Neuroeducational research in the design and use of a learning technology

Abstract

Many have warned against a direct ‘brain scan to lesson plan’ approach when attempting to transfer insights from neuroscience to the classroom. Similarly, in the effective design and implementation of learning technology, a judicious interrelation of insights associated with diverse theoretical perspectives (e.g., neuroscientific, pedagogical and classroom praxis) may be required. A design-based research approach to the development of learning technology informed by neuroscience may be one way of achieving this interrelation. Accordingly, here we report on some of the preliminary research of a web app, known as ‘zondle Team Play', that allows teachers to teach whole classes using a games-based approach and which draws on concepts from neuroscience. Rather than just exploring ‘what works’ in terms of the technology, low-fidelity prototyping and participant design helped us explore aspects of praxis and affordances of the technological design that were contingent upon each other. Five cycles of design, intervention, analysis and reflection revealed some potential benefits of a neuroeducational approach to learning technology design, including the development of related pedagogy, identification of immediate and future neuroeducational research questions and the development of language and terms suitable for communicating across interdisciplinary boundaries.

Keywords:

• teaching
• pedagogy
• games
• technology
• neuroscience
• rewards

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul Howard-Jones

Paul Howard-Jones is Reader in Neuroscience and Education at the Graduate School of Education in the University of Bristol (UK).

Wayne Holmes

Wayne Holmes is a Researcher at the London Knowledge Lab (Institute of Education, University of London, UK) and teaches education and technology at the Graduate School of Education (University of Bristol). He is also Head of Education for zondle.

Skevi Demetriou

Skevi Demetriou is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Communications and Internet Studies at the Cyprus University of Technology (Limassol, Cyprus).

Carol Jones

Carol Jones is the former Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Chepstow School, Chepstow (UK).

Eriko Tanimoto

Eriko Tanimoto is a practising teacher of Design and Technology in the South of England (UK), with a masters in Psychology of Education Owen Morgan is an assistant headteacher leading learning and progress and the current Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Chepstow School, Chepstow (UK).

Owen Morgan

Eriko Tanimoto is a practising teacher of Design and Technology in the South of England (UK), with a masters in Psychology of Education Owen Morgan is an assistant headteacher leading learning and progress and the current Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Chepstow School, Chepstow (UK).

David Perkins

David Perkins is Head of the History Department at Duffryn High School, Newport (UK).

Neil Davies

Neil Davies is Assistant Headteacher at Duffryn High School, Newport (UK).