D. Maor

Use of classroom environment perceptions in evaluating inquiry‐based computer‐assisted learning

This paper examines the perceptions held by 120 students and seven teachers of the learning environment in their inquiry‐based computer classrooms. The subjects responded to a classroom environment instrument before and after using a computerized database which has the potential for promoting inquiry skills. Generally, there was an increase in student‐perceived investigation and open‐endedness. Although teachers’ and students’ perceptions showed a similar trend, teachers’ perceptions generally were more positive than those of the students.

The effectiveness of assistive technologies for children with special needs: a review of research-based studies

Assistive technologies are often promoted to schools, parents and educators as tools to assist students with special needs by providing a compensatory value, to remediate learning problems and to promote personal independence. These technologies range from simple spellcheckers to more complex speech recognition systems and educational software. Many research projects have examined the effectiveness of these assistive technologies – primarily in terms of their remediation and assistive functions. This paper describes the results of a systematic search of research-based studies published in the last six years that examined the effectiveness of assistive technologies that have reading, writing, spelling and speech as their focus. After a rigorous process, 15 empirical research articles were selected based on the following criteria: empirical studies involved students who identified as having special needs; the assistive technologies had a literacy and speech focus; participants were in years K–12; and a clear skill or academic improvement was shown. Findings revealed that while some programs saw no improvement in spelling, reading or writing as a result of using the assistive technology, the majority of studies found consistently improved outcomes

The use of technology in postgraduate supervision pedagogy in two Australian universities

The supervision journey is often a bumpy one. Students and supervisors should welcome making it smoother. This study investigated how the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and a more collaborative pedagogy could improve supervision. We interviewed eight supervisors and nine students in two Australian universities to explore the current use of ICT and its integration with supervision pedagogy. Recent literature demonstrated new forms of supervision pedagogy emerging that embraced the idea of creating communities, involving greater connectedness, collaboration and more intense relationships. Not all studies found movement away from the traditional form of supervision dyads. The students and supervisors in our study used email, mobile phones, Skype and Dropbox; some used social media like Twitter. Students reported their supervisors were competent in using ICT, sometimes initiating the uptake of new technologies. Overall, they identified the need for an increased use of ICT and its integration with supervision pedagogy.

Doctoral supervision in virtual spaces: A review of research of web-based tools to develop collaborative supervision

ABSTRACT Supervision of doctoral students needs to be improved to increase completion rates, reduce attrition rates (estimated to be at 25% or more) and improve quality of research. The current literature review aimed to explore the contribution that technology can make to higher degree research supervision. The articles selected included empirical studies that sought to improve supervision through the use of technology. The literature search focused on technology, supervision and pedagogical supervision, and supervisor–supervisee relationships. Eighteen empirical articles, including Web 2.0 settings, were examined in relation to whether web-based tools could influence the training of doctoral students, be effective in supporting students, and reduce the breakdowns in supervisory relationships. With a few exceptions, these studies showed that Web 2.0 tools enabled greater dialogue and interaction between the student and supervisor rather than a passive viewing of content. They created virtual spaces that combined technology and pedagogy into a process where research projects could be developed in a more collegial and collaborative way. It appeared that combining technology with pedagogy translated into more innovative ways to undertake supervision, particularly participatory supervision. The need for digital pedagogies that facilitate multidimensional changes in higher degree supervision was identified for future research.

Investigating teacher presence in courses using synchronous videoconferencing

Abstract This research examines teacher presence in high school distance courses that are delivered by synchronous videoconference. In rural and remote areas, many school districts are using videoconferencing as way to reach dispersed students. This collective case study uses mixed methods to unpack the notion of presence from the perspective of teachers and their students. This study reports four key findings which have implications for building presence in a videoconference course: teachers’ confidence and experience aligned with higher presence; teaching videoconference and face-to-face classes simultaneously led to challenges with developing presence; immediacy behaviors correlated with higher presence; and, students’ learning preference related to perceived teacher presence. These findings confirm many of the issues raised in the literature about technology integration but also contribute new perspectives on teaching presence in a videoconference.

Can technologies make a difference for hospitalized youth: Findings from research

Children and youth who are hospitalized for a short or long term become socially isolated from their family, school and classmates. As their isolation increases, so does their vulnerability as a result of disrupted schooling. Research studies suggest different ways of using technologies to overcome this isolation and support children during this critical time of their lives. With technology for children in hospitals becoming increasingly commonplace, evaluating how it is used and its impact on childrens learning and well-being is necessary. In this paper, we systematically evaluated existing research on use of technologies for communication, support and educational purposes and its contribution to the well-being of hospitalized children. A rigorous selection process yielded 14 research articles meeting the following criteria: empirical studies, using technologies for network of support, targeting hospitalized children and adolescents and targeting learning or social and emotional well-being in the last decade. This review indicates that the use of technologies with children and youth in hospitals generally increased their potential for learning and improved connectivity with school. Our findings revealed that implementing digital pedagogies and creating online communities were helpful but underutilized features in the research.

Navigating the challenges of delivering secondary school courses by videoconference

The purpose of this research is to unpack and learn from the experiences of teachers who deliver courses to remote secondary school students by videoconference. School districts are using videoconferencing to connect students and teachers who are separated geographically through regular live, real-time conferences. Previous studies have shown the inadequacy of videoconferencing to create effective learning communities when used solely as a lecturing tool, but there is limited research into understanding how to mitigate the challenges in order to leverage the tool for what it affords. This collective case study uses qualitative methods to examine those challenges and propose strategies for overcoming them. Five obstacles were identified (insufficient time, feelings of isolation, scheduling and logistics, unreliable technology and limited personal connection) with the following recommendations: leverage supporting tools, intentionally build presence and prioritize the programming within the district.

Hospitalized Adolescents’ Use of Mobile Technologies for Learning, Communication, and Well-Being:

Hospitalized adolescents experience significant needs beyond medical treatment. They require emotional support for anxiety and stress, educational support for learning, and social support to reduce isolation. This qualitative study explored the use of mobile technologies to connect students to their schools, classmates, and families in an effort to reduce their isolation and disrupted schooling experiences. We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 hospitalized adolescents aged 12 to 18, 29 teachers, and four parents about the affordances of mobile technologies. We found that mobile technology use in a hospital school was critical to engage adolescents in learning and keep them up-to-date with schoolwork. Mobile technologies should be available and accessible in hospital for adolescent patients for the purpose of meeting their learning, communication, and well-being needs. In particular, mobile technology should be used as a therapeutic tool to overcome hospitalized adolescents’ social isolation and improve their well-being.

Internet Tools for Environmental Technology Management Learning

Within this Handbook, the authors discuss, in detail: • eco-modernization and technology transformation • environmental technology management in business practices • measuring environmental technology management • case studies in new technologies for the environment • environmental technology management and the future.

Development of student inquiry skills in a computerised classroom environment

This paper discusses a study in progress which involves the use of a computerised research science database (Birds of the Antarctica) and specially designed curriculum materials. The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which students’ inquiry skills can be facilitated by the materials. Much attention is given in the programme to developing both students’ inquiry skills and their subject-matter knowledge. Year 11 and 12 students’ knowledge and skills development are interpreted as they interact with the computerised database and the curriculum materials. Preliminary findings about students’ abilities and perceptions are discussed and, in particular, constraints to the development of inquiry skills and construction of understanding are explored.