2007 efellows

Submitted by admin on Fri, 28/03/2008 - 12:31pm.

2007 e-Fellows

Read about the projects being undertaken by the six e–fellows for 2007.

Dorothy Burt - Pt England School

Dorothy Burt 2007 E-fellows Report

Podcasting with purpose

Research Question

In what ways can including podcasting in teaching and learning activities contribute to reading outcomes?

Overview

For 18 months I have been involved in a podcasting project, Korero Pt England (KPE), which is based around students reading New Zealand fiction and presenting their reviews to a global audience through a podcast hosted on iTunes USA. The main purpose of this research is to examine how the use of 21st century technology and the opportunity to have their voice heard by an authentic audience contributes to the reading outcomes of the students involved in the project.

Partner

Renaissance Education Division (RED)

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/?q=blog/30

Website
http://www.ptengland.school.nz/index.php?family=1,871

Gavin Hewitt - Hagley Community College, Christchurch

Gavin Hewitt 2007 E-Fellow Report

Learning through immersive 3D games development and play

Overview

Over the past few years there has been much research into student engagement in video games in the classroom, as well as reports into the potential of video games as learning experiences. These reports have highlighted two significant difficulties with the practical implementation of video games into the classroom. Firstly, the content of existing 'off the shelf' video games typically does not match the curriculum. Secondly, the types of skills and knowledge developed through game play do not equate with the skills and knowledge assessed, or valued in schools. So for my project, what I wish to find out is essentially: "How do you develop a video game that encourages higher order thinking which is valued and assessable?"

Partners

HIT Lab Christchurch
OverTheEdge I/S, University of Copenhagen

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/?q=blog/31

Jane Nicholls - Pine Hill School, Dunedin

Jane Nicholls 2007 E-Fellow Report

Social software and authentic literacy learning

Overview

After a year working with my class in the area of podcasting, I came to the conclusion that creative teaching with the use of podcasting can produce thinking communicators and not just proficient speakers. Because of this observation, my research will look at how the social software of podcasting can enhance children's oral literacies. I will examine the areas of confidence and self-esteem as well as the skills children acquire and the quality of their oral interactions. I will explore the question: "In what ways and to what extent does the use of podcasting enhance oral literacies in primary school students?"

Partner

RED (Renaissance Education Division)

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/blog/27

Podcast
http://www.ictucan.podomatic.com

Trevor Storr - Waimate High School

Trevor Storr 2007 E-Fellow Report

The suitability and application of Web2.0 in rural New Zealand secondary schools

Overview

My research will investigate the experiences and outcomes of both teacher and learner when using a virtual learning environment (VLE) in a blended learning scenario. Do senior high school pupils enjoy using a VLE and how do the learners' experiences and reflections on the process compare with those of their teacher? Are the social constructivist styles of learning often promoted by web2.0 activities effective in motivating learners and providing genuine learning opportunities to students?

Partners

Open Polytechnic - NZ Open Source VLE Project
http://eduforge.org/projects/nzvle/

Catalyst IT Ltd, Wellington
http://catalyst.net.nz/

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/?q=blog/28

Jonathan Parsons - Hillmorton High School, Christchurch

Jonathan Parsons 2007 E-Fellow Report

Sharing urban Māori experiences in a 3D collaborative learner environment

Research Question

What advantages does the use of a communal 3D gaming environment offer in facilitating co-construction of knowledge outcomes?

Overview

Recent research into learning and video games is well documented. However, the challenge for contemporary educators is not just to deliver 3D content to students, but also to facilitate their involvement inside 3D learning itself.

This will involve a 3D simulation where students can post their own learning experiences and view those of their peers.

Partner

Educational Interactive Ltd

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/?q=blog/29

Darryl Crawford - Tolaga Bay Area School

Darryl Crawford 2007 E-Fellow Report

Whānau – Navigating the digital divide

Overview

To explore whanau understanding and expectations of the role of e-learning in their child(rens) development within the school learning enviroment. Many Maori whanau base their understanding of their children's learning at school on their own schooling experiences. Most parents, if not all are 'digital immigrants' whereas their children have very different learning experiences and almost all are 'digital natives' (Prensky 2004). This project will identify if there is a digital divide between whanau understanding and expectations, and actual child experiences of e-learning in their school environment. It will also explore options for increasing the e-learning relationship betwwn whanau and school.

Partner

No Partners

Email
efellows2007@tki.org.nz

E-fellow Blog
http://www.efellows.org.nz/?q=blog/26