Background
CIRCL brings together the research of more than 200 separately funded research projects in the National Science Foundation theme of “cyberlearning.” New technologies change what and how people learn. Informed by learning science, cyberlearning is the use of new technology to create effective new learning experiences that were never possible or practical before. The cyberlearning movement advances learning of important content by:
- Applying scientific insights about how people learn
- Leveraging emerging technologies
- Designing transformative learning activities
- Engaging teachers and other practitioners
- Measuring deeper learning outcomes
- Emphasizing continuous improvement
Documented Results
CIRCL does not conduct its own research, but does summarize effective use of learning technologies that are integrative, innovative, empirically grounded, and widely useful in its Primers. Primers (http://circlcenter.org/primers/) are currently available for topics including:
- Universal Design for Learning
- Makers, Mobile and More
- Games and Virtual Worlds
- Technology-Enabled Formative Assessment
- Collaborative Learning
- Collective Inquiry and Knowledge Building
- and many other topics
Potential Applications
Some cyberlearning work explores cutting-edge technology and is not ready for wide adoption, but other technologies are ready. One example of technology that is ready for large-scale use is Remote Scientific Labs. These labs allow students to conduct scientific investigations with state-of-the-art scientific instruments (not simulations) over the internet. As projects vary in the school topics they address, it's best to browse the website for projects that might best fit your needs.
For More Information
Contact Jeremy.roschelle@sri.com or visit the http://circlcenter.org/ website.
