scholarly journals The e-Fran Program: A Nation-Wide Initiative Supporting Research Projects to Foster Learning and Teaching Through Digital Technologies

2017 ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Monique Grandbastien
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Learning And Teaching

scholarly journals Identity, language learning, and social change

2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 412-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonny Norton ◽  
Kelleen Toohey
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Gender And Sexuality ◽  
Imagined Communities ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Language Identity ◽  
The World

In this review article on identity, language learning, and social change, we argue that contemporary poststructuralist theories of language, identity, and power offer new perspectives on language learning and teaching, and have been of considerable interest in our field. We first review poststructuralist theories of language, subjectivity, and positioning and explain sociocultural theories of language learning. We then discuss constructs ofinvestmentandimagined communities/imagined identities(Norton Peirce 1995; Norton 1997, 2000, 2001), showing how these have been used by diverse identity researchers. Illustrative examples of studies that investigate how identity categories like race, gender, and sexuality interact with language learning are discussed. Common qualitative research methods used in studies of identity and language learning are presented, and we review the research on identity and language teaching in different regions of the world. We examine how digital technologies may be affecting language learners' identities, and how learner resistance impacts language learning. Recent critiques of research on identity and language learning are explored, and we consider directions for research in an era of increasing globalization. We anticipate that the identities and investments of language learners, as well as their teachers, will continue to generate exciting and innovative research in the future.

scholarly journals Creative Activism: a pedagogical and research tool

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Morrow
Keyword(s):  
Applied Research ◽  
Environmental Activism ◽  
Architectural Education ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
A Value ◽  
External Threat ◽  
Outreach Programme ◽  
Activist Groups

Environmental activism has a long history in protest, addressing issues of degradation and segregation that threaten existing ecologies, social and built fabrics. Environmental activism is traditionally understood as a reaction, chiefly by groups of people, against a perceived external threat. In the 60’s and 70’s, an activist stance began to emerge in the work of some artists and architects, who used creative methods such as performances, happenings, temporary spatial interventions etc to convey their political/aesthetic messages. Some of this work engaged directly with communities but predominantly it was the production of one individual working ‘outside’ society. However such actions demonstrated not only the power of the visual in conveying a political message but also the potential of conceptual creative approaches to reveal alternative values and hidden potentials. This marked a shift from activism as protestation towards an activism of reconceptualisation. Recently, activist groups have developed a more politically informed process. Whilst their ‘tools’ may resemble work from the 60’s and 70’s, their methodologies are nontraditional, ’rhizomatic’, pedagogical and fluid; working alongside, rather than against, the established power and funding structures. Such creative processes build new, often unexpected, stakeholder networks; offer neutral spaces in which contentious issues can be faced; and create better understanding of values and identities. They can also lead to permanent improvements and development in the physical fabric. This paper will discuss a pedagogical example of activism in architectural education. The event (www.fourdaysontheoutside.com) is in its fifth year of existence and as such has revealed a value and impulse beyond its learning and teaching value. The paper will discuss how the event contributes to the university’s outreach programme and how its structure acts as a seedbed for potential research projects and partnerships. UK Universities talk extensively about applied research but have few actual strategies by which to generate it. Fourdaysontheoutside offers some potential ways forward.

Professional Development in Blended Practice

2018 ◽  
pp. 180-198
Author(s):  
Geraldine Torrisi-Steele
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Technologies ◽  
Social Expectation ◽  
Higher Education Teaching

It is approaching two decades since digital technologies began infiltrating higher education in earnest, and the issue of whether or not technology should be used in higher education teaching is no longer a hot topic. The use of online technologies is considered an imperative by institutions, mostly for reasons of efficiency and social expectation. From the pedagogical perspective, the use of digital technologies infuses discussion about quality in learning and teaching but the net changes in practice are minimal. In the present chapter, a case is made for continued investment of effort into designing professional development that is effective in helping academics make use of digital technologies in ways beyond simple access to content. Findings from research into the factors likely to influence how academics use technology provide some evidence of the need to contextualize professional development around educator practices.

Education Research with Electronic Focus Groups

2011 ◽  
pp. 345-357
Author(s):  
Kathryn Moyle ◽  
Robert Fitzgerald
Keyword(s):  
Education Research ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Ethical Problems ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Focus Group Research ◽  
Innovative Tool ◽  
Traditional Approaches

An emerging trend in education research methods is to integrate digital technologies into the research process. Electronic focus groups represent one such innovation. Drawing on four examples of research and practice undertaken using a synchronous, digital system, this chapter reflects on how an innovative tool can assist in focus group research in the fields of school and higher education. The examples presented illustrate how some of the theoretical, practical and ethical problems that have arisen with traditional approaches to focus groups research can be overcome. It is anticipated that reflecting on such experiences and building upon the findings of these research projects will enable an understandings about the potential for innovative practices in education research that are possible with digital technologies.

scholarly journals The Hybridization of Street Offending in the Netherlands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A Roks ◽  
E Rutger Leukfeldt ◽  
James A Densley
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Street Crime ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Street Life ◽  
Crime Script

Abstract Based on the results of two research projects from the Netherlands, this paper explores how street-oriented persons adapt and use digital technologies by focussing on the changing commission of instrumental, economically motivated, street crime. Our findings show how social media are used by street offenders to facilitate or improve parts of the crime script of already existing criminal activities but also how street offenders are engaging in criminal activities not typically associated with the street, like phishing and fraud. Taken together, this paper documents how technology has permeated street life and contributed to the ‘hybridization’ of street offending in the Netherlands—i.e. offending that takes place in person and online, often at the same time.

scholarly journals Materialist Perspectives on Digital Technologies

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Pötzsch
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Information ◽  
Critical Media ◽  
Information And Communication

Abstract The present article brings critical media research and science and technology studies (STS) into dialogue with approaches to digital literacy and digital competencies in educational contexts. In particular, it focuses on material aspects of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as technical infrastructure, economic conditions, ecological consequences, and code-based as well as embodied forms of impact, and argues that digital applications and devices have ambiguous and often contradictory affordances and effects that need to be addressed in academic literature and pedagogical practice. The main objective is to inform on-going debates on the nature and content of digital literacy and digital competence from a critical materialist vantage point, and to facilitate learning and teaching about, rather than with, digital technologies by highlighting salient issue areas in need of continued critical attention.

scholarly journals Is there hope for action research in a ‘directed profession’?

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-355
Author(s):  
Caroline Daly ◽  
Linda Davidge-Smith ◽  
Chris F. Williams ◽  
Catherine E. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Cognitive Conflict ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Meaningful Change ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Pedagogical Models ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Critical Perspectives

In this conceptual article, we explore the idea that neo-liberalism has created a ‘directed profession’ with consequences for action research. There are dominant discourses of compliance and performativity which have diminished teachers’ capacity to ask research questions that are disruptive of existing orthodoxies and restricted curriculum and pedagogical models. The article explores the implications of this for teachers as they reflect on practice and wish to make meaningful change to learning and teaching. It has been written from the perspective of four teacher educators who have first-hand experience of developing inquiry-based projects with teachers. First, we consider how action research has been appropriated by policymakers and is in many cases a long way from emancipatory traditions. We explore the importance of dialogue in generating ‘cognitive conflict’ and ‘values–practice dissonance’ among action researchers. Finally, we discuss a ‘dialogic framework’ as a protocol that can help to generate critical perspectives among teachers. We highlight the ‘incubation phase’ of action research, and we suggest that such a protocol has a role in the early stages of thinking about a focus for action research projects. It may help to reclaim action research from bending to the pressures of accountability and performativity in what it sets out to change.

scholarly journals Situating Vocational Learning and Teaching Using Digital Technologies - A Mapping Review of Current Research Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-360
Author(s):  
Martin Dobricki ◽  
Alessia Evi-Colombo ◽  
Alberto Cattaneo
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Work Situation ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Vocational Learning

Context: The ongoing change of work life by digital technologies requires vocational education and training (VET) to adapt constantly. This "digital transformation" of work life gives therefore rise to the question how to advance the use of digital technologies in VET. A possible answer may be found by considering that VET should be transferable to work life. This goal may be achieved by coupling educational activities with examples of work situations. Such situated education may be accomplished by using digital technologies. Until five years ago this mainly consisted in using digital photos, videos, and the internet for educational scaffolding or learning tasks. In research this situated digital VET taxonomy is currently expanding. Hence, the use of digital technologies in VET may be advanced by considering current research literature on situated digital VET.Method: Here, we have searched and reviewed scientific publications on situated digital VET published in the past five years. In the peer-reviewed publications that we had selected, we first identified which digital technologies were used for situated VET and which educational activities were coupled with work situation examples. Subsequently, we identified the categories to which the publications could be grouped together by analyzing the content of their full texts. Results: Situated digital VET was accomplished in about half of the reviewed publications by a digital video on a work situation, and in almost half of the publications by a work situation presented in a 3D virtual environment. Digital videos on work situations mostly served all types of learning tasks and rather rarely educational scaffolding. Work situations presented in 3D virtual environments mostly served cognitive or behavioral learning tasks and never educational scaffolding. Situated digital VET was moreover accomplished by using the digital representation of a work situation that either had occurred previously or that was immediately taking place. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that retrospectively and immediately situated digital VET may be the two categories of an up-to-date basic taxonomy of situated digital VET. Hence, an important question to investigate for advancing the use of digital technologies in VET is the following: Which of the two identified types of situated digital VET can facilitate which kind of vocational learning? Based on the reviewed publications we are not able to give any answers to this. Hence, there is a massive need to investigate which kind of vocational learning can be facilitated by retrospectively, and which by immediately situated digital VET. 

scholarly journals The determinism of the information society and the educational system: Enhancing academic attainments within distance learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-121
Author(s):  
Oksana Nikolaevna Kolomytseva ◽  
◽  
Artem Mikhailovich Stativka ◽  
Ding Shuqin ◽  
Valentina Ivanovna Stativka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Information Society ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Ict Competence ◽  
The One ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level

Introduction. The article discusses ambiguous attitudes of information society citizens to the use of digital technologies in education. The aim of the research is to reveal and describe the deterministic nature of society and education, to explain the reasons for the ambiguous attitudes towards the use of digital technologies in education, and to analyze and summarize their advantages and capabilities to improve academic outcomes in the context of distance learning. Materials and Methods. By adopting personality-centered, activity-based and environmental approaches, the study considers the individual as a subject of learning and teaching, who can freely choose modes and means of learning, as well as communicative strategies within learning environments. Research methods include analysis of scholarly literature, synthesis of findings, and generalization. Empirical data were collected via a questionnaire and analyzed using statistical data processing methods. The sample consisted of students and teachers. Results. The literature review has been used to characterize and describe the information society in order to reveal its contradictory nature and multi-vector impact on the individual in the educational environment. Changes in the psycho-biological mechanisms of learners belonging to Generation Z are outlined and summarized. The authors emphasize the need for adjusting teaching methods to the peculiarities of modern learners. The study indicates that learners’ attitudes towards digital technologies are determined by their ICT competence. The recommendations on the improvement of instruction in a virtual learning environment are presented. Conclusions. The information society has predetermined the inevitability of the introduction and use of information technologies in the education, which , on the one hand, increases learners’ educational and research capabilities, and, on the other hand, requires a high level of ICT competence as well as major expenditures on such changes. The identified contradictions have led to restrained attitudes to distance (online) learning.

scholarly journals Developing Digital Literacies by Bridging Skills and Pedagogy: Case Study from a Centre for Enhancing Learning through Technology (CELT)

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Conboy ◽  
Sukhtinder Kaur ◽  
Julie Lowe ◽  
Ian Pettit ◽  
Rob Weale
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Effective Practices ◽  
Digital Literacies ◽  
Teaching Experiences ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

In 2011 the Centre for Enhancing Learning through Technology (CELT) was established at De Montfort University (DMU). The aim of the Centre is to work with staff and students to transform their learning and teaching experiences through the situated use of technologies (CELT, 2013). This case study offers an overview of the ways in which the CELT seeks to realise its vision in relation to the use of digital technologies for enhancing teaching and learning. In particular it seeks to ‘bridge the gap’ between digital ‘know how’ and the effective pedagogic implementation of digital technology as part of a curriculum. Key elements of the CELT strategy, and its ‘on the ground’ approaches to catalysing engagement and driving innovation in the use of digital technologies for teaching and learning will be detailed. This will include a series of examples of staff developmental projects that have sought to enhance student learning through the use of digital technologies. It is hoped that the case study will be of value in terms of highlighting effective practices and broader strategic approaches that may inform other practitioners who are interested in the use digital technologies for enhancing teaching and learning.

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