Title :
Instructional technology for cross-disciplinary learning
Author :
Crews, Thaddeus R., Jr.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Comput. Sci., Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green, KY, USA
Abstract :
Advances in computer technology and multimedia systems have led to widespread interest in computer-based instruction and learning environments. presentation of material in realistic contexts, thus promoting constructive and generative learning. However the true potential and benefits of these systems are yet to be realized. Significant benefits will be realized when instructional technologies are systematically incorporated into a system of tools that support ongoing thinking and learning activities. This paper discusses one such effort, "Anchored Learning Environments" (ALE), an emerging architecture for integrated curricula instruction and learning. ALE extend well-developed theories of educational practice into the domain of interactive computer-assisted instruction. The resulting computer-supported environments facilitate sustained learning by active learners. A major goal of the ALE architecture is to help students understand the kinds of problems and opportunities that exist in complex, real world environments. A related goal is to help students integrate their knowledge through the repeated exploration of the same situation (macrocontext) from multiple points of view. This paper discusses a series of relates ALE spanning the disciplines of mathematics, physics, history, and geography. The research described provides a blueprint for an interactive teaching program that bridges multiple departments, introducing students, educators, and faculty to the possibilities of technology-supported integrated curricula learning.
Keywords :
computer aided instruction; interactive systems; multimedia systems; teaching; Anchored Learning Environments; active learners; computer technology; computer-based instruction; computer-based learning environments; computer-supported environments; cross-disciplinary learning; educators; faculty; geography; history; instructional technology; integrated curricula instruction; interactive computer-assisted instruction; interactive teaching program; knowledge integration; mathematics; multimedia systems; physics; students; sustained learning; technology-supported integrated curricula learning; Animation; Computational modeling; Computer aided instruction; Computer architecture; Computer graphics; Computer science; Context modeling; Materials science and technology; Mathematics; Problem-solving;
Conference_Titel :
Frontiers in Education Conference, 1998. FIE '98. 28th Annual
Conference_Location :
Tempe, AZ, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-4762-5
DOI :
10.1109/FIE.1998.738878