Recent Publications
The Presentation of Systems Thinking in Support Materials for Secondary Design & Technology pupils
Steeg T.J. (2003), Norman E & Spendlove D (Eds) ?DATA International Research Conference2003? DATA pp107-113
Category: Research
Systems ideas as a tool for supporting pupils? thinking about a wide range of situations in Design and Technology (D&T) are now well established in UK curricula, syllabuses and texts. There is, however, circumstantial evidence from examinations, books and observation of work in lessons that the understandings and uses of the system diagrams common in school D&T are diverse and, often, confused both with each other and other types of system diagram. Such confusion is unhelpful to both teachers and pupils. This paper describes, firstly, an instrument for analysing the system diagrams presented to pupils in school texts and, secondly, an analysis of a range of texts using this instrument. The analysis highlights a wide range of problems in the portrayal of both flowcharts and system diagrams in texts for school pupils. In addition the survey indicates that problems with the portrayal of system diagrams are more widespread and deep seated than those relating to flowcharts. It is suggested that the common practice of authors of school texts referring to existing texts is a likely reason for the perpetuation of this problem. The paper concludes with some suggestions for improving the quality of information about systems thinking provided for teachers and pupils.
Keywords: systems, control, flowcharts, diagrams, text books, electronics
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Systems Thinking and Practice; A review and analysis of key ideas and their implications for practic
Steeg T.J. (2000), Kimbell R (Ed) ?Design and Technology International Millennium Conference? DATA pp203-214
Category: Research
This paper provides an historical overview of the development of systems thinking as an analytical tool in a wide range of disciplines. The types of systems diagram that have been developed to support systems thinking are summarised and grouped. Against this background the development of systems thinking within D&T education is described and the systems content of a range of current D&T texts is analysed. The paper concludes both that the penetration of systems thinking into D&T education has been weaker than in many other disciplines and that current texts are providing limited support for pupils? development of systems thinking.
Keywords: Systems, Systems diagrams, Control, Modelling, Design, Analysis
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The use of the Internet in Schools
Jervis A., Steeg T.J. (2000), ?Proceedings of the GEMISIS International Conference 2000?, Salford University
Category: Research
In this paper we report on a continuing longitudinal study of the use of the Internet in schools in Great Britain (Jervis & Steeg, 1998a). We present data for primary schools for 1998-9 and for secondary schools, from 1997-99. We include data on the schools and their ICT facilities, the types of Internet connection they have and the type and extent of the use they are making of the Internet. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings within the framework of present policy and reflect on possible future developments.
Keywords: ICT, Internet, secondary, D&T, policy, WWW
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Growth in Internet Connection and Use in British Secondary Schools 1997-99; Current practice in and
Jervis A., Steeg T.J. (2000), J. Smith (Ed) ?International Design & Technology Conference 2000 (IDATER 2000)?, University of Loughborough pp102-112
Category: Research
This paper presents the current data from a continuing longitudinal study of Internet connection and use in secondary schools in Great Britain. Using 1997 data as a baseline, changes in Internet connection and use since the announcement of the NGfL and NOF funding are tracked. Data includes:
? the types and numbers of computers, networks and computer suites
? the types and numbers of Internet connections
? methods of ensuring that pupils do not have access to unsuitable material
? the amount and type of use which is being made of Internet connections
? the distribution of Internet computers across subjects
? The pattern of use of the Internet within subjects
? The use of the Internet within D&T teaching
The present position is summarised and some future considerations are discussed.
Keywords: ICT, Internet, secondary, D&T, policy, WWW
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Internet-Based Resources - Really Useful?
Jervis A., Steeg T.J. (1999), Teaching Mathematics and its Applications vol 18 (3) pp106-114
Category: Research
This paper summarises the authors' recent research into patterns of Internet use in schools, providing a detailed picture that suggests that, in the majority of schools, the use of the Internet is at a very early and restricted level of use. These findings are used to support a critical review of the types of resources currently available via the Internet and their usefulness for teaching in schools. Types of educational content provider are considered and exemplification is drawn from sites relevant to Mathematics teachers.
Looking to the future, the paper reflects on the communication aspects of the Internet and on the Web-based resources that teachers need and which the National Grid for Learning should support. Ways of filling identified gaps are also considered.
Keywords: ICT, Internet, secondary, Maths, policy, WWW
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