ICLS 2000 Proceedings

Agent as Detector: An Ecological Psychology Perspective on Learning by Perceiving-Acting Systems

Michael Young, Yi Guan, John Toman, Andy DePalma, Elena Znamenskaia
U-4, 249 Glenbrook Rd.
Storrs, CT 06269-2004
Tel: (860)-486-0182, Fax: (860) 486-0195
Email: myoung@uconn.edu

Abstract: Ecological psychology has much to contribute as a theory of design for instructional and learning systems. With its roots in the psychology of James Gibson (1986), present day ecological psychology provides a unique understanding of how students think and learn, and further, how technology can enhance thinking and learning. This paper explores ecological psychology as a basis for design theory by describing five key ideas, then describing how they influenced four ongoing research projects concerning on-line log file analysis, collaborative learning, a reconceptualization of motivation, and teacher's na•ve perceptions of curricular use of educational technology.

Keywords: learning theory, motivation, on-line assessment, teacher beliefs and practices

Preferred Citation Format:
Young, M., Guan, Y., Toman, J., DePalma, A., & Znamenskaia, E. (2000). Agent as Detector: An Ecological Psychology Perspective on Learning by Perceiving-Acting Systems. In B. Fishman & S. O'Connor-Divelbiss (Eds.), Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference of the Learning Sciences (pp. 299-300). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Click here to download the full version of this paper in PDF form.