Classtalk: A Classroom Communication System for Active Learning

This pdf file is an article describing the advantages of using Classtalk technology in the classroom to enhance classroom communication. Classtalk technology cab facilitate the presentation of questions for small group work, collec the student answers and then display histograms showing how the class answered. This new communication technology can help instructors create a more interactive, student centered classroom, especially when teaching large courses. The article describes Classtalk as a very useful tool not only for engaging students in active learning, but also for enhancing the overall communication within the classroom. This article is a selection from the electronic Journal for Computing in Higher Education. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Play in the primary school classroom? The experience of teachers supporting children’s learning through a new pedagogy

In Scotland in recent years there has been growing interest in a more play-based pedagogy commonly described as Active Learning. The research reported in this article is an exploration of moves towards creating an active play-based learning environment in six Primary 1 classrooms in Scotland and is concerned with (i) the children's experiences in such a play-based active learning environment in school and (ii) their teachers' perspectives on this pedagogical innovation and their roles in supporting the learners. This study examined experiences and perspectives within and across each of the six child-centred and play-focused classes. The main findings suggest that the role of the teacher varies between what could be considered as teacher-intensive and teacher-initiated activities. 'Active' or 'play-based' learning was interpreted differently by teachers; play in some classrooms was peripheral rather than integral to the learning process and curriculum-embedded