67,756 research outputs found
Creating and Employing On-line Dynamic Learning Objects for an Introductory Programming Module
The paper shows how learning objects can be designed to promote a constructivist learning environment whilst maintaining flexibility for reuse and repurposing. These learning objects, which support an introductory Java programming module, are employed across two UK HE institutions that both use the same virtual learning environment (WebCT) to link to these objects, together with a graphic software library creating a rich and varied learning environment. Collaboration was ongoing during the parallel process of development and delivery. The first semester is evaluated, and suggestions are made for future work
Transforming pedagogy using mobile Web 2.0
Blogs, wikis, podcasting, and a host of free, easy to use Web 2.0 social software provide opportunities for creating social constructivist learning environments focusing on student-centred learning and end-user content creation and sharing.
Building on this foundation, mobile Web 2.0 has emerged as a viable teaching and learning tool, facilitating engaging learning environments that bridge multiple
contexts. Today’s dual 3G and wifi-enabled smartphones provide a ubiquitous connection to mobile Web 2.0 social software and the ability to view, create, edit,
upload, and share user generated Web 2.0 content. This article outlines how a Product Design course has moved from a traditional face-to-face, studio-based learning
environment to one using mobile Web 2.0 technologies to enhance and engage students in a social constructivist learning paradigm.
Keywords: m-learning; Web 2.0; pedagogy 2.0; social constructivism; product desig
Challenging the five-stage model for e-learning: a new approach
The five‐stage approach to e‐moderating has provided a coherent model upon which to base online learning design in higher education. However, despite its growing popularity, there are concerns that the model is becoming a dominant discourse, being adapted as a template for the design of all online teaching and learning, to the exclusion of other ideas. It is suggested that the five‐stage model may not be the panacea it appears and alternative models of e‐learning cannot be ignored. This paper reviews the five‐stage model and contrasts it with a new conceptual model, ‘the e‐learning ladder’, conceived as part of research with healthcare students in the higher education setting
Development and evaluation of a multimedia interactive CD: Public speaking interactive media
This paper reports on a study that endeavours to develop a Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) multimedia courseware namely, Public Speaking Interactive Media. This courseware was developed specifically for diploma students undergoing ENG4113 (Business English) and ENG 4153 (Public Speaking Skills) at Kolej Profesional MARA Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang. The objectives and goals of this study is to develop a CAL courseware which is in-line with the syllabus of the courses using multimedia elements together with the application of behaviorist, cognitive and constructivist
learning theories as a basis in the design of the courseware. Moreover, the instructional design and
implementation of this CAL multimedia courseware employ active and flexible learning strategies. Utilizing Hannafin and Peck’s Design Model, this courseware was developed using Macromedia Director and Macromedia Authorware to ensure that multimedia elements and simulations can be
fully integrated. The findings of the study revealed that the courseware fulfilled its objectives in aiding
students in comprehending the concept of public speaking skills better by using multimedia elements. In addition, the courseware is in-line with the syllabus and has incorporated the theories and strategies intended successfully
Video analysis : A qualitative tool for investigating students' learning in a constructivist-oriented multimedia in a science classroom
A new software package VideoSearch, a Macintosh multimedia research tool for analysing digital video was used to analyse classroom observations. VideoSearch can digitise video from a video cassette recorder or video camera and store it on a computer as a QuickTime movie. Texts can be attached to each instance within an episode and this text can be searched. Episodes in this movie can then be coded for analysis by means of user defined categories. Analyses of three types of episodes from video segments are presented and discussed in order to investigate students' learning. Episodes from video segments include students working in pairs conducting investigations based on an inquiry- based multimedia program, students presenting their experiences of their process of investigation and the researcher probing the students' reflections on their learning during an interview. An advantage of working with the digital video analysis is greater access to fuller context for qualitative data analyses. This allows for a better understanding of the social processes of students' learning. However, the time required and the level of intensive analysis may make it a difficult process to undertake
A New Constructivist AI: From Manual Methods to Self-Constructive Systems
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has to date been largely one of manual labor. This constructionist approach to AI has resulted in systems with limited-domain application and severe performance brittleness. No AI architecture to date incorporates, in a single system, the many features that make natural intelligence general-purpose, including system-wide attention, analogy-making, system-wide learning, and various other complex transversal functions. Going beyond current AI systems will require significantly more complex system architecture than attempted to date. The heavy reliance on direct human specification and intervention in constructionist AI brings severe theoretical and practical limitations to any system built that way.
One way to address the challenge of artificial general intelligence (AGI) is replacing a top-down architectural design approach with methods that allow the system to manage its own growth. This calls for a fundamental shift from hand-crafting to self-organizing architectures and self-generated code – what we call a constructivist AI approach, in reference to the self-constructive principles on which it must be based. Methodologies employed for constructivist AI will be very different from today’s software development methods; instead of relying on direct design of mental functions and their implementation in a cog- nitive architecture, they must address the principles – the “seeds” – from which a cognitive architecture can automatically grow. In this paper I describe the argument in detail and examine some of the implications of this impending paradigm shift
Facilitating social constructivist learning environments for product design Students using social software (Web2) and wireless mobile device.
It is well understood and has been well documented that there is much to gain by using social software in creating
collaborative learning communities. However little is known about using a context independent interactive collaborative
environment with an emphasis upon sharing, ease of use, customization and personal publishing (MobileWeb2). This paper
describes an innovative and integrated MobileWeb2 technology in a product design live project setting, that assists product
designers to solve a real problem to serve a real client. Students and teaching staff use a smartphone to capture design decisions
and prototypes and collate and share these via an online eportfolio. From the data collected from staff/students
surveys it was found that this method provided a stimulating collaborative environment that develops personal skill to bring
out their latent creativity in such a way that these will become part of their project. Opportunities for mobile web2 product
design projects are outlined. The logistics of providing access to appropriate hardware and software for all students are
also discussed
A case study of the integration of ICT in teaching and learning in a smart school in Sabah
This research investigates teachers’ views of their use of ICT in teaching and learning (T&LICT). The objective of this research was to study in depth the thoughts, beliefs and opinions of the teachers’ attempt towards pedagogical
improvement as part of the Smart School Project. Specifically this research examines and describes the teachers’ implementation of T&LICT in the classroom in terms of the instructional practice, the instructional roles and the instructional environment. A case study research methodology is employed. The case is Sekolah Menengah Bestari (a psuedonym), which is a Smart School in Sabah. Analysis of data from 52 survey questionnaires
complemented the qualitative data from the 13 interviews and 3 observations, as well as document analysis. Findings indicated that hardware and software technology infrastructure were available to support the T&LICT
implementation. Nevertheless, the teachers felt it was not enough to implement T&LICT effectively. It was estimated that about half of Sekolah Menengah Bestari staff, mainly Bestari and ETeMS teachers, implemented T&LICT. Findings indicated that teacher practices were little changed. IT was used mainly to support the existing teacher-directed and teacher-centered approach. The role of the teacher extended to that of facilitating without releasing control of lesson to the students
Mobilizing learning: mobile Web 2.0 scenarios in tertiary education
Based upon three years of mobile learning (mlearning) projects, a major implementation project has
been developed for integrating the use of mobile web 2.0 tools across a variety of departments and
courses in a tertiary education environment. A participatory action research methodology guides and
informs the project. The project is based upon an explicit social constuctivist pedagogy, focusing on
student collaboration, and the sharing and critique of student-generated content using freely available
web 2.0 services. These include blogs, social networks, location aware (geotagged) image and video
sharing, instant messaging, microblogging etc… Students and lecturers are provided with either an
appropriate smartphone and/or a 3G capable netbook to use as their own for the duration of the
project. Keys to the projects success are the level of pedagogical and technical support, and the level
of integration of the tools into the courses – including assessment and lecturer modelling of the use of
the tools. The projects are supported by an intentional community of practice model, with the
researcher taking on the role of the “technology steward”. The paper outlines three different scenarios
illustrating how this course integration is being achieved, establishing a transferable model of mobile
web 2.0 integration and implementation. The goal is to facilitate a student-centred, collaborative,
flexible, context-bridging learning environment that empowers students as content producers and
learning context generators, guided by lecturers who effectively model th
Scholarly collaboration across time zones
The barriers to global collaboration of yesteryear were, for example, country boundaries and time zones. Today however, in a world where communication is thriving on new technologies, these barriers have been overcome, not only by the technology itself, but also by the collaborators in a desire (and need) to extend knowledge, seize opportunities and build partnerships.
This chapter reports on one such collaboration: a case study where the focus is the writing of a scholarly article between authors from Australia, England and South Africa. The challenges of different time zones, academic calendars, and managing the collaboration are outlined in this chapter. Findings from the case study suggests that the key elements of success are related to the individuals and project management techniques, and not the technology per se. The constructivist learning theory as well as the e-Moderation model are supported by this work and thus extend their application to the academic writing process
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