11.+Learning+Contract

=Learning Contract=

The guidelines for the creation of this wiki were based around a learning contract that I developed for myself as part of my Masters study. For reference, the learning contract structure can be found below:

Establish a learning need which is relevant to you and your professional focus || I have a strong technological background but little e-learning/education background so my project will focus on the learning aspects moreso than the technology aspects. As such: I would like to draw on my experiences having learned, worked and taught in science. Having found the teaching methods in this field based entirely on rote learning, even at tertiary levels, I would like to examine ways of incorporating deeper learning into how science is taught, and suggest methods of moving science from traditionally f2f environments to a learning-community-style online environment. || Refine your learning needs into specific objectives || * To develop an understanding of how science is taught both traditionally and online. Identify useful resources and strategies || * Preliminary review of existing literature on teaching science in education journals and online, as well as publications available at UTS library. Determine what is to be produced as evidence of learning || In the form of an essay or multimedia document: Determine the criteria for assessment || * review is balanced and concise
 * **//Professional context//**
 * **//Learning intention//**
 * To become familiar with current methods of teaching science online.
 * To suggest improved ways of teaching science online. ||
 * **//Strategies and resources//**
 * Existing online science learning environments as examples, such as university or museum websites
 * Reflection based on my own experiences as a science student and then science lecturer to be written in the form of a reflective weblog. ||
 * **//What is to be assessed//**
 * a brief overview of literature on teaching in science
 * application of an appropriate framework to compare science teaching online and traditionally.
 * brief analysis of case studies found in literature with a focus and critique of the learning styles applied.
 * Brief analysis/critique of existing science learning websites and application of aforementioned learning theories found in literature/case studies.
 * recommendations and reflection on current science teaching methods based on the above research and my own experience. ||
 * **//Criteria for assessment//**
 * an appropriate framework is used to compare online and traditional science teaching.
 * critique of case studies incorporates learning theories discussed in literature
 * recommendations incorporate appropriate theory. ||