Research Themes

Four themes have characterized my research and scholarship--middle school students as multimedia authors, constructivist learning environments, gender issues in education, and qualitative research methodology. I have worked extensively with middle school teachers and their students in implementing multimedia technologies, project-based learning activities, and alternative assessment in a student-centered learning environment.

Current Research

One of my current research projects focuses on the portrayal of gender, race, and information technology in the media environment of middle school students. Funded by a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, my colleagues and I are examining whether the content of the media, as experienced by 6th, 7th and 8th graders, reinforces or hinders the development of gender and racial diversity in the information technology workforce. Embedded in the research design is a Web-based curriculum project, called Getting the Media Message, connecting middle school teachers and students nationwide and involving them as co-researchers in both data gathering and content analysis. For more information, visit the project web site: http://www.csm.ohiou.edu/mediamessage

Secondly, as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Winneba in Ghana during the 2003-04 academic year, I am examining the use of computers in teacher preparation programs and secondary schools in Ghana. Using participant observation, interviews and document analysis, my research is investigating how teachers and students use computers in their classrooms, what the technology learning environment looks like, how technology is integrated as a tool for learning across the curriculum, what training the teachers have had in using computers, what support is provided to teachers, what challenges and barriers they encounter in using technology, and the attitudes and beliefs that teachers have towards technology.

Recent Papers

Turner, S., Bernt, P., & Bernt, J. (2003, April). Involving middle school students as co-researchers of their media environment. Paper to be presented at the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.

Bernt, P., Bernt, J., & Turner, S. (2003, April). Gender patterns in middle school students’ media use. Paper to be presented at the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.

Turner, S., Bernt, P., & Pecora, N. (2002, April). Why women choose information technology careers: Educational, social and familial influences. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED456878)

Dipinto, V. M., & Turner, S. V. (1997). Students and teacher as co-conspirators in learning. Current Issues in Middle Level Education, 6(1), 29-39.

Turner, S. V., & Dipinto, V. M. (1995, April). Peer collaboration in a hypermedia learning environment. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.

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