Fostering computer supported collaborative learning with cooperation scripts and scaffolds
The study investigates collaborative learning of small groups via text-based computer-mediated communication. We analyzed how two approaches to pre-structure communication influence participation, individual knowledge transfer, the convergence of participation and the convergence of knowledge among peers. We varied the factor scripted cooperation and the factor scaffolding in a 2x2-design. 105 university students of Educational Psychology participated. Results show that scripted cooperation was
Supporting Teachers Intervention in Collaborative Knowledge Building
In the context of distributed collaborative learning, the teacher's role is different from traditional teacher-centered environments, they are coordinators/facilitators, guides, and co-learners. They monitor the collaboration activities within a group, detect problems and intervene in the collaboration to give advice and learn alongside students at the same time. We have designed an Assistant to support teachers intervention in collaborative knowledge building. The Assistant monitors the collabo
Analyse et prise en compte des contraintes didactiques et informatiques dans la conception et le dé
This paper shows the didactical and computational constraints in the design of software for mathematical proof in geometry: Cabri-Euclide. The earliest constraint is to produce software for mathematical proof without has the previous solutions concerning the problem. Cabri-Euclide is a microworld, Thus, the essential is that the system have to verify a local coherence, and not to designate a global automatic deduction.
Improving the effectiveness of pupil group work: report on first results from the TLRP phase 2 SPRin
The main impetus for the SPRinG (Social Pedagogic Research into Grouping) project was to address the wide gap between the potential of group work to influence learning, motivation and attitudes to learning, and relationships in the classroom, on the one hand, and the limited use of group work in schools, on the other hand. Pupils rarely receive training in group working, and teachers are often unsure of its benefits and place in the curriculum. The SPRinG project was therefore set up to develop,
Toward a social pedagogy of classroom group work
Abstract
In any classroom, pupils will be drawn together for many purposes and we can refer to such
within classroom contexts as ‘groupings’. The teacher often creates these, and the way that
they are set up, and how they are used for particular learning purposes. If the relationships
between grouping size, interaction type and learning tasks in groups are planned strategically
then learning experiences will be more effective. However, research suggests that the
relationships between these e
Social capital and productivity: how might training affect a company’s social capital? Does the li
When workers receive training, especially within the workplace, the expectation is that their skills will be increased. Higher levels of skills can be expected to translate into higher levels of efficiency or productivity. This is something that we are currently attempting to measure.
However, the impact of training is unlikely to be confined to its influence on skill levels. Indeed, if we were to concentrate solely on skills this would imply a narrow and inadequate conceptualisation of how org
Basic skills and workplace learning: what do we actually know about their benefits
In this paper we review the literature on the impact of workplace basic skills training on individuals,as measured by their effects on wages and employment probability. In addition, we also examine studies on the returns to individuals of general training at the workplace. On the whole, the evidence suggests that better numeracy and literacy skills have a strong positive effect on individuals' earnings and employment stability, even when other relevant factors, such as qualifications levels, are
Approaches to Studying and Perceptions of University Teaching-Learning Environments: Concepts, Measu
This paper introduces work on a major ongoing research project being carried out
collaboratively between Edinburgh, Durham and Coventry Universities in Britain. The main
concepts and conceptual frameworks being used in the project are introduced, along with a
brief summary of a literature review used to define the most salient aspects of teachinglearning
environments in higher education. The remainder of the paper describes the
development and initial analyses of two questionnaires completed by
A changing climate for educational research? The role of research capability-building
As part of the Teaching and Learning Research Programme, the ESRC have funded a totally new kind of project, which is likely to be watched with interest by others in social science more generally. This Research Capacity-Building (RCB) project (grant number L139251106) is an innovative attempt to invigorate an entire research field. Among its aims are to support and encourage: the management of complex projects, a widening of methodological approaches, the further combination of different approac
Evaluating How Our Students Think and Learn: Research Results from the Trenches
This PowerPoint presentation addresses research on the thinking and learning processes of students and how increased knowledge of these processes can be used to structure lectures in a manner that will change the way students learn. It covers methods for course redesign, classroom assessment techniques, levels of learning and goals in general education courses. Among other things, it was found that student success is predictable, all students benefit from active learning, and group work is impor
Environmental Assessment Course
This semester-long project on conducting an environmental audit of a college campus can be done by an individual or by groups of students working in teams. Each group will research a different aspect of campus operations; they will collect data, analyze their findings, and make recommendations for improvements. This SERC Starting Point site includes learning goals, context for use, teaching tips and materials, assessment, and references.
Broadband Technology
Broadband research is a McGill area of expertise. Meet researchers such as David Plant, Tho Le-Ngoc, and Mark Coates who are on the cutting edge of machine to machine communication, high-speed internet technologies, and wireless communications.
Discovering Important Statistical Concepts Using Spreadsheets (DISCUS)
DISCUS is a set of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets designed for teaching first year undergraduate level statistics. Students can use them on their own and do not need prior knowledge of Excel. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, binomial distributions, and regression etc. This page has links to more info about each topic, an independent review of DISCUS, and a DISCUS download. It also links to information on the creation of a Spanish version of DISCUS called Tutorial para el Aprendi
Computational Geophysics and Geoinformatics Home Page
The Computational Geophysics and Geoinformatics homepage contains online data and software tools for paleomagnetism and plate tectonics. The page includes information on paleomagnetic data, gravity anomalies, satellite altimetry, GOTOPO 30 topography tools, plate tectonic reconstructions, Mediterranean reconstructions, current research, a plate tectonic modeling tutorial and links to additional information. Each subject is explained in detail in order to assist users in learning to use the compu
Climate Impact of Quadrupling Atmospheric CO2: An overview of GFDL Climate Model Results
In this report, the Global Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Research Group examines the possible climate impacts of quadrupling atmospheric CO2. Several impacts are discussed, surface air temperature warming, sea level rise, thermohaline circulation changes, mid-latitude summer drying, heat index and temperature increases and possible changes in tropical storms and El Nino. This site provides a nice written overview and images regarding changes in climate and oceans due to increased CO2.
Campus Nitrogen Budget
This semester-long project uses the nitrogen budget to link campus operations with local ecology. Students can work independently or in groups to research the inputs, outputs and subsystem transfers of nitrogen on their campus. The data could be used to evaluate the effect of campus sustainability efforts, energy efficiency options, and other campus policies. This SERC Starting Point site includes learning goals, context for use, teaching tips and materials, assessment, and references.
Astrobiology Magazine
Astrobiology Magazine is an online service that provides summaries of scientific articles relevant to astrobiology. Specific topics include microbiology, paleontology, astronomy, climate history, planetary studies and space technology. The website is updated daily and free to access, however users must register to use the site. Users may follow links to an image gallery, book reviews, and a downloadable bibliography of research articles on astrobiology.
Borders
'Borders' begins with a short dramatic piece that introduces the issues of complicity, resistance, and boundaries. This work continues to investigate these themes in the style of a documentary. In the prologue, actor Steve Buscemi plays Ted, a young scientist who goes to work at a large scientific research facility. Here he develops ideas that, much to the dismay and rebuff of his jealous fellow researchers who gather around a vending machine, are embraced by his supervisors. The young scientist
Extra, Extra, Read All About It: Microbes Create Earth’s Atmosphere
You have been selected as a member of a group to interest fourth and fifth grade students in current science issues. As you searched for science topics to capture their attention, you came across this headline: Microbes Create Earth's Atmosphere. Although this seems like a tabloid heading, it is not. NASA researchers are studying bacteria, other microbes, and the gases they produce in microbial mat ecosystems to see how life formed on Earth. Early microbial ecosystems are also studied to help sc
Health Symposium: Dr. Fraser Mustard, Dr. Bruce Lanphear and Dr. Charlotte Waddell
Faculty of Health Sciences Health Symposium featuring the inaugural Dr. Cam Coady Foundation Lecture Series in Health Issues.
Speakers:
Dr. Fraser Mustard
Dr. Cam Coady Foundation Lecturer
The Canadian Leader about the socioeconomic determinants of human development and health.
Founding President of the Canadian Institute for Advance Research (CIFAR).
Head of the CIFAR Founder's network.
"The Experience-based Brain and Human Development"
Dr. Bruce Lanphear
Professor of Children's Environment
