A modelling challenge : untangling learner knowledge
For now about three decades, systematic research on students learning of science and mathematics has evidenced a great variety of the possible understanding for a given notion, as well as an important sensitivity of these understandings to contexts. Students' knowing appears as a tangle of local conceptions of which we have a very partial and unorganised picture. We present here the outlines of the modelling tool we have developed, and of its framework, in order to give account of learners' know
Cynergies: Technologies that Hybridize Physical and Cyberspaces
This paper presents ways in which cybrids depend for their technology upon three existing models of architectural hybrid: display space, environmental computing, and augmented/mixed reality. Cybrids bring these techniques together into a synergistic whole that depends as much on the observer for its consistency as it does on its comprising technologies. This synergy is a product of corroborative behavior between different modes, which provide cybrid users with a coherent social/spatial experienc
Pollution Solutions
To develop an understanding of modern industrial technologies that clean up and prevent air pollution, students build and observe a variety of simple models of engineering pollutant recovery methods: scrubber, electrostatic precipitator, cyclone and baghouse. In an associated literacy activity, students become more aware of global environmental problems and play a part in their solution by writing environmental action campaign letters.
The No Zone of Ozone
Students explore the causes and effects of the Earth’s ozone holes through discussion and an interactive simulation. In an associated literacy activity, students learn how to tell a story in order to make a complex topic (such as global warming or ozone holes) easier for a reader to grasp.
Adaptive learning scenarios for detection of misconceptions about electricity and remediation
Our main objective is to model the knowledge used by learners in order to solve problems about electricity. We are searching means to do a diagnosis about student's activity based on a microworld of electric circuits. Once the diagnosis realized, we try to provide the learner with the most relevant remediation with regard to his/her misconceptions.
Soapy Stress
To experience the three types of material stress related to rocks — tensional, compressional and shear — students break bars of soap using only their hands. They apply force created by the muscles in their own hands to put pressure on the soap, a model for the larger scale, real-world phenomena that forms, shapes and moves the rocks of our planet. They also learn the real-life implications of understanding stress in rocks, both for predicting natural hazards and building safe structures.
Wind Power
In this activity, students develop an understanding of how engineers use wind to generate electricity. They will build a model anemometer to better understand and measure wind speed.
Surveying the scene: learning metaphors, survey design and the workplace context
The skills debate has for many years been preoccupied with the supply of qualified individuals and participation in training events. This emphasis is reflected in the sources of systematic data currently available. However, recent case study work suggests that qualifications and training are partial measures of skill development as most learning arises naturally out of the demands and challenges of everyday work experience and interactions with colleagues, clients and customers. This paper ar
Traveling Sound
Students explore how sound waves move through liquids, solids and gases in a series of simple sound energy experiments. Understanding the properties of sound and how sound waves travel helps engineers determine the best room shape and construction materials when designing sound recording studios, classrooms, libraries, concert halls and theatres.
Oil Spill Cleanup
This hands-on experiment will provide students with an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. Students will create their own oil spill, try different methods for cleaning it up, and then discuss the merits of each method in terms of effectiveness (cleanliness) and cost. They will be asked to put themselves in the place of both an environmental engineer and an oil company owner who are responsible for the clean-up.
SMECTRA - An European network for online counselling on the application of new media in enterprise t
This communication introduces the objectives and the innovative approaches proposed in the frame of the Leonardo da Vinci pilot project SMECTRA: "Small and Medium Enterprises Counselling and TRAining network for the efficient application of new media". More specifically, it focuses on the evaluation of the status of vocational training and e-Learning in Small and Medium Enterprises emphasising that the technology and the content are not sufficient to implement successful e-Learning programmes, b
State of the art on Interaction and Collaboration Analysis
The document focuses on students-machine or students-students' interactions analysis that could support students & teachers, when students work in stand-alone mode or in collaborative technology based learning environments. The document concerns the State of the art on the interaction analysis dimensions and approaches that are already applied. The appropriateness of these approaches is related to the learning environments features, the user's profile, the learning activities, and the context of
Garibaldi: the patriot as global hero
The Italian revolutionary leader Giuseppe Garibaldi was not only worshipped as national hero in his country but he was also a hugely popular global figure in his lifetime - an estimated 500,000 people turned out to greet him on his arrival in London in 1864. The lecture, which marks the bicentenary of Garibaldi's birth, examines the charismatic leader's emergence as global symbol in the context of nineteenth-century globalization processes, developments in mass media, and political conflicts.
Turning the Air Upside Down
Students develop their understanding of air convection currents and temperature inversions by constructing and observing simple models.
The Social Impact of the Arts
How have writers attempted to articulate the impact of the Arts in society? Oliver Bennett and Eleanora Belfiore discuss what an understanding of this history of ideas brings to contemporary debates on Arts policy and the value of the Arts.
The Death of Privatised Keynesianism
Professor Colin Crouch explains how a model of privatised Keynesianism has lead to financial meltdown and considers what changes are needed to resolve weaknesses in the global economy.
Should we be worried about Swine Flu?
Professor Nigel Dimmock talks about the threat of Swine Flu and how we might respond to a global pandemic.
Which way China? Will the world's most populous country embrace sustainable development? Is Dongtan
Dongtan Eco-City, has been widely publicised and is regarded as a flagship model for sustainable urban development. But as China continues to urbanise with amazing rapidity, will such projects become mainstream? Can China avoid ever more national and global environmental damage in the all-out rush to grow its cities and its economy?
Positions, Activities and Organisations: strategy, from conception to implementation
This is the first in a series of lectures to mark the establishment of LSE's Department of Management.Professor Garicano will discuss how recent advances in the economic analysis of the internal organisation of firms allow for a deeper study of the organisational consequences of positioning choices, and thus permit a more complete understanding of strategy implementation'.
The Global Company of 2020- what does the future hold?
Dominic Casserley will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing global companies in 2020. Will they be similar to the multinational of today? If not, how will they differ? Will they have to be large? How will they relate to investors? How will they interact with consumers? How will they manage their talent pools? How will they interact with society more broadly? Drawing on his extensive experience of advising major multi-national organisations across the world, Dominic will provide a pers
