My research interests are concerned with the development and evaluation of psychological theories of teaching and learning - broadly falling into the area of learning sciences.
I have two major foci for my work:
Learning with Visual and Multiple Representations
This research involves both technology enhanced learning and learning from pictures and text.
I have developed the DeFT framework to consider how to design learning environments that can achieve the functions of multiple representations without overwhelming learners with complex cognitive tasks. I am interested in the strategies learners need to benefit from visual, haptic and multiple representations. Finally I am interested in how learners benefit from constructing representations (e.g. by drawing) as well as from interpreting representations created by others.
Project |
Topic |
| LEAD: Enhanced Face to Face Collaborative Learning | In this project, we explore how representations such as argumentatative diagrams and threaded chat how students debate. Download our free software to support digital discussions in the classrooms : http://www.coffee-soft.org/home.aspx |
| Strategies for Learning with Visual representations | In this project, I explore how different representations both demand and benefit from different strategies. For example, I explore how the self-explanation effect is enhanced when learning from pictures - see my publications page for more details. |
| Understanding the Tree of Life | In this project, we explore how children reason about evolution when presented with information in different forms |
| Chemical interactions through force feedback | In this project, I help a team at Linköping University to evaluate how haptic feedback can help learners understand more about chemical interactions. |
Technology Enhanced Learning
Project |
Topic |
| LEAD: Enhanced Face to Face Collaborative Learning | In this project, we explore the potential of networked face to face learning. Download our free software to support digital discussions in the classrooms : http://www.coffee-soft.org/home.aspx |
| Personal Inquiry | This project is developing a new approach of 'scripted inquiry learning', where children investigate a science topic by carrying out explorations between their classroom, homes and discovery centres, guided by personal computers. |
| REDEEM | REDEEM has looked at a novel solution to the problem of creating cost-effective and efficient ITSs. 5 evaluation studies (have shown that REDEEM based ITSs are more effective than the CBT they are based on (average effect size 0.5 sigma). |
Other Research Interests
Project |
Topic |
| Esocial Science |
Understanding New Forms of Digital Record for e-Social Science |