The present study explores the effects of media and distributed information on the performance of remotely located pairs of people′s completing a concept-learning task. Sixty pairs performed a concept-learning task u...The present study explores the effects of media and distributed information on the performance of remotely located pairs of people′s completing a concept-learning task. Sixty pairs performed a concept-learning task using either audio-only or audio-plus-video for communication. The distribution of information includes three levels: with totally same information, with partly same information, and with totally different information. The subjects′ primary psychological functions were also considered in this study. The results showed a significant main effect of the amount of information shared by the subjects on the number of the negative instances selected by the subjects, and a significant main effect of media on the time taken by the subjects to complete the task.展开更多
Among the current reform measures undertaken in Chinese K-12 education, to adopt New Curricula and to improve ICT application in teaching are both decisive, however, the lack of qualified trainers is handicapping the ...Among the current reform measures undertaken in Chinese K-12 education, to adopt New Curricula and to improve ICT application in teaching are both decisive, however, the lack of qualified trainers is handicapping the professional development of over 10 millions in-service teachers. One of eChina - UK projects in collaboration between universities from both sides is designed to develop virtual learning community ( VLC) among in-service teachers and explore from pedagogic perspective how to conduct VLC. In accordance with reflective learning and collaborative learning, three online learning modules have been jointly created by Chinese and UK educational specialists, and one unit from each module has been piloted by a group of senior teachers. Through analyzing the processes of course design and pilot, supported by quantitative and qualitative research into the experiences of pilot participants, the paper identifies some core factors influencing the quality of VLC and suggests that more attention should be given to the interactive learning process within VLC rather than to create well-structured learning materials before hand. It has also analyzed VLC as a promising approach to support professional development of in-service teachers from the perspective of continuous improvement process. There is much to be researched into the approach of VLC.展开更多
文摘The present study explores the effects of media and distributed information on the performance of remotely located pairs of people′s completing a concept-learning task. Sixty pairs performed a concept-learning task using either audio-only or audio-plus-video for communication. The distribution of information includes three levels: with totally same information, with partly same information, and with totally different information. The subjects′ primary psychological functions were also considered in this study. The results showed a significant main effect of the amount of information shared by the subjects on the number of the negative instances selected by the subjects, and a significant main effect of media on the time taken by the subjects to complete the task.
文摘Among the current reform measures undertaken in Chinese K-12 education, to adopt New Curricula and to improve ICT application in teaching are both decisive, however, the lack of qualified trainers is handicapping the professional development of over 10 millions in-service teachers. One of eChina - UK projects in collaboration between universities from both sides is designed to develop virtual learning community ( VLC) among in-service teachers and explore from pedagogic perspective how to conduct VLC. In accordance with reflective learning and collaborative learning, three online learning modules have been jointly created by Chinese and UK educational specialists, and one unit from each module has been piloted by a group of senior teachers. Through analyzing the processes of course design and pilot, supported by quantitative and qualitative research into the experiences of pilot participants, the paper identifies some core factors influencing the quality of VLC and suggests that more attention should be given to the interactive learning process within VLC rather than to create well-structured learning materials before hand. It has also analyzed VLC as a promising approach to support professional development of in-service teachers from the perspective of continuous improvement process. There is much to be researched into the approach of VLC.
