Cover image for E-learning and virtual science centers
Title:
E-learning and virtual science centers
Publication Information:
Hershey, PA : Information Science Pub., 2005
ISBN:
9781591405924

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30000004614636 Q182.7 E53 2005 Open Access Book Book
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Summary

Summary

E-Learning and Virtual Science Centers addresses an aspect of Web-based education that has not attracted sufficient attention in the international research literature - that of virtual science centers, the cyberspace annex of traditional science centers. It is the first book to be published on the rapidly advancing field of science education. Addressed to science and technology centers, science museums, and researchers in Web-based education, this book provides an overview of the state-of-the-art developments in this new and emerging field of science education. Written for practitioners by practitioners, the 20 chapters featured in this book represent the contributions of more than 40 authors from over 10 countries - truly an international effort and a veritable gauge of state-of-the-art perspectives. E-Learning and Virtual Science Centers features theoretical issues, design considerations in the setting up virtual science centers, and case studies on various aspects of the field.


Reviews 1

Choice Review

Science center Web sites currently generate more visits than their hosts' museums, although these are solitary and brief, in contrast to actual (and paid) visits. The sites include curriculum materials, virtual exhibits (some more expansive than at the museums), and wide-ranging e-learning opportunities. This rapidly expanding field exploits emerging technologies from videoconferencing to hand-held devices and from online discussion groups to video games. For theoretical grounding, the author provides various learning theories and philosophies, such as game and communications theory, psychological and sociological research, and lessons from video games, multimedia installations, computer-based instruction, and other applications of technology. This massive volume, 20 chapters by authors from 11 countries, covers theoretical issues, design considerations, and case studies. The Exploratorium's pioneering Web site is mentioned frequently. The writing is uneven and editing is inadequate. Illustrations are so small that most tables are almost unreadable and, typical for this rapidly developing field, some cited Web pages are unavailable. But this first full-length treatment of the subject is essential reading for anyone interested in e-learning, especially for novices in the field. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers through practitioners. G. E. Hein emeritus, Lesley University


Table of Contents

Bill PetersLeo Tan Wee Hin and R. SubramaniamBillie J. JonesKathryn Haley Goldman and Lynn D. DierkingAndreas Zimmermann and Andreas Lorenz and Marcus SpechtBronwyn BevanSusan HazanJanette R. Hill and Michael J. Hannafin and Denise P. DomiziMichael Douma and Horace DediuSteven Allison-Bunnell and David T. SchallerAnja Hoffmann and Stefan Gobel and Oliver Schneider and Ido IurgelRamesh SrinivasanJoan C. NordbottenRenata Piazzalunga and Saulo Faria Almeida BarrettoSilvia Filippini-Fantoni and Jonathan P. Bowen and Teresa NumericoJohn Falco and Patricia Barbanell and Dianna Newman and Suzanne DewaldNicoletta Di Blas and Paolo Paolini and Caterina PoggiHannu SalmiLeo Tan Wee Hin and R. Subramaniam and Daniel Tan Teck MengJonathan P. Bowen and Jim Angus and Jim Bennett and Ann Borda and Andrew Hodges and Silvia Filippini-Fantoni and Alpay BelerRoxane BernierJim Spadaccini
Forewordp. vii
Prefacep. x
Section I Theoretical Issues
Chapter I Establishing Identification in Virtual Science Museums: Creating Connections and Communityp. 1
Chapter II Free-Choice Learning Research and the Virtual Science Center: Establishing a Research Agendap. 28
Chapter III Contextualized Virtual Science Centersp. 51
Chapter IV Starting With What We Know: A CILS Framework for Moving from Physical to Virtual Science Learning Environmentsp. 68
Chapter V Weaving Science Webs: E-Learning and Virtual Science Centersp. 93
Chapter VI Resource-Based Learning and Informal Learning Environments: Prospects and Challengesp. 110
Section II Design Considerations
Chapter VII Interactivity Techniques: Practical Suggestions for Interactive Science Web Sitesp. 127
Chapter VIII From the Physical to the Virtual: Bringing Free-Choice Science Education Onlinep. 163
Chapter IX Storytelling-Based Edutainment Applicationsp. 190
Chapter X Revolutionizing Information Architectures within Learning-Focused Web Sitesp. 215
Chapter XI From Information Dissemination to Information Gathering: Using Virtual Exhibits and Content Databases in E-Learning Centersp. 228
Chapter XII Challenges in Virtual Environment Design: An Architectural Approach to Virtual Spacesp. 251
Chapter XIII Personalization Issues for Science Museum Web Sites and E-learningp. 272
Chapter XIV E-Learning and Virtual Science Centers: Designing Technology Supported Curriculump. 292
Section III Case Studies
Chapter XV A Virtual Museum Where Students Can Learnp. 308
Chapter XVI Open Learning Environments: Combining Web-Based Virtual and Hands-On Science Centre Learningp. 327
Chapter XVII Use of Log Analysis and Text Mining for Simple Knowledge Extraction: Case Study of a Science Center on the Webp. 347
Chapter XVIII The Development of Science Museum Web Sites: Case Studiesp. 366
Chapter XIX The Educational Approach of Virtual Science Centers: Two Web Cast Studies (The Exploratorium and La Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie)p. 393
Chapter XX Real Science: Making Connections to Research and Scientific Datap. 423