Documenting and Assessing Learning in Informal and Media-Rich Environments

Documenting and Assessing Learning in Informal and Media-Rich Environments
Author: Jay Lemke
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2015-03-06
Genre: Education
ISBN: 026252774X

Today educational activities take place not only in school but also in after-school programs, community centers, museums, and online communities and forums. The success and expansion of these out-of-school initiatives depends on our ability to document and assess what works and what doesn't in informal learning, but learning outcomes in these settings are often unpredictable. Goals are open-ended; participation is voluntary; and relationships, means, and ends are complex. This report charts the state of the art for learning assessment in informal settings, offering an extensive review of the literature, expert discussion on key topics, a suggested model for comprehensive assessment, and recommendations for good assessment practices.

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Out-of-School Learning

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Out-of-School Learning
Author: Kylie Peppler
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 2280
Release: 2017-01-15
Genre: Education
ISBN: 148338523X

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Out-of-School Learning documents what the best research has revealed about out-of-school learning: what facilitates or hampers it; where it takes place most effectively; how we can encourage it to develop talents and strengthen communities; and why it matters. Key features include: Approximately 260 articles organized A-to-Z in 2 volumes available in a choice of electronic or print formats. Signed articles, specially commissioned for this work and authored by key figures in the field, conclude with Cross References and Further Readings to guide students to the next step in a research journey. Reader’s Guide groups related articles within broad, thematic areas to make it easy for readers to spot additional relevant articles at a glance. Detailed Index, the Reader’s Guide, and Cross References combine for search-and-browse in the electronic version. Resource Guide points to classic books, journals, and web sites, including those of key associations.

Manual of Digital Museum Planning

Manual of Digital Museum Planning
Author: Ali Hossaini
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2017-03-27
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1442278978

The Manual of Digital Museum Planning is a comprehensive guide to digital planning, development, and operations for museum professionals and students of museums studies and arts administration. In the tradition of Lord Cultural Resource’s renowned manuals, this book gives practical advice on how digital can enhance and improve all aspects of the museum. With chapters written by experienced professionals working at leading institutions such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Bristol Culture, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and others, The Manual of Digital Museum Planning is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide for anyone planning a new museum, a museum expansion, or a new project in the Digital Age. Part 1 explains how digital technologies are transforming museums and their value proposition Part 2 explores how adopting a user-centric, omnichannel approach creates new relationships between museums and communities Part 3 offers a guide to integrating digital into the workflow of museums- from data analytics, to user experience design to project management Part 4 identifies the business models, infrastructure and skills and competencies for the digital museum, Each chapter culminates in ‘summary takeaways’ for easy recall, and key words are defined throughout. A glossary and reference list are also included as an accessible resources for readers.

Preparing Informal Science Educators

Preparing Informal Science Educators
Author: Patricia G Patrick
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 612
Release: 2017-01-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319503987

This book provides a diverse look at various aspects of preparing informal science educators. Much has been published about the importance of preparing formal classroom educators, but little has been written about the importance, need, and best practices for training professionals who teach in aquariums, camps, parks, museums, etc. The reader will find that as a collective the chapters of the book are well-related and paint a clear picture that there are varying ways to approach informal educator preparation, but all are important. The volume is divided into five topics: Defining Informal Science Education, Professional Development, Designing Programs, Zone of Reflexivity: The Space Between Formal and Informal Educators, and Public Communication. The authors have written chapters for practitioners, researchers and those who are interested in assessment and evaluation, formal and informal educator preparation, gender equity, place-based education, professional development, program design, reflective practice, and science communication. Readers will draw meaning and usefulness from the array of professional perspectives and be stimulated to begin a quest to scaffold programs and professional development around the frameworks described in this book.

Design Make Play for Equity, Inclusion, and Agency

Design Make Play for Equity, Inclusion, and Agency
Author: Harouna Ba
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2021-08-17
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1351333143

This pioneering book offers a resource for educators, policymakers, researchers, exhibit designers, and program developers that illuminates creative, cutting-edge ways to inspire, engage, and motivate young people about STEM learning in both informal and formal education settings. A follow-up to the popular book Design, Make, Play (2013), this volume combines new research, innovative case studies, and practical advice from the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to define and illustrate a vision for creative and immersive learning, focusing on STEM learning experiences that are truly equitable and inclusive, and that foster learners’ agency. Featuring contributions from program developers, facilitators, educators, exhibit designers, and researchers, the book provides real-world examples from informal and formal settings that fill the need for high-quality STEM learning opportunities that are accessible to all learners, including groups underrepresented in STEM education and careers. Chapters of the book describe strategies such as using narratives to make engineering learning more inclusive, engaging English language learners in digital design, focusing on whole-family learning, and introducing underserved students to computational thinking through an immersive computer game. This book offers both a challenge and a guide to all STEM educators in museums, science centers, and other informal and formal education settings who are seeking out ambitious and more equitable forms of engagement. With leading-edge research and practical advice, the book provides appealing and accessible forms of engagement that will support a diverse range of audiences and deepen their approach to creative STEM learning.

Enquiry and Project Based Learning

Enquiry and Project Based Learning
Author: David Leat
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 231
Release: 2017-04-21
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317650875

Many teachers, schools, parents and community organisations feel that ‘standards’ education is not serving us well. It has proved ineffective at preparing many students for work, higher education and general wellbeing, nor does it keep students engaged and intrinsically motivated, capable of sustaining interest in education and learning. There is a supressed desire to transform educational outcomes, and enquiry based learning (EBL) and project based learning (PBL) are the prime candidates for achieving such a goal. EBL is education that is driven by curiosity, questions and problem solving, with the capacity to produce results that are equal to or better than standard outcomes. This new text provides a critical examination of EBL and PBL by exploring a wide range of international exemplars and considering the benefits, barriers and contradictions generated by the efforts of teachers and schools. Focusing on analytical frameworks and socio-cultural theory, areas covered include: enquiry and society what EPBL is learning through enquiry challenges for schools and teachers student outcomes and assessment teacher learning curriculum development. Enquiry and Project Based Learning offers analytical frameworks and practical guidance for students, teachers and all those interested in enquiry based learning, as well as presenting a balanced, purposeful and motivating alternative to mainstream educational practice.

Handbook of Research on Learning Outcomes and Opportunities in the Digital Age

Handbook of Research on Learning Outcomes and Opportunities in the Digital Age
Author: Wang, Victor C.X.
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 1014
Release: 2015-12-22
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1466695781

Education and learning opportunities bring about the potential for individual and national advancement. As learners move away from traditional scholarly media and toward technology-based education, students gain an advantage with technology in learning about their world and how to interact with modern society. The Handbook of Research on Learning Outcomes and Opportunities in the Digital Age provides expert research relating to recent technological advancements, technology and learning assessments, and the effects of technology on learning environments, making it a crucial reference source for researchers, scholars, and professors in various fields.

Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings

Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2015-10-26
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309373654

More and more young people are learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a wide variety of afterschool, summer, and informal programs. At the same time, there has been increasing awareness of the value of such programs in sparking, sustaining, and extending interest in and understanding of STEM. To help policy makers, funders and education leaders in both school and out-of-school settings make informed decisions about how to best leverage the educational and learning resources in their community, this report identifies features of productive STEM programs in out-of-school settings. Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings draws from a wide range of research traditions to illustrate that interest in STEM and deep STEM learning develop across time and settings. The report provides guidance on how to evaluate and sustain programs. This report is a resource for local, state, and federal policy makers seeking to broaden access to multiple, high-quality STEM learning opportunities in their community.

Intersections of Formal and Informal Science

Intersections of Formal and Informal Science
Author: Lucy Avraamidou
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2016-03-10
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317361032

Science learning that takes place between and at the intersections of formal and informal science environments has not been systematically reviewed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge base. Bringing together theory and research, this volume describes the various ways in which learning science in various settings has been conceptualized as well as empirical evidence to illustrate how science learning in these settings can be supported.