Situated in a theoretical foundations of educational technology course, this study explored how practicing teachers who had not previously taken any formal learning theories courses connected theories with the use of technology. It examined the mindset of teachers after their learning and exposure to learning theories and relevant school of thoughts for a sustained period of time. Results show that teachers showed an appreciation for theories and an awareness for the need of theories in guiding technology use. Teachers also connected theories with technology use. The learning of theories equipped teachers with theoretical guidance and justifications for the use of technology. The participating teachers were also able to evaluate pedagogical approaches toward the use of technology based on their learning. The study addressed the importance of theoretical understanding towards the use of technology and has implications for policies and practice regarding teacher education and professional development regarding the use of educational technology.
Project-based learning (PBL) has a positive impact on student motivation, students’ perceived learning, and performance. However, many teachers are reluctant to adopt PBL. This mixed-methods study examined in-service teachers’ learning experiences of planning and implementing PBL situated in a graduate level PBL course and sought insight into the challenges and ways to overcome the challenges in implementing PBL in practice. Results indicate that teachers’ confidence about their ability to plan and implement a PBL project improved upon completion of the course. Nevertheless, teachers cited various obstacles, such as a lack of mentoring, planning time and implementation experiences, which had prevented them from complete implementation of PBL in teaching. Possible ways to overcome the challenges in adopting PBL include school support, opportunities for experience and practice with PBL, and peer collaboration. The study also showed that a semester-long course focused on designing and developing a PBL project of teachers’ choice was effective in helping increase their confidence and experience in potential implementation of PBL in classroom practice. This study contributes to the implementation of PBL in classrooms and teacher education as well as teacher professional development on the PBL approach.
The use of flipped learning as a pedagogical approach has increased in the 21st century. While there is an existing survey of literature regarding the development in American educational institutions – and fewer in an Asian context – there are some unique cultural considerations that may need to be examined regarding flipped learning's adoption and adaptation in Asia. This paper serves as a literature review focusing on several Asian nations with respect to three major considerations in comparison to the United States: geographical, educational, and cultural. After the comprehensive review, which comments on the number of relevant publications available per nation, this paper concludes that there is no significant barrier to the implementation of flipped learning in Asia beyond the existing considerations apparent in the United States (access, time, and institutional support). Additionally, the prevalence of flipped learning in Asia, and the purposes of various studies surveyed, indicate that cultural barriers, at least in this area, are becoming less notable or authoritative as national or historical distinctions are diminishing through Millennials' tendencies toward globalization.
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