Vanderbilt University |
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Peabody College, Department of Teaching and Learning |
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Project Coordinator
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Project Description The goal of this research project will be to explore the use of interactive 3-D environments for the purpose of collaborative problem-solving. Specifically, this project will investigate the potential of using 3-D spaces as a medium for concept mapping. Extensive research at Peabody's Learning Technology Center (LTC) and elsewhere has demonstrated the value of active learning that incorporates multiple perspectives. The Active World environment provides a unique opportunity to combine an interactive building tool and shared communication space. The researcher is interested in the idea of students building 3 dimensional concept maps and having the opportunity for them to experience alternative approaches by exploring maps constructed by others. The Active World environment will provide the added advantage of real-time communication so that students could question other builders about difference in map design. The opportunity to experience the perspectives of students from as nearby as the same class to those from a class in another country will help to prepare students for a world that is smaller and yet more diverse than ever before. | ||
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Project Coordinator
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Project Description Our goal is to design, implement and study some highly promising technology based environments that support reflective, collaborative learning and that have important implications for helping K-12 teachers rethink what should be taught, how it should be taught, and how learning should be assessed. Our goals include helping teachers increase their content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and abilities to appreciate and work with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. We especially want to help teachers view themselves as members of a world-wide community of professionals. Each of the PI's on our research team has traveled, researched, or taught in foreign countries including Singapore, China, Kenya, Indonesia and Japan. We have seen first-hand the respect for teachers that is evident in these countries and the effects this has on the teachers. Our proposed research will use several different internet-based technologies to connect teachers in the U.S. with teachers from other countries (initially Hong Kong). The anchor tenant of our technology suite will be a "Virtual Learning Space" (VLS). A VLS offers interactive, content-based activities that enable teachers to collaboratively instruct students in a virtual, on-line world. | ||
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