld knowledge about the nature of learners, pedagogical strategies and discipline content. In recent years an increasing variety of educational technologies are finding their way into the school classroom, including the widespread acceptance of interactive whiteboards (IWBs). The emerging literature on IWB use is mixed, with no clear verdict on the merits of this technology in relation to teaching or student learning outcomes. However, as this equipment is fast becoming standard in a growing number of classrooms, it is important for pre-service teachers to be familiar with its features, potential difficulties and to have had experience in developing lesson activities that utilise the technology.
This study examines the lesson activities developed by a group (n=13) of final year undergraduate secondary mathematics pre-service teachers. The analysis is guided by the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) framework of Mishra and Koehler (2006). The study reveals that the pre-service teachers were able to plan effectively to integrate IWB features within their mathematical lessons and demonstrated developing TPCK as a result. They found that the primary benefits of the technology related to its potential to engage students with varied visual representations and virtual manipulatives which can aid conceptual understanding.

 
The effects of using a wiki on student engagement and learning of report writing skills in a university statistics course
Authors: Neumann David L. , Hood Michelle
Published: April 2016

A wiki was used as part of a blended learning approach to promote collaborative learning among students in a first year university statistics class. One group of students analysed a data set and communicated the results by jointly writing a practice report using a wiki. A second group analysed the same data but communicated the results in a practice report that they wrote individually. Both groups were taught the same material. The report was used for practice as a way to support student learning and was not submitted for assessment. Both approaches improved report writing knowledge and did not differ in the mark obtained on an individually written research report subsequently submitted for assessment. The wiki approach produced higher engagement with other students, cognitive engagement, and class attendance than the individual approach. Qualitative feedback suggested some drawbacks to using a wiki. Overall participation was also low with only 2 of the 22 wiki subgroups completing all components of the practice report. The present findings suggest that student engagement, but not performance on assessment, may be enhanced when a wiki is used to support learning in higher education.
Do undergraduate paramedic students embrace case based learning using a blended teaching approach? A 3-year review
Authors: Williams Brett
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of a descriptive longitudinal study which aimed to identify student paramedic perceptions of case based learning used in the clinical curriculum of the Bachelor of Emergency Health (BEH) degree at Monash University, Victoria, Australia. Case based learning and its integration within clinical curriculum is an important part of undergraduate paramedic education at Monash University. The study used self reporting questionnaires involving 247 students. The analysis provides an indication of the students' perceptions of case based learning in their clinical curricula during the 2005-2007 academic years. Quantitative and qualitative data produced encouraging student satisfaction scores and themes emphasising that case based learning was an appropriate, valuable teaching and learning approach. The data also highlighted that improvements are required surrounding student equity and communication between peers and lecturing staff.
 
The wiki way of learning
Authors: Ruth Alison , Houghton Luke
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the argument that the use of wikis in a learning environment involves a different way of thinking, learning and knowing than perhaps many practitioners are familiar with. In particular, wikis foster collaborative, egalitarian learning that is designed to foster group interaction instead of just individual performance. Moreover, wiki based learning involves community ideals and challenging modes of interaction for both learners and instructors. The paper begins by summarising the wiki way of learning. It presents a recent study conducted in a classroom environment into how students conceptualised wiki use and uses a case study of a course in mobile workforce technologies to present the basis for a wiki pedagogy. The paper concludes with a discussion on the both the practical and theoretical implications of using wikis in a tertiary education environment.
A review of research methodologies used in studies on mobile handheld devices in K-12 and higher education settings
Authors: Cheung Wing Sum , Hew Khe Foon
Published: April 2016

Mobile handheld devices are increasingly being used in education. In this paper, we undertook a review of empirical based articles to summarise the current research regarding the use of mobile handheld devices (personal digital assistants/PDAs, palmtops, and mobile phones) in K-12 and higher education settings. This review was guided by the following four questions: (a) How are mobile handheld devices such as PDAs, palmtops, and mobile phones used by students and teachers? (b) What types of research methods have been applied using such devices? (c) What data collection methods are used in the research? and (d) What research topics have been conducted on these handheld devices in education settings, as well as their related findings? We summarise and discuss some major findings from the research, as well as several limitations of previous empirical studies. We conclude by providing some recommendations for future research related to mobile handheld devices in education settings.
 
How pacing of multimedia instructions can influence modality effects: A case of superiority of visual texts
Authors: Stiller Klaus D. , Freitag Annika , Zinnbauer Peter , Freitag Christian
Published: April 2016

"Present text accompanying pictures aurally to promote learning" is a well established principle of instructional design. But recently, it was shown that under certain conditions visual texts can be preferable. Instructional pacing seems to be one of these conditions that mediate effects. Especially, enabling learners to pace an instruction has proven to enhance learning. In an online experiment, the effects of pacing and text modality on cognitive load and performance were investigated. 110 university students studied instructions paced either by the system or by the learner and using either visual or auditory texts accompanying static pictures. Learner pacing reduced mental effort and promoted performance for instructions using visual texts, whilst with auditory texts, only mental effort was positively influenced. Modality effects on performance were found in favour of auditory texts with system paced instructions, but effects vanished or reversed with learner pacing. With respect to study time, the learner paced, visual text instruction was the most efficient.
Using game making pedagogy to facilitate student learning of interactive multimedia
Authors: Cheng Gary
Published: April 2016

With the growing importance of interactive multimedia in our society, it is increasingly essential to equip students with knowledge of and skills in multimedia production. However, as the traditional lecture based instruction on this emerging subject area is not effective for students in achieving the expected learning outcomes, a seven stage game making pedagogical model (GMP) is proposed for facilitating student learning. Both quantitative and qualitative responses of 25 higher diploma students majoring in information technology to the effectiveness of the GMP model were collected and analysed. Initial findings support that the model helps improve students' learning motivation, problem solving ability and creativity. In addition, a majority of students agreed that using a wiki platform for peer collaboration, as suggested by the model, is particularly conducive to enhancing their knowledge of and skills with interactive multimedia.
Stepping through the orientation looking glass: A staged approach for postgraduate students
Authors: Wozniak Helen , Mahony Mary Jane , Lever Tim , Pizzica Jenny
Published: April 2016

Postgraduate coursework is now delivered to a largely mature age study population, in what may be an unfamiliar mix of online and distance learning to many students. This paper reports on a novel approach to student orientation in this new environment. Orientation is conceptualised as a process of transition between the domain of everyday life and the domain of academic study over a period of time commencing prior to enrolment and continuing into formal studies. A schema addressing three dimensions (interpersonal, technical and reflective) was constructed and operationalised as a staged orientation plan (GettingOnTrack). Students are able to move through the three stages participating in activities which align with their needs before, during and after enrolment. This builds on critical concerns reported in earlier literature, highlighting the need for an extended time line and authentic learning tasks in a risk free environment.
Improving critical thinking using web based argument mapping exercises with automated feedback
Authors: Butchart Sam , Forster Daniella , Gold Ian , Bigelow John , Korb Kevin , Oppy Graham , Serrenti Alexandra
Published: April 2016

In this paper we describe a simple software system that allows students to practise their critical thinking skills by constructing argument maps of natural language arguments. As the students construct their maps of an argument, the system provides automatic, real time feedback on their progress. We outline the background and theoretical framework that led to the development of the system and then give a detailed example of how a student would work through a particular argument mapping exercise using the software. We then describe how the system was used in a single semester undergraduate critical thinking course. We evaluated the course using a standardised critical thinking test and measured an improvement in critical thinking skills of 0.45 standard deviations from pre-test to post-test; a modest, but encouraging result for a single semester course. We compare these results to those obtained in a number of other critical thinking courses, incorporating a variety of teaching methods. We conclude the paper with some comments on the limitations of the system and ways in which it might be improved and extended.
The potential for adaptable accessible learning objects: A case study in accessible vodcasting
Authors: Gkatzidou Stavroula , Pearson Elaine
Published: April 2016

With the rapid development of wireless networks and mobile technologies and the increasing adoption of mobile learning, the need for 'anywhere, anytime and any device' access to information becomes more evident. This has influenced the design of learning objects. The small but developing literature on vodcasting indicates its potential as an effective learning resource for use in education. This paper explores the use of vodcasting in terms of accessibility and, through a specific use case, investigates the adaptations required for existing learning objects delivered as vodcasts (videos downloaded to an MP3 player). The case study is examined in the context of a larger research initiative which aims to contribute to the requirements specification for the development of an adaptable learning object authoring tool, and suggests a learning object adaptation service which allows for flexibility and personalisation to learners' needs and preferences. Detailing the theoretical aims, design, implementation and evaluation of the project, the paper supports the argument for the educational use and value of vodcasting, but also highlights potential limitations and problem areas.
Breaking down online teaching: Innovation and resistance
Authors: Hannon John
Published: April 2016

The term "innovation" is associated mainly with change in practice using educational technology. This paper explores the question of why innovations in online teaching and learning in higher education break down or deliver less than they promise: why they are so resource intensive, so prone to breakdown, and why they often fail to live up to their promises? Two cases of innovation were selected from a broad doctoral research project across three Australian universities, involving 24 interviewees. One case was a bottom up, wiki based learning space inspired by a constructivist commitment, the other a top down response to organisational change in a degree program. Despite literature on case studies which offer useful, evidence based approaches and models for online pedagogy, there is a lack of analytical perspectives with which to engage with breakdowns and "thwarted innovation" in online learning. The focus in this paper is online teaching, and breakdowns are scoped beyond the technologies involved and encompass social, material and discursive entities. An actor network perspective (Callon 1986; Latour 1987; Law 2000) is used to explore the relationality between social and technological entities, and the sociotechnical assemblage which constitutes online teaching. It argues that (i) crucial factors are hidden by the normative perspective inherent in the implementation of technology systems, and (ii) recognising the connections between the social, material and discursive entities in online learning offers a strong analytic basis for innovative teaching and learning practice.
Usability and usefulness of eBooks on PPCs: How students' opinions vary over time
Authors: Lam Paul , Lam Shun Leung , Lam John , McNaught Carmel
Published: April 2016

The number of academic eBooks in university libraries is increasing. Reading digital materials such as newspapers is valued in Hong Kong; however, students' perceptions of the value of reading academic eMaterials are not well known. In this study we investigated 12 students' use of academic eBooks on mobile readers in two ways. Six students had brief introduction to eBooks and they reported their first impressions of the technology. The other six students had a 12-week eBook reading period that was closely monitored by the research team. The experiences from the two groups of students generally affirmed that the technology has potential to enhance teaching and learning in a university setting. However, the experiences (especially of the long-term users) highlight a number of challenges that need to be addressed.

 
Sharing quality resources for teaching and learning: A peer review model for the ALTC Exchange in Australia
Authors: Lefoe Geraldine , Philip Robyn , O'Reilly Meg , Parrish Dominique
Published: April 2016

The ALTC Exchange (formerly the Carrick Exchange), is a national repository and networking service for Australian higher education. The Exchange was designed to provide access to a repository of shared learning and teaching resources, work spaces for team members engaged in collaborative projects, and communication and networking services. The Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) established the Exchange for those who teach, manage and lead learning and teaching in higher education. As part of the research conducted to inform the development of the Exchange, models for peer review of educational resources were evaluated. For this, a design based research approach was adopted. Findings from the literature and feedback from key practitioners and leaders within the sector are discussed in this paper. Finally, key recommendations for implementation are identified.
Learning about problem based learning: Student teachers integrating technology, pedagogy and content knowledge
Authors: So Hyo-Jeong , Kim Bosung
Published: April 2016

What should constitute knowledge bases that we expect our future teachers to gain related to pedagogically sound technology integration? Employing the Shulman's teacher knowledge base as a theoretical lens, this study examined the complexity of pre-service teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) in the context of integrating problem based learning (PBL) and information and communications technology (ICT). Ninety-seven pre-service teachers in this study engaged in a collaborative lesson design project where they applied pedagogical knowledge about PBL to design a technology integrated lesson in their subject area of teaching. Data were collected from two sources: survey and lesson design artifacts. Data analyses revealed that while participants had theoretical understandings of pedagogical knowledge about PBL, their lesson designs showed a mismatch among technology tools, content representations, and pedagogical strategies, indicating conflicts in translating pedagogical content knowledge into designing pedagogically sound, technology integrated lessons. The areas that students perceived to be particularly challenging and difficult include: a) generating authentic and ill-structured problems for a chosen content topic, b) finding and integrating ICT tools and resources relevant for the target students and learning activities, and c) designing tasks with a balance between teacher guidance and student independence. The present study suggests the potential of two explanations for such difficulties: lack of intimate connection among beliefs, knowledge, and actions, and insufficient repertoires for teaching with technology for problem based learning.
Technological support for assignment assessment: A New Zealand higher education survey
Authors: Milne John , Heinrich Eva , Morrison David
Published: April 2016

This article presents selected aspects of a large study on the use of e-learning tools in support of assignment assessment, which was comprised of a substantial literature review, an investigation into electronic tools, and interviews with 90 academics at New Zealand tertiary institutions. The article makes two main contributions. Based on the educational literature it provides an outline of good practice in assignment management and marking, demonstrating what needs to be done to best support student learning and showing how e-learning tools can assist. The second main contribution stems from the interviews that have provided insight into current practices of using e-learning tools for assignment assessment. The analysis of these interviews shows how such tools are used and what experiences the academics have had. Summarising the overall study it can be said that there are strong advantages for student learning and staff workloads in using e-learning tools in support of assignment assessment. These advantages are so far only exploited by a minority of academics and a huge potential exists for further application of e-learning tools and approaches.
Swinburne Astronomy Online: Migrating from PowerPoint on CD to a Web 2.0 compliant delivery infrastructure
Authors: Barnes David G. , Fluke Christopher J. , Jones Nicholas T. , Maddison Sarah T. , Kilborn Virginia A. , Bailes Matthew
Published: April 2016

We adopt the Web 2.0 paradigm as a mechanism for preparing, editing, delivering and maintaining educational content, and for fostering ongoing innovation in the online education field. We report here on the migration of legacy course materials from PowerPoint slides on CD to a fully online delivery mode for use in the Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO) program. We chose to adopt a widely used, web based content management system, Drupal, a web based media management system, Coppermine, and our own plug in code. Together, these form the basis of an entirely browser based course development and deployment infrastructure. In this paper, we describe the new Web 2.0 SAO system, the Virtual Cadet, which we developed to simplify content migration, and the SAO Viewer, which is used by students to access the course material. We compare the merits of the PowerPoint and Web 2.0 formats of SAO, and describe the future innovations that are enabled by the move to web based content delivery. The arrival of Web 2.0 empowers content developers by rendering en-mass conversions of legacy content into web based content economically sensible, with potential for enhancing learning and teaching.
Engaging academically at risk primary school students in an ICT mediated after school program
Authors: Tay Lee Yong , Lim Cher Ping
Published: April 2016

This case study documents how a group of 14 academically at risk Primary 5 students (11 year olds) were engaged in academic related tasks in an after school program mediated by a 3-D Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE). Although there was no significant difference in the students' academic performance, they were found to be more engaged in the learning tasks and had acquired a range of information and communication technology (ICT) skills. At the start of the program students attended irregularly, but this improved gradually over the weeks, and other Primary 5 students were attracted to enrol in the program. The planned schedule of the after school program and the 3-D MUVE provided the structures and online learning environment to engage these students. This paper reports on the after school program from the perspectives of the students and teachers, emphasising its context, that is, the school setting. The main finding suggests that the role of ICT has to go beyond the role of a mediating tool. It has to entice these students to be first interested in the virtual learning environment and subsequently in the content embedded within this environment. Thus ICT becomes a means to an end as well as an end by itself, in this process of engaging students. This finding has design implications especially for the use of ICT to engage academically at risk students.
 
Investigating design and technology students' participation and learning in a technology mediated learning environment
Authors: Yeo Tiong Meng , Quek Choon Lang
Published: April 2016

This study investigates how 15 Design & Technology (D&T) students (aged 15 years) participated in three stages of the design process in a technology mediated environment. The three stages are named Situation, Ideation and Development. The learning process is mediated by Knowledge Forum (KF), an asynchronous online discussion tool. The students' online messages and participation were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using a self developed coding scheme. Findings showed that discussions among students were not evident in the Situation stage but were evident in the Ideation and Development stages. Participation levels from one of the three groups of students in the three design stages were very different from the other two groups. Generally, a relatively high level of in depth information processing as compared to surface level of information processing was observed in the three design stages.
Relative ranking of conditions that facilitate innovation implementation in the USA
Authors: Ensminger David C , Surry Daniel W
Published: April 2016

This study compared how people working in three different types of organisations in the United States (K-12 schools, higher education, and business) rank the importance of eight conditions that have been shown to facilitate the implementation of innovations. The study also sought to determine if the nature of the innovation (i.e., technology or process innovation) affected the rankings. Technology innovations are those that require the use of a new tool or product such as an innovative communications device or new piece of manufacturing equipment. Process innovations are those that require a new method or system such as a new method for performance evaluations or new budget approval process. A total of 635 participants completed an online instrument to determine their individual ranking of the eight conditions, 315 participants responded to questions specific to technology innovation while 320 responded to process specific questions. Analysis of variance was used to compare differences between the groups. Significant differences were found on five of the eight conditions in the technology sample and on seven of the eight conditions in the process sample. In addition, there were differences within groups based on the nature of the innovation. Change agents must adapt their strategies to account for the different rankings of the eight implementation conditions based on type of organisation and the nature of the innovation. The results of this study provide a framework for understanding and accounting for the group differences. This is the first study to address the prescriptive value of the eight implementation conditions.
Gaming frequency and academic performance
Authors: Ip Barry , Jacobs Gabriel , Watkins Alan
Published: April 2016

There are numerous claims that playing computer and video games may be educationally beneficial, but there has been little formal investigation into whether or not the frequency of exposure to such games actually affects academic performance. This paper explores the issue by analysing the relationships between gaming frequency - measured as the amount of time undergraduate students spend playing games in their free time - and their academic performance as measured by their examination marks. Using a sample of 713 students, correlation analyses between gaming frequency and examination performance were conducted for students of varying gaming frequency, study discipline, gender, and general attitudes towards gaming and study. The results reveal that examination marks are in fact negatively correlated with gaming frequency - i.e. frequent gamers generally achieve lower marks than less frequent gamers.
Developing conceptual understanding of mechanical advantage through the use of Lego robotic technology
Authors: Chambers Joan M. , Carbonaro Mike , Murray Hana
Published: April 2016

Science educators advocate hands on experiences and the use of manipulatives as important for children's conceptual development. Consequently, the utilisation of Lego robotic technologies in teaching and learning has become more prevalent in school science classrooms. It is important to investigate their value as educational tools, particularly their role in helping children develop conceptual understanding of scientific principles. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of robotic technology with elementary age children, specifically focusing on the children's conceptual development concerning gear function and mechanical advantage. Our results indicate the robot sessions helped develop the students' understanding of gear function in relation to direction of turning, relative speed, and number of revolutions. However, when we examine the children's understanding around the concept of mechanical advantage, we still see the majority of children unable to provide an accurate explanation. The children had difficulty explaining the reasons underpinning their gear arrangement choices for making their robots fast or powerful. The results suggest that providing students with physical experiences is not enough for students to "discover" the relationship of gears to a vehicle's power and speed. A guided inquiry instructional approach is important during the early stages of developing a conceptual understanding of mechanical advantage.
Blogs: A qualitative investigation into an instructor and undergraduate students' experiences
Authors: Tekinarslan Erkan
Published: April 2016

This study reports on the experiences of an instructor and an undergraduate class who used blogs in their teaching and learning environment at Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey. Qualitative data were collected from observation of students' activities when working on blogs in the classroom, analyses of students' blog documents on the web, and interviews with 42 students. Most students reflected that blogs are user friendly and convenient tools for publishing and sharing studies. Moreover, blog implementations contributed positively to students' information searching and writing skills, despite the limited opportunities that many students had for Internet access outside the university. However, students' ignorance regarding copyright issues and their tendency to copy information from online sources and paste it into their blogs was a common problem.
Pre-service teachers' attitudes towards computer use: A Singapore survey
Authors: Teo Timothy
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes towards use of computers among pre-service teachers. A sample of 139 pre-service teachers was assessed for their computer attitudes using a Likert type questionnaire with four factors: affect (liking), perceived usefulness, perceived control, and behavioural intention to use the computer. The results of this study showed no gender or age differences among pre-service teachers on computer attitudes. However, there were significant differences for computer attitudes by the subject areas that pre-service teachers had been trained during their university education: Humanities, Sciences, Languages and General (Primary). Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between years of computer use and level of confidence, and computer attitudes. Implications for teacher training and suggestions for further research are provided.