“满怀激情地探究感兴趣的问题”——戴维·乔纳森博士访谈

戴维·乔纳森博士现为美国密苏里—哥伦比亚大学教育学院杰出教授。自 1976 年取得坦普尔大学教育媒体与教育心理学博士学位以来，乔纳森先后在世界上多所大学任教，例如美国的宾夕法尼亚州立大学、科罗拉多大学、北卡罗纳大学，荷兰的特温特大学，巴西的巴西利亚大学，新家坡的南洋理工大学，挪威的卑尔根大学等。乔纳森教授发表了 27 本专著以及大量的文章、论文，其研究领域涉及视觉文化、认知风格、教学设计、基于计算机的学习、超媒体、建构主义、建构主义学习环境以及认知工具等。最近编辑出版的专著有：《学习环境的理论基础》（2000）、《学会用技术解决问题：一个建构主义者的观点》（2003）、《教育传播与技术研究手册》（2004）和《学会解决问题：教学设计指南》（2004）。乔纳森博士当前的研究主要关注认知建模与认知任务分析、问题解决、建构主义学习环境设计、学习中认知工具的开发等。乔纳森教授的个人网站：http://www.coe.missouri.edu/~jonassen     

Infusing Technology into the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

A project to infuse technology into elementary school and university classrooms was implemented in two Professional Development Schools (PDS). The ultimate goal of Project PICT (Pre-service Infusion of Computer Technology) was to impact the learning and achievement of elementary students by equipping pre-service teachers with the necessary skills to fully utilize modern technology in their future classrooms. As such, teams of elementary and pre-service teachers, teacher educators, and university faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences received technology training and planned for infusion during the initial phase of the project. After four months of training, teams implemented infusion plans in their classrooms and produced artifacts which can be seen at the project's Web site: http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/LPS/EDFI/PICT. The article discusses the project and its effects on one PDS. It describes specific activities implemented and initial impacts upon elementary and university classrooms. It also addresses strengths and drawbacks of technology infusion through this model.     

Making the Mark: Are Grades and Deep Learning Related?

Assessing gains in learning has received increased attention as one dimension of institutional accountability both in the USA (Arum and Roksa, Academically adrift: Limited learning on college campuses, 2011) and abroad (OECD, http://www.oecd.org/document/22/0,3746,en_2649_39263238_40624662_1_1_1_1,00.html, 2013, http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/AHELOFSReportVolume2.pdf, 2012). Current approaches to assessing college learning are dominated by objective tests as well as student self-reported questionnaires, such as the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This study examined how the three NSSE deep approaches to learning scales contribute to the narrative on academic rigor at a large, public research institution. Using Confirmatory Factor Analyses and Structural Equation Modeling, results showed that the three deep approaches to learning constructs were internally valid, but deep learning was not related to GPA. Findings raised questions regarding good measurement of student learning and student reward for rigorous performance.     

Applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning

This paper is about the application of learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning settings. First, a brief comment is made on the nature of open and distance learning and also teaching and learning in such settings. This is followed by a brief discussion of the impacts of particular types of learning and instructional strategics on learning. A framework is presented for applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning contexts, and the translation of this framework into an instructional transaction that offers a generic plan for developing instruction.

This is, therefore, a conceptual paper. It discusses a theoretical framework for applying learning and instructional strategies that is currently being implemented in the design and development of instruction for an on‐line (electronic) teaching‐learning environment. The results of that implementation will be reported at a later date.     

A digital tool set for systematic model design in process-engineering education

One of the objectives of the process technology curriculum at Wageningen University is that students learn how to design mathematical models in the context of process engineering, using a systematic problem analysis approach. Students find it difficult to learn to design a model and little material exists to meet this learning objective. For these reasons, a set of digital tools has been developed to support students when learning to design mathematical models. The set of tools enables a process engineering student to do each step in the systematic approach for designing models while providing feedback on the actions of the student.

The current paper describes both the system, the underlying design decisions and how one such case is used in a regular educational setting. Evaluation after use in a regular educational setting shows that students are very positive about the fact that there is feedback on every step of the design process and that there is no need to deal with complicated mathematics.     

A Study of Appling Online Writing Website to English Writing Teaching: A Structured Critical Review and Evaluation of OWL Online Writing Lab

This report is to evaluate an online writing website. The name of the online resource is the Purdue Online Writing Lab (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/). This website at Purdue University offers writing resources and instructional materials for both teachers and students for in-class or out-of-class teaching and learning of writing. Its interactive, integrative, and pragmatic approach to the teaching and learning of writing on the Internet deserves our attention.     

Re‐engineering conventional university education: Implications for students’ learning styles

There is no doubt that education is being fundamentally transformed and affected by information and communication technologies (ICT). The demand for online courses in higher education is growing. Education is also affected by the new approaches towards learning and instruction that have emerged during recent decades: student centred learning, distributed learning, and collaborative learning. These new instructional approaches reflect the adoption of constructivist approaches to learning. National and international studies support this approach, but also point to a number of problems, such as the lack of clear policies and implementation strategies. The adoption of new learning approaches has resulted in the re‐engineering of courses, curricula and in certain cases complete universities. Examples of the latter can be found at the Jones International University (www.jiu.edu) that started in May 1999 as a completely new and virtual university, and the Dutch Open University that transformed its educational model towards a competency‐based educational model implemented in a digital university setting (www.ou.nl). The transition from a traditional approach is not an easy process. The implementation of the new ideas can be hampered by a large number of variables and processes at micro‐ and mesolevels. The study, described in this article analyses such difficulties when implementing a specific re‐engineering of a course. The difficulties are described and analysed in terms of the learning styles of students. The major focus of the study is on incongruencies between the innovative course re‐design and learning styles issues. The authors expect that the results of the study will fuel the discussion about the necessity to consider innovation at the meso‐level (curriculum level) instead of solely at course level.     

Lernen an zwei Orten: das Problem des ‘Dualen System’ in der lehrerausbildung

On the basis of a study of the literature and of empirical research, the article puts forward suggestions for the improvement of teacher training programmes within a dual system.

A consecutive approach to training implies that a student spends a part of the training period in an educational institution and a part in a practical situation (i.e. on teaching practice). However, the consecutive system presents considerable problems in respect both of organisation and of the psychology of learning. Organisationally, there is the question of sequence to be faced, if the elements of theory and practice are to be brought together.

On the basis of a study of the literature of other forms of professional training, the following suggestions are made:

1. students’ activities in the school must re‐inforce their learning and be integrated with their work in the training institution;

2. their educational studies must support the acquisition of the competences needed by the teacher at the outset of his/her professional career;

3. attention must be paid to the learning needs and the potential of each student.

The article describes how a teacher training programme may follow these guidelines, leading to a ‘concurrent’ set of cycles bringing together elements of theory, practice and reflection upon practice, and in which a student may alternate between the academic institution and school practice.

After giving an overview of possible models of training the author focuses upon a specific example and provides a model of the institution‐practice link. What is important is that the learning style of the student be taken into account. Each student selects from four alternative programmes, namely: instructional variants, reflection variants, selfstudy variants, and practice variants. The contents of these four programmes are explained, and the learning outcomes of students from these differentiated programmes compared with those of students from undifferentiated, ‘normal’ programs. In summary, it is claimed that in the research project described there are positive indications for a theory‐practice link which gives students a choice of approaches and a better integration of their learning into the practical classroom situation.     

Realistic uses of AUSSAT for distance education in Western Australian primary and secondary schools

The Australian Federal Government's decision, in May 1982, to implement a domestic satellite system (AUSSAT) has stimulated educators in Australia to consider the use of emerging communications technologies. Of these, satellite technology has the potential to provide an unparalleled delivery mechanism for education. Schools of the Air, in particular, have been cited as a major beneficiary of this technology.

Despite popular opinion, the viability of delivering education to Schools of the Air (SOTA) and Distance Education Centre (DEC) students by satellite is questionable, because of the small number and particular circumstances of the students involved. Similarly, District High Schools (DHS) contain large numbers of students who suffer similar geographic educational disadvantages; these students could benefit from satellite‐delivered education. Additionally, improved professional development for rural based‐teachers would be possible.     

Inquiry-based learning and e-mentoring via videoconference: a study of mathematics and science learning of Canadian rural students

This research seeks to (1) establish a feasible development and implementation model for an inquiry-based learning environment with e-mentoring using videoconference, and (2) apply the model to examine its impact on rural students’ learning. To achieve these goals, we developed a model of inquiry-based learning with e-mentoring (IBLE) based on CII’s inquiry model (Community Informatics Initiative 2009; http://inquiry.uiuc.edu/). We then tested the effectiveness of the IBLE model and reported our work in a rural context. Results showed that IBLE had enhanced students’ learning, most significantly on their affective development, including increased motivation, broadened understanding, and augmented career awareness. Implications for design and limitations of the study are also discussed.     

The impact of technological change on open and distance learning

This article formed the basis of a multimedia presentation at the Queensland Open Learning Network conference in Brisbane in December, 1996.

New information technologies are forcing major changes on both traditional campus‐based institutions and the large autonomous open universities. Some reasons for introducing new technologies are incompatible with traditional views of open‐ness and distance. For instance, the move to computer‐based learning raises major issues of access and student support for distance learners. Nevertheless mere are some strategies for addressing these issues.

The new technologies now allow for a powerful combination of highly interactive stand‐alone material with two‐way asynchronous communication between teachers and students. There is seen to be a relationship between the type of technology used and the type of learning outcomes intended, but still little hard evidence that these outcomes are actually achieved.

To achieve the most cost‐effective use of new technologies major changes are required to the organisation of both dual‐mode and dedicated open learning institutions. As well as the need for institutional re‐structuring, there is also a need for open and distance educators to re‐think and re‐define their roles.     

Use of ICT in education in the South Pacific: findings of the Pacific eLearning Observatory

The Pacific eLearning Observatory at the University of the South Pacific (USP) conducted an online survey of educational technologists (n = 60) to assess levels of access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in education and identify ways of lowering the barriers to ICT in the Pacific region. Almost half of USP’s 22,000 students are distance based, and access to ICT defines their learning activities. The survey addressed perceptions of educational ICT, development strategies and initiatives, and ‘guesstimates’ of ICT accessibility.

Results show ICT access between 1 and 11%, with tertiary‐level access at 70%. Capacity building, curriculum development, infrastructure, policy, and government support are the most important development factors. Findings are analysed through eight barriers to education, and proposals are made to help USP improve access to ICT in the region.     

Primary school students’ conceptions about microorganisms. Influence of theoretical and practical methodologies on learning

Background: Microorganisms are very important in day-to-day life, but they are inadequately addressed in the Spanish educational system. It is essential that students are well informed about their characteristics and functions.

Purpose: The study aims to find out primary school students’ perceptions of microorganisms and to analyze whether theoretical or practical teaching interventions produce different levels in student’s learning about this topic.

Sample: The sample consisted of 199 primary students in 2nd (aged 7–8) and 6th (11–12) grades from two public schools in Albacete (Spain).

Design and method: This study uses a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge of students on the issue of microorganisms. We compare differences by age and two teaching–learning intervention methodologies: theoretical and practical.

Results: Results from the pre-test showed a poor understanding and several misconceptions. Children have a limited and negative view of microorganisms, mainly derived from non-formal learning. Both types of intervention provided an improvement in knowledge, but closed questions did not reveal clear statistically significant differences between methods. Open questions showed how the scientific use of the language and quality of verbalization is much better in the groups that received a practical intervention.

Conclusion: The findings can be a starting point for curriculum planners and for teachers interested in engaging students in science learning.     

Developing Web-based Interdisciplinary Modules to Teach Solid Waste/Residue Management in the Food Chain

ABSTRACT: A Web-based interdisciplinary instructional resource was developed to provide information that will increase food science educators' knowledge of waste management in the food chain. The 4 modules are: legal implications for management of wastes/residues; identification, quantification, and characterization of wastes/residues; management of wastes/residues; and economic ramifications of wastes/residues. Instructional materials are available for faculty and GTAs for use in teaching the 4 modules. Food science educators can use this Web-based instructional tool as an educational resource in their undergraduate classes to enhance students' knowledge and ability to solve critical environmental problems in the food chain. See http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/swr/home/welcome.htm     

The philosophical and pedagogical underpinnings of Active Learning in Engineering Education

ABSTRACT

In this paper the authors draw on three sequential keynote addresses that they gave at Active Learning in Engineering Education (ALE) workshops in Copenhagen (2012), Caxias do Sol (2014) and San Sebastian (2015). Active Learning in Engineering Education is an informal international network of engineering educators dedicated to improving engineering education through active learning (http://www.ale-net.org/). The paper reiterates themes from those keynotes, namely, the philosophical and pedagogical underpinnings of Active Learning in Engineering Education, the scholarly questions that inspire engineering educators to go on improving their practice and exemplary models designed to activate the learning of engineering students. This paper aims to uncover the bedrock of established educational philosophies and theories that define and support active learning. The paper does not claim to present any new or innovative educational theory. There is already a surfeit of them. Rather, the aim is to assist Engineering Educators who wish to research how they can best activate the learning of their students by providing a readable, reasonable and solid underpinning for best practice in this field.     

Motivational patterns in STEM education: a self-determination perspective on first year courses

Background: The high rates of attrition in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes causes concern over a future shortage of graduates entering STEM careers. Students’ first year experiences critically affect their motivation and are therefore also critical components of students’ academic success in terms of retention, learning and subsequent performance.

Purpose: This study explores STEM students’ encounters with an interdisciplinary first year. Specifically, motivational patterns towards learning in two introductory courses followed by students from multiple study programmes are investigated.

Sample: 173 Danish undergraduate students enrolled in three science programmes: biomedicine; biochemistry and molecular biology; and physics.

Design and methods: Within the framework of Self-Determination Theory, a measure of autonomous and controlled motivation forms the basis for quantitative analyses (n = 173). A qualitative thematic analysis of students’ open responses further supplements and gives nuance to the findings.

Results: The motivational pattern of physics students is found to differ significantly from that of biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) students and biomedicine students. The comments reveal that some students struggle to realise the relevance of the course content for their chosen study programme to an extent that makes them reconsider their study choice.

Conclusions: The study offers input to the discussion of how to present inter- and/or multidisciplinarity to students and points to implications on two levels: curriculum design and course content. The findings are of importance to educational planners, decision-makers and teachers dealing with the motivational range that exists within their courses.     

Integrating Background Nursing Experience and Study at the Postgraduate Level: An Application of Problem Based Learning

The delivery of postgraduate courses to registered nurses is faced with the challenge of providing learning opportunities which accommodate a wide range of backgrounds and which draw upon the students' clinical experiences as well as upon conventional academic sources. Courses not providing such opportunities may be devalued by the students and perceived by them as removed from, and irrelevant to, clinical practice.

This paper describes a course which appears to have been successful both in providing for background diversity and in securing the integration of academic content and the clinical experiences of postgraduate nursing students. The course uses a problem based learning approach to cover concepts and principles relating to patient education and aspects of clinical teaching. The rationale of the approach and an outline of its features are provided.

The procedures used to evaluate the course are also described. The qualitative and quantitative data realised by these procedures indicate that the course was perceived by the students to be stimulating, interesting and consonant with their clinical needs and aspirations. The data also show that the main cognitive objective of the course was achieved by a substantial proportion of the students but that students would benefit from receiving more assistance with their learning skills.

It is concluded that the form of problem based learning used in the course can provide for the postgraduate educational needs of nurses from diverse professional and academic backgrounds.     

Collaborative project-based learning: an integrative science and technological education project

Background: Blending collaborative learning and project-based learning (PBL) based on Wolff (2003) design categories, students interacted in a learning environment where they developed their technology integration practices as well as their technological and collaborative skills.

Purpose: The study aims to understand how seventh grade students perceive a collaborative web-based science project in light of Wolff’s design categories. The goal of the project is to develop their technological and collaborative skills, to educate them about technology integration practices, and to provide an optimum collaborative, PBL experience.

Sample: Seventh grade students aged 12–14 (n = 15) were selected from a rural K–12 school in Turkey through purposeful sampling.

Design and methods: The current study applied proactive action research since it focused on utilizing a new way to enhance students’ technological and collaborative skills and to demonstrate technology integration into science coursework. Data were collected qualitatively through interviews, observation forms, forum archives, and website evaluation rubrics.

Results: The results found virtual spaces such as online tutorials, forums, and collaborative and communicative tools to be beneficial for collaborative PBL. The study supported Wolff’s design features for a collaborative PBL environment, applying features appropriate for a rural K–12 school setting and creating a digitally-enriched environment. As the forum could not be used as effectively as expected because of school limitations, more flexible spaces independent of time and space were needed.

Conclusions: This study’s interdisciplinary, collaborative PBL was efficient in enhancing students’ advanced technological and collaborative skills, as well as exposing them to practices for integrating technology into science. The study applied design features for a collaborative PBL environment with certain revisions.