Introduction: Finding common ground beyond fragmentation

This chapter begins with an outline of the European context within which the twenty six research papers presented in this book emerged. A particularly important aspect of this context is Network 27 on Didactics, Learning and Teaching of the European Educational Research Association (EERA) which formed the core of the research community in which this work was developed over a five year period (2006-11). The next part of the chapter provides an overview of the six sections which make up the structure of the book as a whole. A discussion then follows of the clear continental divide with respect to didactics, learning and teaching in the European landscape which is based on the references used by the contributors to this book. This leads to a consideration of the historical origin of present-day didactics which can be traced back to a common heritage in the work of Jan Amos Comenius (1592-1670) in order to provide a platform in the search for common ground. In the section which then follows there is a discussion of the didactic triad as a tool for holding the complexity of teaching-studying-learning situations and this is considered in an expanded context in which classroom interaction in the school is placed within a wider societal context. Based on a review of the contributions to this book, the final parts of this chapter consider existing knowledge gaps between different national traditions and also identify themes that form the basis for building and extending common ground. The themes that have been identified through this process of synthesis relate to pedagogical content knowledge, learner knowledge, joint didactical action, curriculum research, the so called shift from teaching to learning, the philosophy of Bildung and its practical implications, links between theory and practice and the significant role of experimental schools. Finally these themes are proposed for consideration within the wider research, policy and practice community as the basis for future international co-operation that offer the potential to advance mutual understanding and common insights in this fiel

Notes on Artificial Intelligence

From leveraging insights in data-driven marketing, to utilizing machine-learning algorithms for medicine, artificial intelligence has been seamlessly integrated in industry to optimize professional performance. While AI technologies attract their fair share of critics, their prevalence in the public domain attests to their profound potential, both as a tool for corporate transformation, and, more recently, as a means to enhance current, pedagogical practice. These notes explore coverage in the current literature regarding both concerns related to and the potential value of integrating AI technologies into the classroom to customize the learning experience through data-driven insights, to facilitate a more efficient allocation of resources, and assist educators in the critical appraisal of their pedagogical approach in order to assess its current efficiency

Sitting Down With The Dean Students Learn To Lead

Sharing quality time in a seminar with the dean of the college can help shape the rest of your college experience-if not the rest of your life. Catherine Swoboda, (\u2708 agronomy), who works for the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, says the Dean\u27s Leadership Seminar was a highlight of her years at ISU. It taught me the joy of thinking analytically and rigorously and the pleasure of generously sharing ideas and knowledge. And for a freshman to have access to instruction by the deans was very impressive, Swoboda says

A Shift in Reality: Virtual and Augmented Systems in Higher and Medical Education

Virtual and augmented technologies provide a seamless solution for merging traditional, theoretical learning with practical application in context. Unlike traditional teaching pedagogies, in which lessons are restricted in terms of the use of additional apparatus, pedagogies that involve the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies enable educators to build upon taught concepts to demonstrate the application of those concepts in practice, and allow educators to generate multiple atypical scenarios in order to build competence in practical fields of endeavour. In medical education, virtual and augmented reality tools provide an especially important opportunity for preparation before treating patients in actual practice. Although the outlay of implementation can be substantial, platforms such as Google Cardboard are simple in terms of set up yet can provide a relatively inexpensive introduction to the potential of virtual and augmented technologies. Concerns regarding relying on such tools in the classroom as a substitute for traditional teaching are entirely valid; however, if utilised effectively in the classroom, such tools can enhance the learning experience to elicit inspired engagement, and should, as such, be seen as strategies to enhance and extend the capabilities of traditional, pedagogical techniques, rather than as a means to supplant traditional, pedagogical techniques

Study Of Equine Virus May Pave Way For HIV Vaccine

The word lentivirus has its root in the Latin “lentus,” which means slow or lingering — an apt description for the chronic, persistent infections the virus causes in animals and people. For the past 25 years, Susan Carpenter has studied the genetic strategies that allow lentiviruses to linger. The professor of animal science studies equine infectious anemia virus, a lentivirus that afflicts horses and is a close relative of human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. That makes it a good model to inform new vaccine strategies for HIV and other persistent viruses and prevent the progression to AIDS and some cancers

Genomics Tools Lead To Healthier, More Resilient Chickens

Susan Lamont was among the first to hear the announcement that the chicken would be the first farm animal species to have its genome sequenced. She thought: Yes! Lamont, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in animal science, is a leading expert in poultry immunology and molecular genetics. She knew the power of genomics tools that allow analysis of vast numbers of genes would take her research to a whole new level. Especially when combined with ISU\u27s unique poultry resources

Beitz Knows in Student Advising One Size Does Not Fit All

After his first semester at the University of Illinois, freshman Don Beitz walked into his adviser\u27s office to register for second-semester classes. His adviser pointed a finger at him and said, Beitz! You\u27re going to graduate school! Beitz, who described himself as a rather timid new college student, said: What\u27s graduate school? His adviser told him; it meant he\u27d be taking a lot more math, chemistry and physics. Beitz liked the sound of that; he excelled in all those. Then his adviser pointed his finger again. He pointed down the hallway, where he told Beitz to go see a colleague and ask for a job working in his research lab. Beitz listened and took both suggestions. He also learned a lesson in advising students that he\u27s used many times in his 45 years on the Iowa State faculty