Many resources now punctuate the maker movement landscape. However, some schools and communities still struggle to understand this burgeoning movement. How do we define these spaces and differentiate them from previous labs and shops? Through a multidimensional framework, stakeholders should consider how the structure, access, staffing, and tools…

This design case (Boling, 2010) includes the challenges, considerations, and decisions associated with the design and development of a learning space/place (Dourish, 2006; Harrison & Dourish, 1996) focused on innovative, creative, and imaginative ways to transform teaching and learning with technology. The T.E.C.H. Playground in the College of…

In this article, the author argues that technology use in education has focused on combating instructional problems and inefficiencies. While technology use for such purposes is viable and important, the author proposes that practitioners and researchers in this field utilize emerging technologies as a means to provide opportunities for personally…

If ubiquitous computing becomes a reality and is widely adopted, it will inevitably have an impact on education. This article reviews the background of ubiquitous computing and current research projects done involving educational "ubicomp." Finally it explores how ubicomp may and may not change education in both formal and informal settings and…

Highly mobile devices are not just little computers or calculators. They have unique affordances and constraints that matter in teaching and learning. In addition, kids not only like portable digital technologies but use them as integral parts of their lives. If schools do not reconsider what they teach and how and where they teach it, students…

Discusses the current situation in educational systems based on a consideration of scientific concepts including chaos theory, complexity, and dynamical social systems. Highlights include systemic change in education; perturbation; self-organization; dissipation of rigid structures; sensitivity to initial conditions; entropy; bifurcations; and…

Efforts to improve education, including the use of educational technology, are subject to factors within the context where the change is intended. In countries not typically classified as advanced, the change methods to be used, the probability of success, and even the ways of measuring achievement most likely will vary on the basis of cultural…

Discussion of changes in school building design focuses on a conference held at Prairie School (Racine, Wisconsin) that included architects and educators who discussed what is happening in schools and in what directions school design should be moving. New environments needed for new learning styles are described. (LRW)

Offers a response to the previous article, discussing school reforms and restructuring; educational technology; hyperlearning; and future learning environments. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discusses differences between instructional efficiency and instructional effectiveness, and proposes that environmental analysis should be incorporated into the front-end analysis stage of instructional design to increase instructional success. Highlights include the teachers' role; the students' role; physical aspects; use aspects; and management…

Discusses the lack of substantial changes in education in the past, and describes three factors that could allow for substantial innovations: distance learning, collaborative learning and the use of technology, and changing teacher/student relationships. Also discusses informal learning, individual learning, social behavior, assignment of task,…