JETDE Preface

I am proud to introduce this issue of the Journal of Educational Technology and Development Exchange. This compendium of scholarly writing illustrates the breadth, depth, and diversity of work in the area of teaching and learning. The articles in this issue provide a glimpse into the ongoing research and scholarly dialogue in educational technology.........

Reviewing Software as a Means of Enhancing Instruction

A software review procedure developed by the authors is described. The procedure centers around a form that extends the functionality of traditional software evaluation forms by enhancing the use of the computer software in the early childhood classroom. The form encourages teachers to discover ways a piece of software can be integrated across disciplines and used as an anchor for instruction. Users of the review form are also encouraged to examine ways the software motivates the user to remain engaged in its use. The majority of the review form emphasizes the important role of the teacher in identifying outcomes or skills, which may be acquired while using the software. Outcomes or skills are divided into nine areas of development: (a) physical development, (b) social/emotional development, (c) language development, (d) math/science development, (e) problem solving development, (f) self-esteem/confidence development, (g) aesthetic development, (h) multicultural awareness, and (i) creativity development. After addressing the outcomes in the nine areas of development, the reviewer creates activities, which can be applied to those areas. The review form was developed as an aid to educators in using software, which is age appropriate and individually appropriate

Original Article 2006 Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia

This article addresses the use of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to foster communication and interaction and to facilitate cooperative learning in an online course. The authors delineate the definition and history of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), and describe current uses of MMORPGs in education, including their experiences with constructing and using the MMORPG Second Life. In addition, the authors detail with practical examples the process of using MMORPGs to support cooperative learning activities, and explore future uses and research questions for using MMORPGs in education and training