Innovation in Teaching Alan Dix Lancaster University

note NOT… presenting best solutions or best practice WILL talk about … reflecting on experience developing solutions

examples... driving lesson p-learning and e-learning just-in-time theory

driving lesson

what happened removed external judgement – I didnt know intention allowed personal feedback – she did know enabled play and experiment – not goal directed

repeat 3 [forward 50 right 60] LOGO and Papert simple programming language plus turtle draw a triangle?

Montessori self correcting materials instant feedback no judgement

computers rapid feedback – before bad habits form – e.g. spelling checkers … but not correctors! low judgement …

computer personality work at Dundee – questionnaires and interviews – personal questions (medical) electronic versions – simple questionnaires – keyword based (like Elisa) – the more human-like the better – but better than real human

p-learning and e-learning

p-learning (physical learning) lectures tutorials and labs (20-30) small groups tutorials ? individual tutorials

p-learning e-learning lectures web labs ? tutorials bulletin boards & chat individual one-to-one

deconstruction and reconstruction p-learning e-learning deconstructionreconstruction

deconstruction find the real objectives lecture information, motivation, demonstration group tutorial collaboration, individual feedback lab + personal experience, physical materials

reconstruction potential media & meetings e-learning: web, CD-ROM, video, , bulletin boards, chat, webcam, streaming video/audio p-learning: weekend course, summer camp, monthly evening meeting, paper materials and books

reconstruction potential media & meetings e-learning: web, CD-ROM, video, , webcam, bulletin boards, chat, streaming video/audio p-learning: weekend course, monthly evening meeting, summer camp, paper materials and books match with objectives e.g. weekend course for motivation, group formation, demonstrations and hands on

just-in-time theory

mini-case studies context –week-log intensive course when technology doesnt work … –analyse why –use it as extended examples

Excel modes wouldnt close why? theory: –hidden mode –closure

does it work? weakness –knowing it is teaching time strengths –real example –introduces theory when relevant

ecological validity examples – one issue at a time – a good solution – from theory to practice

ecological validity examples – one issue at a time – a good solution – from theory to practice mini-case study – lots of relevant issues – no easy solution – tradeoffs – from practice to theory

passing on knowledge case studies, examples, patterns – good for use in practice – but how to generalise – textbooks full of theory! just-in-time theory – appropriate theory when needed

just-in-time theory appropriate theory – given when needed contextualised theory – apply theory in actual context – including trade-offs situated theory – make new theory if necessary

recap... driving lesson –feedback, play and judgement p-learning and e-learning –metamorphose fundamental learning just-in-time theory –ecologically valid examples, theory when it matters