By using constructivist methods in distance learning courses, instructors can create authentic co... more By using constructivist methods in distance learning courses, instructors can create authentic contexts and promote student engagement. In this presentation, we describe an online course, designed around constructivist principles. Using narrative strategies, multimedia resources and a synchronous weekly “virtual class” meeting, instructors of this course sought to address the needs of indigenous distance learners in the unique and isolated islands of Micronesia. Though teachers and students were on islands separated by 2300 miles of ocean, students experienced a high context, interactive and group-based learning environment similar to what they would have had in a traditional face-toface class.
PurposeTo describe how literacy‐learning strategies and educational technology were integrated in... more PurposeTo describe how literacy‐learning strategies and educational technology were integrated in Pacific island classrooms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the unique context and setting of a five‐year initiative that introduced educational technologies to classrooms in the Northern Pacific islands. Several of the literacy strategies that were most valued by the Pacific educators, particularly the creative uses of audio and video technologies in classroom contexts, are highlighted in the paper.FindingsProvides detailed information on how educators can implement similar projects in multicultural settings.Practical implicationsThe paper provides strategies and information for educators who work with culturally diverse and indigenous populations and highlights how cultural wisdom and knowledge can be melded with new technologies.Originality/valueThis paper discusses how technology transfer and training can be done in culturally‐appropriate and relevant ways.
Using a multiple case study design, the authors describe lessons learned from providing informati... more Using a multiple case study design, the authors describe lessons learned from providing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to individuals with disabilities in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands. The cases include descriptions of the processes underlying the adoption of assistive technologies and ICT in under-resourced settings and consider culturally relevant ways to introduce ICT-related initiatives for indigenous Pacific Islanders. The paper
Abstract: This paper chronicles a 5-year progression in distance education delivery by the Depart... more Abstract: This paper chronicles a 5-year progression in distance education delivery by the Department of Special Education within the UH Manoa College of Education. Particular emphasis is given to technology accommodations for students who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, including interactive video transmission of American Sign Language (ASL) and real-time captioning. The concept of universal design is discussed in terms of empowering students with diverse learning needs utilizing mainstream educational technologies.
Abstract: This paper focuses on “technologies for voice ” that are related to the self-determinat... more Abstract: This paper focuses on “technologies for voice ” that are related to the self-determination of youth with developmental disabilities. The authors describe a self-determination model that values family-focused, commu-nity-referenced pedagogies employing “new media ” to give voice to youth and their families. In line with the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, many youth and families find they are better able to convey their life situations and express their hopes and fears using multimedia (e.g., camcorders, voice recorders, digital cameras, PowerPoint) to find their voices in transition and IEP planning meetings. Systematic strategies are described to support teachers and other youth advocates to employ multimedia technologies as tools of self-determination.
The Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 2014
Video and multimedia technologies that support the self-determination of persons with disabilitie... more Video and multimedia technologies that support the self-determination of persons with disabilities are explored in a series of three stories. Young adults with disabilities clarify their values, visualize their futures, and speak for themselves, utilizing readily accessible consumer technologies. Professionals and critical friends are challenged to re-tool their technology skills to keep up with people with disabilities who are making decisions that impact their own lives.
By using constructivist methods in distance learning courses, instructors can create authentic co... more By using constructivist methods in distance learning courses, instructors can create authentic contexts and promote student engagement. In this presentation, we describe an online course, designed around constructivist principles. Using narrative strategies, multimedia resources and a synchronous weekly “virtual class” meeting, instructors of this course sought to address the needs of indigenous distance learners in the unique and isolated islands of Micronesia. Though teachers and students were on islands separated by 2300 miles of ocean, students experienced a high context, interactive and group-based learning environment similar to what they would have had in a traditional face-toface class.
PurposeTo describe how literacy‐learning strategies and educational technology were integrated in... more PurposeTo describe how literacy‐learning strategies and educational technology were integrated in Pacific island classrooms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the unique context and setting of a five‐year initiative that introduced educational technologies to classrooms in the Northern Pacific islands. Several of the literacy strategies that were most valued by the Pacific educators, particularly the creative uses of audio and video technologies in classroom contexts, are highlighted in the paper.FindingsProvides detailed information on how educators can implement similar projects in multicultural settings.Practical implicationsThe paper provides strategies and information for educators who work with culturally diverse and indigenous populations and highlights how cultural wisdom and knowledge can be melded with new technologies.Originality/valueThis paper discusses how technology transfer and training can be done in culturally‐appropriate and relevant ways.
Using a multiple case study design, the authors describe lessons learned from providing informati... more Using a multiple case study design, the authors describe lessons learned from providing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to individuals with disabilities in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands. The cases include descriptions of the processes underlying the adoption of assistive technologies and ICT in under-resourced settings and consider culturally relevant ways to introduce ICT-related initiatives for indigenous Pacific Islanders. The paper
Abstract: This paper chronicles a 5-year progression in distance education delivery by the Depart... more Abstract: This paper chronicles a 5-year progression in distance education delivery by the Department of Special Education within the UH Manoa College of Education. Particular emphasis is given to technology accommodations for students who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, including interactive video transmission of American Sign Language (ASL) and real-time captioning. The concept of universal design is discussed in terms of empowering students with diverse learning needs utilizing mainstream educational technologies.
Abstract: This paper focuses on “technologies for voice ” that are related to the self-determinat... more Abstract: This paper focuses on “technologies for voice ” that are related to the self-determination of youth with developmental disabilities. The authors describe a self-determination model that values family-focused, commu-nity-referenced pedagogies employing “new media ” to give voice to youth and their families. In line with the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, many youth and families find they are better able to convey their life situations and express their hopes and fears using multimedia (e.g., camcorders, voice recorders, digital cameras, PowerPoint) to find their voices in transition and IEP planning meetings. Systematic strategies are described to support teachers and other youth advocates to employ multimedia technologies as tools of self-determination.
The Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 2014
Video and multimedia technologies that support the self-determination of persons with disabilitie... more Video and multimedia technologies that support the self-determination of persons with disabilities are explored in a series of three stories. Young adults with disabilities clarify their values, visualize their futures, and speak for themselves, utilizing readily accessible consumer technologies. Professionals and critical friends are challenged to re-tool their technology skills to keep up with people with disabilities who are making decisions that impact their own lives.
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Papers by James Skouge