Technology-Enhanced Discovery

2014 ◽  
Vol 107 (9) ◽  
pp. 660-665
Author(s):  
Chris Harrow ◽  
Lillian Chin
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Conic Sections ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Ninth Grader ◽  
Classroom Use ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

Exploration, innovation, proof: For students, teachers, and others who are curious, keeping your mind open and ready to investigate unusual or unexpected properties will always lead to learning something new. Technology can further this process, allowing various behaviors to be analyzed that were previously memorized or poorly understood. This article shares the adventure of one such discovery of exploration, innovation, and proof that was uncovered when a teacher tried to find a smoother way to model conic sections using dynamic technology. When an unexpected pattern regarding the locus of an ellipse's or hyperbola's foci emerged, he pitched the problem to a ninth grader as a challenge, resulting in a marvelous adventure for both teacher and student. Beginning with the evolution of the ideas that led to the discovery of the focal locus and ending with the significant student-written proof and conclusion, we hope to inspire further classroom use of technology to enhance student learning and discovery.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING OF NEUROSCIENCE: ENHANCED STUDENT LEARNING

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Group Learning ◽  
Education Technology ◽  
Technology Enhanced Learning ◽  
Teaching Tools ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Enhanced Learning ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

The primary motivation for integrating any form of education technology into a particular course or curriculum should always be to enhance student learning. However, it can be difficult to determine which technologies will be the most appropriate and effective teaching tools. Through the alignment of technology-enhanced learning experiences with a clear set of learning objectives, teaching becomes more efficient and effective and learning is truly enhanced. In this article, I describe how I have made extensive use of technology in two neuroscience courses that differ in structure and content. Course websites function as resource centers and provide a forum for student interaction. PowerPoint presentations enhance formal lectures and provide an organized outline of presented material. Some lectures are also supplemented with interactive CD-ROMs, used in the presentation of difficult physiological concepts. In addition, a computer-based physiological recording system is used in laboratory sessions, improving the hands-on experience of group learning while reinforcing the concepts of the research method. Although technology can provide powerful teaching tools, the enhancement of the learning environment is still dependent on the instructor. It is the skill and enthusiasm of the instructor that determines whether technology will be used effectively.

scholarly journals Rural Schools and the Digital Divide

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Kormos ◽  
Kendra Wisdom
Keyword(s):  
Educational Technology ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Rural Teachers ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Technology Tools ◽  
Use Of Technology

In this era of rapid technological innovation, teachers in rural public schools employ a variety of educational technology tools to facilitate student learning. However, little information is known about these teachers’ usage frequencies and perceptions of effectiveness of technology in the learning process. Furthermore, limited research exists related to the barriers rural teachers face in their adoption and use of technology. Utilizing a quantitative approach, this study investigated these perceptions among rural teachers. Findings revealed rural educators have differing opinions on usage and effectiveness of various web-based technologies and software. Teachers revealed personal trial and error as the most common way of new technology knowledge and skill acquisition. Participants reported budgetary issues as the largest barrier to technology implementation, followed by student internet access at home. Suggestions are provided so administrators and teachers can adopt and integrate appropriate educational technology tools to maximize student learning.

scholarly journals Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nadir G. Abdelrahman ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Molly E. Polverento ◽  
Andrea Wendling ◽  
Courtney M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Related

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.

Students’ perceptions of an in-house developed pharmacy serious game for professional skills training

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 293-296
Author(s):  
Kevin Yi-Lwern Yap ◽  
Shawn Ignatius Boon Heng Tan ◽  
Kai Zhen Yap ◽  
John Yin Gwee Yap
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Professional Skills ◽  
Role Playing Game ◽  
Game Engagement ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

BackgroundAn in-house three-dimensional (3D) multiplayer online role-playing game was developed for professional skills training of pharmacy students. Students play the game in a post-apocalyptic world to save humankind from zombies. They solve virtual patient encounters through visual and motion-capture technologies. Their gaming perceptions and experiences were investigated.MethodA self-administered questionnaire obtained participants’ demographics, gaming interests, perceptions of game effectiveness, preferences on gaming elements and gameplay experience through the Game Engagement Questionnaire (GEQ). Pre-gameplay and post-gameplay assessments were tracked to assess student learning. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used for analysis.ResultsFifty-five students were recruited. Two-thirds of the gameplay group (67.9%) liked the post-apocalyptic fantasy settings and heroic storyline (66.0%). Three quarters liked the modern setting (73.1%), authentic plots (73.5%) and plot animations (72.3%). Participants felt the game was effective in training health communication and patient history-taking skills (81.8%). Participants’ test scores for counselling increased from 66.1%±7.6% (pre-gameplay) to 70.3%±8.0% (post-gameplay, p=0.004). The highest scoring GEQ dimension was sensory and imaginative immersion (2.92±0.74).ConclusionStudents found the game useful for pharmacy professional skills training. With proper implementation, this game can become a useful tool to enhance student learning and gear them towards clinical practices.

Using Assessment and SoTL to Enhance Student Learning

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (136) ◽  
pp. 7-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Laurie Dickson ◽  
Melinda M. Treml
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

scholarly journals Psychosexual history-taking in the 21st century: new terminology, new technology and new risks

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-176
Author(s):  
Lisa Gardiner
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Relationship Maintenance ◽  
The Internet ◽  
List Type ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Use Of Technology

SUMMARYSexual and relationships difficulties are not uncommon among psychiatric patients. A presenting complaint of anxiety or depression may relate to an underlying sexual or relationship difficulty; commonly used psychotropic medications cause sexual side-effects that can have a significant impact quality of life, relationship maintenance and treatment adherence; patients may exhibit unusual or excessive sexual behaviours when acutely unwell, including risky use of apps to meet sexual partners and accessing online pornography in unsafe ways; patients may have used technology such as the internet to harm others or they may be victims of such harm; the internet and social media might even be influencing sexual expression, for example gender identity. Therefore, psychosexual history-taking remains a key competency for psychiatrists. They must also understand the new language used to describe sexuality, sexual behaviours and the use of social media, apps and so on to form relationships. This article outlines the key areas to consider in carrying out a structured psychosexual assessment. It also gives an overview of current sexual terminology, observed influences of the internet on sexuality and sexual behaviour, and its implications for mental health and potential sexual offending.LEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter reading this article you will be able to: •outline a framework for psychosexual history-taking•recognise emerging terminology relating to sexual behaviours and identity•understand the relevance of the internet, social media and technology-based apps to human relationships, including the use of technology in sexual offendingDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.

scholarly journals Development and Evaluation of an Electronic Guide for Introductory Microbiology Skills

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35
Author(s):  
ALICE WRIGHT ◽  
ETHELYNDA E. HARDING
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Written Examination ◽  
Lower Division ◽  
Assessment Of Student Learning ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Poster Presentations ◽  
Enhance Student Learning ◽  
Biology Majors

To increase the quality of instruction, enhance student learning, and decrease laboratory time spent on laboratory safety, basic skills, and the use of equipment, we developed the Micro eGuide website. We compared the performance of students who used the Micro eGuide to students provided more traditional instruction in both an upper-level introductory microbiology course for biology majors and in a lower-division introductory microbiology course for nonmajors. Assessment of student learning included written pretests and posttests, practical testing of laboratory skills, and for the major’s class, a review of poster presentations of independent projects. Students who used the Micro eGuide showed a statistically significant increase in performance on written examination in the introductory microbiology courses for both biology majors and nonmajors. Use of the Micro eGuide in the sophomore-level course for nonbiology majors resulted in a statistically significant improvement in laboratory skills. Though the increase in laboratory skills in the majors courses was not statistically significant, instructors were able to use the site as an effective learning source and decrease the time spent in class on topics covered in the Micro eGuide. While the number of student independent research projects was too small for statistical analysis on the quality of the poster presentations, the improvement in student attitude and the increase in the diversity in topics selected suggests that students using the Micro eGuide had increased comfort with microbiology and increased interest in exploring microbiology.

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