This paper is a response to "Challenges and Opportunities: Using a science-based video game in secondary school settings" by Rachel Muehrer, Jennifer Jenson, Jeremy Friedberg, and Nicole Husain. The article highlights two critical areas that I argue require more research in the studies of video games in education. The first area focuses on the…

There is currently widespread interest in exploring the opportunities to develop learning that can be delivered in three-dimensional multiuser virtual environments (3-D MUVEs). In this paper, I argue for the need to conduct research into the emerging cultures of use in 3-D MUVEs, focussing on the example of Second Life. Drawing on social and…

This article presents an interview with John Seely Brown, a visiting scholar at the University of Southern California and a former chief scientist of Xerox Corporation and director of its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)--a position he held for nearly two decades. While head of PARC, Brown expanded the role of corporate research to include such…

Interactive digital media, or video games, are a powerful new medium. They offer immersive experiences in which players solve problems. Players learn more than just facts--ways of seeing and understanding problems so that they "become" different kinds of people. "Serious games" coming from business strategy, advergaming, and entertainment gaming…

The paper addresses the question of how to design for learning taking place on mobile and wireless devices. The authors argue that learning activity designers need to consider the characteristics of mobile learning; at the same time, it is vital to realise that learners are already creating mobile learning experiences for themselves. Profound…

Object-oriented instructional design (OOID) offers the promise of universal access to online instructional materials, increased productivity among trainers and educators, and solutions for individualizing learning. However, it is unclear whether it can fulfill these promises to the degree many envision. As with every new instructional technology,…

Examines some misuses of technology and explores the use of technology in the context of educational reform. Focuses on the integration of technology in the educational process to provide a learning environment that allows discovery and creativity. Concludes that teachers need to be trained to evaluate and select systems that are effective for…

Discusses the development of various technologies up through the Internet, and notes that the means have been confused with the ends. Argues that educators and users should first focus on the learning material's content and on performance design that delivers useful results, before selecting the means of delivery (the Internet). (AEF)

Successful technology training for teachers begins with careful design of a staff development program, and must involve teachers in decision making. Time, access, and on-site support are critical for success, as are clear and relevant objectives for lesson plans, materials, and curriculum guides. (JKP)

Discusses second generation (G2), asynchronous online education. G2 courses provide instruction and require student interactivity in the form of asynchronous e-mail. Reviews benefits and limitations of G2 courses, what hardware and software are necessary, guidelines for teaching G2 courses, and guidelines for developing students to help them…

In the early days of online courses, a widespread production model was to provide faculty members with release time and/or stipends in return for developing and delivering their own courses. These early online courses were developed by a cadre of faculty "zealots" who believed that information technology could transform learning. Such faculty…

Professional development opportunities must offer a learning environment that creates a nurturing, creative, successful atmosphere for the learners. Instructional design models, learning styles, and technology implementation strategies impact this supportive environment. This paper discusses the importance of such a learning environment for…

This paper provides practical advice for making online discussions educationally durable. This advice focuses on all stages of online discussions from designing the assignment guidelines through summative evaluation. While this practical advice is grounded in the author's experience, it is more substantively grounded in a framework defining…

This paper presents the author's experiences in attempting to adapt to and include the use of technology while teaching reading and language arts skills to students of limited English proficiency and low socio-economic levels. The author used videos for instruction, and prepared traditional lesson plans in language arts and reading. The lessons…

This paper is a summary of a "how to" workshop, focusing on design guidelines when moving from an onsite course to an online course. Three most basic considerations are content knowledge, pedagogical skill, and higher-order thinking dispositions. Transferring content to an online environment requires technological expertise, and…