Showing papers in "Australasian Journal of Educational Technology in 1995"

Distance Education Technologies: The Fourth Generation.

Abstract: For many years distance education practitioners have enthusiastically embraced a wide range of educational technologies. In contrast, on-campus educators have tended to be satisfied with traditional approaches ignoring the new technologies of teaching and concentrating their energies on research and other scholarly activities. A review of developments in the application of a range of technologies in distance education provides an appropriate foundation for delineating the challenge to leaders and managers of conventional on-campus institutions interested in improving the quality of teaching and learning. The opportunity for institutional leaders is to adopt a proactive stance and to generate an organisational development strategy which will lead to the new technologies becoming a structurally integrated element of the teaching/learning environment.

Learning and Teaching in Virtual Worlds: Implications of Virtual Reality for Education.

Abstract: Though Virtual Reality is at a relatively rudimentary stage of development, many argue it is destined to influence both educational theory and practice. Active research into the educational implications of VR for education is underway and mainly focuses on the phenomena related to the immersion of individuals in a simulated environment. This paper surveys the research into VR and focuses on the implications of immersive virtual worlds for learning and teaching.

Developing effective hypermedia instructional materials

Abstract: The use of hypermedia as an instructional medium is growing rapidly with developments and enhancements in instructional and computing technologies. Much of the popularity of the medium is derived from its capacity to convey large amounts of information to learners in structured and associated ways which promote student centred and independent learning. Recent developments in multimedia technologies and software, and enhanced networking facilities through the Internet, have led to new and exciting opportunities for hypermedia systems development. This paper provides an overview of the potential of hypermedia as an instructional medium and discusses research that has investigated learning outcomes. It provides an overview of instructional design considerations to guide developers and designers of hypermedia systems.

User and Usability Testing--How It Should Be Undertaken?.

Abstract: Usability evaluation is the analysis of the design of a product or system in order to evaluate the match between users and a product or system within a particular context. Usability evaluation is a dynamic process throughout the life cycle of a product or system. Conducting evaluation both with and without end-users significantly improves the chances of success. Six usability evaluation methods and six data collection techniques are discussed, including advantages and limitations of each. Recommendations are made regarding the selection of particular evaluation methods and recording techniques to evaluate different elements of usability.

Educational software design: A literature review

Abstract: The aim of this literature review is to outline the context of theory in designing educational software for vocational education and training, and to give an account of the significance of the "key ingredients" which constitute best practice.

Multimedia reporting in science problem solving

Abstract: The increasing availability of CD ROM based interactive multimedia packages to support learning in science classrooms offers science teachers new pedagogical opportunities for student-centred and cooperative learning. However, many of the current products do not make full use of the existing technology in schools and even when they do they tend to constrain the student to a very limited view of information and how it can be used as part of student reporting of inquiry projects. Interactivity in many packages has been limited to "point and click" rather than employing instructional strategies that immerse and challenge students. The Interactive Multimedia Learning Laboratory at the University of Wollongong has developed two interactive multimedia packages designed for Australian schools that not only attempt to develop problem solving skills but also allow students to express their ideas with different forms of representation in their reports. Investigating Lake Iluka , based on the ecology of a coastal lake environment uses a text based notebook which allows the student to select text and edit it into their report on their problem investigation A second package, Exploring the Nardoo , based on water management issues extends the concept to include multimedia elements in the student's notebook. The evaluation of both packages has examined the ability of students to express themselves in text together with static and dynamic aural and visual forms. This paper also reports on improvement of scientific understanding and improved problem' reporting based on metacognitive supports included in these interactive multimedia packages, especially the use of genre templates and guides.

Definitions of instructional control in learning environments

Abstract: A fundamental question in the design of learning environments is determining the nature of instructional control which will facilitate optimal learning outcomes. The assumptions that increased control in the hands of learners will produce enhanced learning outcomes is untenable. This short paper reviews a select body of research with varying types and levels of control in learning environments and presents a summary of operational definitions of control applied in those studies. Analysis of these definitions revealed variations in the amount of control allowed which is most meaningful if represented on a continuum ranging from maximum program control on the one hand, to maximum learner control on the other. The impacts of control in learning environments is briefly discussed.

How successful is "Successmaker"? Issues arising from an evaluation of computer assisted learning in a secondary school

Abstract: The paper discusses issues arising from the year long evaluation of the use of the computer assisted learning (CAL) package "Successmaker" in a secondary school (Years 8-12). All students in Year 8 (n=199) and Year 9 (n=180) had equal access to the computer assisted learning lab for an hour session a week. Specialised groups like learning support, special education and ESL also used the lab for blocks of time. Multiple sources of data were used to assess the process and outcomes of introducing CAL. Issues arising include whether the rationale for such a program is well founded; its effectiveness, including cost effectiveness and generalisability of learning, and the question of educational integrity in terms of curriculum and pedagogical appropriateness.

The medium and the message

Abstract: From discussions expounding the virtues of interactive multimedia (IMM) appearing frequently in the popular press, education and training literature, conference presentations and seminars, it could be construed that IMM is being heralded as the answer to training and education needs for the 1990s, but what does the phenomenon offer trainers and/or educators, striving to achieve cost efficient and effective learning? It seems reasonable to suggest that developments in the understanding of teaching and learning methods that enhance and nurture cognitive skill acquisition are what underlies the potential contribution of IMM to improved learning effectiveness.

Intelligent Agents, Internet Information and Interface.

Abstract: A review of intelligent software agents and their relevance to networked information touching on some of their emerging potential and on interface considerations.

Database education: Problems for business students

Abstract: The teaching of relational database design to business students poses many problems. This paper looks at these problems and outlines an integrated approach which addresses the piecemeal and disjointed procedures common in many textbooks. A number of strategies for dealing with other problem areas of the topic are also described from the perspective of the prevailing business environment.

Design issues in computer-based education

Abstract: The merits and demerits of computer multimedia within the domain of CBE is a topical discussion point. Dan Ellis has recently argued a case for 'barefoot multimedia' based on his experience developing CBE at Queensland University of Technology (Ellis, 1994). The following article briefly relates some of the CBE development work taking place at Deakin University and takes issue with some of the points made by Ellis.

Multimedia markets: A study of Australian content developers.

Abstract: The Australian multimedia industry needs to pay closer attention to original market-driven content development if it is to survive an increasingly competitive global marketplace. This paper provides a schema for future developments in multimedia and reports some results of an investigation of multimedia content developers in terms of size, composition, information flows, types of activities undertaken, technological orientation and project focus. The aims of the study were to provide a "snapshot" of the industry at the current time, to serve as a benchmark for future research, and map current industry activities against predicted trends in multimedia. The results have implications for government programs supporting new multimedia ventures, and for present policy and strategy mechanisms employed by multimedia producers.

Do vendor/consultant services affect small business' IT course requirements?

Abstract: This paper compares two studies carried out in the area of small business in Australia. The first of these studies examined one branch of the 'scientific' small business community, veterinary practitioners. In particular, the study examined the computer training required by the city-based and country-based veterinarians. The second study examined the computer training needs of general small business managers in a city-based environment. Not only did both studies attempt to determine specific curricula needs, both examined the effect of vendor/consultant services on those curricular choices. The paper begins by briefly describing the nature of both the veterinary profession and small business in Australia. The paper then presents details of each of the studies. Finally the paper compares the findings of each of the studies, highlighting similarities as well as differences in the small business types.