At present I am working in a new lab we just created, Laboratory
on Technology and Learning. My primary research focus is on
using a model activity system as a research tool. The current
effort utilizes the Fifth Dimension as as model system. We
participate in a distributed consortium of Fifth Dimension sites
led by Mike Cole. We are now engage in a series of studies on
the effects of participation in a mixed acitivity system such as
the 5D on achievement in areas such as reading, math, computer
literacy, problem solving, metacognition, and social
interactions. We are also looking at the effects of
participation in the 5D on changing preservice teachers'
attitudes and beliefs about pupils, learning, and teaching.
Another area in which we are working applies Engestrom's model to
the study of learning and organizational development in
institutions preparing teachers. We are also applying the model
to the study of teachers as they solve instructional problems.
Bill Blanton