Search

Games based learning is currently a hotly debated topic in education and is a fertile field of study (Holmes, 2011; Abrams, 2009). Many schools are exploring ways in which games can be embedded into the curriculum, to enhance learning through deeper engagement and higher levels of motivation (Miller & Robertson, 2010). This paper explores the use of game consoles to support learning for young students (ages 8-11) and evaluates their recent success in primary education. Over time game consoles and video games have been portrayed as a male oriented technology. This research investigated the current use of game consoles in learning and how it might positively affect a child's learning and motivation, but focused solely on female students' experiences. In the study we investigated the research question: "Do game consoles have a positive impact on girls' learning and motivation?" A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to girls in Key Stage 2 (n = 49) across three schools that have already incorporated game consoles into their curriculum. The study found that game consoles and video games can have a positive impact on girls' learning and motivation and are key themes that have been raised by teachers. However, due to several limitations in this research some issues were not fully addressed, and we identify some future areas for research.

This paper discusses writing as a social practice and speculates on how wikis might be used to promote higher quality academic writing and support collaborative learning. This study of undergraduate teacher trainees' online learning activities focuses on how shared spaces--wikis--might be used to communicate ideas and generate course-specific content. The study also explored how students, through such activities, were able to improve their academic writing skills and engage more critically in learning. Data captured from student discussion boards and a post-module email questionnaire (n = 35) were used to map student perceptions of the usefulness of wikis in support of their academic studies. The data indicate that most students raised their skill level in writing directly to the publicly viewable wiki space, in sharp contrast to the more informal content they posted on the discussion boards. The scope of collaborative writing was limited due to students' reluctance to edit each others' work, but students appreciated the shared environment as a means of discussing their work and the content of the course. Students reported that their academic writing skills had improved through their formal participation in the wiki.

This paper explores the potential for wiki-type open architecture software to promote and support collaborative learning through the use of student-created content. It delineates some of the affordances and constraints of wiki software as an open architecture that has the potential to facilitate collaborative learning through community-focused enquiry. It seeks to promote debate in this key area of development, and highlights some recent key contributions to the developing discourse on social software in what has been termed "the architecture of participation".

This paper explores the role played by communication technologies and study orientations in the amplification and reduction of transactional distance in blended learning. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling of different communication modes (face to face, email and telephone) revealed that students experience at least some transactional distance when separated from their tutors. Email was found to facilitate the highest levels of immediacy of dialogue for most students. The conclusion is that strategic students are best placed to benefit from blended learning, and that the effects of transactional distance could be analysed more deeply if two subvariables of dialogue were recognised. These are social presence (the perception of connectedness between students and their tutors) and immediacy (the temporal effects of dialogue). (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)

In this paper we describe the design of a managed learning environment called MTutor, which is used to teach an online Masters Module for teachers. In describing the design of MTutor pedagogic issues of problem-based learning, situated cognition and ill-structured problems are discussed. MTutor presents teachers with complex real-life teaching problems, which they are required to solve online through collaboration with other teachers. In order to explore the influence of this online learning experience on the identity and practice of teachers, we present the results from a small-scale study in which six students were interviewed about their online experiences. We conclude that, within the sample, students' engagement with online problem-based learning within their community of practice positively influenced their professional practice styles, but that there is little evidence to suggest that online identity influences real-life practice.

Reports on the New World Learning Symposium held in London in November, 2001 that discussed new learning technologies. Highlights include student preferences in distance education; developments in the United Kingdom and other countries; combining Web-based learning with traditional face-to-face classes and videoconferencing; and corporate perspectives on Just in Time training and lifelong learning. (LRW)

Reports on a pilot study that investigated the creative impact of information and communication technology (ICT) in a grade 6 class in England. Presents a model of creativity that includes problem solving, creative cognition, and social interaction; and discusses the creation of personal Web pages. (Author/LRW)

Examines the changing role of the teacher in the use of educational information and communication technologies (ICT). Explores several key issues, including effects of ICT on teaching and learning, the changing role of the teacher in constructivist learning environments, and new skills teachers may be expected to acquire in order to make fruitful use of the new technologies. (Contains 24 references.) (AEF)

Includes two articles that highlight changes in Eastern Europe's distance education in higher education institutions since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Examines the high demand for distance education in the Czech Republic and the need for training in distance education technology; and reports on the fourth Romanian Internet Learning Workshop. (LRW)

Examines current trends in educational telematics and presents frameworks, models, and guidelines for the design and evaluation of courses for remote learning delivery. Topics include technology-supported learning; the design of communication systems; student-centered learning; distributed methodologies; technology in curriculum development; social support; evaluation methods; and electronic data gathering. (Contains 45 references.) (Author/LRW)

Describes developments in British education in distance learning technologies. Highlights include networking the rural areas; communication, community, and paradigm shifts; digital compression techniques and telematics; Web-based material delivered over the Internet; system flexibility; social support; learning support; videoconferencing; and student assessment. (LRW)

Reports on the 11th Annual E-Learning Conference and Expo (Washington, DC, April 17-20, 2001). Papers presented in panel sessions included (but were not limited to) these themes: transforming traditional courses into e-learning; cost and benefits analysis; instructional design; technical issues; health hazards of wireless technologies; developing global partnerships; new e-learning methods and applications; and developing and encountering interactivity in e-learning. (AEF)

Presents a report by Rigmor Sterner (Lulea University of Technology) on the 10th annual European Distance Education Network (EDEN) conference (June 10-13, 2001, Stockholm, Sweden). EDEN is a non-governmental educational association whose aim is to foster the development of open and distance learning and distance education. (AEF)

Copyright of RUSC: Revista de Universidad y Sociedad del Conocimiento is the property of Fundacio per a la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper we describe the design of a managed learning environment called MTutor, which is used to teach an online Masters Module for teachers. In describing the design of MTutor pedagogic issues of problem-based learning, situated cognition and ill-structured problems are discussed. MTutor presents teachers with complex real-life teaching problems, which they are required to solve online through collaboration with other teachers. In order to explore the influence of this online learning experience on the identity and practice of teachers, we present the results from a small-scale study in which six students were interviewed about their online experiences. We conclude that, within the sample, students’ engagement with online problem-based learning within their community of practice positively influenced their professional practice styles, but that there is little evidence to suggest that online identity influences real-life practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on distance learning developments in Great Britain. Developments in distance education that are affecting teaching and learning in the country; Information on the Integrated Master's Program of the University of Plymouth; Details on the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This paper examines the changing role of the teacher in the use of educational Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Several key issues are explored, including the effects of ICT on teaching and learning, the changing role of the teacher in constructivist learning environments, and the new skills teachers may be expected to acquire in order to make fruitful use of the new technologies. The author argues that the introduction of ICT into schools is raising fundamental questions about the nature of teaching and learning, and may even be challenging our conception of 'time and place'. The paper offers evaluation of ICT uses in elementary schools in the USA and primary schools in England. It concludes with descriptions of emerging technologies (including relevant website addresses) and the possible contribution these may make to promoting 'any time, any place' learning opportunities for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]