Interactive sensory objects for and by people with learning disabilities

This project engages people with learning disabilities as co-researchers and co-designers in the development of multisensory interactive artworks, with the aim of making museums or heritage sites more interesting, meaningful, and fun. This article describes our explorations, within this context, of a range of technologies including squishy circuits, littleBits, and easy-build websites, and presents examples of objects created by the co-researchers such as “sensory boxes” and interactive buckets, baskets, and boots. Public engagement is an important part of the project and includes an annual public event and seminar day, a blog rich with photos and videos of the workshops, and an activities book to give people ideas for creating their own sensory explorations of museums and heritage sites.

Good practice for pupils learning English as an additional language; lessons from effective literacy teachers in inner city primary schools.

This article presents observations and discussion of the successful teaching of English to pupils, in English primary schools, for whom English is an additional language (EAL). It draws on research in Year 2 (6/7year old) classes in three inner-city primary schools carried out in 2003 and 2005. Three recognised, effective teachers of literacy were selected for case study; all worked in successful schools where results for literacy, measured by national tests, were in line with or better than national averages. Following analyses of lesson observations and interviews with the teachers, their Headteachers and the EAL co-ordinators in the schools, a number of common elements in their practice emerged. Discussion centres on how these pedagogical features supported effective learning environments for the early literacy development of bilingual children, and on the implications for the practice of teaching English to all pupils.

Interactive sensory objects for and by people with learning disabilities

This project engages people with learning disabilities to participate as co-researchers and explore museum interpretation through multisensory workshops using microcontrollers and sensors to enable alternative interactive visitor experiences in museums and heritage sites. This article describes how the project brings together artists, engineers, and experts in multimedia advocacy, as well as people with learning disabilities in the co-design of interactive multisensory objects that replicate or respond to objects of cultural significance in our national collections. Through a series of staged multi-sensory art and electronics workshops, people with learning disabilities explore how the different senses could be utilised to augment existing artefacts or create entirely new ones. The co-researchers employ multimedia advocacy tools to reflect on and to communicate their experiences and findings.

Interactive sensory objects for and by people with learning disabilities

This project engages people with learning disabilities to participate as co-researchers and explore museum interpretation through multisensory workshops using microcontrollers and sensors to enable alternative interactive visitor experiences in museums and heritage sites. This article describes how the project brings together artists, engineers, and experts in multimedia advocacy, as well as people with learning disabilities in the co-design of interactive multisensory objects that replicate or respond to objects of cultural significance in our national collections. Through a series of staged multi-sensory art and electronics workshops, people with learning disabilities explore how the different senses could be utilised to augment existing artefacts or create entirely new ones. The co-researchers employ multimedia advocacy tools to reflect on and to communicate their experiences and findings.

Students’ Role in Distance Learning

1. IntroductionMuch of the support that students have in a traditional classroom is absent in a distance learning course. In the traditional classroom, the learner is together with his or her classmates and the teacher; learning is socially embedded. Students can talk to each other and may learn from each other as they go through the learning process together. They also witness the teacher’s expression of the knowledge firsthand. The class participants communicate to each other not only through their words, but also through their gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice, and the teacher can observe the students’ progress and provide guidance and feedback in an as-needed basis. Further, through the habit of meeting in a regular place at a regular time, the participants reinforce their own and each other’s commitment to the course. A distance course must somehow provide learners other kinds of supports so that the distance learner also has a sense of connection with a learning community; can benefit from interaction with peers who are going through a similar learning process; receives feedback that allows him or her to know how he or she is progressing; and is guided enough so that he or she continues to progress towards the learning objectives. This cannot be accomplished if the distance course does not simultaneously promote student autonomy, for the distance course format requires students to take greater responsibility for their own learning. This chapter presents one distance learning course that was able to address all of these goals. The English Department at Högskolan Dalarna, Sweden, participates in a distance learning program with Vietnam National University. Students enrolled in this program study half-time for two years to complete a Master’s degree in English Linguistics. The distance courses in this program all contain two types of regular class meetings: one type is student-only seminars conducted through text chat, during which students discuss and complete assignments that prepare them for the other type of class meeting, also conducted through text chat, where the teacher is present and is the one to lead the discussion of seminar issues and assignments. The inclusion of student-only seminars in the course design allows for student independence while at the same time it encourages co-operation and solidarity. The teacher-led seminars offer the advantages of a class led by an expert.In this chapter, we present chatlog data from Vietnamese students in one distance course in English linguistics, comparing the role of the student in both student-only and teacher-led seminars. We discuss how students navigate their participation roles, through computer-mediated communication (CMC), according to seminar type, and we consider the emerging role of the autonomous student in the foreign-language medium, distance learning environment. We close by considering aspects of effective design of distance learning courses from the perspective of a foreign language (FL) environment.

Translation, Communication and 'Learning' : Experiences from teaching a master program in Viet Nam

In Vietnam, as in other Asian countries, co-operation with foreign universities plays an important role for the development of higher education. This paper is based on personal experiences from teaching a Swedish Master Programme in Education Science at Vietnam National University in Hanoi. Using theories developed by Lev Vygotsky and Donald Schon, the programme is explored as an inter-cultural learning process. Three aspects are focused upon. Firstly, the fact that communication between students and teachers is conducted with the help of translators who support both teachers and students in their attempt to understand and make themselves understood. Secondly, the expressed need to connect the ideas and techniques which are studied in the programme to the students´ professional worlds. Thirdly, the need to construct a framework wherein the students can inquire into their own situations and to encourage them to try new and more productive ways to deal with problems they are confronted with.

Empreendendo a aprendizagem: uma proposta de co-participação em sala de aula

Esta pesquisa pretendeu gerar pistas para situações do dia-a-dia dos alunos do curso de Administração, na disciplina de Psicologia, co-responsabilizando-os por sua produção e solução dos conflitos da classe. Nossa investigação centrou-se no grupo de discussão constituído por representantes (rodiziados) dos pequenos grupos da classe, apoiados pelo professor para discutir: a) dúvidas temáticas; b) sugestão para conflitos ocorridos intragrupos e intergrupos. Indagamos se: essa metodologia favoreceu a cooperação e a criatividade intergrupos e intragrupos? Como recursos auxiliares, utilizamos o sistema de monitoria/didática dos emergentes/devolutiva do processo grupal/confecção de textos pelos alunos.

Desenvolvimento do currículo do 4º ano de escolaridade: análise da utilização de uma plataforma de e-learning em contexto escolar

Partindo de um sentido de inovação pedagógica assente numa concepção de clara ruptura com abordagens pedagógicas tradicionalistas ligadas a uma certa perspectiva transmissiva/reprodutiva do saber, o presente trabalho de investigação analisa a utilização, em contexto curricular escolar, de uma plataforma de e-learning, considerando um enquadramento referencial de natureza construtivista, no qual, o aluno possa assumir um papel central e activo, na criação do seu próprio conhecimento. Consistindo numa abordagem de natureza qualitativa, o estudo de caso apresentado releva um paradigma interpretativo decorrente da análise da utilização, pelos alunos, de uma turma do 4º Ano de escolaridade, da plataforma de e-learning ―Escola Virtual™‖. Para tal intento, a diversidade de técnicas de recolha de dados — observação participante, entrevistas , e análise documental — ao permitirem uma triangulação dos mesmos, fundamentam um aprofundado sentido de comprensão do fenómeno analisado. Deste modo, a investigação centra-se em 3 componentes referenciais: Componente Pedagógica, Componente de Conteúdos e Componente de Interface. Os resultados obtidos revelam que, no âmbito da primeira componente, surgem especialmente facilitados os processos colaborativos entre os alunos, embora num contexto de interacção presencial e com carácter essencialmente pontual; a actuação docente, mantendo o seu carácter imprescindível, adquire uma dimensão de maior proximidade e orientação dos alunos enquanto, por seu turno, o nível motivacional dos alunos é estimulado, focalizando o aluno nas tarefas de aprendizagem. A natureza do feedback presente, no entanto, revelou-se um factor com efeitos prejudiciais para os processos de reflexão e metacognição dos alunos. No respeitante aos conteúdos, foi evidente alguma ligeireza e fragilidade de concepção em muitos deles, comprovada por uma quantidade expressiva de erros e lapsos de diversa natureza; enquanto que a natureza pré-formatada dos conteúdos — estruturando-os em ―Objectos de Aprendizagem‖ — limitou significativamente a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de procressos activos e criativos por parte do aluno, bem como, anulando a capacidade de abordagem de competências de natureza prática previstas no Programa Nacional do Ensino Básico. Por fim, o interface que, embora caracterizando-se pela sua intuitividade e simplicidade, suporta um limitado grau de controlo, pelos alunos, sobre os fluxos interactivos, reduzidos às suas expressões mais elementares. No seu aspecto global podemos considerar que, num contexto curricular escolar, a plataforma ―Escola Virtual‖ não se constitui como uma ferramenta de aprendizagem capaz de se enquadrar num paradigma de inovação pedagógica congruente com o sentido atrás defendido,não obstante possamos entender, que a mesma, constitua uma potencial mais-valia no âmbito da consolidação e testagem de conhecimentos préviamente adquiridos.

Depleting the curriculum: teaching digital platforms and curricular impoverishment

The paper aims at showing how curricular complexity tends to be depleted by the use of digital platforms based on the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) standard, which was created with the main purpose of recycling content as it is supposed to be independent both from the context of learning and the supporting technology also deemed to be neutral, all surrounded by a rhetoric of innovation and “pedagogical” innovation. The starting point of the discussion is García Perez’s model of Traditional Didactics as a simple tool to show almost graphically that any ancient didactic model is far richer in terms of complexity than the linearity, in disguise most of the times but still visible under a not so sophisticated critical lens, of the interaction human-(reusable) content that is the basis of the SCORM standard. The paper also addresses some of the more common deliberate mix-ups related to those digital platforms, such as learning and teaching, content and learning object, systems of automatic teaching and learning management systems.

Estágio Supervisionado na formação de professores em serviço dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental

This report aims to present the results of research on the possibilities and limits of Supervised Traineeship in a the course of Training of Teachers in Service of the early years of primary education conducted through an agreement between the Federal University of Piauí and the Teresina city council (PI) UFPI/PMT, offers subsidies to teaching practices that address the reality of students who live, work and/or studying in school located in rural areas. The research is based on a theoretical and methodological approach that places the object of study in the critical perspective and using procedures such as: literature (bibliographical research), documentary analysis, semi-structured interview and photographic record. We researched 10 (ten) teachers of the course promoted by UFPI graduating in 2006 and who develop teaching activities in schools located in rural areas in the city of Teresina-PI, 02 (two) teachers who are trainee supervisor of UFPI and the coordinator of the course. The analysis evidenced that the object, historically, educational policies have changed, but did not break the traditional patterns of teacher education, enough, especially in the curricular proposals in light of the changes required by the information and global society. We also note that in the supervised training, the process of critical reflection on teaching practice was made possible, in part, and raised the reconstruction of specific knowledge to make teaching in order to conduct the teaching-learning process articulating different realities of primary teaching and facing situations due to conservative practices in relation to education in rural areas. It contributed, therefore, this curricular component to resize, in part, the pedagogical action of the teachers graduated. The study also drives the research toward to similar studies in the perspective of overcoming the current model of teacher training that does not correspond to the demands of society in change and to the crisis of capital, with immeasurable consequences in the workplace. The contemporary claims for a University to form professionals capable of directing the destiny of society, where teacher training is a social and political demands on which is co-responsible

Um estudante cego no curso de licenciatura em musica da ufrn: questões de acessibilidade curricular e física

This work aims to discuss and analyze the process of school inclusion of a blind person in the Bachelor's Degree in Music, at the School of Music at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as reflect on the importance of establishing systems of support and to ensure university inclusive process of people with visual impairments. In pursuit to achieve these objectives, this research chose a qualitative methodological approach, the case study, using as procedures for data construction an interview, observation, analysis of documents and photographs. Joined the group of participants in this study, a blind student in the class of 2009.1of the EMUFRN Bachelor's Degree in Music, teachers from two disciplines complied by the student, two classmates, a monitor support in music theory, the course coordinator and school principal, and two other individuals who contributed to the inclusion process in actions not formalized institutionally. The results indicate UFRN proposed initiatives that contribute to inclusion of students with disabilities in this institution, the main one is the creation of the Standing Committee of Support for Students with Special Educational Needs (CAENE), a group that guides administrative sectors, teachers, principals, coordinators and students on the measures needed to enter and remain in quality education for all. Physical accessibility is still under construction at UFRN, and many access and sectors see it being adapted for students with physical or visual disabilities, and those with mobility impairments, have access to various parts of the university, however, as shown in this study, some points need to be reconsidered, as there are several places where the installation of tactile floor does not fully follow the guidelines proposed in the legislation. The proposals for access to the curriculum, mediated by EMUFRN, are actions that propose the inclusion of the blind student, as the existence of an educational monitor to help in the study of music theory, however, we need to rethink these proposals to not became actions of reactive intervention. Assuming a more proactive posture, the EMUFRN will be prepared to receive the diversity of students that expects. The study also points out that the blind student is part of a group of students that are practical musicians, who must work in events and evening shows, and who have little knowledge in music theory, leading, respectively, in low frequency classes and learning difficulties in certain curricular components, which may cause the closing of such components. In this case, the challenge of EMUFRN, considering the inclusive perspective, it is not specifically fit for the academic host a blind student, but to develop an accessibility project curriculum to consider effectively the diversity of all its students, taking into account mainly the economic and cultural conditions. This implies a process of resizing academic practices that be guided for collaborative and coordinated actions involving the various educational actors at EMUFRN and UFRN

A aprendizagem na convivência:o estágio curricular em enfermagem

This is an analytic research of a qualitative nature whose purpose is to examine the learning process involving students of the Nursing Program of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte UFRN who are attending the Supervised Clerkship in Nursing (SCN) in Family Health Strategy (FHS), based on learning through daily living. In order to do this, a historical overview of this academic activity in the teaching of nursing was presented, and the importance of FHS as the scene where professional health education takes place was discussed. For the empirical investigation, ten eighth-semester students involved in clerkship activities at family health units in the Western Sanitary District of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, were interviewed. The theoretical approach relied, as epistemological presupposition, on the ideas of educator Humberto Maturana who showed that learning, both in nature and among human beings, takes place within dialogic living relationships wherein acceptance of the other, affectivity (love) and dialoguing are essential stimuli to learning. Students discourses gradually became part of the analytic categories that had been established beforehand. There has been verified that the students went through meaningful learning encouraged by all who shared the living environment, that is: nurse/instructor, teacher/supervisor, family health staff, and the community. Several feelings were involved in the process, such as joy, satisfaction, self-reliance, affectivity and, in the opposite direction, sadness, indignation, a feeling of impotence, and fear. The learning of interpersonal relationship was describe as the most relevant of the academic experiences and, therefore, thus emphasizing the relevance of affectivity to the learning process as Maturana points out. It is suggested that the teaching of nursing keep on giving priority to family health units as the Basic Care educational scene, with attention to the importance of placing the students in welcoming environments, in such a way as to encourage learning

HOW FAR do WE GET USING MACHINE LEARNING BLACK-BOXES?

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Concepções e práticas da psicologia escolar :um olhar através do estágio curricular supervisionado

School psychology can be considered a growing professional field in Brazil, in spite of the difficulties concerning both the role of the psychologists in the schools and the restrictions of the labor market. Professional training is one of the most problems faced by the area. The present study is an attempt to investigate the conceptions of school psychology and the practice of the school psychologists inside de educational agencies, from the point of view of the professional training, expressed by curricular supervised training. The reason for this choice was the important role played by supervised training in the process of professional training. To carry out this study, supervised training reports written in the 1980s and the 1990s used in the student evaluation process were examined. As the main results, we point out the co-existence during the 1980-decade of two models of psychological practice: the clinical and the educational, with the dominance of the first one. During the 1990-decade, we can observe the co-existence of the same models with the dominance (but not the hegemony) of the educational model, as shown by the activities of the students. In the 1980s, for instance, the most common activities were observation of the children (45.9%), teachers guidance (40.5%) and psychodiagnostic (37.8%). In the 1990s, the main activities were participation in staff briefings (66.6%), parents guidance (58.0%), teachers guidance (50.0%) and students counseling (41.6%). Aspects related to the importance of professional training - represented by curricular supervised training - to the professional practice are discussed

Construir com os professores do 2º ciclo práticas letivas inovadoras: um projeto de pesquisa sobre o ensino do tema curricular 'alimentação humana'

O propósito neste texto é divulgar um projeto de investigação que foi desenvolvido com professores do 2º ciclo, no qual se utilizou uma metodologia do tipo investigação-ação. Por intermédio deste projeto foi possível avaliar o impacto do uso de estratégias do Ensino por Pesquisa (EPP), com vista ao desenvolvimento de novas competências científico-didáticas (atitudes e saberes). Tais estratégias foram desenvolvidas com base em preceitos da Nova Didática e no âmbito de um programa de formação. Os dados levantados e analisados mostraram que esse tipo de metodologia contribui para a superação de dificuldades de aprendizagem inerentes a processos de formação profissional (inicial e continuada), como a de aprender por meio do trabalho cooperativo na Escola.