Engineering learning objectives and computer assisted tools

ABSTRACT

The different technology fields have increased in complexity, especially during the last two decades, giving place to the concept of Complex Technology. An example is Electronics also characterised as a horizontal technology being incorporated in many products and processes of other technological areas. Bloom’s taxonomy of learning objectives and the revised version of Bloom disciples, which have been used by several experts in pedagogy, suffers from a generalist character and are not adapted to technology learning. In this article an engineering learning taxonomy is presented. Also a computer learning assisted tool called ISETL (Integrated System for Electronics Technology Learning) has been developed to facilitate the Electronics fundamentals understanding. ISETL has been evaluated taking into account not only the results of the theoretical assessments but also through the results obtained in the laboratory. These results demonstrate the advantages of this approach and can be depicted by the progressive improvements registered in student performance.     

The design of technology-rich learning environments as metacognitive tools in history education

Research has shown that learners do not always engage in appropriate metacognitive and self-regulatory processes while learning complex historical topics. However, little research exists to guide the design of technology-rich learning environments as metacognitive tools in history education. In order to address this issue, we designed a metacognitive tool using a bottom-up approach. Thirty-two undergraduate students read an historical narrative text either with or without the benefit of the metacognitive tool. Results from process and product data suggest that learners using the metacognitive tool had better recall and that the tool helped them (a) notice that particular events in an historical narrative text are unexplained, and (b) generate hypothetical causes to explain the occurrence of such events. We discuss the implications of these findings for the development of the MetaHistoReasoning Tool, a technology-rich learning environment that assist learners in terms of regulating their learning while they accomplish authentic tasks of historical inquiry.     

Computer simulations as tools for teaching and learning: Using a simulation environment in optics

RAY is a learning environment that includes a flexible ray tracing simulation, graphic tools, and task authoring facilities. This study explores RAY's potential to improve optics learning in high school. In study 1, the teacher used RAY as a smart blackboard with a single computer in the classroom to explore, explain, and predict optical phenomena; to introduce concepts; to interpret experiments and to represent theoretical exercises. A comparative study shows a significant effect on the spontaneous and correct use of the model by students in solving problems and a limited effect on conceptual understanding. In study 2 students, guided by written materials used the simulation individually. Students considered in a systematic manner the relationship between image formation and image observation—a major conceputal stumbling stone. They reflected on the problem-solving activity and reformulated explicity their knowledge in the domain. Case studies describe the interplay between the various aspects of the learning process in the development of conceptual understanding. A comparative study shows the importance of three factors to students' understanding of concepts and their ability to use the ray model: the computerized environment (versus written instruction of similar kind); a task design that addresses directly conceptual difficulties; and the explicit reformulation of ideas.     

本能教育、研探教育对学校教育的启示

把大教育分为本能教育、研探教育、学校教育进行比较,得到如下启示.1.教育目的和目标必须符合受教育者身心发展规律.2.教育内容必须强调基础性、生动性、多样性.3.传承教育方式不能全盘否定,单一传承模式必须改革.4.受教育者的主体地位和作用必须充分肯定.5.教育者素质直接关系教育结果.6.要建立新型师生关系.     

Reciprocal learning between Canada and China in teacher education and school education: Partnership studies of practice in cultural context

In this introduction we describe the purpose and structure of the Canada–China Reciprocal Learning in Teacher Education and School Education Partnership Grant Project sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada (SSHRC) in 2013?2020, and describe the project’s practice-based methodology along with a discussion of selected preliminary results. The papers presented in this special issue of Frontiers of Education in China animate our discussion by bringing forward important school-based activities and results. The heart of this work is the collaborative activity and voices of Chinese and Canadian educators. We illustrate our concept of reciprocal learning and how we apply this concept in our Partnership Grant Project. We believe that we have heavily benefited from the productive work and impact that has been made in the field of comparative education and we have put our emphasis on Reciprocal Learning as Collaborative Partnership throughout our project.     

Investigating the effectiveness of computer simulations for chemistry learning

Are well‐designed computer simulations an effective tool to support student understanding of complex concepts in chemistry when integrated into high school science classrooms? We investigated scaling up the use of a sequence of simulations of kinetic molecular theory and associated topics of diffusion, gas laws, and phase change, which we designed and experimentally tested. In the two effectiveness studies reported, one in a rural and the other in an urban context, chemistry teachers implemented two alternate versions of a curricular unit—an experimental version, incorporating simulations, and a control version, using text‐based materials covering the same content. Participants were 718 high school students (357 rural and 361 urban), in a total of 25 classrooms. The implementation of the simulations was explored using criteria associated with fidelity of implementation (FOI). Each context provided insights into the role of FOI in affecting the effectiveness of the interventions when working with groups of teachers. Results supported the effectiveness of this sequence of simulations as a teaching tool in a classroom context, and confirmed the importance of FOI factors such as adherence and exposure in determining the specific environments in which these materials were most effective. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 394–419, 2012     

Preservice teachers' perceptions about using mobile phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools

The purpose of this research was to investigate preservice teachers' perceptions about using m‐phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools. A total of 1087 preservice teachers participated in the study. The results indicated that preservice teachers perceived laptops potentially stronger than m‐phones as m‐learning tools. In terms of limitations the situation was balanced for laptops and m‐phones. Generally, the attitudes towards using laptops in education were not exceedingly positive but significantly more positive than m‐phones. It was also found that such variables as program/department, grade, gender and possessing a laptop are neutral in causing a practically significant difference in preservice teachers' views. The results imply an urgent need to grow awareness among participating student teachers towards the concept of m‐learning, especially m‐learning through m‐phones.     

Design experiments in Japanese elementary science education with computer support for collaborative learning: hypothesis testing and collaborative construction

This paper reports design experiments on two Japanese elementary science lesson units in a sixth‐grade classroom supported by computer support for collaborative learning (CSCL) technology as a collaborative reflection tool. We took different approaches in the experiments depending on their instructional goals. In the unit ‘air and how things burn’, we designed the unit where groups of students engaged in building theories on ‘how a candle stops burning in a closed jar’. In the unit ‘characteristics of various solutions’, groups of students collaboratively constructed a pH scale as knowledge artefact. In both studies, the CSCL technology was implemented mainly for facilitating collaboration between groups. Results showed that: (1) students were more likely to engage in symmetric communication (i.e. between groups as well as within groups) in the second unit, and (2) they were also more idea‐centred and more frequently shared their ideas in the second unit. The results were discussed from the perspectives of the scientific practices students engaged in and task structure.     

Exploring the use of web-based learning tools in secondary school classrooms

This study explored the impact of Web-Based Learning Tools )WBLTs), also known as learning objects, in secondary school mathematics and science classrooms. Surveys, open-ended questions, and student performance data were collected from a sample of 8 teachers and 333 students. Teachers rated the learning benefits, quality, and engagement value of WBLTs very high. Students rated these same features moderately high. Student performance with respect to remembering, understanding, applying, and analyzing concepts increased significantly )28–53%) when WBLTs were used. Qualitative data suggested that a number of students reacted positively to the following qualities of WBLTs: visual supports, learning benefits, ease of use, animations, graphics, and engagement. Some students were concerned about pace )too fast), challenge level )too hard), and the quality of help features when using WBLTs. Overall, it appears that the WBLTs used in this study had a positive impact on teacher and student attitudes, as well as student learning performance.     

The integration of biodiversity education in the initial education of primary school teachers: four comparative case studies from Europe

In this article, we present results from an international research study on biodiversity education in pre‐service education of primary school teachers. The study was carried out between 2004–2006 in four teacher education institutions in Cyprus, England, Switzerland and Germany. We used document analyses and in‐depth interviews with 27 teacher educators and 22 student teachers to examine the integration of biodiversity into the pre‐service teacher education programmes, and the student teachers’ satisfaction with their respective education. In all teacher education institutions, aspects of biodiversity education were integrated mostly in the natural science modules which provided students at least with some information on the scientific aspects of biodiversity. Few modules included aspects of the controversial nature of biodiversity conservation in relation to economics, ethics, social and political concerns, and methodological approaches on how to deal with this. In the institutions in Cyprus, England and Germany the teaching focus was content‐oriented, whereas in Switzerland a situated method‐oriented approach was used. The student teachers in Switzerland felt more confident to teach about biodiversity in school. All interviewees thought it necessary to prepare primary school student teachers on how to address biodiversity in schools, and strategies on how best to achieve this are critically discussed.     

International comparative studies in teaching and teacher education

This review of eight papers published in Teaching and Teacher Education over the past twenty years shows how the profession has been impacted by the forces of globalisation. The impact varies in different contexts, according to local factors. The review looks at papers that use explicit international comparisons as a means to bring local contextual characteristics into sharp relief, and discusses the values and pitfalls of this approach. The review concludes by suggesting a possible future agenda for international comparisons, one that seeks answers to the domestic challenges of the Millennium Development Goals and Education for All by looking for solutions overseas. However, international appropriation needs to remain highly sensitive to the cultural context of implementation.     

Explanations as cultural tools in science education

Cultural Studies of Science Education - After reviewing the main discussions on scientific explanation in the literature, this paper outlines a particular approach to explanations based on...     

简析中学化学实验创新教学

实验教学是培养学生思维和能力的有效途径,实验的创新要从实验的内容、形式、主体等多角度去探索,从实验装置及仪器的使用上去探究,通过创新来启迪学生思维,提高学生的学习能力.     

对比实验在中学化学课堂教学中的应用

化学是一门以实验为基础的学科.中学化学教学中几乎每节课都有实验,演示实验或边讲边实验都要注意精心安排实验内容,巧妙布置实验形式,其中有高度的艺术性;对比实验在课堂教学导入,对物质性质的学习,概念及原理的掌握等方面有重要作用,下面谈一谈本人在平时教学中运用对比实验得到的体会：     

Influence of problem-based learning games on effective computer programming learning in higher education

Educational technology research and development - Gaming is a part of today’s society, especially for younger generations. Therefore, game-based approaches are unsurprisingly used for...     

高等师范院校计算机基础教育的现状与对策

从高校计算机基础教育的目的出发,结合笔者的教学实践,对高等师范院校计算机基础教育的现状进行了分析,在教学方法、教学内容、教学模式等方面提出了几点改革建议.