Aaron Doering

An Investigation of the Use of Real-Time, Authentic Geospatial Data in the K–12 Classroom

Abstract This article situates geospatial technologies as a constructivist tool in the K-12 classroom and examines student experiences with real-time authentic geospatial data provided through a hybrid adventure learning environment. Qualitative data from seven student focus groups demonstrate the effectiveness of using real-time authentic data, peer collaboration, and geospatial technologies in learning geography. We conclude with recommendations about geospatial technology curricula, geospatial lesson design, providing preservice teachers with geographic technological pedagogical content knowledge, and encouraging further research to investigate the impact, affordances, and pedagogical implications of geospatial technologies and data in the K–12 classroom.

Preservice Teachers: Are We Thinking with Technology?

Abstract This study sought to understand how a group of preservice teachers, before and after participating in an innovative technology component of a teacher preparation program, envisioned the use of technology within their future classroom. Secondly, this study sought to understand preservice teachers’ ability to identify content-based technology uses for their anticipated teaching position, after completion of student teaching. The results showed that preservice teachers developed, to a limited extent, a “thinking with technology” perspective. Issues that pertained to the limited development of this perspective in the majority of the participants included: (a) the role of cooperating teachers, (b) the availability of technology integration models, (c) the participants’ abilities to generate technology-supported lessons, (d) instructional approaches to technology integration, and (e) their inclination to teach technology-supported lessons without a thorough understanding of the technology.

Hybrid Online Education: Identifying Integration Models Using Adventure Learning

Abstract In this paper we sought to understand how teachers chose to integrate a hybrid online education program in their classrooms, how students responded to this choice, and how students’ experiences were influenced by the integration model chosen by the teachers. Data collected via classroom observations, personal interviews, and focus groups suggest four integration models: curriculum-based, activities-based, standards-based, and media-based. We discuss these models in the context of hybrid online education and particularly in adventure learning. Finally, we provide recommendations for the design, development, implementation, and integration of hybrid online education programs.

Influence of Motivational Design on Completion Rates in Online Self-Study Pharmacy-Content Courses

Student retention rates are a constant concern in higher education, but this concern has become especially challenging as online courses become more common and there are widespread reports of low completion rates for online, self‐study courses. We evaluated four self‐study online pharmacy courses with a history of very high completion rates for motivational design features, as an explanation for the difference in completion rates between these classes and those reported in the literature. The validated Instructional Materials Motivation Survey [IMMS] (Keller, 1987) and an open‐ended survey based on Keller’s (1987) ARCS components were used to assess the design and instructional materials of these courses for motivational influence. Specifically, the ARCS components of attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction were measured and then compared. Findings suggest that the extent and type of educational scaffolding does impact the motivational effectiveness of self‐study, in online pharmacy‐content courses.

Enali: A Research and Design Framework for Virtual Characters and Pedagogical Agents

Conflicts occur when learners interact with pedagogical agents and virtual characters. Such conflicts—arising from technological limitations, psychosocial perceptions, and pedagogical inadequacies—hinder communication and interaction between virtual characters and learners, and impede successful engagement with learning tasks and experiences. To enhance communication and interaction between virtual characters and learners, we propose a three-tier framework of 15 research-based guidelines. This framework enables theorists, researchers, and designers to view virtual characters with a holistic lens, informing the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of virtual characters in electronic learning contexts.

Technology Integration in K–12 Geography Education Using TPACK as a Conceptual Model

There is a need for quality professional development programs and instructional models addressing the needs and challenges of K–12 technology integration in the geography classroom. This study used a mixed-methods design employing surveys and observations to evaluate teacher experiences within a professional development program focused on developing in-service geography teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) through content-specific learning tools and resources. Results indicate that instructional scaffolding plays an important role in improving teachers’ ability to integrate technology in pedagogically meaningful ways geared toward enhancing students’ geographic inquiry skills.

Curriculum at forty below: a phenomenological inquiry of an educator/explorer’s experience with adventure learning in the Arctic

Grounded in the theoretical approaches of experiential learning and inquiry‐based learning, adventure learning (AL) is a hybrid distance education approach that seeks to transform the experiences of students by having learners explore real‐world issues and pursue answers to their own questions in an authentic, anchor‐based environment. In this article we present a theoretical overview of AL, provide a brief summary of recently examined AL impacts in the classroom, and use a phenomenological lens to examine the experience of an educator/explorer who traveled by dogsled over 3000 miles across the Arctic to engage students and teachers from around the world in a truly authentic learning context. We conclude by offering recommendations for teachers who wish to embark on their own unique AL experiences with their students (without necessarily having to travel to the Arctic).

Multi-Scaffolding Environment: An Analysis of Scaffolding and Its Impact on Cognitive Load and Problem-Solving Ability.

A Multi-Scaffolding Environment (MSE) is a multimedia environment reliant on authentic scaffolding. We examine the impact of the availability of multiple scaffolds on learning and cognitive load within an MSE where learners are assigned a real-world task and given access to four support tools to help them complete the task. By examining an MSE in the area of geographic literacy, we explore the effectiveness of problem-based learning and whether multiple scaffolding is applicable to any content area. Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that a learner-controlled multi-scaffolding approach may be a valuable approach in problem-based learning contexts.

Experimental evidence on the effectiveness of automated essay scoring in teacher education cases

Research on computer-based writing evaluation has only recently focused on the potential for providing formative feedback rather than summative assessment. This study tests the impact of an automated essay scorer (AES) that provides formative feedback on essay drafts written as part of a series of online teacher education case studies. Seventy preservice teachers in four teacher education classes were assigned to complete two cases. Each student was randomly assigned to either a condition where the AES was available (experimental condition) or a condition where the AES was unavailable (control condition). Students in the experimental condition who opted to use the AES submitted more highly rated final, human-scored essays (in the second of two case studies) and conducted more relevant searches (in both of the two case studies) than students either in the control condition or in the experimental condition who chose not to use the scorer.

Field-based professional development of teachers engaged in distance education: experiences from the Arctic

We examine the experiences of five teachers who traveled with a team of educators, scientists, and explorers on circumpolar Arctic expeditions to deliver adventure learning (AL) programs to K–12 students at a distance. Results highlight the personal and professional impacts this opportunity had on teachers, including their empowering, fulfilling, and mentally exhausting experiences while assisting in delivering distance education to students worldwide. The article concludes with a discussion of issues to consider in the development of similar programs.