Ubiquitous Computing
Ubiquitous computing in education, the ready availability of a variety of technological devices which are available anywhere and anytime to support learning, is central to all the research done in the Research Center for Educational Technology. It is our belief that not only are technologies converging, they are connecting. It is also clear that ubiquitous computing is becoming an integral part of our lives almost everywhere except in schools, and so we see our mission as informing technology integration efforts to remedy this situation. Accordingly, all our research supports this goal. Projects collected under the ubiquitous computing heading, however, are particularly focused on the effects of ubiquitous computing environments on teaching and learning.
Ubiquitous Computing in Education
This ongoing and overarching research strand investigates the effects of the use of digital technologies and ubiquitous computing environments on teaching and learning. Initial research indicates a necessity to rethink teaching (curriculum, pedagogy, boundaries) and learning (engagement, individualization, collaboration, learning for all) for the full potential of the digital revolution to be realized in schools.
Publications
van ‘t Hooft, M. Personal, mobile, connected: The future of learning (2009). In Joke Voogt and Gerald Knezek (Eds.), The International Handbook of Information Technology in Education (pp. 873-881). New York: Springer. Click here for more information.
van ‘t Hooft, M., & Brown-Martin, G. (2009). Anytime, anywhere learning using mobile devices. In M. Pagani (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of multimedia technology and networking (pp. 41-46). Hershey, PA: Idea Group References. See the press release and book info. Article:
van ‘t Hooft, M., Brown Martin, G., & Swan, K. (2008). Anytime, anywhere learning using mobile devices. In L. Tomei (Ed.), The encyclopedia of instructional technology curriculum integration (pp. 37-42). Hershey, PA: Idea Group References. See also http://www.igi-global.com/reference/details.asp?id=7304
Also published as: van ‘t Hooft, M., Brown Martin, G., & Swan, K. (2008). Anytime, anywhere learning using mobile devices. In D. Taniar (Ed.), Mobile computing, concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications (pp. 144-151). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. See http://www.igi-global.com/reference/details.asp?id=8381
van ‘t Hooft, M. (2008). Mobile, wireless, connected: Information clouds and learning. In Emerging technologies for learning series, Volume 3 (pp. 30-46). Coventry, UK: Becta. Chapter, or Entire Volume.
van ‘t Hooft, M., & Swan, K. (2007). Ubiquitous Computing in Education: Invisible Technology, Visible Impact. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Swan, K., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (2007). Preface. In Ubiquitous computing in education, ix-xvii.
van ‘t Hooft, M., Swan, K. Lin, Y-M. & Cook, D. (2007). What is ubiquitous computing? In Ubiquitous Computing in Education, 3-17.
Unger, D., & Cook, D. (2007). Integrating Handheld Computers into Special Education Service Delivery. In Ubiquitous computing in education, 41-67.
van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H., Anstadt, K., Jameson, P., Kelly, J., & McClain, K. (2007). Now you see it, now you don’t: Ubiquitous technology in K-12 classrooms. In Ubiquitous computing in education, 71-85.
Schenker, J., Kratcoski, A. Lin, Y-M., Swan, K., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (2007). Researching ubiquity: ways to capture it all. In Ubiquitous Computing in Education, 167-186.
Gado, I., & van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H. (2007). Teachers’ views of computer technology for an inquiry-based science instruction in the developing country of Benin in West Africa: (Im)possibilities, prospects, dilemma, or catch-22. Ubiquitous computing in education, 231-255.
Swan, K., Kratcoski, A., Schenker, J., & Cook, D. (2007). The ubiquitous computing classroom: a glimpse of the future today. In Ubiquitous Computing in Education, 259-285.
van ‘t Hooft, M., & Swan, K. (2007). Epilogue. In Ubiquitous computing in education, 349-351. Research Center for Educational Technology (2006). Ubiquitous Computing: How anytime, anywhere, anyone technology is changing education [DVD-ROM]. Kent, OH.
van ‘t Hooft, M. (2007). Schools, children, and digital technology: Building better relationships for a better tomorrow. Innovate, 3(4) [online serial].
van ‘t Hooft, M. (2007, January). Ubiquitous computing: Making the most of digital technology in the classroom. China Educational Technology, 8-13.
van ‘t Hooft, M. (2006). Ubiquitous computing: More than just handhelds. Handheld Learning.
van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H., & Swan, K. (2004). Special issue on ubiquitous computing: Introduction. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 30 (4), 275-279.
Presentations
van ‘t Hooft, M. (October 2007). Reflections on pedagogy: Preparing 21st Century Learners. Presentation at Handheld Learning 2007, London, UK.
van ‘t Hooft, M..A. H. (April 2007). Citizen journalism: The future of news? Roundtable paper presentation at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
van ‘t Hooft, M. Anstadt, K., Jameson, P. Kelly, J., & McClain, K. (February 2007). Ubiquitous computing in education: Creating 21st century learners. Presentation at the 2007 eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference. Columbus, OH.
McNeal, T., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (June 2007) Anywhere, anytime: Using mobile phones for learning. Presentation at the 2007 National Educational Computing Conference (ISTE), Atlanta, Georgia.
van ‘t Hooft, M., Swan, K., (April 2007) Ubiquitous computing in education: Invisible technology, visible impact. Symposium at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
van ‘t Hooft, M., & Swan, K. (April 2007). Children, schools, and digital technologies: Building better relationships for a better tomorrow. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
van ‘t Hooft, M. (November 2006). Ubiquitous computing: More than just handhelds. Presentation at the MACUL Handheld Computers in Education Conference, Ann Arbor, MI.
Swan, K. (October 2006). Are we there yet? How do you know if IT is helping advance student learning? Kent, OH: Faculty Professional Development Center.
Swan, K. (September 2006). How do you know if IT is helping advance student learning? Broomfield, CO: EDUCAUSE Learning Iniative Focus Session on Supporting Learning with Technology: Assessment’s Role.
van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H. (July 2006). Ubiquitous computing in education: Making the most of technology in the classroom. Paper presentation at the First Global Summit Conference on Educational Technology, Shanghai, China.
Cook, D. L. (March 2006). Digital Game-based Learning. Presentation at the Innovative Learning Conference, Kent State University, Kent, OH.
van ‘t Hooft, M., & Swan, K. (March 2006). What is ubiquitous computing? Presentation at the Innovative Learning Conference, Kent State University, Kent, OH.
van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H. (November 2005). Ubiquitous computing: More than just handhelds. Presentation at the 5th annual Handheld Conference, Holland, MI.
van ‘t Hooft, M. A. H., Soloway, E., & Norris, C.(June 2004). The impact of ubiquitous computing on student achievement. Birds of a Feather session at the National Educational Computing Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Swan, K. (August 2004). Technology and learner characteristics. Miami, FL: Keynote address for Barry University Faculty Day.
Unger, D. Cook D. L. (April 2004). Ubiquitous computing and students with cognitive disabilities in inclusive classrooms: Implications for practice. Council for Exceptional Children- Division on Developmental Disabilities 9th Biennial Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.
AT&T Classroom Research
This longitudinal study centers on what we are learning from classes working in the AT&T classroom. It uses mixed methodologies (including a variety of focused case studies) to investigate how the comprehensive technology infrastructure in the classroom impacts teaching and learning. This work focuses on the effects of ubiquitous computing in three broad areas: in the ready availability in ubiquitous computing environments of a wide variety of external, material representations of knowledge; in the particular supports ubiquitous computing provides for individual students’ internal conceptualizations and construction of knowledge; and in the unique social interactions and shared uses of knowledge ubiquitous computing enables, through and around which knowledge is constructed. Findings show interesting effects in each of these areas. Among the most significant are high levels of conceptual understanding among all students (including those with special needs), more learner-centered and constructivist strategies for teaching and learning, and more inclusive and diverse classroom cultures in ubiquitous computing environments. Other interesting findings suggest the presence of an interactive triad rather than the traditional teacher-student dyad, with technology serving as a scaffold for student learning.
Publications
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., & Schenker, J. (2007). Ubiquitous computing and changing pedagogical possibilities: Representations, conceptualizations, and uses of knowledge. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 36 (4), 507-541.
van ‘t Hooft, M. (2007). Ubiquitous computing: Making the most of digital technology in the classroom. China Educational Technology.
Kelly, J., Kratcoski, A., & McClain, K. (2006). The effects of word processing software on the writing skills and motivation of students with special needs. The Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, 2(2).
Kratcoski, A., Swan, K., & Campbell, D. (2006). Teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing environment. Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, 2(1).
Kratcoski, A., & Katz, K. (2006). ). Interactions in a ubiquitous computing environment: The implications of discourse for children’s conceptualizations and representations. The Journal of The Research Center for Educational Technology, 2(1).
Swan, K., Cook, D., Kratcoski, A., Lin, Y., Schenker, J., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (2006). Ubiquitous computing: rethinking teaching, learning and technology integration. In S. Tettegah & R. Hunter (eds) Educational and Technology: Issues and Applications, Policy, and Administration. New York: Elsevier, 231-252.
Katz, K., & Kratcoski, A. (2004). Teacher-student interactions in a ubiquitous computing environment: Learning within dyads & triads of interaction. The Journal of The Research Center for Educational Technology, 1(1).
Presentations
Lin, Y., Swan, K., Kratcoski, A., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (April 2007). Enhancing children’s literacy through technology: A case study of a digital language experience approach. Paper presentation at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
Kratcoski, A., Swan, K., Schenker, J., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (April 2007). Ubiquitous computing, representations of knowledge and deep understanding. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Cook, D., Kratcoski, A., Schenker, J., & Lin, Y-M. (April 2006). Rethinking teaching and learning within a ubiquitous computing framework. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco:
Swan, K., Kratcoski, A., Lin, Y., Schenker, J., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (October 2005). The changing nature of learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Orlando, FL: 2005 AECT Convention.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., Schenker, J., & Lin, Y-M. (June/July 2005) Exploring the changing nature of teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Montreal: World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (ED-MEDIA 2005).
Swan, K., Kratcoski, A., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (April 2005) Exploring the changing nature of teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Montreal: Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association.
Swan, K., Kratcoski, A.. & van ‘t Hooft, M. (February 2005) Teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Columbus, OH: SchoolNet.
Swan, K. (February 2005) The changing nature of teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Kent, OH: Innovative Learning Conference.
Swan, K. (January, 2005) What is there there? Studying teaching and learning in a ubiquitous computing classroom. Kent, OH: 6th Annual RCET Conference.
Swan, K. Kratcoski, A. Diaz, S., van ‘t Hooft, M., & Juliana, M. (April 2004). Exploring a theoretical model of student learning in technology rich classrooms. San Diego, CA: Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA.
Swan, K. (January 2004). Research: One year later. Kent, OH: Fifth Annual RCET Research Conference, Kent, OH.
Swan, K., Diaz, S., Kratcoski, A., Katz, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., & Juliana, M. (October 2003). Exploring a theoretical model of student learning in technology rich classrooms. Columbus, OH: Annual Meeting of the Mid-Western Educational Research Association, Columbus, OH.
Thinking with Data (TWD)
This research involves an ongoing collaboration with SRI International. It funded by the National Science Foundation and explores the efficacy of the Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) framework (Bransford &Schwartz, 2000) in a cross-curricular approach to the teaching of data literacy at the middle school level. Pilot research with 6th grade social studies and mathematics classes showed potential for PFL to work as long as teachers closely follow the approach. A large-scale, three-year study, starting in January 2007, will build on the initial study to develop a full cross-curricular unit (social studies, mathematics, science, English language arts) and test its efficacy for developing middle school students’ understanding of data literacy.
Publications
Presentations
Swan, K., Vahey, P., Kratcoski, A., Rafanan, K., van 't Hooft, M., & Yarnall, L. (April 2009). Challenges to cross-disciplinary curricula: Data literacy and divergent disciplinary perspectives. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A. & Koptur, E. (July 2008). Using technology to Think with Data across the curriculum. Presentation at the National Educational Computing Conference, San Antonio, TX. (PowerPoint file)
van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., & Swan, K. (February 2008). Using technology to think with data across the curriculum. Session Presentation at the 2008 eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference, Columbus, OH. (PowerPoint file)
Swan, K., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (September 2007). Thinking with Data. Poster presentation at the annual DR-K12 meeting of the National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. (Poster)
Yarnell, L., Swan, K., Vahey, P. J., Patton, C., & Zalles, D. R. (April 2006). Mathematizing middle school: Results from a cross-disciplinary study of data literacy. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco, CA.
Jameson, P., Vahey, P., Swan, K., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (June 2005) Thinking with data: Using social studies data in math class. Presentation at the National Educational Computing Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Jameson, P., Swan, K. & Vahey, P. (February 2005) Thinking With data. Presentation at the Ohio SchoolNet Conference. Columbus, OH.
Supporting Efficient and Durable Student Learning
This research is part of a larger study directed by John Dunlosky and Katherine Rawson (KSU, Psychology) which explores technology support for efficient and durable learning of key concepts from course content using a retrieval-feedback-monitoring (RFM) method. This technology combines advances in metacognitive monitoring theory with research establishing the robust effects of spaced retrieval practice and restudy to help students obtain efficient and durable knowledge. In brief, the RFM method includes initial study of concepts, practice retrieving the concepts, feedback about retrieval output, and student monitoring of output quality. Student monitoring is then used to schedule further retrieval practice. RCET is working with the project PIs on Phase 3 of this project, which investigates scaling the RFM technology for 5th-7th grade students from the local community. We are currently running experiments aimed at determining how the technology needs to be refined for use with younger students, with the aim of full scale experimental trials next year.
Focus Groups: Youth and Digital Technologies
This research centers on what, why and how younger generations use and learn to use handheld technologies, what they perceive as differences in using and learning to use technologies in schools as compared to outside of schools, and what they see as the important decision-making processes and technology needs for students in schools. The study offers insights on how new technologies change the ways that younger generations growing up digitally learn and think, which in turn challenges us to rethink what and how teachers teach in this rapidly changing technological world.
Presentations
Lin, L., van ‘t Hooft, M., & Swan, K. (February 2007). What can we learn from younger generations’ use of handheld technologies? Presentation at the 2007 eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference. Columbus, OH.
Lin, L., Swan, K., & van ‘t Hooft, M. (June 2007) Teachers can learn from young generations of handheld users. Paper presentation at the 2007 annual National Educational Computing Conference (ISTE), Atlanta, Georgia.
Student Response Systems
This research explores the use of Student Response Systems (SRS) at the K-12 level, asking how the use of this 1:1, wireless technology affects student engagement and achievement. Initial findings indicate that students seem and perceive themselves to be more engaged when personal technologies are used to support teaching and learning. Current experimental research is testing differences in both student engagement and learning between groups receiving instruction with or without SRS options.
Publications
Swan K., Kratcoski, A., van ‘t Hooft, M., Campbell, D., & Miller, D. (2007). Technology support for whole group engagement: A pilot study. International Journal on Advanced Technologies for Learning, 4 (2), 68-73.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., Schenker, J., & Miller, D. (2007). Technology support for whole class engagement in learning. Vancouver, Canada: Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2007 (pp. 3310-3318). June 25-29, 2007.Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Swan, K., Kratcoski, A., van ‘t Hooft, M., & Campbell, D. (2007) Technology support for whole class engagement. Journal for the Research Center for Educational Technology.
Presentations
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., Schenker, J., & Miller, D. (June 2007). Technology support for whole class engagement in learning. Paper presentation at the ED-MEDIA World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia, and Telecommunications. Vancouver, Canada.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., & Schenker, J. (April 2007). Student response systems, whole class engagement and learning. Paper presentation at the 2007 annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., & Schenker, J. (February 2007). Clickers in the classroom: The effects of SRS technology on student engagement and learning. Presentation at the 2007 eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference. Columbus, OH.
Swan, K., Campbell, D., Kratcoski, A., & Miller, D. (April, 2006). Technology support for whole group engagement. Paper presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.