Brian Plankis will be presenting two sessions at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) conference in Las Vegas, NV in March, 2008. We welcome any DIBS Foundation or Project DIBS members to attend the presentation, but be sure to get there early, seats do fill up fast at this conference!

First Session

Presenters: Sunhong Hwang, University of Houston, Brian Plankis, University of Houston
Date: March 5, 2008 (Wed)
Time: 6:15 - 7:45 pm

Session Title:
Using digital storytelling to review the history of situated learning and to present an authentic online community

Abstract:
Among the newest contemporary learning theories, situated learning is gaining wide acceptance as a conceptual framework in the field of online learning communities. We will examine the core framework of situated learning: the Community of Practice (COP). We will articulate the framework through digital storytelling, and will speak about the important forefathers of the framework, such as Dewey, Polanyi, and Schon. We will end our discussion with an examination of a practical example of an online COP: The Desirable Invertebrates Breeding Society

Second Session

Presenters: Brian Plankis, University of Houston and Rob Weatherly, Talkingreef.com
Date: March 6, 2008 (Thursday)
Time: 2:30 - 2:50pm

Session Title:
Engaging Students and Empowering Researchers: Embedding Assessment, Evaluation and History into Podcasting

Abstract:
Podcasting is a rapidly emerging technology that is being explored in many areas of education. Initial classroom teacher reports show that K-12 students are interested in taking charge of creating podcasts, leading to increased student engagement. The authors’ experience using podcasting in a twelfth grade aquatic science classroom reveals that podcasting should be considered as a potential educational research tool that is engaging for students. The benefits of podcasting as an educational research tool are discussed along with suggested improvements.