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This study presents a pilot investigation using primer podcasts in a full-cycle epistemic activity, to prepare students for lectures in developmental psychology and support them make the most out of them. Since it is the first time podcasts are used in the course, students' appreciation of the podcasts and evaluation of their effectiveness on learning, are researched. The results show that such podcasts are experienced as motivational and beneficial for better understanding of the learning material, and that they stimulate students to engage in reflective activities. The study also demonstrates that students appreciate podcasts as part of a full-cycle epistemic activity which makes them reflect more deeply on the topics they study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asynchronous computer mediated communication (CMC) would seem to be an ideal medium for supporting development in student argumentation. This paper investigates this assumption through two studies. The first study compared asynchronous CMC with face-to-face discussions. The transactional and strategic level of the argumentation (i.e. measures of argumentation quality) observed in face-to-face discussions was higher than that observed in CMC discussions; however, this difference was not reflected in the students' subsequent level of argumentation. The second study compared a CMC discussion consisting of students from the same degree programme with those from different degree programmes. Students from the same degree programme participated more in the discussion than students from different degree programmes, but the structural quality of the argumentation was higher for students from different degree programmes. The implications of these findings for the methods used to assess the quality of argumentation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the design of situated educational and compelling experiences using SoundScape technology – which is a ubiquitous technology. Two experiences were designed: one that had a goal and the other that did not. Twenty six children then explored both experiences. The children found that the SoundScape with a goal was more interesting and were more likely to want to have another go than the non-goal version. They also made more positive comments concerning the goal version. Mentioning the presence of a goal as important factor in determining why they liked the game. More negative comments were made concerning the non-goal version and the children mentioned the lack of a goal as negative aspect of the non-goal version. One improvement they suggested for the non-goal version was to add a goal and to include more sensory stimulation. They overwhelmingly preferred the goal version compared to the non-goal version and when asked by far the most popular reason was the presence of a goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]