Group items tagged

Bereiter and Scardamalia (1996) argue that there is a difference between learning and knowledge building. Learning is activity directed towards improving personal knowledge. Knowledge building is trying to improve knowledge itself by considering ideas in regard to their strengths, weaknesses, applications, limitations, and potential for further development. Both learning and knowledge building are needed in schools. This paper traces the development of both in a Grade 5/6 classroom studying physical science. Knowledge transforming discourse is central to knowledge building because it is the means through which knowledge is formed, criticized, and amended (Scardamalia, Bereiter & Lamon, 1994). In this knowledge building classroom, the capacity for transformative discourse was afforded by Knowledge Forum® and classroom processes. Our paper deals with how this class engaged in the process of articulating and changing their learning goals as they reflected on and evaluated their class' knowledge building progress. Our sources of data come from discourse in the Knowledge Forum® database and videotapes of classroom discussion. A second set of analyses designed to capture students' activity in the database used data from the Analytic Toolkit, a suite of tools designed to track each student's use of Knowledge Forum. A third set of measures came from a pretest and post-test of students' knowledge of physical science. Our results showed that students who engaged in knowledge building discourse around central features of physical science also improved their learning.

The design of a web-based, networked learning environment, Future Learning Environment Tools (FLE-Tools) embodies a model of progressive inquiry. In this paper, we introduce the progressive inquiry model and describe how different modules FLE-Tools are designed to facilitate participation in this kind of inquiry. Results of a pilot experiment of using FLE-Tools in higher education are presented. The study was based on an analysis of 125 messages posted by thirteen university students to the FLE-Tools database. The results indicated that the course provided positive evidence for an integration of progressive inquiry and online discussion. The pedagogical and design challenges with which we are currently struggling are discussed: the problems of creating a learning community for students collaborating at distance or managing large number of entries in FLE's database.

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology.The TPACK framework extends Shulman's idea of Pedagogical Content Knowledge.

"Action Planning In Improving Practice And Generating Educational Knowledge In Creating Your Living Educational Theory"

TONS of Knowledge Management links

Excerpt from Games, Gadgets, and Gizmo's book

Steps in doing a social network analysis

The authors argue that design-based research, which blends empir- ical educational research with the theory-driven design of learning environments, is an important methodology for understanding how, when, and why educational innovations work in practice. Design- based researchers' innovations embody specific theoretical claims about teaching and learning, and help us understand the relationships among educational theory, designed artifact, and practice. Design is central in efforts to foster learning, create usable knowledge, and ad- vance theories of learning and teaching in complex settings. Design- based research also may contribute to the growth of human capacity for subsequent educational reform.

Today's marketplace is fueled by knowledge. Yet organizing systematically to leverage knowledge remains a challenge. Leading companies have discovered that technology is not enough, and that cultivating communities of practice is the keystone of an effective knowledge strategy.Communities of practice come together around common interests and expertise- whether they consist of first-line managers or customer service representatives, neurosurgeons or software programmers, city managers or home-improvement amateurs.

" esearch methods (pdf, 89kb) This table identifies the strengths of different methods of research to help you identify the most appropriate method for your programme or activity Research question bank (Word, 100kb) A question bank that offers useful and relevant research questions to help you customise questionnaires. Questions are divided into categories including: knowledge and understanding; skills; attitudes and values; enjoyment, inspiration and creativity and activity, behaviour and progression Guidelines on involving users (Word, 38kb) This document provides useful tips on how to involve users in identifying learning opportunites Interpreting visual images (Word, 774kb) This useful guide helps you to interpret visual images as research evidence. Particularly useful in researching the impact of your learning activity with children Focus group guide (Word, 40kb) This guide provides information and support on how to run a focus group "

transforming knowledge into change - tons of free resources for evaluation and capacity building.

Building an online community

"This site is designed to provide information about instructional design principles and how they relate to teaching and learning. Instructional design, also know as instructional systems design, is the analysis of learning needs and systematic development of instruction. Instructional designers often use instructional technology or educational technology as tools for developing instruction. Instructional design models typically specify a method, that if followed will facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills and attitude to the recipient or acquirer of the instruction. Obviously paying attention to "best practices", and innovative teaching methods will make any instructional design model more effective."

Understanding the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of other people - social perspective taking - plays an important role in the classroom experience.