Stephen R. Quinton

Curriculum Vitae:
Stephen Quinton is currently working with the Division of Humanities and the School of Information Systems at Curtin University as a researcher in eLearning systems. He is involved in several research projects that focus on the application of emergent information and communications technologies (ICT) to educational practice. His current research programme is aimed at devising strategies for enhancing the learner’s capacity to construct knowledge in the context of electronically facilitated learning environments. Other related research interests include the identification and adaptation of learner preferences, needs, and attitudes to provide customised learning solutions supported by database managed learning object technology. The practical outcome will be to demonstrate how individualised learning strategies can assist to enhance learners’ capacity for creative thinking and innovation.

Main Research Interests:

• research and development of database managed learning object delivery frameworks and their application to the design and development of eLearning environments
• the innovative use of Content Management Systems (CMS) for online education
• determination of the generational distinctions to be made in terms of learning preferences, attitudes, needs, and ICT expertise and the use of learning objects to facilitate the identified variations in learner attributes
• the adaptation of learning styles and multiple intelligences theory to learning object technology using artificial intelligence techniques
• the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach to the examination of learning systems to incorporate the fundamental principles of systems theory, complexity theory, and properties of emergence for the purpose of deriving new learning theories and pedagogical strategies relevant to eLearning
• the analysis and logical integration of fundamental principles common to cognitive science, biology, physics, computer science, computational / mathematical logic, and philosophy. The aim is to determine a theoretical framework for the design and application of advanced eLearning environments.
• research to enhance learner understanding through the strategic contextualisation of learning object content
• research into the design and application of web-based technologies to facilitate collaborative teaching and learning networks that encourage active participation in creative thinking and high-order knowledge construction activities (metacognition)