Projects and Research
MacICT focuses upon evidence-based practice and professional learning for teachers and their students. The projects supported by the Centre all explore modern pedagogy employing the latest appropriate technologies and often pre-service teachers are encouraged to work within projects to provide intensive support for teachers learning about new software and systems.
Academic Research
View our academic research papers, conference submissions and more.
Case Studies
MacICT has conducted case studies to investigate the potential of emerging technologies in teaching and learning.
Projects
MacICT has conducted community focused projects examining whole school change in the integration of technology in the classroom.
Case Studies and Academic Research Projects at MacICT
MacICT professional learning courses are informed by research. Through participation in a professional learning course, participants are exposed to relevant research findings that impact the teacher’s the design and delivery of student learning and their choice of enabling technologies. MacICT developers are expected to immerse themselves in relevant research and literature related to the courses they are developing.
Where possible, MacICT, in partnership with academic staff from Macquarie University, conducts its own research projects with NSW Department of Education and Communities teachers and/or schools and uses these finding to inform practice. Professional learning is always integrated with MacICT research projects with very positive outcomes for participating teachers and schools. The projects supported by the Centre all explore modern pedagogy that employes the latest appropriate technologies.
To date, MacICT research activities:
- are project-based, allowing for flexible, student-led inquiries
- promote evidence-based practice, exploring emerging pedagogies through an iterative process
- cast teachers as researchers, encouraging reflective practices
- build leadership capacity in teachers, supporting them as change makers in their schools.
Future Pedagogies - Project (2015)
The Future Pedagogies project explores how educators develop, employ and evaluate pedagogies to meet the evolving needs of their school communities. The project examines the relationship between pedagogical change and evidence-based practice. Participants apply issues in current research to identify pedagogy-related problems in their school context and develop a strong evidential base to work through solutions and effect meaningful change. The project considers the nature of pedagogical change in the context of the realities contemporary schools face, including the implementation of national teaching standards and Australian Curriculum, the impact of technology and the pressures of high stakes testing.
Researching Connected Communities 21 - Project (2013)
The CC21 project aims to investigate the components of change required as schools implement the Australian curriculum. In particular, the project will support the identification and development of transformative pedagogies that allow the effective integration of the general capabilities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and critical and creative thinking.
Weaving a StoryWorld Web: Transmedia Storytelling - Case Study (2013)
Transmedia storytelling can be defined as ‘a multimodal, multimedia story with nonlinear, participatory elements. Resources connected to the story might include print materials; documents; maps; web-based clues; mobile apps; cell phone calls; social media connections; activities and games; and media such as audio, video, or animation. This project explored what transmedia storytelling is, and in what ways it could be used within educational settings for literacy learning.
Sculpt and Show: Augmented Reality - Case Study (2012)
Can we uncover the insights students’ have into the potential value of Augmented Reality for learning by casting them as e-Design Artists? MacICT conducted a small, innovative school based AR project during Term 4, 2012 to provide insight into its potential value for education. The project’s focus was upon the students; their values and interests, the nature of their learning experience and their appraisal of the transformative potential of AR.
iPads in the Classroom: Year 1 Maths - Case Study (2012)
Many schools are considering introducing iPads into their classrooms. In Term 3, 2012, Macquarie ICT Innovation Centre (MacICT) conducted a small case study to explore how Year One students and teachers might make use of iPads in their classrooms.
Papers and Publications
View all MacICT's research papers and other publications.
Annual Reports
Download our Annual Reports below.
Projects at MacICT in 2010 and 2011
Throughout 2010-2011 MacICT ran some groundbreaking projects gaining global attention. Two of the project leaders received awards for their work. Projects included Virtual Worlds, Game2Design, Robotics, Local Ecostudy Project, Operation Innovate and Professional Learning.
Game2Design - Project (2011)
The ‘Game to Design’ project puts students in the role of designers rather than mere consumers of their technology. It provides an authentic context for effective learning using a constructivist approach that promotes inquiry learning through deconstructing, designing and building games. This project enables teachers to achieve curriculum outcomes from across Key Learning Areas and addresses all dimensions of the quality teaching framework.
Virtual Worlds - Project (2011)
Virtual worlds offer opportunities for students to be innovative and creative within a safe and supportive environment. Students have fun while they explore, collaborate, design and evaluate. The 3D Virtual Worlds Project focuses on the NSW Quality Teaching framework elements of higher order thinking, engagement, connectedness, inclusivity and problematic knowledge. Are you interested in exploring how this innovative and emerging technology can make a difference to student learning? Through this project, teachers will develop and implement a unit of work within the virtual world. The project team will provide the necessary initial training and ongoing support.
Local Ecostudy Project (2011)
As part of this project participants investigate local ecosystems at Macquarie University and back in their local school environment to identify factors affecting the biodiversity of that ecosystem. Students utilise a variety of technologies including the mobile phone, the NOVA 5000 hand-held touch screen computer and dataloggers to collect data in the field. The design of these field activities incorporates the use of learning management systems such as LAMS as well as geo-spatial applications. This middle-years project involves high school students mentoring their primary school partners.
Professional Learning in 2011
MacICT’s professional learning program is designed to affect change in pedagogical practices so that learning outcomes are achieved in a more effective, engaging and relevant way for students. 2011 continues the trend toward providing a more diverse professional learning program tailored to individual schools and teachers needs. It also marks the beginning of a more comprehensive approach with schools.
Food Brain - Case Study (2011)
This project attempts to provide an environment conducive to exploring the new information landscape that confronts students and to provide an opportunity for students to practice 21st century literacy skills. One of the challenges students face is the increasing use of data in a variety of ways in both print and web-based information. Information is increasingly aggregated in various ways from RSS feeds to data. Students must learn to interpret visual information in the form of game stats, web graphs, polls , complex infographics and even NAPLAN questions.
