Media Architecture

Interest in Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Aided Language Learning (CALL) is currently undergoing a resurgence as access to computers by individuals and institutions increases worldwide. Over the past twelve years studies by Stevens (1984), Windeatt ...

—The paper describes a project in a Japanese university which implements an interpretation of Mitch Resnick's Creativity Spiral, termed TKF: Tsukutte (Create) – Katatte (Share) – Furikaeru (Reflect). The project used LEGO EV3 Mindstorms robot tasks to engage students in a collaborative, creative cycle where students built, programmed, discussed and reflected upon their actions. The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot program solutions were found to be consistent with the data from students' post-task TKF surveys. It is posited that the EV3 program solutions can be considered as an additional metric to determine students' learning as characterized by TKF. Consequently, learning by TKF can be an adopted model for teachers in Japan and globally to promote a more constructionist, participatory learning environment for programming students of all ages.

Virtual Collaborative Spaces is a joint research project by Future University Hakodate, Japan and Teesside University, UK. The research involves students located in Japan and UK collaborating in a virtual space in order to program LEGO robots to follow pre-determined circuits in the physical world. Since 2008 the communication has taken place in a virtual space and the programming has been implemented in the real world using LEGO robot 8527 and MIndstorms software. We employ a learner-centred design to our virtual ...

While reading UITitLC I had three very distinct feelings. First, I felt like kicking myself because I had not discovered this gem earlier. I have been reading, presenting and researching CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) for the last ten years. Now teacher trainees ...