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Narrative as a Catalyst for Learning in Entertainment-Education

ABSTRACT
Entertainment-Education, or E-E, is “entertainment designed to educate as well as to amuse” (Wikipedia, 2008, para. 1). Entertainment-Education interventions have been used successfully in many countries to teach educational, health and social issues. These programs use a compelling plot and interesting characters to persuade viewers on themes such as gender and racial equality and women’s rights.Click here to read more »
Submitted by Trent Jensen on Fri, 12/12/2008 - 9:29am
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What I learned this semester

This semester was a great opportunity to learn more about the theories behind the use of technology and teaching.  I have a lot of faith in the ability of technology to improve our quality of life.  I think the potential of technology in education is incredible, and that any method of teaching can be improved through the use of technology.
 
Having said that, it is important to note that technology isn't a "magic bullet" solution for teaching.  One thing that struck me as I researched topics this semester was the many different struggles eClick here to read more »
Submitted by Trent Jensen on Fri, 12/12/2008 - 9:27am
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Narrative learning

I'm interested in the use of narrative in learning.  I still remember plots to terrible Ninja Turtles cartoons from when I was 10, so I believe there's a real power in narrative to aid in recall of information.  I would like to see what research has been done on this topic, because it has been a dream of mine for a long time to create an animated series that would teach science concepts under the guise of "entertainment".  I know we already have a term for this, "edutainment", but I think most shows I watch with my son on PBS lean much more heavily on thClick here to read more »
Submitted by Trent Jensen on Wed, 10/22/2008 - 4:04pm
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WikiEducator

When I started teaching last year, I was informed during the faculty opening lunch that, in addition to teaching the multimedia classes I had gone to 4 years of college to teach, I also was going to be teaching CAD Drafting and Computer Programming classes.  I had been planning my Multimedia curriculum in my head and on paper for 3 years, and besides, I love that stuff.  I could probably throw together a solid hour and half of instruction with five minutes notice.  These two new classes were another issue; teaching them had never even crossed my mind.  I had never evenClick here to read more »
Submitted by Trent Jensen on Tue, 09/30/2008 - 9:22pm
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Technology, Learning, and Instruction

Technology - Technology is the manipulation of nature to meet humanity's needs and wants.  When man learned how to create and control fire, fire became a piece of technology.  However, this means that something can stop being technology if it no longer meets someone's needs or wants.  A forest fire raging out of control is no longer technology.  A computer that an indiviudal is too afraid to use is nothing more than an expensive bookend to that person.  The stated goal of CTE programs in Utah is to improve technological literacy in students. Click here to read more »
Submitted by Trent Jensen on Tue, 09/09/2008 - 8:15pm
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Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed here, except as specifically noted, are those of the individual authors or commenters and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, or Utah State University.