2010: ASCILITE 2010 Conference Proceedings: Curriculum, technology & transformation for an unknown future

In 2009 Curtin University became the provider of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) through Open Universities Australia. The course started promisingly with 800 enrolments, but over the course of eighteen months has grown exponentially to

In 2009 Curtin University became the provider of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) through Open Universities Australia. The course started promisingly with 800 enrolments, but over the course of eighteen months has grown exponentially to over five thousand. Offering these courses has been challenging, and those responsible for the building of units with over two thousand students have realized that they, along with the students are on a steep learning curve - hence the question “Who is doing the learning?”

This session explores a particular classroom application of the iPad and extends ongoing research on pedagogical applications of mobile multimedia databases in the physical education classroom. In this study, the researcher identified

This session explores a particular classroom application of the iPad and extends ongoing research on pedagogical applications of mobile multimedia databases in the physical education classroom. In this study, the researcher identified mobile small group demonstration capabilities and ease of video database access as key characteristics of the iPad as a teaching tool. The described uses include: leading demonstration and discussions, easy access to extension materials, and opportunities for scaffolding of learning materials. This research explores a specific application of the iPad mobile device in the classroom that is possible due to the device’s large screen format. It extends the research on a specific classroom application of a mobile device and points to other potential applications. Further research exploring the extension of this iPad application to other body-kinesthetic teaching contexts, such as the general physical education classroom, is needed.

The Video Conferencing Regional Leads Network (VCRLN) is an initiative to advance the use of video conferencing in K-12 schools in the Canadian province of Alberta. The network has grown and from it’s beginning phases and advanced its

The Video Conferencing Regional Leads Network (VCRLN) is an initiative to advance the use of video conferencing in K-12 schools in the Canadian province of Alberta. The network has grown and from it’s beginning phases and advanced its mission in unanticipated directors from its inception. This poster will present the progression of the VCRLN identifying the challenges involved with keeping a growing professional development network thriving. The cascade model of professional development will be emphasized with specific focus on the roles of the members of this network.

In the 21st century learning environment emerging technologies such as lecture podcasts have been made widely available to tertiary students. However, few studies have looked at how students are using these tools and whether or not they

In the 21st century learning environment emerging technologies such as lecture podcasts have been made widely available to tertiary students. However, few studies have looked at how students are using these tools and whether or not they are improving learning. This two-semester investigation examines podcast uptake by undergraduate students enrolled in two very different cognitively challenging subjects in the second year of the Nursing program and in the first year of a Business program. Regardless of the semester, the different content being studied and the statistically significant demographic differences between the Nursing and Business cohorts, strikingly similar study behaviours emerged. Despite the flexibility and mobile learning opportunities afforded by podcasts significant numbers of students did not use them. The greatest uptake was in the week following the introduction of podcasts. However, once the novelty value wore off, many students returned to their previous study behaviours. While many students claimed to like the fact that podcasts were available as back up they exhibited a strong preference for face-to-face learning environments and accessed the podcasts infrequently. In addition, podcasts did not appear to live up to their “mobile” potential with most students who used them preferring to do so on a computer in their regular study environments. Contrary to expectations, students engaged in longer hours of paid work used podcasts least. Comments indicated that they did not represent an efficient or necessary use of their limited study time. Thus podcasts have not been as effective an addition to the learning environment as anticipated.

Continually dropping prices of information and communications technology (ICT), and continually increasing ubiquitous ICT power, have created an environment where ICT literacy is vital for competing effectively in a globalised world. In

Continually dropping prices of information and communications technology (ICT), and continually increasing ubiquitous ICT power, have created an environment where ICT literacy is vital for competing effectively in a globalised world. In the past, nations have developed through technologies that are expensive and environmentally destructive. However, ICT promises a new development model that is relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly. This model provides a means for relatively poor third world nations to be able to compete effectively in a globalised world, without sacrificing their environment. A key tenet for such a model to work effectively is the establishing of ICT literate human capital, on a large scale, that is able to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the ICT revolution. Hence, third world countries need to work on a cost effective model to promote large scale ICT literacy at the national level, in order to be able to run ICT based systems that will enable them to compete effectively in this ICT driven world. One solution is to open up large numbers of computer labs that will help to lift the ICT literacy levels nationwide, just as in the developed nations. However, the lack of funds and expertise in third world nations make this option, which involves environmentally unfriendly large scale construction, difficult. This paper suggests an environmentally friendly alternative that helps addresses both the financial constraints and the problems of limited expertise, particularly in the need to continuously upgrade ICT systems.

This poster describes a collaboration initiative being built for educators in Australia and Asian countries using an Online Learning Community (OLC). The main purpose of the initiative was to enhance the professional learning and

This poster describes a collaboration initiative being built for educators in Australia and Asian countries using an Online Learning Community (OLC). The main purpose of the initiative was to enhance the professional learning and development of educators in Indonesia. A great number of teachers in Indonesia have been facing a lot of challenges to continually update their professional knowledge and skills due to the facts that they live in remote areas and have limited resources. On the other hand, they are required by society to provide the best education for their students, so the students can become competitive assets in this globalised environment. Starting from this problem, the authors have designed and developed a professional learning framework using Online Learning Community (OLC) that offers flexibility and continuous support for the teachers in Indonesia. The OLC provides a conducive and collaborative environment for the teachers to widen knowledge and exchange information not only with their colleagues, but also other practitioners from all over places in Indonesian archipelago as well as Australia and other Asian countries, like China and Japan.

Case-based learning scenarios are a proven, effective learning tool. Mobile devices can be used for the scenarios to enhance medical student learning when needed, at the patient bedside. Initial evaluation demonstrated students were

Case-based learning scenarios are a proven, effective learning tool. Mobile devices can be used for the scenarios to enhance medical student learning when needed, at the patient bedside. Initial evaluation demonstrated students were positive about the mobile case-based learning scenarios and particularly favoured the flexibility and freedom afforded.

The Virtual Ophthalmology Clinic (VOC) is an innovative Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) module, on which students can sharpen their history taking and clinical reasoning skills by formulating a diagnosis and management plan on virtual

The Virtual Ophthalmology Clinic (VOC) is an innovative Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) module, on which students can sharpen their history taking and clinical reasoning skills by formulating a diagnosis and management plan on virtual patients with simulated eye conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the VOC module, traditional modes of teaching, or some combination of the two is of greater educational effectiveness. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with The University of Sydney medical students attending their clinical ophthalmology rotation. Students were randomly divided and assigned into either an experimental or control group. Students in both groups underwent the traditional ophthalmology teaching, in addition, students in the experimental group were given access to VOC. A twenty-item multiple choice ophthalmic knowledge based pre- and post-test and student satisfaction questionnaire was administered. The results demonstrated that the pre- and post-test mean scores increased significantly in both the intervention and control groups, however, a greater improvement was seen in the intervention group. The within subject change (Post-Pre) was highly significant with the change observed in the intervention group being significantly larger than that observed in the control group. The VOC module was highly regarded and enthusiastically received. Based on a statistically significant improvement in academic performance and highly positive student feedback, the implementation of VOC in the revised ophthalmology curriculum may provide the most effective and efficient teaching within the University of Sydney Medical Program.

This poster reports an initiative to redesign the teaching of Sociology for the digital age. In 2009, the core of Massey University's Sociology undergraduate major was redesigned to renew the curriculum, clarify student pathways and

This poster reports an initiative to redesign the teaching of Sociology for the digital age. In 2009, the core of Massey University's Sociology undergraduate major was redesigned to renew the curriculum, clarify student pathways and exploit new digital technology to improve the experience of distance learners. Major goals were to create an engaging and personalised learning environment and to utilise the expertise of a team of staff to broaden the scope and choice of student study. Teacher presence was prioritized as a key element in achieving these goals. The poster reports some of the decisions that led to the design and implementation of extensive rich media materials in efforts to provide a more immediate teacher presence. Qualitative and quantitative student responses to the redesign were gathered via an online survey and these data are helping to inform the delivery and standard for further work that will be ongoing for some years to come.

Quickpoll (qp.unimelb.edu.au) is a web-based polling system designed to be exceptionally straightforward for staff at Melbourne to set up and manage and for students to use in class. In evaluation of the value and operation of tool, staff

Quickpoll (qp.unimelb.edu.au) is a web-based polling system designed to be exceptionally straightforward for staff at Melbourne to set up and manage and for students to use in class. In evaluation of the value and operation of tool, staff and students are enthusiastic about the simple way in which the tool adds engagement and useful feedback to learning and teaching in a range of class settings, but especially in large group lectures. Quickpoll was designed and set up to take advantage of the personal, portable, wireless internet capable devices that an increasing proportion of staff and students bring to class - currently over 50% of our students have iPhones or other smart phones, laptops or netbook computers, iPods or now, iPads with them each day. This project set out to explore ways in which these devices could be used to encourage and support active learning in class.

Many views of fostering student resilience come from the perspective of a set of individual student traits, skill sets, or the lack of ability to 'tough it out', rather than viewing resilience as a holistic entity which involves

Many views of fostering student resilience come from the perspective of a set of individual student traits, skill sets, or the lack of ability to 'tough it out', rather than viewing resilience as a holistic entity which involves relationships, community and context. This belief, in turn, disconnects learners from the socio-cultural context in which their learning experience is embedded. These factors can play an equally pivotal role on participation and learning outcomes. This poster proposes a holistic model for understanding student resilience in a time of rapid change in education.

One outcome of Project EnROLE, an ALTC project to encourage uptake of online role play, is a refined learning design for simulation: Simulation Triad. The triad represents design decisions according to emphasis placed on Roles versus

One outcome of Project EnROLE, an ALTC project to encourage uptake of online role play, is a refined learning design for simulation: Simulation Triad. The triad represents design decisions according to emphasis placed on Roles versus Problems versus Rules.

This symposium will draw together the work of several authors and practitioners who have investigated various approaches to engaging students in the sciences with online learning activities and e-assessment tasks. Participants will engage

This symposium will draw together the work of several authors and practitioners who have investigated various approaches to engaging students in the sciences with online learning activities and e-assessment tasks. Participants will engage in debate and discussion on the affordances of the online environment, the nature of science education and what evidence we have that the online environment is appropriate and effective in engaging all students in learning in the sciences.