Adult Numeracy and New Learning Technologies: An Evaluative Framework. In the adoption of new learning technologies [NLTs] (e.g., online, CD-ROMS) as alternative means of delivery for adult numeracy, high quality educational products, informed by a well-founded research base, are essential to benefit the individual student, and tutors/trainers (if any). Given that concept of adult numeracy itself is ill-defined and under-theorised in Australia, and that there are no entry standards for numeracy ....Adult Numeracy and New Learning Technologies: An Evaluative Framework. In the adoption of new learning technologies [NLTs] (e.g., online, CD-ROMS) as alternative means of delivery for adult numeracy, high quality educational products, informed by a well-founded research base, are essential to benefit the individual student, and tutors/trainers (if any). Given that concept of adult numeracy itself is ill-defined and under-theorised in Australia, and that there are no entry standards for numeracy tutors/trainers, or even producers of resources, research is needed to establish a defensible definition of adult numeracy in the Australian context, and to synthesise this with evolving research on NLTs to guide producers and enable proper consumer evaluation.Read moreRead less
Researching, designing and evaluating online learning tools to effectively utilise audio-visual archives: critical literacies through rich task interactivity. In collaboration with Film Australia and award winning eLearning company Crank Media, researchers will prototype next-generation broadband learning tools that continually assess and respond to an individual user's knowledge gaps, and enable access to digital resources derived from personal learning styles and preferences. Underpinned by di ....Researching, designing and evaluating online learning tools to effectively utilise audio-visual archives: critical literacies through rich task interactivity. In collaboration with Film Australia and award winning eLearning company Crank Media, researchers will prototype next-generation broadband learning tools that continually assess and respond to an individual user's knowledge gaps, and enable access to digital resources derived from personal learning styles and preferences. Underpinned by distributed learning theory and working with ?rich task? activities within a content aggregation scaffolding the research will design and field test innovative online study and revision activities. It will engage learners in recognizing and switching their learning paradigms appropriately, and in articulating these decisions through dynamic content pathways utilizing Film Australia's invaluable archives.Read moreRead less
'Always on' Learning Communities: M-Learning landscapes transforming school cultures. Australia is going online: Internet access in Australian business is close to 100 percent and is almost 60 percent in households (ABS 2005). Ownership of mobile devices is growing at 10 percent each year and by the end of 2007 it is predicted by Telstra that close to 90 percent of the Australian population will own a mobile device. There has been a government commitment of $73 million for the development of onl ....'Always on' Learning Communities: M-Learning landscapes transforming school cultures. Australia is going online: Internet access in Australian business is close to 100 percent and is almost 60 percent in households (ABS 2005). Ownership of mobile devices is growing at 10 percent each year and by the end of 2007 it is predicted by Telstra that close to 90 percent of the Australian population will own a mobile device. There has been a government commitment of $73 million for the development of online curriculum content in Australia and New Zealand. However, there has been limited research to inform the use of such content in classrooms and no reference to the possibilities of using mobile devices. Sustainable futures rely on the relevant preparation of our young people to succeed in the knowledge society. Read moreRead less
Researching the design and implementation of systemic, sustainable, school-based teacher professional development in K-6 Science and Technology using e-learning approaches. Effective, sustainable teacher professional development is a critical issue for large operationally diverse, geographically dispersed education systems. Yet, research into designing professional development, particularly ICT-mediated (e-learning) approaches, is sparse. This project uses an innovative e-learning environment ( ....Researching the design and implementation of systemic, sustainable, school-based teacher professional development in K-6 Science and Technology using e-learning approaches. Effective, sustainable teacher professional development is a critical issue for large operationally diverse, geographically dispersed education systems. Yet, research into designing professional development, particularly ICT-mediated (e-learning) approaches, is sparse. This project uses an innovative e-learning environment (developed by the CI and previously used for initial teacher education and developing school student learning), as a research tool for eliciting and operationalising teachers' e-learning-based professional development designs, in K-6 Science and Technology. It will deliver a model of teacher self-renewal, of wide theoretical and practical value, developing new understandings and strategies of professional development, and insights into the potential of new technologies.Read moreRead less
Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education. The main aim of this project is to identify the authentic skills and strategies adopted by teachers of online learning programs in rural and urban locations. By studying teaching and learning behaviours in primary education we seek to match best practice in teaching with quality online learning outcomes. ICT experts acknowledge the urgency of this knowledge. Without clear indicators for teachers we run the risk of mis ....Children, on-line learning and authentic teaching skills in primary education. The main aim of this project is to identify the authentic skills and strategies adopted by teachers of online learning programs in rural and urban locations. By studying teaching and learning behaviours in primary education we seek to match best practice in teaching with quality online learning outcomes. ICT experts acknowledge the urgency of this knowledge. Without clear indicators for teachers we run the risk of mismatched traditional techniques and minimising teaching effectiveness. The expected outcomes will be benchmarked data linking numeracy and literacy standards with best practice in on-line teaching, and an accompanying interactive web based professional development package grounded in theory.Read moreRead less