The ReDistricting Game is an online simulation game that engages learners in the redistricting process and spotlights the problem of gerrymandering districts in the United States. Hands-on simulation games such as this one can motivate students to think at higher levels and master key concepts. The concept of redistricting does not automatically…

Feedback on assessment tasks has an important part to play in underpinning student learning. Online assessment enables instantaneous feedback to be given so that the student can act on it immediately. However, concern has been expressed that e-assessment tasks (especially multiple-choice questions) can encourage surface-learning. Several projects…

Research based laboratory courses have been shown to stimulate student interest in science and to improve scientific skills. We describe here a project developed for a semester-long research-based laboratory course that accompanies a genetics lecture course. The project was designed to allow students to become familiar with the use of…

This paper describes the use of handheld computers in the Science classrooms of four Tasmanian schools over a year. Analysis was informed by theories of innovation and assisted by ecological perspectives. Teachers demonstrated a range of attitudes to innovative pedagogies associated with the devices, and these corresponded to student achievements.…

Offers recommendations about the appropriate role of technology in higher education: too much technology in your class can be negative; technology can intimidate if students have not been uniformly prepared before its use; students can be unforgiving if technology fails; technology-assisted process can be more important than the product developed;…

A faculty member in teacher development presents her perspectives of technology use, requirements, and students' problems. Five students in her Introduction to Education class give their viewpoints of technology use in their classes and discuss their perspective as future teachers. Problems of technology in the classroom are identified, followed…

Describes the instructional functions of multimedia presentation software. Explores the effects of computer multimedia in four large lecture classes in which students, graduate instructors, and a professor responded in journals, on objective tests, in focus groups, and on survey questionnaires. Discusses the results and examines the perspectives…

Focuses on six points for connecting teaching with technology: (1) teach your actual students; (2) improve students' historical and critical thinking skills; (3) promote using real-world skills; (4) provide links between the classroom and the real world; (5) relate to various learning styles; and (6) allow students to learn from one another. (CMK)

Describes the Correlator, an interactive computer tutorial that helps students explore positive, zero, and negative correlation coefficients. Discusses studies that assessed whether the Correlator aided in student learning revealing that students completing the Correlator better understand correlation coefficients and enjoy the tutorial. (CMK)

Describes an activity in which students create four-part stamp designs using a particular theme, such as sports, that work as a balanced composition, individually and collectively. Addresses how the students created their stamp designs and discusses the students' responses to the project. (CMK)

This colloquium piece summarizes the author's ongoing research regarding the development and implementation of a political science Web directory designed to take advantage of the research capacity of the Web. Results of student surveys examining the usefulness of Web directories reveal that students are benefiting from their use, particularly in…

Focuses on the use of Microsoft Excel in introductory statistics courses. Discusses the benefits of using a spreadsheet application for teaching statistics and why Excel is a good choice. Examines student reactions to Excel in introductory statistics courses using a survey method. (CMK)

Describes the potential of a FirstClass server in audioconferencing courses at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks using telecommunications, e-mail, student-to-student interaction, submission of assignments, e-mail, timely instructor feedback, and the transfer of files and multimedia documents. Student surveys indicated some positive aspects of…

Describes an action research study designed to examine high school students' use of the Internet, their evaluation of it as a learning tool, and their personal satisfaction at using the Internet for educational research. Presents the findings in detail and concludes by discussing the need for information literacy in the social studies curriculum.…

Oklahoma Christian University has implemented a ubiquitous computing program where every student and faculty member are equipped with IBM ThinkPad laptops that are connected to a wireless network. The technological enhancements provided by this program helped to create an environment where collaboration between students and faculty could be…