Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Technology enhanced education'

This dissertation presents a thesis in the form of three analyses to support creative decision making in the design of learner-centred, technology-enhanced education. The thesis was developed through use and improvement in practice over three decades. The dissertation also describes the action research methodological approach & methods employed and explores a framework based on concepts of design, learner, technology as a foundation for framing the thesis. Finally it evidences the claim for an original contribution to knowledge through an annotated selection from a portfolio of practice. The experience gained through increasingly responsible work rôles, in which the author was expected to guide other designers, shaped the articulation of the three analyses which were made for evaluating designs as a springboard for iterative improvement. These analyses are: • an 'expressive constructivist' model of learning; • an account of how technology can support such learning; • a learner-centred breakdown of questions to focus on progress in education more holistically. This thesis arose from growing tacit and experiential understanding and has been informed by a theoretical and conceptual framework based on academic literature. It is argued that the successful application of these analyses in the practice cited has generated the validity of the thesis, and to a limited extent, reliability.

This study described how 7^th grade English Language Learners (ELLs) in a public middle school used the multimodal Technology Enhanced Knowledge Support System (TEKS2), to learn social studies content and vocabulary, as well as improve reading comprehension, by examining learner assessment scores, and by addressing their views of the experience. Using literature related to ELLs, social studies learning and reading comprehension, multimodal and technology enhanced learning, collaboration, and engagement the TEKS2 was developed through a Design Based Research approach.

Reading comprehension assessments were developed using passages and questions from state and national assessments, and administered on a pre and post study basis. Content and vocabulary assessments were constructed using questions from state standardized tests and cooperating teacher input, and given after each of the two units covered during the study. A learner interview protocol was established based on literature consulted, modified based on findings emerging from quantitative data processing, with interviews being conducted after both units were completed.

Five questions focused this study: 1. Is there a difference in social studies content knowledge achievement between ELLs who use the TEKS2 and those who learn through teacher directed instruction? 2. Is there a difference in social studies vocabulary knowledge achievement between ELLs who use the TEKS2 and those who learn through teacher directed instruction? 3. Is there a difference in the ability to read social studies text between ELLs who use the TEKS2 and those who learn through teacher directed instruction? 4. Is there a relationship between ELLs’ characteristics (primary language, ELL level, gender, age, teacher, school) and scores on social studies related content, reading, and vocabulary tests? 5. What do ELLs report about their experiences using TEKS2?

Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Scores on post unit content/vocabulary tests were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between teacher-directed (control) and TEKS2 learners. Effect sizes were also analyzed to determine the size of difference. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine which ELL characteristics (primary language, ELL level, gender, age, teacher, school) had the greatest influence on social studies related content, reading, and vocabulary test performance. Learner opinions expressed in interviews were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding.

Data analyses showed the TEKS2 had a large statistically significant influence on social studies content and vocabulary learning. Analysis of learner reading comprehension post-test scores indicated the TEKS2 had a non-significant outcome with a small effect size. Qualitative analysis of learner interviews showed they saw the TEKS2 as a good way to learn due to its multimodal technology enhanced nature, the chance to collaborate, and teacher support.

Findings from this study support several recommendations related to supporting ELLs in multimodal technology enhanced learning environments. Designers of such systems should reach out to teachers who will be involved in using it as the design process proceeds. In addition, teachers using this approach should seek support reaching out to undocumented parents. It would also be beneficial for school administration to support professional development related to design and implementation of TEKS2 type learning that continues throughout a school year with both in-person and online sessions. Further research examining the design and implementation of TEKS2 learning in English, Math, or Science would be worthwhile.

This thesis explores the prospect of a design science of technology enhanced mathematics education (TEME), on three levels: epistemological, methodological and pedagogical. Its primary domain is the identification of scientific tools for design research in TEME. The outputs of this enquiry are evaluated by a demonstrator study in the domain of secondary school mathematics. A review of existing literature establishes a need for a design perspective in TEME research, but at the same time suggests a need for a consensual epistemic infrastructure for the field: a shared set of rules, processes and representations which bound and support its scientific discourse. Three constructs are proposed towards such an infrastructure: design narratives, design patterns, and the cycles of design research in which they are embedded. The first two are representations of domain design knowledge; the latter is a description of a design-centred scientific process. The three constructs identified at the epistemological level are operationalised as a methodological framework by projecting them into a specific research setting of the demonstrator study. Appropriate methods and procedures are identified for collecting data, organising and interpreting them as design narratives, and extracting design patterns from these narratives. The methodological framework is applied in the demonstrator domain to the question of learning about number sequences. A review of the educational research on number sequences identifies challenges in this area related to the tension between learners' intuitive concept of sequences and the dominant curricular form. The former appears to be recursive in nature and narrative in form, whereas the latter is a function of index expressed in algebraic notation. The chosen design approach combines construction, collaboration and communication. It highlights the need for representations and activities which lead learners from intuitive concepts to formal mathematical structures. Three interleaved themes connect the primary and the demonstrator domains: narrative, systematisation and representation. Narrative emerges as a key element in the process of deriving knowledge from experience. Systemisation concerns the structured organisation of knowledge. The tension between the two calls for representations which support a trajectory from the intuitive to the structural. The main outcome of this study is a methodological framework for design science of TEME which combines design narratives and design patterns into structured cycles of enquiry. This framework is supported both theoretically and empirically. Inter alia, it is used to derive a contribution towards a pedagogical pattern language of construction, communication and collaboration in TEME.

Wearable technology has made a positive impact in the consumer industry with its focus on adult fitness. Devices and applications are pervasive, inexpensive and are in high demand. Our nation struggles with obesity and health concerns related to poor fitness. However, the research on such technology has been more focused on adults. Therefore, the need to investigate wearable technology for fitness improvement with children is essential. Children lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles through TV watching, technology-use and a reduction in physical activities. Further, our society is exposed to quick food loaded with calories. These factors contribute to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. The need to educate students early, on their ability to monitor their fitness, is the focus of this research. This dissertation investigated the impact of an integrated technology-enhanced physical education model with 127 fifth grade students over an 11-week period. A detailed analysis, looking at theoretical perspectives across multiple data collections was conducted. This study answered the questions, 1. To what extent can students improve their performance with technology-enhanced physical education? 2. To what extent can students learn to self-monitor their performance levels? How do affective components impact teaching and learning with a technology-enhanced physical education model? Results showed that technology-enhanced physical education does improve performance measures, does improve students' ability to self-regulate and positively impacts student and teachers' affective states. However long term results were inconclusive, stimulating multiple, potential opportunities for continued research.

In an ever-changing labyrinth of standards, accountability, and standardized testing, educators seek ways to improve instruction. Teachers need learning experiences that help them navigate an environment in which a growing list of student performance standards and standardized tests determine their success in teacher evaluations (Crawford, 2015; Terehoff, 2002). In this same pursuit, many administrators are challenged in their efforts to provide meaningful professional development to support teachers (Terehoff, 2002). The goal of this study is to gain insight into which TPD delivery types and which levels of student presence create the most meaningful and applicable learning for educators and to provide insight and guidance to administrators and TPD planners who are seeking ways to provide quality TPD.

The study data was gathered through qualitative methods, including participant observation, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The data was exlored through the SPLT model. The major findings of the study suggest that higher model levels—which included student physical presence—led to an increased application of teacher-learning in the classroom and an increased confidence in attempting to apply newly learned techniques and tools. Teachers also suggested that these in-classroom session were more valuable when a pre- or post-discussion accompanied the session. The results demonstrated that learning at all model levels had value for different intended learning purposes. They also suggested that the TPD learning could be more effective when lower model level sessions are followed up with higher-level SPLT model sessions that occur in the classroom during instructional time with students physically present.

Technology-Enhanced Assessment (TEA) has become increasingly attractive in higher education. However, the nature of such assessments has often been limited to simple type of questions such as MCQs, which are usually knowledge-based. Cognitive skills and practical abilities cannot be assessed via simple types of questions. This raised the need to introduce interactive and intelligent dimensions into e-assessment. This research provides a new learning experience for students in both skill and knowledge assessment in online education. This was achieved through a design of a general TEA system which can be adapted to any context and an architecture that allows interoperability, security and integration of modules. The system also provides student, interactivity and the opportunity to act on the feedback through a proposed formative e-assessment model. After application of the system in the real context, it was observed that the use of the TEA system and the formative e-assessment model had a positive impact on students: they learned through engagement with the system and their performance in terms of final marks had improved. The system also provided added benefits to teachers through automated marking and tracking of students' progress throughout the whole course. Finally, with the ever increasing interests and adaptation of e-assessment, this research has produced a new perspective, not only theoretical but practical as well.

Higher education institutions are integrating technology-enhanced learning environments to prepare students for their professional careers in organisations that demand digital competency. The purpose of this research was to understand from a student's perspective their digital experience in a graduate business higher education technology-enhanced learning environment. The setting for this research was a single case of a graduate Human Resource Management project unit offered in both an Australian business school and a U.S. business school. The findings identified students' ideal learning approach included a balance of interactive face-to-face learning and communication and the use of digital technology.

Thesis (DTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.
Although the use of mobile technology features prominently in all walks of life, learning and teaching supported by its ad hoc use in higher education contexts is an under-researched topic. Moreover, elements constituting best practices for quality improvement and aimed at informing decision-making stakeholders, are spread across disparate frameworks, reported in literature. The study aimed to meet the following objectives: • O1: To identify the elements that inform strategic decisions for ad hoc mobile technology-enhanced learning. • O2: To inform the structure of the framework, defined by its constituent components. These objectives were associated with two main research questions, addressed via five secondary research questions that guided the exploration of elements associated with the ad hoc use of mobile technology-enhanced learning in a specific higher education environment. The study consequently proposed a consolidated and synthesised set of theoretically based and empirically determined elements, leading to a framework of interrelated guidelines. A moderate constructionist approach adapted from Järvensivu and Törnroos (2010) underpins the dual-purpose research design. At first, a systematic literature review explored existing frameworks applicable to e-learning, m-learning, technology-enhanced learning and blended-learning modalities. The review was subsequently expanded to include additional sources that addressed diverse aspects of mobile technology-enhanced learning. I undertook an extensive qualitative data analysis of the 55 articles resulting from the systematic literature review. Analysis techniques incorporated open, axial and selective coding, memoing, thematic analysis and the construction of network maps using ATLAS.ti V8.0, a CAQDAS tool. Outcomes of the analysis established an initial set of theoretically grounded elements, comprising a hierarchy of 11 constructs, five categories, 16 sub-categories and 60 items. Network maps demonstrated the interlinking of elements for each of the five categories titled: A. Enablement, B. Environment, C. Interactivity, D. Dynamics and E. Mobility. A final network map consolidated these individual maps, presenting the foundations for a framework for the ad hoc use of mobile technology-enhanced learning in higher education contexts. The theoretically based elements established foundations for the empirical portion of the study – a single exploratory case study defined by an architectural technology domain. The case study supported the inclusion of multiple perspectives and complex, natural contexts where mobile technology usage by stakeholders was the focus of the study. Empirical data was collected during six studies from purposively selected faculty respondents. Qualitative data analysis of collected data yielded additional empirically determined elements namely: eight constructs, eight sub-categories and 35 items. These empirically determined elements augmented findings of the systematic literature review. Additional categories did not emerge; however support for theoretically based elements was demonstrated via network maps.

This research has been undertaken in response to an average 50% attrition rate from a technology enhanced distance-learning course in applied art and design. It studies the participants’ lived experience over a 12-week period from enrolment to the end of the first of twelve modules. The commercial provider recruited 23 mature, female participants from 8 different countries for this City & Guilds certificated course. Data was collected utilizing Interpretive Phenomenological Research methodology (IPA) via two open-ended telephone interviews with participants. The twin roles of the study author as researcher and director of the educational provider were reviewed and a methodology for disaggregation proposed. ATLASti software was used to aid data coding and retrieval. Four key themes emerged from the data; Confidence, Persistence, Support and Timing, which were each subsequently divided into 3 sub categories. Literature searches moved from education to psychology as the study progressed. Implications for further discussion encompass pre-course testing, provider conflict of interest, innovative methods of support and increased legislation. Findings centre around the commencement process and the need for provider instigated advice at the beginning of the course experience, as well as the limitation of design content during the first module and the accuracy of pre-course information and the participant’s engagements and understanding of it. The study also found a lack of correlation between early tutor/student support and retention and several planning activities undertaken by a sub-section of the participants, which appeared to be successful. This study has also contributed to the literature on retention, highlighting the participant’s personal experiences rather than the quantitative retention data more usually associated with retention studies and has demonstrated that interventions intended to decrease course attrition levels may be required at an earlier stage than previously thought and also across a wider subject range than previously recognised.

Many school districts across the United States are spending large amounts of financial and employee resources on the implementation of technology enhanced personalized learning (TEPL) tools. There is little empirical understanding of the success, concerns, and characteristics of TEPL implementations and the learning environments they enable. This exploratory study used a qualitative descriptive methodology to survey and interview TEPL administrators in an effort to understand their perspectives on TEPL characteristics, definitions of success, concerns, and a general description of how TEPL tools are implemented in their learning environments.

Along with confirming six characteristics previously identified (dual role of the teacher, diagnosis of characteristics, a student culture of collegiality, an interactive learning environment, flexible scheduling/pacing, striving for authentic assessment), this study found that administrators consider student choice and teacher comfort with technology as additional learning environment characteristics. Results also show that administrators define success through external measurement, are concerned with professional development, and how to leverage limited resources. The subjects indicated that the definitions of success and administrator concerns evolve over time. Finally, this study found that large variance exists in learning environments when considering online vs. face-to-face instruction, school size, number of users, grade level use, focus and perceived effectiveness of the tool. Recommendations were made for future research, including analysis of two newly identified characteristics, deeper exploration of learning environments, and further exploration of external measurement's sub-components. Recommendations for practitioners include considerations for their success definitions, allowing for the two additional learning environmental characteristics, and initial allocation of resources.

Recent trends toward on-line learning and open education suggest that the role of technology will only become more prominent in higher education. As a result, faculty members will increasingly be expected to infuse more technology in face-to-face courses, while teaching in multiple course delivery modalities. Senior administrators and technology leaders are faced with the dilemma of advancing technology enhanced teaching and learning practices for a faculty that isn't necessarily convinced change is necessary. The resulting tension between the administration and faculty will either limit actual change or prevent it completely. The following research examines those factors influencing the growth in technology-based teaching and learning at three very different institutions that have a focus on research and teaching. The study also examines those strategies or actions shown to be helpful in advancing new and innovative teaching practices. The research sites include Duke University, the University of Central Florida and the University of California, Berkeley. The findings suggest that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to advancing technology enhanced teaching and learning, and an institution's ability to successfully lead change requires a shared understanding of why change is necessary. Change efforts require more than just a few faculty members that are willing to explore new teaching practices, as well as sufficient resources to advance experimental teaching initiatives. Incentives aimed at advancing the innovative use of technology to support teaching and learning goals also play an important role in leading change. The research suggests that the factors influencing technology enhanced teaching and learning differ among institutions and are unique to the institution's mission, history, culture, and student population. Senior leaders all too often come into an institution and attempt to lead change based on their experience at a former place of employment. The findings suggest that leaders need to become familiar with the unique characteristics of an institution before making decisions about how best to advance technology enhanced teaching and learning, while partnering with the faculty in leading change.

Difficulties in learning and understanding statistics in college education have led to a reform movement in statistics education in the early 1990s. Although much work has been done, there is more work that needs to be done in statistics education. The progress depends on how well the educators bring interesting real-life data into the classroom. The goal was to understand how course design based on First Principles of Instruction could facilitate tertiary-level students' conceptual understanding when learning introductory statistics in a technology-enhanced learning environment. An embedded single descriptive case design was employed to investigate how integrating technology and real data into a tertiary level statistics course would affect students' statistical literacy, reasoning, and thinking. Data including online assignment postings, online discussions, online peer evaluations, a comprehensive assessment, and open-ended interviews were analyzed to understand how the implementation of First Principles of Instruction affected a student's conceptual understanding in a tertiary level introductory statistics course. In addition, the teaching and learning quality (TALQ) survey was administered to evaluate the teaching and learning quality of the designed instruction from the student's perspective. Results from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses indicate that the course designed following Merrill's First Principles of Instruction contributes to a positive overall effectiveness of promoting students' conceptual understanding in terms of literacy, reasoning, and thinking statistically. However, students' statistical literacy, specifically, the understanding of statistical terminology did not develop to a satisfactory level as expected.

Doctor of Philosophy
Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Rosemary S. Talab
The goal of this exploratory case study was to answer two questions: 1. How does an exemplary on-campus undergraduate large Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course encompass the PBL learning model characteristics, specifically focusing on the following: 1.1) Driving question, 1.2) Student construction of an artifact, 1.3) Teachers’ role, and 1.4) Assessment? 2. How is technology used by the professor, teacher assistants, and students to support project-based learning? To answer these questions, the researcher studied a large Introduction to Cultural Anthropology class, which consisted of the professor, ten teaching assistants (TAs), and 400 students. The students were divided into 20 recitation sections, with 20 students in each section. Each TA was assigned two recitation sections. Observations were conducted on twice-weekly Professor’s lectures and three once-weekly recitation sessions. Additionally, interviews and follow-up interviews were conducted of the professor, three teaching assistants (TA), and nine students. Finally, documents analyzed included the professor’s course materials and course management documents. With respect to Research Question 1, “How does an exemplary on-campus undergraduate large Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course encompass the PBL learning model characteristics, specifically focusing on the following: 1.1) Driving question, 1.2) Student construction of an artifact, 1.3) Teachers’ role, and 1.4) Assessment?”, research findings indicated that all four elements of the PBL model were present in this class and were executed well. Research Question 2, “How is technology used to support PBL,” findings indicated that advanced technologies were used by the professor for course purposes. These technologies included Wetpaint (the wiki course management system) and Facebook. More conventional technologies, such as e-mail, were also used for this purpose. Though students were hesitant to use course technology in the beginning. However, with the help of the professor and TA’s, the students learned to use the course technology and grew to enjoy it. Two additional themes emerged through open coding: Emotional Involvement and Non-Participation. First, the TA’s and students developed emotional ties to the cultures that they created in their recitation sections. Second, some students did not participate in either the lecture or the recitation sessions. The TAs took non-participation seriously, both in terms of class participation, individually, and in terms of student responsibilities to the group recitation session in culture construction.

Located in Central Africa, Cameroon is considered the driving force of the sub-region due to its strategic location in the center of the African continent. During the last five years, the country has been under the constant threat of a large range of disasters like floods, droughts, landslides, epidemics, etc. In such a context, the government is implementing several strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction in the country. Under the lead of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the Directorate of Civil Protection, coordinates Disaster Risk Reduction activities through a network of over 379 decentralized institutions and international partners (Ayanji, 2004). Despite a high level of deployment, these activities still prove to have a low level of efficiency on the field. Results from the literature review suggest that this may be due to strategies for public education and public awareness that do not mirror stakeholders’ needs, capacities, and background. There is a need to: (1) identify the failures of the pre-existing public education and public awareness strategy, (2) assess the educational needs and capacities of each category of actors, (3) select adequate instructional methods and tools and (4) ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the newly proposed strategy. The aim of this work, which is a three-year PhD project funded by the AXA Research Fund, is therefore to propose a public education and public awareness model adapted to the Cameroonian context, using Technology Enhanced Learning to strengthen capacities and competencies of stakeholders involved in the problem of climate change. The study makes use of a mixed method approach. From the literature review, four categories of actors involved into the climate change education process in the country have first been identified namely (1) government, (2) educational institutions, (3) Non-Governmental Organizations and (4) communities. A sample population has been driven from each category using the Respondent Driven Sampling method. Then data were collected during a six-month field trip in Cameroon, using semi-structured interviews (McNamara, 1999), qualitative survey (Fowler, 2009), direct observation (Bernard, 2006) and focus group discussion (Krueger & Casey, 2009). Findings from data analyses, performed using Epi info software for quantitative data and MAXQDA software for qualitative data show that: the educational strategy is not clearly defined; there is a lack of adequate infrastructures; technologies available are not properly used: either they are not evenly accessible, or when accessible they do not match learners’ capacities and competencies. Finally, quality criteria for the evaluation of the existing educational strategy are not met, thus failing to ensure it sustainability. The conceptual solution proposed in this work makes use of the concept of learning communities, especially Community of Practice as proposed by Lave and Wenger (1991) to develop an information and knowledge sharing community system to establish best practices for improving community resilience to climate change impact. This Community of Practice will operate essentially offline with a selected domain, a well-defined and structured community, and a practice that makes use of identified technologies already available among communities and, most importantly, that mirrors the Cameroonian socio-cultural context. One unexpected factor that had to be taken into consideration while determining adequate technology tools, is the actors’ perception, or rather say actors’ (un)acceptance of “new technologies”, which render the design of the instructional model quite challenging
Kamerun ist ein Land in Zentralafrika. Aufgrund seiner strategischen Lage in der Mitte des afrikanischen Kontinents, gilt das Land als die treibende Kraft der Sub-Region. Während der letzten fünf Jahre wurde Kamerun Opfer von ständigen Bedrohungen einer Vielzahl von Katastrophen wie Überschwemmungen, Dürren, Erdrutsche, Epidemien, usw. In diesem Kontext hat die Regierung eine Reihe von Strategien zur Verringerung der Katastrophenrisiken imstande gebracht. Dies wurde unter der Leitung vom Ministerium der territorialen Verwaltung und Dezentralisierung und vom Amt für Katastrophenschutz durchgeführt. Weiterhin nahmen mehr als 379 dezentrale Institutionen und internationale Partner an diese bedeutende Aktion teil (Ayanji, 2004). Die bei diesem Großeinsatz getroffenen Maßnahmen haben aber bisher eine sehr geringe Effizienz auf dem Feld gebracht. Eine nähere Betrachtung im Zusammenspiel mit entsprechender Literatur lassen folgendes vermuten: die Strategien zur Sensibilisierung sind auf die Bedürfnisse, Kapazitäten und Hintergründe der Akteure nicht angepasst. Demnach sind folgende Tatsachen in Betracht zu ziehen: (1) Identifikation der Ausfälle der bevorstehenden Awareness-Strategie; (2) Bewertung den pädagogischen Bedürfnissen und Kapazitäten der einzelnen Kategorien von Akteuren; (3) Auswahl geeigneter Unterrichtsmethoden und Tools; (4) Gewährleisten der Wirksamkeit und Nachhaltigkeit der neu vorgeschlagenen Strategie. Diese Arbeit stammt aus einem dreijährigen Promotionsprojekt finanziert von der AXA Research Fund. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist der Vorschlag eines Awareness-Modells, das an dem kamerunischen Kontext angepasst ist, und das die Bildungstechnologie zur Stärkung der Kapazitäten und Kompetenzen der beteiligten Akteure des Klimawandels nutzt. Aus der Literatur sind vier Kategorien von Akteuren identifiziert worden: Die Regierung, Bildungseinrichtungen, nationale und internationale Organisationen, Gemeinschaften. Die Studie folgt einer Mixed-Method Forschung. Eine Stichprobe wurde aus jeder Kategorie von Akteuren mit Schneeballauswahl-Methode gezogen. Dann wurden Daten während einer 6-monatigen Studienreise in Kamerun gesammelt. Diese wurde in Begleitung mit semi-strukturierten Interview (McNamara, 1999), qualitativen Erhebung (Fowler, 2009), direkter Beobachtung (Bernard, 2006) und Gruppendiskussion (Krueger & Casey, 2009). Die Daten wurden analysiert mit Epi-info Software für quantitative Daten und MAXQDA Software für qualitative Daten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Folgendes: - Die pädagogische Strategie ist nicht klar definiert - Mangel an angemessenen Infrastrukturen - Die verfügbaren Technologien sind nicht vorhanden und teilweise falsch eingesetzt. Sie sind entweder nicht gleichmäßig verwendet oder sie stimmen mit den Fähigkeiten der Lernenden nicht überein. - Qualitätskriterien für die Bewertung der bestehenden Ausbildungsstrategie sind nicht erfüllt Die vorgeschlagene konzeptionelle Lösung, die in dieser Arbeit verwendet wird, benutzt das Konzept der Learning Communities, insbesondere "Community of Practice" wie von Lave und Wenger (1991) beschrieben. Ziel ist es, ein Informations- und Wissensaustausch Community-System zur Förderung bewährter Verfahren im Sinne der Verbesserung der Gemeinschaft gegenüber Auswirkungen des Klimawandels zu schaffen. Diese Community of Practice wird offline mit einer ausgewählten Domäne, eine gut definierte und strukturierte Gemeinschaft, und eine gut gestaltete Praxis funktionieren. Ein unerwarteter Faktor, der bei der Bestimmung der angemessenen Technologie-Tools berücksichtigt werden müsste, ist die Wahrnehmung der Akteure oder besser gesagt die (Un-)Akzeptanz der "Neuen Technologien" durch die Akteure. Dies macht das Design des Instruktionsmodells zu einer richtigen Herausforderung

Engineering Education experiences turbulent changes, both from government pressures and from industry demands on readdressing the requirements of graduate capability. Despite vast amounts of engineering literature discussing ‘change’ within the field, engineering curricula still maintains its predominant pedagogic model of dissemination to students as it did in previous decades. Technology Enhanced Learning in education has created new and flexible options in the delivery and assessment of teaching and learning, but uptake is limited and approached with caution within Engineering Education. This mixed methods research introduces an inclusive and innovative approach to Engineering Education assessment techniques utilising an integrated blended learning strategy to the implementation of Technology Enhanced Learning within engineering curriculums. The research explores and assesses the effectiveness of Technology Enhanced Learning and educational pedagogies within Engineering Education frameworks to enhance and develop student learning, digital literacy and employability. Preliminary research positioned the research, utilising observation and interview techniques to baseline current pedagogic practices in undergraduate Engineering Education against current literature. An alternative method of video assessment was implemented and embedded following a two year cycle of action research within a cohort of two undergraduate engineering modules. A prototype ‘toolkit’ was created using Xerte Online Toolkits (XOT) to facilitate student learning and support for the assessment. Additional techniques inside the cycles gained further qualitative and quantitative data via a survey and focus groups. Student learning and assessment results showed significant improvement following the introduction of this approach and validated the transferability of this technique into other educational disciplines. An industry based survey validated chosen research methods and provided a comparison of viewpoints on key issues surrounding Engineering Education against existing stakeholders. The research introduces a new innovative approach to Engineering Education utilising Technology Enhanced Learning, validated through positive industry feedback and student academic achievement and satisfaction. Significant improvements on student employability and engineering ‘soft skills’ are evidenced.

This research compared English and Turkish Cypriot teachers’ pedagogical approaches to using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the classroom and explored differing contexts of ICT use in the two countries. Research methods included self-completed questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and three rounds of a modified Delphi technique aimed at building consensus around what constitutes a model of practice. Two secondary schools in each country participated. Findings highlighted differences in access to resources between ‘good’ and ‘improving’ schools and between Turkish Cypriot and English schools. Access to reliable technology and basic ICT training are identified issues for Turkish Cypriot teachers whilst effective integration of ICT in teaching is identified as a key issue for English teachers. Turkish Cypriot and English teachers differed in their pedagogical approaches but instructivist teaching methods continue to be a major component of teaching in both countries’ schools. The Delphi method proved a useful process to encourage mutual engagement toward shared goals, exploring different contexts of use and building consensus on a model of practice. The consensus building activity suggested some parameters for a model of practice, generated useful lesson plans and proved a potentially useful method for encouraging a sense of joint ownership for professional development in this area.

Students today are spending a significant amount of time engaged in media activity, yet even with an increase of e-reader compatible smart devices, reading has not increased in popularity among elementary school age children. It is critical that students spend time engaged in meaningful reading activities to become proficient readers. Thus, as educators of these 21 ^st century learners, we must find a way to increase reader motivation and bridge the gap between home leisure activities and school activities. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of reading enhanced e-books on the iPad vs. traditional storybooks with regard to motivation to read, reading comprehension and fluency. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used, over a period of four weeks with 22 first grade student participants. The results of this study suggested that e-books are more appealing than traditional print books and as equally appealing, if not more appealing to students than educational apps. By the end of the study, all students were fluently reading books at least one guided reading level higher. The results from this study showed that students benefited from the combination of e-books and traditional storybooks, with this method resulting in increased fluency and comprehension among readers.

In this Developmental Phenomenographic study, twenty-six Educational Designers/Developers’ (EDs’) understandings and experiences of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) innovation both generally, and whilst working under TEQSA Threshold Standards (TS), were investigated with the aim of illuminating how TEL innovation is shaped within Australian Higher Education (HE) contexts. I employ Feenberg’s (2005, 2006) Critical Theory of Technology as a lens for exploring EDs’ understandings of TEL innovation and the socio-political environments in which HE sits. The variances in understanding and experiencing is illuminated by four outcome spaces, with each showing understandings and experiences in a hierarchical manner, and with higher levels subsuming understandings and experiences of lower levels. In outcome space one, EDs’ understandings of TEL innovation in general were labelled as: Maintained; Enhanced or; Transformed; whilst in outcome space two, their experiences of TEL innovation on-the-ground were labelled as Sustaining, Constraining, or Influencing. In outcome space three, EDs understandings of TEL work under TEQSA TS were Static; Narrow or; Broad; whilst in outcome space four, their experiences were: Maintained; Constrained; Supported or; Encouraged. The inclusion of a referential aspect of Support suggests that EDs believe that support via projects or strategies offer additional reinforcement when it comes to innovating under TEQSA TS. Further presented is an analysis of: outcome space one cross referenced with outcome space two; and outcomes space three cross referenced with outcome space four. Variations here were attributed to the EDs general understanding of TEL innovation and the socio-political influences that they encounter on a daily basis. Overall, it is suggested that the variation of EDs’ experiences of TEL innovation under TEQSA TS were similar to that of generally innovating. One difference was that institutional projects and strategies were seen as beneficial to innovating with TEL and working under TEQSA TS, whilst outside of this, they were to some extent seen as constraining innovations. The study also constructively critiques the concepts of pedagogy before technology; evidence and best practice, which were repeatedly mentioned by EDs as underpinning their understandings and conceivably shaping their experiences of TEL.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 286 p. : ill. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: Shelley D. Wong, College of Education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 232-238).

As the demand for distance learning increases, traditional campus-based universities continue to struggle in supporting working distance students. This has resulted in the increased phenomena of students using social media within their ecosystems of learning support. The use of formal and informal tools such as social media gives rise to boundaries which students need to cross for effective support. How social media facilitates the crossing of boundaries within ecosystems of learning support remains an unfamiliar area of research. This study employed a predominately qualitative research methods, with a small element being a quantitative method to view and investigate postgraduate distance students' ecosystem of learning support holistically. The findings of this study revealed that participants used a combination of formal and informal tools to support their learning, including social media. In particular WhatsApp, which enables the crossing of transitional, formal and informal learning contexts, hierarchical and, time and space boundaries. Recognizing social media as an important part of students' learning support ecosystem, allowed an expanded view on learning support. As such, the study highlighted a range of different learning mechanisms which occur when students cross these boundaries, with coordination being the dominant learning mechanism. In conclusion, social media (such as WhatsApp) does indeed enhance the crossing of various boundaries to support learning. However, some students do not necessarily perceive their interaction on social media as learning, which speaks to the need of legitimising social media as learning tools by institutions. This study then recommends the need for institutions to recognize and nurture the use of social media as one element of a distance learning support ecosystem for cost-effective student support strategies guided by institutional guidelines and policies.

Hybrid design technologies, a combination of physical crafting, construction or art, and computing, have the potential to broaden participation in computing by appealing to youth through existing interests and hobbies. Expanding participation in computing is important because computational thinking, for example debugging, is a set of skills fundamental for success in our society. Youth can participate in and gain exposure to multiple disciplines with various hybrid design technologies. Yet alternative high school students, those labeled failing and been moved from the conventional school to a facility that focuses on building adult skills and remediated instruction, are not often the beneficiaries of innovative learning environments. There is reason to believe that these students could benefit from a new way of learning with new hybrid technologies including learning about debugging, art and craft, technology design, and aspects of computer programming. This dissertation investigates whether a novel hybrid technology can provide alternative high school students with new forms of access to computation and encourage participation in debugging. This dissertation will serve as a multi-faceted report of one cycle of design, implementation, analysis, and refinement of a hybrid technology intervention with a diverse, oft ignored, and challenging population. In this project, students at an alternative high school worked to create interactive pets, similar to some commercially available, popular toys and then shared them with the community. The pets were virtual, existing on the computer screen, and tangible, existing in the physical world. Students worked predominantly by reusing and modifying existing programming code. In the end, there were a number of encouraging results, such as observed instances of high engagement, success in dealing with programming bugs, and the connections some students made to computing and mistake making. There were also some areas in which the design and implementation could be improved for future iterations, namely through refinement of the activities and technologies to encompass a wider range of student interests, a more concentrated effort to cultivate a nurturing community of designers, and a more consistent fostering of motivation for and understanding of the final product and its intended audience.

Students possess various learning styles and do not respond equally to the same instructional methods. College students today are often uninterested in their current traditional course design. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in learning styles between students who select a traditional course delivery method versus a technology-enhanced course delivery method. Participants included 113 males and 195 females who were enrolled in a College of Business Principles of Marketing course for non-business majors at a large university in the southeast. The students who were enrolled in the course completed an online questionnaire including the Grasha-Reichmann Student Learning Style Scale (GRSLSS) and demographic questions. The GRSLSS consists of six learning styles: competitive, collaborative, avoidant, participant, dependent, and independent. A causal-comparative research design was used to identify a cause-effect relationship between the two groups of students.

Data analyses included a factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analyses of variances (ANOVAs). Results from this study indicated a significant difference in course delivery methods and gender across all learning styles and no interactions between course delivery methods and gender. ANOVAs revealed a significant difference between the independent, avoidant, dependent, and participant learning styles between students who enrolled in the traditional and technology-enhanced course delivery methods. Students who enrolled in the traditional course delivery method had more of a dependent and participant learning style and students who enrolled in the technology-enhanced course delivery method had more of an independent and avoidant learning style. Males who enrolled in the course had more of a competitive learning style than females - regardless of the course delivery method. These findings are relevant for a better understanding of why students select a particular course delivery method.

In engineering technology and other scientific-based education, lab-based courses play a crucial role (Ma & Nickerson, 2006). Even though laboratory experience in student learning is crucial, it faces some problems. Due to insufficient laboratory conditions that lead to overcrowding and inability to view demonstrations, the effectiveness of hands on experience declines (Tiwari & Singh, 2011; Tuysuz, 2010). Considering the limitations that constrain lab experience, investigating and implementing alternatives to enhance pedagogical laboratory based learning becomes inevitable. This study investigates multimedia enhanced pedagogical teaching methods for delivering laboratory instruction to students. The purpose of this study was to improve pedagogical laboratory based learning. First, this study implemented a multimedia enhanced pedagogical laboratory based instructional method. Second, this study evaluated the impact of multimedia enhanced instructional method on student learning outcomes to assess improvement in pedagogical laboratory based learning. To evaluate the impact of multimedia enhanced instructional method on student learning outcomes, a student population was subjected to 1) traditional laboratory lecture and 2) video lecture. This study used two different assessment techniques to evaluate the instructional methods 1) surveys and 2) quizzes. The use of these different assessment techniques achieved two purposes. First, the surveys allowed the study to receive students’ evaluation on the lecture in order to compare the two types of instructional methods. Second, the quizzes allowed measuring the students’ understanding of the demonstrations in order to evaluate the impact of multimedia enhanced instructional method on pedagogical laboratory based learning. Survey results revealed that based on overall evaluations, students prefer traditional lectures in comparison to video lectures in terms of level of interest and engagement. Furthermore, quiz results revealed that multimedia enhanced instructional methods do not have an impact on pedagogical laboratory based learning.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a technology-enhanced unit on slope in algebra. The technology used in the study was the Topological Panorama Camera (Topocam). The research questions explored the learning and transfer of knowledge about slope and the engagement level of students during Topocam learning activities. The Topocam is a computer-controlled camera that moves on a modular track while it scans a scene through a vertical slit. Students can program the speed of the camera and frequency of pictures. They then witness the results of time and motion in the image created by the camera. Data for this study were collected from a pretest/posttest, as well as from observations of indicators of engaged learning. The research population consisted of 46 students from three classes of Algebra I students. Three classroom teachers each taught a unit on slope, while a fourth teacher conducted the activities with the Topocam for all the classes. The classroom activities focused on the concept of slope as a rate of change utilizing coordinate grids. The Topocam activities involved students in collaboratively making and testing predictions about slope. The findings of the study indicate that student learning did occur with this technology-enhanced unit on slope in algebra. Students showed statistically significant improvement in understanding slope and in transferring that concept to other situations. Since technology was only part of the unit presentation, the amount of learning attributed to the Topocam activities cannot be determined. However, students demonstrated a high degree of engagement in learning while working with the Topocam which suggests that the activities were a factor. A low correlation between students’ slope unit test scores and previous algebra performance may indicate that students who have not been successful in algebra were more successful in the technology-enhanced unit. Some variation was found between classes that could be attributed to other factors than the Topocam.

Recognising the powerful role that technology plays in the lives of people, researchers are increasingly focusing on the most effective uses of technology to support learning and teaching. Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) has the potential to support and transform student learning and provides the flexibility of when, where and how to learn. At the same time, it promises to be an effective educational method (Wei and Yan 2009). One of the hottest topics in this field is adaptive learning (Mylonas, Tzouveli and Kollias 2004). Today, with the ability of advanced technologies to capture, store and use student data, it is possible to deliver adaptive learning based on student preferences. TEL can also put students at the centre of the learning process, which allows them to take more responsibility for their own learning. However, this requires students to be metacognitive so they can manage and monitor their learning progress. This thesis investigates the impact of student metacognitive skills on their learning outcomes in terms of recalling and retaining information within a formally designed and TEL environment. The learning outcomes of students who study a subject consistent with their learning styles and another group of students who study the same subject in contrast to their learning styles are then compared to determine which group performs better. Based on this approach, a TEL environment is designed for undergraduate students to use for the purpose of collecting the required experimental data. The results of this study suggest that effective use of metacognitive skills by students has a direct bearing on their learning performance and ability to recall information. The outcomes reveal that successful students use effective metacognitive skills to complete their studies and achieve their learning goals in a TEL environment. Therefore, it clear that metacognition can play a critical role in successful learning, and, furthermore, this approach can assist educationalists in understanding the importance of metacognition in learning and in considering how technology can be used to better to allow students to apply metacognitive skills. The designed TEL environment for this study can be utilised as a precursor to implement TEL environments that can be adapted to individual learning styles, and to support the development of metacognitive skills.

In this thesis I explore the feasibility of technology enhanced teacher-learning approaches in rural Bangladesh. The secondary teachers of English are my research focus and, apart from them, the core stakeholders include the head teachers and the local teacher trainers. My research questions cover specific inquiries on the learning culture of these teachers, their attitudes about the application of technology in teacher-learning, and realistic pedagogical and management procedures for operationalising technology enhanced teacher-learning in rural Bangladesh. In my investigation I follow the critical realist and mixed-method research approaches by addressing the psychological, social, educational and technological perspectives of the stakeholders. Based on an extensive literature review on learning, pedagogy and technological interventions in professional development, I propose that the post-constructivist approaches (I use this term to refer to social constructivism and connectivism) are appropriate for the teacher-learning programmes for rural Bangladeshi teachers. The approaches are also compatible to various technological interventions. I initially design a technology enhanced teacher-learning framework emphasising the applications of teachers’ experiences and reflections which, based on my research findings, extends to the applied form by incorporating the management, application of teacher-learning in teaching, and monitoring procedures. For collecting the research data I conduct a questionnaire-based survey and a series of six workshop-led focus group discussion sessions in a rural district of Bangladesh. In the process I emphasise the inclusion of different stakeholders and their higher participation to gain relevant indigenous knowledge representing realistic findings. The collected research data and their analysis provide useful baseline information particularly about the learning culture of the stakeholders and their perceptions about technology enhanced teacher-learning approaches. It also provides practical guidelines on the effective and sustainable approaches of technology enhanced teacher-learning in rural Bangladesh context. I expect that the learning from this research would help design and implement effective technology enhanced teacher-learning schemes for rural Bangladesh and, at the same time, provide guidelines to operationalise similar professional development programmes for the teachers of other subjects of other institutional levels representing different educational contexts.

E-learning has become the new paradigm for modern teaching moreover, the technology allows to break the resurrection of time and place by enabling people to learn whenever and wherever they want. In information system research, learners' acceptance of e-learning can be predicted and explained using technology acceptance models. This research developed enhanced technology acceptance model to explain students' acceptance of learning management systems (LMSs) in Saudi Arabia. The research model aims to investigate the viability of TAM constructs in a nonwestern country. Moreover, due to the cultural impact of the Saudi Arabian culture towards genders, the research addresses the moderating effect of gender towards LMSs acceptance. The developed model variables identification focuses on two motivation aspects, extrinsic and intrinsic. The developed model consisted of ten variables in total, which can be categorised into three groups. First, the extrinsic variables consisting of information quality, functionality, accessibility, and user interface design. Second, the intrinsic variables are consisting of computer playfulness, enjoyment, and learning goal orientation. Third, the TAM variables consisting of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. Moreover, to validate and examine the developed model, a questionnaire tool was developed for data collection. Furthermore, the data was collected from electronically from three universities over six weeks. The research findings supported the developed model. Additionally, the identified variables were good critical in predicting and explaining students' acceptance of LMSs. The research applied structural equation modelling for statistical analysis using IBM AMOS. The research results confirmed the applicability of the developed model to explain the Saudi students' acceptance of LMSs. The developed model explained high variance among the dependent variables outperforming the excising models. The research improved the explanatory power of the TAM model through the identified variables. Furthermore, the research results showed that the extrinsic variables were stronger predictors of students' perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. In addition, the results showed that males and females perception towards the LMS was significantly different. The male students' acceptance towards LMSs was higher than females. Moreover, enjoyment was the stronger determinant of females' behavioural intention.

Dental education combines theories and practice regarding preparing students for clinical practice. Presently, dental education has implemented technological simulators in teaching pre-clinical embodied practice. Many studies of simulation technologies have revealed they have some advantages over simpler techniques. However, there is still little evidence to support knowledge of how to design pre-clinical courses integrating technology in simulation-based teaching and learning. This challenge also affects the Prosthodontic department in designing pre-clinical simulation laboratory courses, as dental educators encounter difficulties in teaching with the new technological simulator – the DentSim system. An ethnographic case study was used to obtain detailed information about students’ practice. The knowledge from in-depth investigation may help professional educators and educational designers decide which technologies and instructional approaches are suitable for the courses. The Activity-Centred Analysis and Design (ACAD) framework was used for capturing and understanding detailed information about the course. Thirteen third-year dental students, who had no experience practising on the pre-clinical course and with the DentSim system, volunteered to participate in the study. The data were gathered by using two approaches: participant observations and interviews. In summary, this thesis identified some principles for improving the design of an effective pre-clinical laboratory course regarding balancing and integrating the DentSim system and other aspects of practice. The thesis should also be of value to other professional educators and educational designers who would like to implement similar technologies and approaches in their courses and/or to undertake similar research in this field.

This qualitative study addressed the question: What are the perceptions of preschool and elementary bilingual and ESL teachers on how technology-enhanced classroom environments support native Spanish-speaking English language learners in the acquisition of English as a second language? With the support of six school districts representing three different regions and 15 schools in Texas, this research investigated technology-enhanced learning environments and the influence of emerging technologies on language acquisition by focusing on classroom interactions and learner engagement in preschool and elementary settings. Forty-six teachers completed the self-identified online questionnaire and from that initial group of participants, 10 were chosen for the face-to-face semi-structured interviews. A two-cycle progressive refinement coding technique was used for the analysis of the teacher interviews. In Vivo coding was selected for the first-cycle coding methodology to study teacher perspectives using their direct language. For the second-cycle methodology, focus coding was chosen as a continuation of the analytical process examining the developing patterns resulting in the initial codes being grouped to form salient categories. This process of reanalyzing and reorganizing coded data led to the creation of four emergent themes and in the views of the teachers interviewed describes how emerging technologies influences English language acquisition. The four emergent themes identified were “engaging students for learning,” collaborating with others,” “developing and clarifying concepts,” and “creating authentic work.”

The purpose of this research was to determine if the introduction of a competitive and collaborative computer-based gaming software system into middle school classrooms would result in improved attendance and grades, and motivate students to have a greater interest in their studies. This study was conducted over a 6 week period, with attendance and performance data being collected from 284 students. Two quantitative surveys were used to measure course interest and motivation: (a) the Course Interest Survey (CIS), and (b) the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). Participation in these surveys consisted of 84 students taking the CIS and 40 students taking the IMMS. The results indicated that the experimental group showed statistically better scores than the comparison group in attendance and performance. Students participating in the experimental group had significantly lower mean ranks of absenteeism compared to students in the comparison group. Results also revealed significant differences on grades. Students that were in the experimental group had significantly higher grades compared to students that were in the comparison group. Results of the CIS suggest that a statistically significant difference does not exist on Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction between the experimental and comparison groups. Results of the means and standard deviations for the IMMS Motivation Scores fell somewhere between Moderately true and Mostly true. This research study suggests that student's attendance and performance can be improved when quiz based gaming software that is both collaborative and competitive is used regularly in the classroom. However, for student's that participated in the gaming software, their interest in studying the subject doesn't appear to be significantly different from students that did not participate.

Although a mandate was given in an urban southern university for instructors in the Adult Professional Studies Program (APS) to begin transitioning their face-to-face courses to online curricula, few courses have been converted. The purpose of this case study was to determine APS instructors' perceptions of developing and transitioning face-to-face courses to an online format. Lewin's change theory and force field analysis provided the conceptual framework for this study. The research questions concerned the faculty's perceptions of developing and transitioning courses to an online format. A purposeful sample of fulltime and adjunct faculty, with different levels of expertise in online courses within the APS department was invited to participate. Semistructured interview data from these faculty (n = 9) - were analyzed manually using color coding to determine the needs and barriers for instructors transitioning their face-to-face courses to online curricula. According to the study findings, the APS faculty saw value in online education, but perceived many obstacles that keep them from fully investing into this type of instruction. 10 themes were identified through data analysis in this study. These themes were used to create a 3-day professional development (PD) project for faculty members in the APS to assist educators in creating appropriate innovations for teaching and learning in an online setting. Creating a comprehensive, 3-day PD training for APS staff and faculty that address barriers noted in the findings of the study and diverse learning opportunities created learning opportunities for nontraditional students in the APS.

This thesis presents the findings of a mixed methods study conducted in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). More specifically, it focuses on the Heads of e-Learning (HeLs) perspective of the needs of tutors who teach in blended and online environments, the ways HEIs in the United Kingdom (UK) address these needs and on institutional issues around the deployment and support of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) by campus-based institutions. The HeLs’ perspectives are also compared to Laurillard's conversational framework for the effective use of learning technologies. The literature review in the area of staff development on TEL offers an analysis of the key issues and provides a useful backcloth for this research; the TEL context in UK HEIs is discussed, the terminology is clarified and learning theories are briefly looked at, prior to the more detailed description of staff development models and approaches around TEL. The research design follows a mixed methods approach. The informants in both phases of this research were the HeLs in various UK HEIs. Using an online questionnaire, quantitative data were gathered on the various ways that the staff development needs of the lecturers in blended and online learning have been addressed by UK HEIs. Simple frequencies and cross tabulations were applied to the data. During the second phase of this research, thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. The questionnaire findings – interviews’ outline chapter describes and analyses the research findings from the online questionnaire and provides information about the interviewees and outlines the way the interview questions were developed over time. Further discussion, integration and interpretation of both phases of this research takes place in the discussion – integration of findings chapter. The study concludes by re-addressing the research questions and by pointing out its achievements as well as its limitations.

New advances in computer programming and more powerful technology have opened up new opportunities for learning though immersive virtual reality simulations. This research highlighted the importance of the role of a lecturer in fostering learning in a technology rich learning environment. Undergraduate business studies students worked collectively to try resolve a problem depicted through an immersive simulation involving a burning factory. The simulation provided a rich personal experience that enabled students with lecturer support to generate effective strategies to address the problem.

New advances in computer programming and more powerful technology have opened up new opportunities for learning though immersive virtual reality simulations. This research highlighted the importance of the role of a lecturer in fostering learning in a technology rich learning environment. Undergraduate business studies students worked collectively to try resolve a problem depicted through an immersive simulation involving a burning factory. The simulation provided a rich personal experience that enabled students with lecturer support to generate effective strategies to address the problem.

This study was an exploration of the different ways that educators conceptualise and approach creative learning and teaching. The research revealed theoretical and practice-based insights, demonstrating that exemplary teachers adopt an ecological approach to designing for student creativity; this approach acknowledges and works with the complexity of the higher education environment and the dynamic relationships between students, peers and teachers. The inquiry confirmed the value of using learning design patterns to uncover hidden creative processes.