The development of a student's ability to make data-driven decisions has become a focus in higher education (Schield 1999; Stephenson and Caravello 2007). Data literacy, the ability to understand and use data to effectively inform decisions, is a fundamental component of information competence (Mandinach and Gummer 2013; Stephenson and Caravello,…

The use of computer-based gaming in education is not a new phenomenon. Many educators nostalgically remember green Apple II monitors displaying the games Lemonade Stand and Oregon Trail in the early 1980s. Technology in schools has evolved considerably since then, and gaming has become pervasive within all demographic subgroups. Gaming within…

A recent literature review by Smith and Boling (2009) critically examines the received view of instructional design in educational technology. Smith and Boling conclude that the foundational literature characterizes design in a way that leads to a constrained understanding of design, especially by novices. They suggest that as a field we move…

This paper describes successful strategies based on research and practical applications used in the Greater Clark School Corporation in bringing many languages and cultures together. The most reasonable and correct course of action for teachers to take is to include the students in all class activities that will be enhanced by cooperative…

Reviews the Clarifying Environments Program, the goal of which was to develop an empirically grounded theory of human higher-order problem solving. Four problem areas discussed are: communication and educational technology, analysis of human interaction and higher-order problem solving, applications, and heuristic-theory development. (RAO)

Addresses the relationship that exists between the fields of educational technology, which stresses a performance problem-solving methodology, and distance education, which provides a context within which these methodologies may be employed. A definition of educational technology is discussed, and methodologies of instructional design and…

A dynamic program for geometry called Cabri Geometry II is used to examine properties of figures like triangles and make connections with other mathematical ideas like ellipse. The technology tip includes directions for creating such a problem with technology and suggestions for exploring it.

Joyce VanTassel-Baska is the Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Education and the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Education at the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. For the past 20 years, the Integrated Curriculum Model, based on research of what works with gifted learners, has been the foundation of curriculum…

Skepticism about online instruction often erroneously blames the electronic medium for shortcomings in instructional design or technique. This essay discusses the performance expectations for fully online group problem-solving via threaded discussion boards. Four years of administering this assignment in a basic oral communication course yield…

This paper describes research into the framework of Computer Analysis Relationship (CAR) and its methodology together with software such as Scientific Notebook in a teaching and learning problem-solving environment to support student investigation as well as to enhance student logical thinking. CAR aims to motivate students how to subdivide a…

The development of anasynthesis--the process of analysis, synthesis, modeling, and simulation--as applied to decision making and problem solving in education and training is explored, and its future with regard to education is discussed. (RAO)

Synectics is a creative problem-solving process developed by William J. J. Gordon and George Prince in the 1960s (Gordon, 1961). A result of Gordon and Prince observing brainstorming sessions that achieved varying levels of success, Synectics outlines the processes that people can use to help them overcome mental blocks while working on difficult…

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 collaborative consultancy role proposed for the educational technologist requires moving beyond the linear model of the systematic approach. Instructional developers need to operate on the conceptual level, to see themselves as problem solvers within a dynamic system in which there are no straight paths, but instead, many paths and many…

Argues that the changes in the context of engineering requires new approaches within the curriculum and by promoting active learning and encouraging students to experiment and be more creative. eLearning is one of an important number of strategies for achieving the paradigm shift that is required. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)