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Dr Pamela Cowan

Dr Pamela Cowan

BSc, MSc, PGCE, PhD

Room 69.01.004
69/71 University Street
School of Education
Queen’s University Belfast

Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5931
Fax: +44 (0)28 9097 5066
Email: p.cowan@qub.ac.uk

Leadership Roles:

1997-present  PGCE Course tutor in mathematics

2000-present  Programme co-ordinator for PGCE ICT/Computing

2010-present  Disability Adviser (Education)

2008-present  QUB C2K Administrator

2008-present  CEOP Ambassador

2004-present  ICT Mark Assessor

Prior to 2010 Dr Cowan held the posts of Adviser of Studies including Disability Adviser,  Programme co-ordinator for MSc in E-learning, Co-ordinator of ICT across the PGCE programme, Member of the Internationalisation Committee and School Management Committee, LNI trainer, Co-ordinator of PGCE assessment process, and has sat on the School’s Student Progress and Plagiarism Appeal panels.  Dr Cowan was also a member of Academic Council as the Faculty Lecturer A representative and was the Faculty representative on University Education Committee. External posts have included membership of the ESRC Advisory Board for HapTEL and reviewer for a range of international ICT-related journals.

Teaching:

Dr Cowan has responsibility for the teaching of ICT/Computing at PGCE level and monitoring the cross-curricular use of technology within the PGCE course including managing students’ access to VLEs such as Fronter, Moodle and Teacher e-portfolio.  She has supervised masters level students across a range of ICT-related classroom-focused action research studies, school-based curriculum development projects and international policy studies in the area of technology enhanced learning and instructional design.  Dr Cowan’s doctoral level students have focused on areas of e-learning, third level education, mathematics education, special educational needs and disability, teaching and learning English as a Second Language in online environments, using mobile technologies in secondary level education and for the transition to higher/further education, and multimodal literacies.

Research/Scholarship

Dr Cowan’s general areas of research interest encompass all aspects of using modern information technologies in educational contexts, assessment in education, structural equations modelling and issues in mathematics education. She is particularly interested in the use of computer adaptive learning and testing in schools and in the assessment of higher order thinking skills, such as writing and mathematical problem-solving using computer-based techniques. She is also interested in assessment issues in higher education. and has recently been involved in funded evaluation projects looking at the use of online assessment in mathematics, the use of ICT in assessing SEN pupils and evaluations of the process of creating Virtual Learning environments in schools including special schools.  More recent work has involved using handheld devices for location aware learning experiences, multimodal literacies and pedagogically effective games and simulations. 

Dr Cowan has presented her work at numerous international conferences in Europe and the USA.  Her current work in e-portfolios is contributing to innovative developments in teacher education and her previous work on the validity and reliability of the Transfer Test has led to recent changes in the arrangements for pupils during the transition from primary to post-primary education.

Current Funded Research/Scholarship Projects:

  • The Programming Studio (2013) – joint project with Trinity College Dublin and Centre for Research in IT in Education.
  • Creative Classrooms in Ireland (2013) – joint research with University of Ulster, ????, Dublin and Maynooth National University.
  • Teacher E-portfolio (2006-present)  – joint research with University of Ulster, Stranmillis and St Mary’s University Colleges, Department of Education, Regional Training Unit, CASS Service, C2K and Becta.

Previous funded research projects included:

Publications:

Cowan, P., & Butler, R. (2013). Making geography mobile: using location aware technology to improve student performance in physical geography. J-Reading: Journal of Research and Didactics in Geography, [4]

Cowan, P., & Butler, R. (2013). Using location-aware technology for learning Geography in a real digital space outside the classroom. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia

Cowan, P. (2013). The four I-model for scaffolding the professional development of experienced teachers in the use of virtual learning environments for classroom teaching.  Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 13(1)

Cowan, P., Neil, P., & Winter, E. (2013). A connectionist perspective of the transition from Face-to-Face to online teaching in Higher Education.  International Journal on Emerging Technologies in Learning, 8(1)

Cowan, P., & Morrison, H. (2013). Adopting an inter-disciplinary perspective to challenge the notion of a theory in e-learning. British Educational Research Journal, under review

Cowan, P., Neil, P. S., & Winter, E. (2013). Teacher Educators as Online Tutors: what do we know about them? Journal of Education Research Online, under review

Cowan, P. (2013). Pupil-designed location aware tasks to promote active learning using handheld devices.  Horizontes Revistas.  Under review

Morrison, H., & Cowan, P. (2013). Resolving the standards conundrum: cut-scores and constitutive uncertainty.  Journal of Educational Measurement, under review

Morrison, H., & Cowan, P. (2013). Conceptual difficulties with Item Response Theory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis: the theoretical status of reflective latent trait measurement models.  Psychological Review, under review

Morrison, H., & Cowan, P. (2013). Can brains learn? An inter-disciplinary investigation of neuroeducation.  British Journal of Educational Studies, under review

Morrison, H., & Cowan, P. (2013). Confusing subjective and objective probability: A mathematical error at the heart of the PISA league table.  Oxford Review of Education, under review

Tan, M-C., & Cowan, P. (2013). Promoting learner autonomy in learning English listening based on the approaches of CALL and listening strategy instruction. Language Learning and Technology, Under review

Tan, M-C., & Cowan, P. (2013). Exploring the impact of blended language learning instruction on technological university students’ English learning in an EFL context. TESOL Quarterly, Under review

Lin, M-L., & Cowan, P. (2013)  Factors impacting on Student Motivation in Online Distance Education.  Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning,  Under review. Cowan, P. (2006). Teaching Mathematics. Kogan Page.

Gardner, J., Yuan, L., & Cowan, P. (2006). Examining trends in the use of computers in education in China from a Wood's National Policy Models perspective. Asia-Pacific Cybereducation Journal, 2

Gardner, J., & Cowan, P. (2005). The fallibility of high stakes '11-plus' testing in Northern Ireland. Assessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice, 12(2), 145-165, doi: 10.1080/09695940500143837

Gardner, J., Yuan, L., & Cowan, P. (2005). NOF ICT training for teachers in UK: implications for the Chinese context. Chinese Education Information, 9, 60-65

Gardner, J., Cowan, P., McArdle-Donnelly, M., & Mallon, M. (2005). Evaluating the Potential of Virtual Learning Environments. Report for DENI.

Cowan, P. (2003). The CAUSES Project: using computerised assessment units in Special Education schools. Report for DENI.

Cowan, P. (2003). Alleviating the problem of Key Skills in Pure Mathematics modules using ICT. MSOR Connections, 1.

Cowan, P., Morrison, H., Wylie, C., McBride, F., Lee, M., & Greenaway, G. (2002). Disseminating standards in higher order learning: systemically valid instruments for standards-based education reform.  Interactive Learning Environments, 10(3), 217-241, doi: 10.1076/ilee.10.3.217.8764

Cowan, P. (2002). Evaluation of the CCEA-ALTA System for English. Report for CCEA

Cowan, P. (2002). Evaluation of the CCEA-ALTA System for Mathematics. Report for CCEA

Thompson, W. T., Sibbett, C., & Cowan, P. (2002). Building Blocks and Stumbling Blocks: The Angoff Procedure applied to the validation of En-route ATCOs. Report for ATCO Training Centre, England.

Cowan, P., & Morrison, H. (2001). Assessment in the twenty-first century: the role of computerised adaptive testing in National Curriculum subjects. Teacher Development, 5(2), 241-257, doi: 10.1080/13664530100200136

Morrison, H., & Cowan, P. (2001). How defensible are current trends in GCSE Mathematics to replace teacher-assessed coursework by examinations?. Evaluation and Research in Education, 15 (1), 33-51

Papers published in Conference Proceedings

Cowan, P. and Kelly, M. (2013)  Multiliteracies and the introduction of Moving Image Media Education to schools in Northern Ireland.   Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Victoria, British Columbia.

Cowan, P., Neil, P. and Winter, E. (2012).  The uniqueness of teacher educators as online tutors: what teacher professionalism means online.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Denver, Colorado.

Cowan, P. and Butler, R. (2012).  Location-aware technology: learning Geography in a real digital space outside the classroom.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference (SITE), Austin, Texas.

Cowan, P. (2011).  The four I-model for scaffolding the professional development of experienced teachers in the use of virtual learning environments for classroom teaching.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Lisbon, Portugal.

Cowan, P. (2010).  E-scape for minibeasts: Using PDAs with Primary School pupils on an educational field trip.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Toronto: Canada.

Cowan, P. (2008).  Standards-Based Reform using a Teacher E-portfolio System: A Case Study of Pre-Service Teachers in Northern Ireland.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Vienna, Austria.

Cowan, P. (2008).  E-portfolios for E-reflection or E-assessment?  A Case study of a one year Initial Teacher Education course in Northern Ireland.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference (SITE), Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cowan, P. (2007).  Encouraging reflection on pedagogical practices through the use of MOODLE.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA), Vancouver, Canada.

Cowan, P. (2006)  Factors influencing Pre-Service teachers’ attitudes towards using a Moodle environment for teaching and learning.  Paper published in the Proceedings of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference (SITE), Florida, USA.

Cowan, P. (2004)  The CAUSES project:  Standard-setting, Vygotsky and pupils with SEN.  Paper published  in the Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications  (EdMedia), Lugano, Switzerland.

Cowan, P. (1998)  Mathematical Problem-Solving: One implementation of Bruner’s Spiral Curriculum.  Paper published  in the Proceedings of Bringing IT into Education (BITE), Maastricht.

Papers presented at Conferences - unpublished

Cowan, P., McNair, V. and Stewart, G. (2013).  Using a teacher e-portfolio to support professional lifelong learning for Teachers. Bridging the gap between Pre-service and In-service education.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Brighton, UK.

Neil, P., Cowan, P. and Winter, E. (2011).  Face-zine the Future: Moving into Digital Spaces.    Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Berlin, Germany.

Cowan, P., Winter, E. and Neil, P. (2011).  Face-zine the Future: How are we moving to online teaching?  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, London, UK.

Cowan, P., McNair, V., Dunn, J., O’Doherty, S. and Stewart, G. (2011).  Making regulation supportive in Early Teacher Education using a Teacher E-portfolio.  Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) Conference, Manchester, UK.

Cowan, P. (2010).  Revealing PRIDE in student teachers’ e-portfolios.  Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Helsinki, Finland.

Buhagiar, D. and Cowan, P. (2010).  Exploring the effects of a technologically enhanced learning environment in a classroom for students with learning difficulties: An Activity Theory perspective.  Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Helsinki, Finland.

Cowan, P. (2009).  Listen to the evidence: Student teachers’ perceptions of using an e-portfolio in a one year initial teacher education course.  Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) Conference, Brighton, UK.

Cowan, P. (2009) Student teachers’ perceptions of e-portfolios to capture reflective practice in a one year pre-service teacher education course.  Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference, San Diego, California.

Cowan, P., Dunn, J., O’Doherty, S. and McNair, V. (2009).  E-merging experiences of tutors in the transition from paper-based to e-portfolio use in teacher education.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Manchester, UK.

Cowan, P., Dunn, J., O’Doherty, S. and McNair, V. (2009).  E-motion: tutors’ experiences of the transition to e-portfolio use in pre-service teacher education.  Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Vienna, Austria.

Dunn, J., Cowan, P. and Hagan, M. (2008)  The use of an e-portfolio by student teachers in developing their skills as reflective practitioners.   Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Gothenberg, Sweden.

Cowan, P. (2007).  Using CAT for 11-plus testing in Northern Ireland: what are the issues?   Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Assessment (CAA) Conference, Loughborough, UK.

Cowan, P. (2007).  Making MOODLE mine’ – PGCE students’ attitudes towards creating an online course.  Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Cowan, P. (2007).  Using e-portfolios to capture the experiences of student teachers on a one year PGCE course in Northern Ireland.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, London, UK.

Cowan, P., Dunn, J., Hagan, M., McNair, V. and Rice, A. (2007)  NI Teacher e-portfolio standards: policy meets practice  Paper presented at the International Professional Development Association (IPDA) conference, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Cowan, P. (2007).  Engaging student teachers in reflective practice through the use of their e-portfolio.  Paper presented at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER), Ghent, Belgium.

Cowan, P. (2005)  Merrily Moodling along or in a Muddle?  An evaluation of the experiences of PGCE students using a Moodle environment.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Cambridge, England.

Cowan, P. (2005)  BlackBoard™ – is it just another teaching tool for PGCE students?  Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) Conference, Bristol, UK.

Cowan, P. (2004)  Teaching students how to create a VLE as part of their PGCE course: are we moving too far too fast?  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Manchester, England.

Cowan, P. (2003)  Using Information Technology to compensate for Special Educational Needs in mathematics assessment.  Paper presented at the Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Cowan, P. (2003)  The CAUSES Project: Findings and Future plans for the use of IT as an assessment tool for pupils in Special Schools.  Paper presented at the Information Technology in Teacher Education (ITTE) conference, Leeds, England.

Cowan, P. (2002)  An Investigation of PGCE Students’ Development of ICT during a One Year Initial Teacher Education Course.  Paper presented at the Information Technology in Teacher Education (ITTE) conference, Brighton, England.

Cowan, P. (2001)  Alleviating the problem of Key Skills in Pure Mathematics modules using ICT.  ALT-C, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Cowan, P. (1998)  Using Computerised Adaptive Testing in the Assessment of Mathematical Knowledge against a Scale of Standards.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Belfast, NI.

Cowan, P. (1998)  A Computerised Tool for Internalising the Higher Order Skills in Creative Writing.  Paper presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, Belfast, NI.