Developing a technology enabled workflow to aid space layout communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder - A project case study

[EN] Within the higher education sector there has been a shift towards flexible teaching and learning spaces that can be re-imagined and re-organised depending on the teaching approach to be employed. While this has undoubted benefits in terms of student engagement, innovative delivery, and exciting learning approaches, it potentially presents a challenge for a student group, those with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), that has not been fully considered to this point. This study draws upon advances in the Architectural Technology discipline to develop a methodology which can assist in designing and communicating proposed teaching environments, with a particular focus on the potential to benefit students with ASD. The methodology is presented in the form of a case study. The aim is to assist designers and end users in analysing and defining the necessary links to evaluate solutions for the layout planning of spaces, determining functionality and whether proposals are feasible. The output obtained from this workflow elevates its potential in aiding space layout planning, helping those who need assistance in understanding newly formed layouts.This work has been developed from an undergraduate student research paper. The authors would like to thank Leica Geosystems for making the laser scan and initial model available for use. We would also like to thank Dalux for their assistance in the use of their platform.Mcgoldrick, J.; Comiskey, D.; Donnelly, S. (2021). Developing a technology enabled workflow to aid space layout communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder - A project case study. En 7th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'21). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 571-579. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd21.2021.12902OCS57157

A study of effective evaluation models and practices for technology supported physical learning spaces (JELS)

The aim of the JELS project was to identify and review the tools, methods and frameworks used to evaluate technology supported or enhanced physical learning spaces. A key objective was to develop the sector knowledgebase on innovation and emerging practice in the evaluation of learning spaces, identifying innovative methods and approaches beyond traditional post-occupancy evaluations and surveys that have dominated this area to date. The intention was that the frameworks and guidelines discovered or developed from this study could inform all stages of the process of implementing a technology supported physical learning space. The study was primarily targeted at the UK HE sector and the FE sector where appropriate, and ran from September 2008 to March 2009

DIGITAL APPLICATIONS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND EXCAVATION TRAINING: THE DELTA COURSE

Despite the fact that over the last two decades there has been a considerable increase in the adoption of digital applications in archaeological excavations, the application of digital educational tools in the excavation training of Archaeology, students has not made commensurate progress. As a consequence, it is still difficult to integrate in Archaeology curricula the physical space of an archaeological excavation with that of the university classroom. The impact of the limited use of digital educational tools became even more apparent during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which created serious problems in conducting face-to-face excavation training in both the classroom and the excavation site. Within this context, the integration of these two physical spaces through the digital “space” of online training is the main objective of project DELTA (Digital Excavation through Learning and Training in Archaeology), a transnational project funded in the context of Erasmus+/KA2 EU programme. Through the DELTA project, students of Archaeology will be able to improve their subject knowledge and develop digital and 21st century skills. This paper presents the results of the first phase of the DELTA project, during which we conducted extensive desk and field research aiming at recording the existing situation in the three countries regarding: (1) the use of digital applications in archaeological excavations, (2) current courses on excavation practices, methods and techniques and (3) the use of digital educational tools in such courses. By analysing the results from Internet search and a survey using online questionnaires, we present (a) the most recent trends in the university curricula of Archaeology, (b) the current level of digital skills and expertise of students and professionals and (c) the needs and expectations of students and professors regarding the use of digital applications in excavation and Archaeology education. The results of this research were particularly revealing, especially when comparing the situation between the three countries, but also when contrasting the existing digital skills and the aspirations of the various categories of responders (e.g. educational level, current position etc.). This research provided us with the necessary evidence for the design and development of a blended training course that combines the use of an online platform with face to face and on-site learning in a joint excavation; the ADDIE model was adapted in the course design. In addition, the online piloting of the course allowed participating Universities to discuss the level of integration of digital applications in Archaeology education and make suggestions for future actions, particularly within the context of the recent pandemic and the problems it created in students’ excavation training.Nonostante il fatto che negli ultimi due decenni ci sia stato un notevole aumento nell'adozione di applicazioni digitali negli scavi archeologici, l'applicazione di strumenti didattici digitali nella formazione degli studenti di Archeologia non ha fatto progressi commisurati. Di conseguenza, è ancora difficile integrare nei curricula di Archeologia lo spazio fisico di uno scavo archeologico con quello dell'aula universitaria. L'impatto dell'uso limitato degli strumenti didattici digitali è diventato ancora più evidente durante la recente pandemia COVID-19, che ha creato seri problemi nel condurre la formazione di scavo faccia a faccia sia in aula che sul sito di scavo. In questo contesto, l'integrazione di questi due spazi fisici attraverso lo "spazio" digitale della formazione online è l'obiettivo principale del progetto DELTA (Digital Excavation through Learning and Training in Archaeology), un progetto transnazionale finanziato nel contesto del programma europeo Erasmus+/KA2. Attraverso il progetto DELTA, gli studenti di Archeologia saranno in grado di migliorare la loro conoscenza della materia e sviluppare competenze digitali e del 21° secolo. Questo documento presenta i risultati della prima fase del progetto DELTA, durante la quale abbiamo condotto un'ampia ricerca a tavolino e sul campo con l'obiettivo di registrare la situazione esistente nei tre paesi per quanto riguarda: (1) l'uso di applicazioni digitali negli scavi archeologici, (2) i corsi attuali su pratiche, metodi e tecniche di scavo e (3) l'uso di strumenti didattici digitali in tali corsi. Analizzando i risultati di una ricerca su Internet e di un'indagine tramite questionari online, presentiamo (a) le tendenze più recenti nei curricula universitari di Archeologia, (b) l'attuale livello di abilità e competenze digitali di studenti e professionisti e (c) le esigenze e le aspettative di studenti e professori riguardo all'uso di applicazioni digitali nello scavo e nella formazione in Archeologia. I risultati di questa ricerca sono stati particolarmente rivelatori, soprattutto quando si confronta la situazione tra i tre paesi, ma anche quando si contrappongono le competenze digitali esistenti e le aspirazioni delle varie categorie di intervistati (ad esempio il livello di istruzione, la posizione attuale ecc.) Questa ricerca ci ha fornito le prove necessarie per la progettazione e lo sviluppo di un corso di formazione misto che combina l'uso di una piattaforma online con l'apprendimento faccia a faccia e sul posto in uno scavo congiunto; il modello ADDIE è stato adattato nella progettazione del corso. Inoltre, il pilotaggio online del corso ha permesso alle Università partecipanti di discutere il livello di integrazione delle applicazioni digitali nella formazione in Archeologia e di dare suggerimenti per azioni future, in particolare nel contesto della recente pandemia e dei problemi che ha creato nella formazione degli studenti allo scavo

CATS Update Fall 2013

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cats_docs/1000/thumbnail.jp

Embodiment and embodied design

Picture this. A preverbal infant straddles the center of a seesaw. She gently tilts her weight back and forth from one side to the other, sensing as each side tips downward and then back up again. This child cannot articulate her observations in simple words, let alone in scientific jargon. Can she learn anything from this experience? If so, what is she learning, and what role might such learning play in her future interactions in the world? Of course, this is a nonverbal bodily experience, and any learning that occurs must be bodily, physical learning. But does this nonverbal bodily experience have anything to do with the sort of learning that takes place in schools - learning verbal and abstract concepts? In this chapter, we argue that the body has everything to do with learning, even learning of abstract concepts. Take mathematics, for example. Mathematical practice is thought to be about producing and manipulating arbitrary symbolic inscriptions that bear abstract, universal truisms untainted by human corporeality. Mathematics is thought to epitomize our species’ collective historical achievement of transcending and, perhaps, escaping the mundane, material condition of having a body governed by haphazard terrestrial circumstance. Surely mathematics is disembodied

STEM Conference 2018

Conference Progra

Harnessing Technology: new modes of technology-enhanced learning: opportunities and challenges

A report commissioned by Becta to explore the potential impact on education, staff and learners of new modes of technology enhanced learning, envisaged as becoming available in subsequent years. A generative framework, developed by the researchers is described, which was used as an analytical tool to relate the possibilities of the technology described to learning and teaching activities. This report is part of the curriculum and pedagogy strand of Becta's programme of managed research in support of the development of Harnessing Technology: Next Generation Learning 2008-14. A system-wide strategy for technology in education and skills. Between April 2008 and March 2009, the project carried out research, in three iterative phases, into the future of learning with technology. The research has drawn from, and aims to inform, all UK education sectors

The classroom as a research community: an innovative methodological approach for e-learning.

The crisis generated by the pandemic has also affected our education system and challenged traditional teaching/learning models both in school and university. Technology has changed learning and emphasized the collaborative and distributed dimensions of knowledge. Classrooms can be considered as knowledge communities, where active learning, the dimension of research, and comparison with peers represent the values of citizenship that is also digital citizenship. The methodological approach defined as "Bayes' class" fits into this context. Bayes' class is a theoretical-operational approach to learning based on research, experience, and discovery. In this paper we present the results of a teaching activity conducted during the lockdown. We started with these questions: how to use technologies to redesign a digitally enhanced learning environment for university internship activities in the look-down phase? How to redesign indirect internship activities? How to continue to accompany future teachers at a distance in building their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and sensibilities? The focus group, conducted at the end of the experience, confirmed that the “Bayes’ Class” teaching setting, promotes a participatory culture based on interaction, peering, and multitasking. In addition, the experience allowed for the enhancement of the indirect internship as a community of practic

Decoding learning: the proof, promise and potential of digital education

With hundreds of millions of pounds spent on digital technology for education every year – from interactive whiteboards to the rise of one–to–one tablet computers – every new technology seems to offer unlimited promise to learning. many sectors have benefitted immensely from harnessing innovative uses of technology. cloud computing, mobile communications and internet applications have changed the way manufacturing, finance, business services, the media and retailers operate. But key questions remain in education: has the range of technologies helped improve learners’ experiences and the standards they achieve? or is this investment just languishing as kit in the cupboard? and what more can decision makers, schools, teachers, parents and the technology industry do to ensure the full potential of innovative technology is exploited? There is no doubt that digital technologies have had a profound impact upon the management of learning. institutions can now recruit, register, monitor, and report on students with a new economy, efficiency, and (sometimes) creativity. yet, evidence of digital technologies producing real transformation in learning and teaching remains elusive. The education sector has invested heavily in digital technology; but this investment has not yet resulted in the radical improvements to learning experiences and educational attainment. in 2011, the Review of Education Capital found that maintained schools spent £487 million on icT equipment and services in 2009-2010. 1 since then, the education system has entered a state of flux with changes to the curriculum, shifts in funding, and increasing school autonomy. While ring-fenced funding for icT equipment and services has since ceased, a survey of 1,317 schools in July 2012 by the british educational suppliers association found they were assigning an increasing amount of their budget to technology. With greater freedom and enthusiasm towards technology in education, schools and teachers have become more discerning and are beginning to demand more evidence to justify their spending and strategies. This is both a challenge and an opportunity as it puts schools in greater charge of their spending and use of technolog