Benjamin Deaton

Creating Stop-Motion Videos with iPads to Support Students’ Understanding of Cell Processes: ’Because You Have to Know What You’re Talking about to Be Able to Do It”

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative case study is two-fold: (a) describe the implementation of a stop-motion animation video activity to support students’ understanding of cell processes, and (b) present research findings about students’ beliefs and use of iPads to support their creation of stop-motion videos in an introductory biology course. Data indicated that students used the devices extensively to access, seek, and share information related to cell processes, which led to their increased familiarity with using the iPad to support their learning. Using iPads and apps enriched students learning experiences by providing them with a creative way to demonstrate their understanding of content, enhanced their communication skills, and provided them with an alternative means for gathering and sharing supplementary resources.

Teachers' Awareness of Their Diverse Classrooms: The Nature of Elementary Teachers' Reflections on Their Science Teaching Practice.

This multiple case study examined the reflections of elementary teachers as they taught science to English language learners (ELLs). The six participants in this study developed explanations about their science teaching with ELLs as they engaged in reflective practice using video-based tools during a professional development experience. Open coding was used to analyze the data and cross-case comparison identified similarities and differences among the participants’ cases. Participants’ reflections indicated that knowledge of their students’ culture and backgrounds influenced their teaching practices and the focus of their reflections. Themes that emerged from participants’ reflections related to navigating the school world, managing the technical classroom, negotiating barriers, nurturing all students, and understanding learning. Findings illustrate the importance of examining teachers’ reflective writings in order to develop an understanding of how they use students’ backgrounds to inform their teaching practice and how they develop their science teaching practice with ELLs.