2008 e-Fellows
Read about the projects being undertaken by the five e-fellows for 2008. For the latest information on progress with their research projects, go to www.efellows.org.nz
Matt Tippen – Isleworth Primary School, Christchurch
Energising education
What effect does the creation and the use of ICT-based energisers have on student engagement? I will look at the engagement levels of students when they participate in a two-minute high-impact fitness routine/energiser, and the impact on future learning after an energiser. I'll investigate the impact energisers have on engagement in student learning.
Partner
SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand)
Email
efellows2008@tki.org.nz
Toni Twiss – Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Hamilton
Reaching the potential for mobile phones in education
How can mobile phones be integrated into authentic classroom learning activities to develop effective information literacy skills? I am excited about the potential of m-learning and will investigate how teachers can use mobile phones to foster effective information literacy skills. Using mobile phones, kids can access the internet, take movies and still photographs, make podcasts, and upload content. Why not use the tool that is in nearly every student's pocket to make learning exciting and relevant?
Website
www.tonitwiss.com/mobile
Email
efellows2008@tki.org.nz
Nick Rate – Russell Street School, Palmerston North
Maximising the formative benefits of e-portfolios
e-Portfolios not only have the potential to share student learning outcomes in an interactive and engaging way, but also the ability to clearly demonstrate and engage parents, students and teachers in assessment for learning. e-Portfolios can show what students are learning, how they are successful, the learning process, and the ongoing feedback and reflection cycle that takes place in order for students to take ownership and control of their learning. This research project will explore what teachers can do in order to maximise the formative learning benefits of online e-portfolios.
Partners
Mark Brown and Bill Anderson, Massey University College of Education
Anna Stephenson, Massey University Centre for Educational Development
Email
efellows2008@tki.org.nz
Mark Callagher – Wellington College
Effective blended e-learning in secondary school teaching
How can student interactivity and historical thinking be enhanced through the use of a blended learning approach? I have been teaching mathematics, history and ICT at Wellington College for a number of years. This year I will be focusing my research on a Year 11 History class and how the Moodle learning management system can be used to improve student participation and interactivity both online and in the classroom. I will be exploring the impact of the use of this blended learning approach on students' overall historical thinking skills.
Partner
HRD NZ (Human Resource Development NZ) www.learning.ac.nz
Email
efellows2008@tki.org.nz
Michael Fenton – Inglewood High School, Taranaki
Towards a better understanding
How can students use mobile sensor technology to create authentic learning? From my experiences of teaching mathematics, science and computing, it appears that learning is primarily assessment focused. This has been at odds with my background in scientific research and industry where learning is directed at problem solving and creativity. I will investigate how the availability of mobile sensors encourages student enquiry about themselves and/or their environment, and how the use of mobile sensor technology contributes to developing understanding and higher level thinking. The pocket data logger/games/sensor system used is my RIGEL system.
Website
www.nexusresearchgroup.com
Email
efellows2008@tki.org.nz