Jeffrey T. Clark

Research on role-based learning technologies

One of the goals of science education is to familiarize students with an intellectual framework based on established scientific principles and general approaches that can later be used to solve science-based problems. Science is also content-based, and students must master the content of a discipline in order to succeed. The challenge for science educators is to develop educational tools and methods that deliver the principles but at the same time teach the important content material, but in a meaningful way. The paper describes research based on experimental virtual role-based environments built to explore the following beliefs: educational technology should capitalize on the natural human propensity for role-playing; students will be willing to assume roles if the environment makes it easy to do, and if the environment reinforces role-playing through careful crafting of explicit tutorial components; that educational software should be engaging, entertaining, attractive, interactive, and flexible: in short, game-like. The experiences provided to the student within these virtual worlds can be both meaningful and authentic, although some trade-offs are required to make them fun, challenging, and occasionally unpredictable.

Space and structure in Polynesia: instantiated spatial logic in American Sāmoa

ABSTRACT This study examines the intersections of spatial logic and archaeology in the Sāmoan Archipelago of Polynesia. These islands provide model systems for understanding social space given their small size and bounded nature. We argue that spatial logic, defined as group conceptualization of space or shared orientations, contributes to the patterning of archaeological remains in Sāmoa. The building of architectural structures and the cultural structuring of space can also be seen as political negotiation, even though the ideal spatial distribution is never met. While shared general patterns of spatial orientation may be identified across wide regions, it is also important to understand the development of spatial logic in the archaeological record as active processes embedded within historical context.