Relective Blog #2: Research in Educational Technology

The assignment for our second blog was to find 5 journal articles on educational technology and give an annotated bibliography on each. I decided to try articles pertaining to interactive learning, whether it be using a virtual lab online, teaching using the internet, or even how we learning using other media.

Article#1

DeKanter, N. (2004). Gaming redefines interactivity for learning.  
      TechTrends, 49(3) 26-31. Retrieved Feburuary 24, 2010
      from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational.

Author Nick DeKanter, describes the use of game simulations as the new frontier for learning. This article gives a short history of multimedia from the creation of CD-ROMs to present. He preposes that interactive learning using a multiplayer game can offer a three-dimensional learning construct, with teachers talking to students, students challenging each other , and the whole classroom discussing the causes and effects of a game scenario.
DeKanter points out that as early as the 1960 with the Learning Pyramid educational leaders have always thought that the best learning is "socially negotiated". The article discusses the creation and design of the game Making History in which students supplement what the teacher has already discussed in class, by learning and having responsibility of a developing nation's economic, diplomatic, political, and military development. Each students decisions effect the whole class, moreover the events influence the course of events for future sessions. The article states that interactive education takes the next big step in making gaming useful to high school and college curricula.

Article#2

Evert, D.,Goodwin, G., Stavnezer, A (2005)
        Integration of computer technology Into an Introductory-
        Level Neuroscience Laboratory. Teaching of Psychology,
        32(1) 69-73 Retrieved Feburary 24, 2010 from
        EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational

The authors describe 3 computer-based neuroscience laboratories.  Two of the laboratories were available from commercial vendors and the third was software and hardware developed to use specifically in 2 psychophysiological experiments.The researchers described  four different labs, and than assessed the students knowledge and asked for their opinions on the virtual labs. The three authors found that using virtual labs enhanced the lab and allowed more time for discussion with the students about the experiments. The students also responded well to the testing and the summary resulted in support for virtual labs as long as it is aligned with clear learning objectives and appropriate for the particular situation.

Article#3

Simpson, C., (2005) Teaching and the internet.
       Library Media Connection, August/September 23-25
       Retrieved February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host
       Academic Search Educational

Carol Simpson is a Doctor of Education and an associate professor in the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas. In her article she describes in detail the T.E.A.C.H Act (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization) The bill was signed into law on November 3, 2002  and it provides guidelines on how copyright-protected materials can be used in distance education. These laws had not been updated sine the middle 1970's and therefore needed revision. Simpson goes over specific guidelines on what can be used and how it must be used in order to be compliant with the law. Secondly, who must comply with the act is outlined; this includes IT staff, policy makers (Board of Education), instructors, and developers. Simpson is very specific on what can be and can not be used for the students, as well as how the information can be used. Finally, the author provides resources to help understand the law.

Article #4

Ferreira, C. and Arroio, A. (2009)
      Teacher's Education and the use of visualization in
      Chemistry Instruction, Problems of Education in the
       21st Century, (16) 48-53 Retrieved February 24, 2010
       from EBSCO Host Academic Search Educational

The two authors both professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil  discuss the use of visual tools ( 3D concrete models, statics and dynamics virtual 2D and 3D images, simulations, and interactive software ) in helping Chemistry instructors better illustrate complex abstract concepts to their students. The research involved sending questionnaires to 24 pre-service chemistry teacher. The first inquiry found that a majority of the teachers had already been using some type of visualization tool to provide assistance in teaching these abstract concepts. The research continue to describe how the teachers were planning on using more visual aids, but needed training with these tools. In fact, some of the concepts were becoming misconceptions due to a superficial training program. The results of the study found that teachers are planning on using visualization tools to help cover the more abstract concepts in chemistry, but they will require more background and training on the aids.

Article #5

Leistyna, P and Mollen, D (2008) Teaching social class through
        alternative media and by dialoging across disciplines and
        boundaries, Radical Teacher, (81) 20-27 Retrived
        February 24, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic Search
        Educational

Pepi Leistyna produced a film titled Class Dismissed: How TV Frames the Working Class. The article gives background on way and how Leistyna produced the film.  Debra Mollen is a teacher of graduate and undergraduate studies in multicultural counseling and psychology.  The article goes on to explain how MS. Mollen taught Class Dismissed in her classrooms and how the two have come together to raise awareness of
how the working class is defined through the media. How the movie was used and discussion techniques are described, as well as the use of log books. The article than describes why this is important and gives political statements and concerns.