Innovative learning in action (ILIA) issue five: Learning technologies in the curriculum

Consideration of the papers and snapshots in this edition of Innovative Learning in Action, focused on learning technology, will provide the reader with insights into a range of excellent and innovative approaches to the application of learning technologies to enhance learning both in the classroom and at a distance. It also provides us with examples of how learning technologies can both stimulate and support partnership with staff and students and collaborative learning and working. This edition is particularly timely given the aim of the University’s 2005-2008 Learning Technologies Implementation Plan (LTIP), which is to enhance the quality of, and access to, learning, teaching and assessment by supporting and developing the curriculum through the appropriate and effective use of learning technologies. The LTIP is designed to help us to reach a situation where the effective use of appropriate learning technologies becomes part of our normal teaching, research and enterprise activities, and enhances access to our programmes by all our students whether they are learning on campus, at a distance, or in the workplace. The emphasis at the University of Salford has consistently been on the identification and creative application of the appropriate blends of ICT and traditional methods, shaped by pedagogical, rather than technological drivers, and acknowledging and reflecting different academic contexts and professional and vocational requirements. We have some excellent examples of how this has been achieved here, ILIA once again providing us with an opportunity to reflect on practice and student learning, to share experience and hopefully to identify future areas for collaboration in a key area of curriculum development

How to design for persistence and retention in MOOCs?

Design of educational interventions is typically carried out following a design cycle involving phases of investigation, conceptualization, prototyping, implementation, execution and evaluation. This cycle can be applied at different levels of granularity e.g. learning activity, module, course or programme. In this paper we consider an aspect of learner behavior that can be critical to the success of many MOOCs i.e. their persistence to study, and the related theme of learner retention. We reflect on the impact that consideration of these can have on design decisions at different stages in the design cycle with the aim of en-hancing MOOC design in relation to learner persistence and retention, with particular attention to the European context

Pedagogic approaches to using technology for learning: literature review

This literature review is intended to address and support teaching qualifications and CPD through identifying new and emerging pedagogies; "determining what constitutes effective use of technology in teaching and learning; looking at new developments in teacher training qualifications to ensure that they are at the cutting edge of learning theory and classroom practice and making suggestions as to how teachers can continually update their skills." - Page 4

Developoing A Computer and Network Engineering Major Curriculum For Vocational High School (VHS) in Indonesia

This study aims at developing curriculum for Computer and Network Engineering major which is relevant to industrial needs. The study employed the qualitative method. The data were collected through an in-depth interview, documentation, and focus group disscussion. The research population comprised of (1) industry practitioners from computer and network engineering industries, and (2) teachers of vocational high schools in Special Region of Yogyakarta. In this qualitative research, the one who became the instrument or tool of the research was the researcher himself. Understanding the qualitative research method and the knowledge related to the field of the research, the researcher was sure that he had sufficient knowledge both academically and technically. The findings of this study consisted of four parts, namely (1) standard competence of Computer and Network Engineering major for vocational high school; (2) the curriculum of Computer and Network Engineering major that is currently implemented; (3) competences in the field of Computer and Network Engineering demanded by industries; and (4) the curricuulum of Computer and Network Engineering major that is appropriate for industrial needs

Landscape Study in Wireless and Mobile Learning in the post-16 sector

In the post-16 sector (further and higher education, and adult and community learning) there is a need to understand how wireless and mobile technologies can contribute to improving the student experience of learning, and help institutions fulfil their missions in an age of incomparably fast technological change. In the context of this interest and growing need, a Landscape Study project was commissioned by JISC through the Innovation strand of the JISC e-Learning Programme in 2004-5. Our project aims were to take a birds-eye view of developments and practice in the UK and internationally, and to communicate our findings to a broad and varied audience. The Summary report is accompanied by 3 associated reports on 'Current Uses', 'Potential Uses' and 'Strategic Aspects'. (The four reports are available in one single document here.

Exploring the effects of computer simulations in developing conceptual understanding of Grade 10 learners in direct current circuits.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Physical sciences are perceived as difficult by learners in high school in South Africa and beyond. One of the challenging topics in Physical sciences is the topic of electricity. The Physical sciences National Further Education and Training examiners’ reports over the years have highlighted that learners in this topic scored less marks compared to other topics in national examinations. The researcher was then curious to find out why learners have difficulty with the topic of electricity. The project intends to explore if there are any better ways to learn the topic of electricity. In the process, the researcher intends to make possible recommendations on how best to plan for and teach the topic of electricity. A study was then undertaken at a school in KwaZulu-Natal to determine if the use of computer simulations can enhance the understanding of this topic of electricity. First, all participants were exposed to traditional instruction and then a conceptual test was administered to determine the alternative conceptions they had on the topic of electricity. After the test, participants were split into groups. One group was treated to computer simulations and another group continued with traditional instruction. During the administration of the computer simulations, video data were collected to examine the behaviour of learners during an intervention with computer simulations. In order to understand the depth of the alternative conceptions and to have an insight into learners thought processes, interview data were also collected to triangulate the concept test data and video data. Therefore, this study followed a mixed methods design where quantitative data and qualitative data was collected at the same time. Quantitative data were collected using a concept test and qualitative data were collected using video and interview schedules. An analysis of the test scores before implementation of computer simulations showed that participants held a number of alternative conceptions on the topic of electricity. A post-test analysis showed that the group exposed to computer simulations had a significantly high average score compared to the group that continued with traditional instruction. Details of the reasons for the improved scores after using computer are discussed in detail in this report. One of them, among others, is the greater visualisation that PhET simulations bring when analysing direct current circuits. Teachers and curriculum developers would gain a lot of insight on how to plan and teach the topic of electricity more effectively by going through this research report