Abstract: This workshop will demonstrate and teach participants how to apply valid and reliable scientific methods in order to assess the benefits and effectiveness of the educatonal technologies that they might use.

Objectives

The objective is to help teachers, administrators and IT directors evaluate software and hardware products more scientifically and accurately. By doing this they will be in a better position to advocate for their introduction and expansion within their schools. They will also be able to more accurately choose which software and hardware products might benefit their students the most. This will include detailed consideration of student abilities, learning styles, teaching styles, and learning disabilities.

Topical Outline

1) Overview of scientific methods and variables in the assessment process Controls (class size, pedagogy, grade, etc.) Student learning levels Student learning styles Teaching styles Performance measures Data Collection Statistical Analysis 2) Practical considerations (cost, time, legal issues, etc.) 3) Case studies reflecting a number of the factors discussed above 4) Participants will be placed in small groups and apply what they have learned to fictious research projects (Depending upon time available) 4) Participants will apply what they have learned to a research effort that they might like to do within their own schools 5) Open discussion of their efforts

Prerequisites

The prerequisites are a strong interest and/or a strong desire to apply convincing assessment methods that will enable teachers and administrators to determine if the educational technologies that they use or intend to use, work. It is also strongely recommended that participants have experience in teaching and in the use of some software and/or hardware with their students. No research background is required at all. There is also no need for a background in statistics.

Experience Level

Intermediate

Qualifications

David Singer holds an EdD in Education from Boston Universty. He was Director of Education with the American Nobel Committee before being invited as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Singer has both a clinical background in child devevlopment and a research background in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Science at MIT. His work has focused on the interface of educational technology and the neuroscience of children, including such topics as learning styles, learning disabilities and ADHD. He has presented workshops and led panel discussions on the topic of assessment of educational technologies at universities, secondary schools and at various conferences in the United States and Europe