On the cognitive effects of learning computer programming
This paper critically examines current thinking about whether learning computer programming promotes the development of general higher mental functions. We show how the available evidence, and the underlying assumptions about the process of learning to program, fail to address this issue adequately. Our analysis is based on a developmental cognitive science perspective on learning program, incorporating developmental and cognitive science considerations of the mental activities involved in progr
On the Cognitive Prerequisites of Learning Computer Programming
Training in computer literacy of some form, much of which will consist of training in computer programming, is likely to involve $3 billion of the $14 billion to be spent on personal computers by 1986 (Harmon, 1983). Who will do the training? "hardware and software manufacturers, management consultants, -retailers, independent computer instruction centers, corporations' in-house training programs, public and private schools and universities, and a variety of consultants1' (-ibid. , p. 27). To da
Introducing E-Learning in a Norwegian Service Company with Participatory Design and Evolutionary Pro
Over a 2-year period, we have participated in the introduction of e-learning in a Norwegian service company, a gas station division of an oil company. This company has an advanced computer network infrastructure for communication and information sharing, but the primary task of the employees is serving customers. We identify some challenges to introducing e-learning in this kind of environment. A primary emphasis has been on using participatory design techniques during the planning stages and ev
The Collaborative Visualization Project
not available
Supporting Conceptual Awareness with Pedagogical Agents
This paper describes a series of efforts in building and conceptualizing software agents
for distributed collaborative learning. The agents are referred to as pedagogical agents.
We have integrated pedagogical agents within two collaborative environments,
TeamWave Workplace and Future Learning Environment. The role of agents in these
environments differs from past work on software agents in their function as extended
awareness mechanisms, focusing on task and concept awareness (conceptual a
Understanding the task:
How is agency distributed between tools, students and teachers in technology
In this paper we explore how students’ agency relates to openness and structure within technology-rich, student-centred learning environments. This is done by analysing how students’ understandings of tasks evolve through their activities in relation to the representations in the learning environments. In our interpretation of the sociocultural approach, we emphasise human activity as mediated by artefacts, where the output of the activity has to be understood by including human action and a
Informatics-based Learning Resources for Patients and their Relatives in recovery
In this paper we describe experiences from design of an informatics-based learning resource for patients and relatives. The prototype, REPARERE (learning REsource for PAtients and RElatives during REcovery), aims to support patients and their family recovering from heart surgery in meeting challenges in to daily living post discharge.
Using recovery experiences and patient teaching material, REPARERE includes examples of textual information, video-clips, images and illustrations relevant to th
Categorisation in Knowledge building
In this paper we explore how students talk and reason when they were exposed to a set of
categories taken from scientific discourse. The scientific categories are built into a web-based discussion forum (Fle) as part of a pedagogical and technological design. The scientific categories are based on the concepts of the progressive inquiry model for knowledge building. Socio-cultural theory with a focus on
concepts like categories and prompting is our theoretical framework. In the DoCTA NSS proje
The Complexity of Distributed Collaborative Learning: Unit of Analysis
The problem area of this paper is manifested in the new conditions that characterise distributed collaborative learning. The core argument is that distributed collaborative learning implies an interconnected complexity that can only be properly understood by extending the unit of analysis from technology and pedagogy themselves to real-life social contexts in which networked computers are being used. Experiments and small-scale field trials are only steps towards a deeper understanding of how co
Networked Computers Incorporated Role in Collaborative Learning
Networked computers are increasingly being used in collaborative learning. To understand what roles networked computers have in collaborative learning over distances, systems developers need conceptual frameworks that address the triadic complexity of knowledge construction, social interaction and technical issues. Some theoretical accounts of this relationship exits, but in terms of usefulness for systems design and how the role of networked is regarded, they have shortcomings. Based on activit
Museology and the Problem of Interiority
Museum and culture studies traditionally approach social issues related to national museum narratives by critically analyzing the historical development and orderings of collections and their functions. Studies may investigate museums' representational practices in interpretations of the 'other,' for example, or the role of official and state narratives in history museums' constructions of national identity, or scientific paradigms in natural history museums' orderings and material culture. Ofte
Principles of Effective Online Teaching
Principles of effective online teaching helps you understand and develop your own e-learning by presenting various approaches, options, and decisions involved in e-learning. The book also provides the necessary overview of constructs, relevant pedagogical theories, and definitions common to the field. It has been designed to help you navigate the virtual forest of e-learning and the rethinking and modifying of your teaching, curriculum, and methods of planning necessary to become more effective
Learning Objects 4: Applications, Implications, & Future Direction
This is the fourth and final book of this series on Learning Objects (LO). Whereas the first three books were essentially concerned with current developments in the field, this book presents a wide-ranging series of discussions of potential and probable developments in the field. Part I encompasses Chapters 1 through Chapter 5. The focus is upon LO within the context of e-learning and online learning. We realize that our authors (like us) often use the terms "e-learning" and "online learning" in
Learning Objects 3 and Instructional Design
Learning Objects and Instructional Design is focused upon the art and the science of producing learning objects that meet educational standards and needs as well as technological and functional criteria. Written by educators from across the globe, the book emphasizes two critical, strategic factors: 1) form follows function, and 2) learning objects must address the needs and desires of learners within their learning or educational context. The book integrates issues such as multimedia for instru
Advanced Principles of Effective e-Learning
With the global academic community currently focused on student learning outcomes achievement, assessment, and continuous improvement, e-learning strategies provide effective measures than can assist educators and educational administrators in the satisfaction of key objectives. Whether it is creating and incorporating simulations, building courses and curriculum, engaging in virtual team building, managing online programs, concept mapping, developing an electronic portfolio program, creating ac
L'Algebrista: un manipolatore simbolico elementare
Presentazione di un nuovo software didattico per l’introduzione degli allievi all’algebra. L’idea di base è quella di costruire un micromondo nel quale le attività di manipolazione simbolica corrispondano alle attività di deduzione all’interno di una teoria. L’ipotesi didattica vede tale micromondo come possibile mediatore del significato di teoria ed in particolare di dimostrazione.
A symbolic manipulator to introduce pupils to algebra theory
Within the theoretical framework of Vygotsky's theory, the paper presents a new algebra software. The main features of the software are described and their potentialities are discussed. According to the Vygotskian theory, expressions and commands may be thought as external signs of the Algebraic theory, and as such, they may become instruments of semiotic mediation: In other terms they can be used by the teacher, in the concrete realisation of classroom activity, according to the motive of intr
Introducing pupils to theoretical thinking: the case of algebra
Within the theoretical framework of Vygotsky’s theory, the paper presents a teaching experiment concerning the introduction of pupils to algebraic theoretical thinking. Starting from the results of a previous study project concerning the use of Cabrì Gèométre to introduce pupils to geometry theory, the experiment is based on the use a algebra microworld “L’Algebrista”. Outlines of the classroom experimentation are followed by the analysis of some protocols, according the Vygotskian th
Studying Changes in Learning Environments BroughtAbout by ICT-Based Systems
Aim of our work is to briefly introduce the main aspects of a methodology for the analysis of individuals and environmental changes brought about by the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in learning environments. The theoretical framework underpinning our work is that of Activity Theory. More specifically, we draw on the Cole and Engeström modelling of the complex relationships between elements in an activity. We have worked out our contribution on the basis of th
The Grid Shared Desktop: a bootstrapping environment for collaboration
The paradigm shift from an information sharing infrastructure (i.e., the Web) to a resource sharing infrastructure (i.e., the Grid) has boosted the development of a new generation of online services. In particular, Grid services are stateful, dynamic and operate in a secure environment. Therefore they offer capabilities that are essential to remote collaboration. In this paper, we tackle the problem of bootstrapping and supporting a collaborative environment over a Grid infrastructure. As we tar
