Education Commons^™

Learning With The Arts: Palettes, Performance & Employability Skills, Claire Manning

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This research explores the ways in which the arts and learning with the arts can motivate adults to learn and build the skills needed to succeed at work. Through several case studies it unveils the learning experiences of adults who participated in courses, which utilised the skills, techniques and environments offered by the performing and visual arts. This paper presents an analysis of the participants' perceptions of learning with the arts by applying the Employability Skills Framework developed by the Department of Education, Science and Training in 2002 which identifies the skills valued in the workplace. With the emergence of …

Blended Learning: An Asian Tale, John G. Hedberg, Geraldine Lefoe

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Over the past few years increasing online learning is part of the normal educational experience of students. This paper examines the changes faced by two universities in different countries as they move to blend traditional face-to-face learning activities with those online. In particular, it reviews lessons that can be drawn for others moving into blended learning environments for successful implementation.

Operationalizing Nine Design Elements Of Authentic Learning Environments In A Classroom-Based On-Line Simulation, Brian Ferry, Lisa K. Kervin, John Hedberg, Janice B. Turbill, Brian L. Cambourne, David H. Jonassen

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Herrington, Oliver and Reeves (2003) assert that many researchers and teachers now accept that well designed multimedia environments provide an alternative to real-life settings without sacrificing the authentic context. Further, researchers report that recent educational software advances have demonstrated that it is feasible to create a motivational simulation that supports pre-service teachers by providing them with tools that allow them to view the effects of their decisions within a virtual classroom context (Aldrich, 2004) However, limited research has been reported on the use of authentic simulations in pre-service teacher education.

This paper describes the on-line simulation that we developed to …

Supporting The Development Of Pedagogically Sound Learning Environments Using Learning Designs And Learning Objects, Shirley Agostinho, Susan J. Bennett, Lori Lockyer, Barry M. Harper, Jason Lukasiak

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

In a climate where Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming mainstream within the higher education sector, academics are faced with the ongoing challenge of incorporating World Wide Web and Internet technology within their teaching practices. Coupled with a “quality” agenda, academics will be required to examine their instructional strategies and to offer high quality learning opportunities. Reuse, in the form of sharing learning resources and modelling expert practice are seen as strategies to help academics in this change process. Whilst online repositories of learning resources (learning objects) are flourishing, what is lacking are tools to support academics to design …

Why Teachers Are Reluctant To Use New Technologies: Supporting Teachers' Action Learning Within A Web Environment, Garry Hoban, Anthony J. Herrington

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Action learning involves a small group (6-8 people) who meet regularly to share reflections and discuss ideas that they try out in practice. Key to the process of action learning is the sharing of personally relevant issues or problems in relation to the action being attempted. In this study a web environment was designed to support the sharing of strategies by teachers which also included a discussion space to provide feedback on the strategies attempted. One web environment was designed for an action learning team in a high school and another for a group in an elementary school. It was …

Hanging Out In The School Ground : A Reflective Look At Researching Children's Environmental Learning, Paul Tranter, Karen A. Malone

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

The authors take a reflective journey to explore the research methodology utilised in a multi-method, multi-site research study of children’s environmental learning in schoolgrounds in Australia. Informed by an extensive literature review and dialogue with researchers around the world, the study constructed a research design and procedure that could be utilized by practitioner researchers and academic researchers as the foundation for further research on children’s learning in schoolgrounds. This paper has the specific task of sharing our research story and lessons learnt as a conversation to those who intend to conduct future research with children on schoolground greening projects.

Using Online Assessment To Inform Teaching And Learning In Primary And Secondary Classrooms, Jim S. Tognolini

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

In the 1980's there was a conscious effort around Australia and in many other countries around the world to shift the focus in assessment from notions of passing and failing to those of monitoring growth; from comparing students against each other to building up an image of what it is that students know and can do at particular stages in their development; and, from collecting marks to summarise performance to providing students and teachers with information from assessment activities that can be used to help diagnose potential weaknesses and strengths and lead to improved learning. The Australian Council for Educational …

Learning Designs To Support Educationally Effective E-Learning Using Learning Objects, Barry M. Harper, Susan J. Bennett, Jason Lukasiak, Lori Lockyer

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes a design approach for integrating learning objects based on a strong pedagogical framework, the Smart Learning Design Framework (SLDF). The framework is based on the assumptions that good learning settings focus on pedagogically sound design and that reusable learning objects can be effectively located and incorporated into learning settings. This paper describes a tool developed to illustrate the framework through metadata tagging of learning objects using an application profile which incorporates a pedagogical vocabulary, and development of units of study based on high quality learning designs and the inclusion of learning objects.

Reusable Learning Designs In University Education, Susan J. Bennett, Shirley Agostinho, Lori Lockyer

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper discusses the application of reusable learning designs as a support mechanism to guide teachers in designing learning experiences for students. Learning designs, which describe a sequence of learning activities, together with the necessary resources and supports, can serve as a framework which a teacher can then adapt to suit the needs of his or her students. The paper draws on an ongoing study of university teachers using learning designs to design their subjects to highlight reusability issues and outline what further research is necessary.

Ibm Kidsmart Early Learning Programme European Evaluation, John Siraj-Blatchford, Iram Siraj-Blatchford

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become essential tools in modern life and their use in education is increasing rapidly at all levels. It is only recently, however, that they have been introduced more widely to children of pre-school age and one very important reason for this is to prepare them for their future lives in the knowledge society. In Europe there is a growing awareness that the foundation for technological literacy, life-long learning and creativity should be laid in the earliest years of a child's education. The pre-school education sector is still, however, at a very early stage of …

User Control And Task Authenticity For Spatial Learning In 3d Environments, Barney Dalgarno, Barry Harper

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes two empirical studies which investigated the importance for spatial learning of view control and object manipulation within 3D environments. A 3D virtual chemistry laboratory was used as the research instrument. Subjects, who were university undergraduate students (34 in the first study and 80 in the second study), undertook tasks in the virtual laboratory and were tested on their spatial knowledge through written tests. The results of the study indicate that view control and object manipulation enhance spatial learning but only if the learner undertakes authentic tasks that require this learning. These results have implications for educational designers …

Developing A Learning Object Metadata Application Profile Based On Lom Suitable For Australian Higher Education Context, Shirley Agostinho, Sue Bennett, Lori Lockyer, Barry Harper

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This paper reports recent work in developing of structures and processes that support university teachers and instructional designers incorporating learning objects into higher education focused learning designs. The aim of the project is to develop a framework to guide the design and implementation of high quality learning experiences. This framework is premised on the proposition that learning objects are resources that can be incorporated within a learning design. The learning design serves as the pedagogical model that drives the development. The first phase of the project required an analysis of metadata schemas by which learning objects could be described, to …

Holding Environments: Creating Spaces To Support Children's Environmental Learning In The 21st Century, Karen Malone

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

For many children across the globe, whether in low or high income nations, growing up in the 21st century will mean living in overcrowded, unsafe and polluted environments which provide limited opportunity for natural play and environmental learning. Yet Agenda 21, the Habitat Agenda and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child all clearly articulate the importance of urban environments as the context for supporting children's sense of place, community identity and empathy with the natural world. I will argue in this paper that these attributes are all key drivers for supporting children in their role as …

Professional Learning In Different Contexts Of Mathematics Teacher Education, Ian Putt, Elizabeth Warren, Anthony Herrington

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Editorial

Developing Evaluation Frameworks For Assessing Quality Ict-Based Learning In Higher Education, John Hedberg, Sandra Wills, Ron Oliver, Barry Harper, Shirley Agostinho

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes the evaluation of high quality learning designs which are being selected for possible redevelopment in a National Project funded by the Australian University Teaching Committee (AUTC). The project focuses on “Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Their Role in Flexible Learning” and is evaluating over 50 projects with a view to developing a range of software tools, templates and/or guidelines based on those that are de emed to be effective ICT - based learning projects. The approach is unique in that it tries to pinpoint the key attributes of ICT-based projects that make them suitable for application …

Formalising The Descriptions Of Learning Designs, Ron Oliver, Barry Harper, John Hedberg, Sandra Wills, Shirley Agostinho

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes an activity being undertaken by researchers involved in the AUTC funded Project: Information and Communication Technologies and Their Role in Flexible Learning. The project is seeking to investigate and develop generic and reusable frameworks for the provision of technology-enhanced high quality learning experiences in higher education. To achieve this, the researchers have been exploring ways to formalise generic descriptions of some learning designs that foster knowledge construction and problem solving. This paper provides a summary of the work that has been undertaken and describes the generic descriptions that have been developed in this process.

Creating New Learning Environments Off Campus In The Faculty Of Arts: What Impact On Teaching And Learning On Campus?, Geraldine Lefoe, Rebecca M. Albury

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

For a university in regional Australia, a new degree program on offer to a remote campus and access centres, provided a supportive environment for faculty to trial new teaching and learning methods, specifically making use of learning management system (WebCT) for aspects of communication and content. This paper examines the impact this had on the faculty, in particular at the increased usage of ICT in subjects on offer on campus and also examines other issues which were identified as problematic by faculty as they embraced innovative methods of teaching and learning.

Ensuring High Quality Thinking And Scaffolding Learning In An Online World, John Hedberg

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper will review some qualities of effective technology-based learning resources and how they can support conceptual professional development and scaffold thinking through the use ofcognitive tools. It will also explore factors that are important to professional development, as teachers participate in online learning networks and communities. It will demonstrate examples ofeffective design that must be present to ensure that participants learn in meaningful and motivating ways.

Integrating Technology To Enhance Teaching And Learning In Physical And Health Education: An Activehealth Framework, Gregg S. Rowland, Douglas Hearne, Lori Lockyer, Philip J. Pearson

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

In an era of limited resources across educational sectors, academics associated with faculties of education are under increasing pressure to find innovative ways to support their teaching and research activities - activities with which collaboration and interaction with pre-service teachers, practicing teachers and fellow academics is crucial. As such, developing a sustained community that involves such representative members is paramount for academics. A team at the University of Wollongong has initiated this concept through research and development of the ActiveHealth learning community for physical and health educators. Whilst it is envisaged that such a project will take time to establish, …

What Do I Do With The Rest Of The Class? The Nature Of Teaching Learning Activities, Brian L. Cambourne

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Cambourne discusses using teaching-learning activities that revolve around the use of small groups. He relates how teachers can keep the rest of their class productively engaged in learning as the teacher works with individuals or small groups.

The Development Of An On-Line Learning Community Of Physical And Health Education Professionals, Lori Lockyer, Gregg S. Rowland, John W. Patterson

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

While ad hoc, course-specific projects have allowed early adopters to explore possible innovations in the use of information and communication technologies in facilitating flexible learning situations, educational institutions are now exploring more integrated strategies to such developments. This paper describes the development of one such strategy that attempts to foster a community-wide approach for a group of professionals coming to terms with the most effective way to utilise technologies -- physical and health educators. The Faculty of Education at University of Wollongong is developing an on-line learning community to facilitate the pre-service education and continuing professional development of students, faculty …

Attempted Suicide: Listening To And Learning From Young People, Susan Gair, Peter J. Camilleri

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Suicide has become a major international health issue. Australia records one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world and Queensland has one of the highest suicide rates in Australia. This study sought insights into the suicide attempts of young men and women who survived. In-depth interviews were conducted in Townsville, Queensland, with a small group of young men and women aged 16-24 to explore the circumstances leading to the attempted suicide, the help sought and their suggestions for more effective intervention. The findings offer insight into the needs of local at-risk youth and provide suggestions for intervention services …

Learning To Assess School Mathematics: Context, Multimedia And Transfer, Janice Herrington, Anthony Herrington, Len Sparrow

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The study set out to explore the use of a multimedia program on assessment strategies within a preservice teacher mathematics method unit, and to investigate the extent of transfer to classroom practice. A multimedia program was designed to incorporate characteristics of 'situated' learning environments. Preservice teachers used the program in their mathematics method classes, and they and their supervising teachers were interviewed regarding their use of assessment strategies while on professional practice. Results show that all students used a variety of assessment strategies, and according to the beliefs of the students themselves, were influenced in their use of strategies by …

Options For The Assessment And Reporting Of Primary Students In The Key Learning Area Of Science To Be Used For The Reporting Of Nationally Comparable Outcomes Of Schooling Within The Context Of The National Goals For Schooling In The Twenty-First Century, Samuel Ball, Ian D. Rae, Jim S. Tognolini

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

The National Education Performance Monitoring Taskforce (NEPMT) was established in April 1999 by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). The taskforce was called upon inter alia to develop performance measures as the basis for national reporting. One such area was science.

Health Education In A Web-Based Learning Environment - Learners' Perceptions., Lori Lockyer, Barry Harper, John W. Patterson

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

The increasing utilization of the World Wide Web in higher education allows instructors to re examine pedagogical strategies and explore ways of taking advantage of the Web's potential to provide for learning experiences that go beyond that possible in the traditional classroom environment. Assumptions on how this enhances the learning experience for students require examination. This paper discusses a study which examines, among other issues, student perceptions of the learning experience when asynchronous, Web-based, collaborative tutorial activities are utilized within an undergraduate health education subject. Analysis of the study data demonstrates that students' perceptions of the effectiveness of the Web-based …

Learning Through Making In The Early Years, John Siraj-Blatchford, Iram Siraj-Blatchford

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Fifty four five-year-old children in three London Primary Schools were tested using the British Ability Scales. Every 'product' of the children's construction work for the term was photographed. Three intervention groups were withdrawn from their classroom for one hour per week for focused instruction. 'Access only' groups were also withdrawn but were not provided with instruction. The children in the second control group received no additional experience of making beyond that normally provided in the classroom. A total of 450 products were constructed by the children during the intervention phase and each has been categorised from an analysis of the …

Criteria For Determining Quality In Early Learning For 3-6 Year-Olds, Iram Siraj-Blatchford

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This book is about extending good practice in curriculum development and supporting and sustaining the positive practices that characterise many early childhood settings. The curriculum cannot be seen in isolation and it cannot exist without a strong and well-developed framework of support, the social and institutional context in which curriculum 'happens'. To develop and deliver a sound curriculum the staff must be well informed about child development and culture and about subject knowledge and appropriate ways of 'teaching' young children so that all the children in their setting can access the curriculum. Time needs to be spent developing shared perspectives …

Effective Teaching In The Early Years: Fostering Children's Learning In Nurseries And In Infant Classes, Tricia David, Audrey Curtis, Iram Siraj-Blatchford

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This report will consider three questions:- what do we know about how young children learn? • what do we know about life in early years classrooms and schools? • do we have a vision for the future, and how should early years teachers be educated and trained in order that they provide excellent education for all?