Ph.D.    2005

    O.I.S.E./University of Toronto (Toronto, ON) Department: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Concentrations: Science Education, Action Research Dissertation: Using Action Research for Teacher Professional Development: Research in Science and Technology Education Supervisor: Dr. Derek Hodson



Master of Education    1997

    O.I.S.E./University of Toronto (Toronto, ON) Department: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

    Concentrations: Science Education, Project Work in Science and Technology Education  

    Supervisor: Dr. Derek Hodson



Honours Bachelor of Science    1981

    University of Guelph (Guelph, ON) Major: Marine Biology



Additional Certifications

Honours Specialist Additional Qualification, Biology    1992

    University of Toronto (Faculty of Education, Toronto, ON)

Teaching Certificate: Part 1, Intermediate Math    1991

    University of Toronto (Faculty of Education, Toronto, ON)

Physical Geography Course    1989

    University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON)

Learning Cycle in Chemistry Teaching    1986

    University of Calgary (Calgary, AB)

Post-Degree Professional Program in Teaching    1983

    University of Victoria (Victoria, BC)

University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON    2008-present

    Associate Professor (Tenured)

    Faculty of Education



Sabbatical    Sept. 2008-June 2009

    Established collaborative partnerships in Europe and Australasia



University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON    2003-2008

    Assistant Professor

    Faculty of Education



University of Calgary, Calgary, AB    Spring 2004

    Sessional Instructor - Graduate Studies

    Faculty of Education



OISE/UT, Toronto, ON     1999-2002

    Imperial Oil Centre for Studies in Science, Mathematics and Technology

    Teacher in Residence





Secondary School Teaching

Toronto District School Board, Toronto, ON    1998-2001

    Science and Technology Project Manager, Curriculum Coordinator: Science, Science Department Head

York University, Field Development Office, Toronto, ON    1997-1998

    Instructional Leader: Intermediate/Senior Mathematics/Science

Scarborough Board of Education, Scarborough, ON    1990-1998

    Science Teacher

Chatham & District Christian Secondary School, Chatham, ON    1987-1990

    Science Teacher/Department Head

Calgary Christian Schools, Calgary, AB    1983-1987

    Science Teacher/Department Head



EILab.ca @ UOIT (http://eilab.ca)    2009-present

Administrative Director

    Collaborated on the development of numerous grant applications which ultimately provided the basis for the creation of EILab. Grant application work was recognized by the other lab directors resulting in appointment to the Administrative Director position. Lab research activities are focused on: development of collaborative and online learning environments, professional learning experiences, definitions of learning objects, surveys of technology competencies and investigations of video conferencing in education settings.

•    Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

•    National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST)

•    Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)

•    Science Education Research Group (SERG) of CSSE

•    Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

•    Use of technologies and their assistance in learning

•    Use of action research and video cases set as Problem-based Learning Objects (PBLOs) for professional learning (funded)

•    Tablet PC use by UOIT Faculty of Science students (funded)

•    Development and study of Collaborative Online Learning Environments (funded)

•    Development and study of assistive technologies

Collaborative Online Learning Environment (COLE) prototype completion

Purpose: Complete development of the “Collaborative Online Learning Environment” prototype

Name of Agency: UOIT Internal Funds

Date of Award: Dec. 2007

Duration: 1 year

Total amount of Award: $15,000

Investigators: Francois Desjardins, Roland vanOostveen



Professional Development Learning Environments (PDLE): Development, Exploration and Evaluation

Purpose:    Develop a 4 video-based case studies and online PDLEs to house them, establishing communities of learners who will implement action research processes (see Technical Reports below)

Name of Agency: Canadian Council on Learning - Adult Learning

Date of Award:  July 1, 2007

Duration: 1 year

Total amount of Award: $69, 494

Investigators: Roland vanOostveen (PI), Francois Desjardins, Bill Muirhead, Bill Hunter, Robin Kay

Collaborators:     Karen Goodnough (MUN), G. Michael Bowen (MSVU), Janette Hughes (UOIT), Tony Bartley (LakeheadU), Donatille Mujawamariy (UOttawa).

Consultants:     George Ramos (Web In Motion), Christian Desjardins (Lamas Communications Inc.)



Exploration and evaluation of professional development learning environments (PDLEs)

Purpose: Research project funding

Name of Agency: SSHRC ITST

Date of Award: Feb. 2007

Duration: 1 year

Total amount of Award: $48, 456

Investigators: Roland vanOostveen (PI), Robin Kay, Bill Muirhead, Bill Hunter

Collaborators: Karen Goodnough (MUN), G. Michael Bowen (MSVU), Janette Hughes (UOIT)



Science Education (Argumentation) Video Case Development

Purpose:    Develop a training video case used to document the development of skills of argumentation in high school science students

Name of Agency: UOIT Teaching Innovation Fund

Date of Award: April 2006

Duration: 6 mo.

Total amount of Award: $5,000

Investigators: Roland vanOostveen (PI), Robin Kay, Bill Hunter, Bill Muirhead



Tablet PC Usage in Post-Secondary Education: Faculty

Purpose: Research project funding, travel allowance for conference presentations, publication of articles

Name of Agency: Toshiba Canada Ltd.

Date of Award: Jan. 2005

Duration: 6 mo.

Total amount of Award: $7,500

Investigators: Roland vanOostveen (PI), Bill Muirhead



Tablet PC Usage in Post-Secondary Education: Students

Purpose: Research project funding, travel allowance for conference presentations, publication of articles

Name of Agency: IBM Canada Ltd.

Date of Award: February 2005

Duration: 1 year

Total amount of Award: $30, 000 (out of a $70,000 budget)

Investigators: Roland van Oostveen (PI), Bill Muirhead

vanOostveen, R & Muirhead, W. (2007). Faculty use of tablet computers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 33(1).



Yoon, S., Pedretti, E., Bencze, L, Hewitt, J., Perris, K. & vanOostveen, R. (2006). Improving elementary preservice science teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs through the use of cases and case-methods. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 17(1), 1-21.



Bencze, L., Hewitt, J., Pedretti, E., Yoon, S., vanOostveen, R. & Perris, K. (2003). Science-specialist studentteachers consider promoting technological design projects: Contributions of multi-media case methods. Research in Science Education 33(2), 163-187.

•    International Journal of Web Based Communities (2009-2010)

•    Canadian Society for the Study of Education Conference (2004-2010)

•    SSHRC (2008)

•    Journal of Technology, Pedagogy and Education (2004-2008)

•    Journal of Research in Science Teaching (2005-2008)

•    Co-operative Learning Object Exchange (2004-2006)

•    American Educational Research Association Conference (2004-2008)

Conference Papers



Submitted (Copies of these proposals are available on request)

vanOostveen, R., Desjardins, F., Bullock, S., DiGiuseppe, M. & Robertson, L. (Submitted). Towards a reconceptualization of online teacher professional learning: Problem-based learning objects (PBLOs). Proceedings of the Ed-Media Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Toronto, ON.



Desjardins, F., vanOostveen, R., Bullock, S., DiGiuseppe, M. & Robertson, L. (Submitted). Exploring Graduate Student’s Use of Computer-Based Technologies for Online Learning. Proceedings of the Ed-Media Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Toronto, ON.





Refereed Conference Proceedings (Copies of these papers are available on request)

Desjardins, F. & vanOostveen, R. (2008). Implementing PBL online as a collaborative learning strategy for teachers: The COLE. A presentation at The Eleventh IASTED International Conference on Computers and Advanced Technology in Education, Crete, Greece,  September 29 – October 1, 2008, CDROM.



Desjardins, F. & vanOostveen, R. (2008). Collaborative Online Learning Environment: Towards a process driven approach and collective knowledge building. Proceedings of the Ed-Media Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Vienna, Austria, June 30 - July 4, 2008, p. 2563-2570.



vanOostveen, R., Hunter, W., Kay, R., & Muirhead, W. (2007). Developing argumentation skills in high school students: A video-based case study in science education. Proceedings of the Ed-Media World Conference on Education Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Vancouver, BC, June 25-29, 2007, p.393-397.



Hewitt, J., Pedretti, E., Bencze, L., Jiwani, A. & vanOostveen, R. (2004). Contextualizing and promoting Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) perspectives through multi-media case methods in science teacher education. In D. B. Zandvliet (Ed.). Proceedings of the annual conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Vancouver, BC, April 1-4, 2004, CD ROM.







Refereed Conferences

Alberta Online Symposium

vanOostveen, R. & Muirhead, W. (2005). Tablet PC Use in Higher Education: Faculty Perspectives. A presentation at the annual symposium of the Alberta Online Consortium, November 1-2, 2005, Edmonton, AB.



American Educational Research Association (AERA)

Bowen, G.M., Fraser, D., & vanOostveen, R. (2009). Teacher Perspectives on Using YouTube in the Classroom: Science demonstrations and concepts. A presentation proposal for the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, April 13-17, 2009, San Diego, CA.



vanOostveen, R. (2006) Action Research Use in Science and Technology Teacher Professional Development. A presentation at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, April 7-12, 2006, San Francisco, CA.



Pedretti, E., Bencze, L., Hewitt, J., Jiwani, A. & vanOostveen, R. (2004). Teaching and learning about Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) perspectives through case methods in teacher education. A paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, April 12-16, 2004, San Diego, CA.



Bencze, L., Hewitt, J., Pedretti, E., Yoon, S., vanOostveen, R. & Perris, K. (2002). Technoscience education in practice: A case-method window into contextual teaching and learning for pre-service science-specialist teachers. A presentation at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, April 1-5, 2002, New Orleans, LA.



Yoon, S., Pedretti, E., Bencze, L., Hewitt, J., vanOostveen, R. & Perris, K. (2002). Using case methods in preservice teacher development: Influences on agency, practice and community-building. A presentation at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, April 1-5, 2002, New Orleans, LA.



Association for Science Teacher Education

Bowen, G.M., Fraser-Forbes, D., & vanOostveen, R. (2009). Using YouTube in Science Classrooms: Promoting the use of video (case studies) and reflective discussion in forums. A paper presented at the annual conference of the Association for Science Teacher Education, January 10-12, 2009, Hartford, Conn.



Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE)

Desjardins, F. & vanOostveen, R. (2008). Collaborative Online Learning Environment: from PBL theory to working prototype. A presentation at the 1st Annual conference for the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE),  April 27-30, 2008, Banff, AB.



Ramos, J. & vanOostveen, R. (2008). Video-based case studies in Professional Development Learning Environments: Developing argumentation skills in high school students. A presentation at the 1st Annual conference for the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE),  April 27-30, 2008, Banff, AB.



Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)

Ayyavoo, G.R. & vanOostveen, R. (2008). Developing argumentation skills in high school students: A video-based case study in science education. A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 31 – June 3, 2008, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.



Desjardins, F. & vanOostveen, R.  (2008). Collaborative Online Learning Environment: How not to fill the buckets! A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 31 – June 3, 2008, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.



vanOostveen, R. & Desjardins, F. (2008). Inductive reasoning and the video case: A murder mystery. A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 31 – June 3, 2008, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.



vanOostveen, R. (2007). Action research in science education: Knowledge building with Web Knowledge Forum. A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 25-29, 2007, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.



vanOostveen, R. & Muirhead, W. (2006). Tablet computer use in higher education: Faculty Perspectives. A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 27-30, 2006, York University, Toronto, ON.



vanOostveen, R. (2006). Using purposeful action research for the professional development of science and technology teachers. A presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 27-30, 2006, York University, Toronto, ON.



Bencze, L., Hewitt, J., Pedretti, E., Yoon, S., vanOostveen, R. & Perris, K. (2001). Technology-informed pedagogical perspectives in science-specialist student teachers: Influences from a multi-media case method. A proposal for a paper within a multiple paper set at the annual conference of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education, May 25-28, 2002, OISE/UT, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.



Bencze, J.L., Bowen, G.M., Elshof, L., & vanOostveen, R. (2000) Internet-mediated Pan Canadian Science Projects:

Students Independently Construct Knowledge While Getting to Know More About Canada and Canadians. A presentation at the annual meeting of the Canadian Society for Studies in Education, Edmonton, AB, May 26, 2000.











McGraw-Hill Ryerson Teaching, Learning and Technology Conference Series (TLT) and Eastern Ontario Symposium on Educational Technology (EOSET)

vanOostveen, R. & Muirhead, W. (2006). Tablet PC use in higher education: Faculty perspectives. A presentation at the annual conference of the Eastern Ontario Symposium on Educational Technology, February 20-22, 2006, Carlton University, Ottawa, ON.



Ontario Universities Computing Conference

vanOostveen, R. & Muirhead, W. (2006). Faculty Use of Tablet Computers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. A presentation at the annual conference of the Ontario Universities Computing Conference, May 28-30, 2006, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.





Non-Refereed Conferences

vanOostveen, R. (2009). Global Hand Shaking: Developing International Educational Research Relationships. An invited presentation for Faculty of Education, Jun. 11, 2009, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON.



vanOostveen, R. (2009). PBLOs and COLE: Reconstructing Teacher Professional Development. An invited presentation for New Zealand Council for Educational Research, Mar. 17, 2009, Wellington, New Zealand.

Presentation repeated at:

School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Mar. 11, 2009, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

School of Education, Mar. 5, 2009, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development, Feb. 18, 2009, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

Faculty of Education and Arts Research Day, Feb. 4, 2009, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.

Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology, Jan. 14, 2009, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, China.



vanOostveen, R. (2008). Glimpses of Teacher Professional Improvement and Curriculum Development in Ontario: Science and Technology Education. A presentation to the Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO), Nov. 24, 2008, Enschede, NL.



vanOostveen, R. & Desjardins, F. (2008). Collaborative Online Learning Environment. A presentation to the Dutch SURFoundation Delegation, Mar. 25, 2008, UOIT, Oshawa, ON.



vanOostveen, R. & Desjardins, F. (2007). Professional Learning Environments and Problem Based Learning. A presentation to the Jordanian Educational Delegation, Oct. 29, 2007, UOIT, Oshawa, ON

Presentation repeated at:

HETRU, Nov. 9, 2007, UOIT, Oshawa, ON.



vanOostveen, R. (2007). Opleiden en professionaliseren met web-based classrooms & video cases. An invited presentation at a special edition of the Lectoraat Kopie Kennis, May 16, 2007, Universiteit Twente, Faculteit Gedragswetenschappen, Enschede, Netherlands.



vanOostveen, R. & Muirhead, W. (2005). The Tablet PC Teacher and Student Benefits. A presentation at the annual conference of the Educational Computing Organization of Ontario, May 6-8, 2005, Mississauga, ON.



Bowen, G. M., Bencze, J. L. & vanOostveen, R. (2003). Developing collaborative communities of student scientists and engineers using electronic tools in the Let’s Do Projects! Web site. A presentation at the delegates’ workshops of the Canada-wide Science Fair, May 14, 2003 Calgary, AB.



vanOostveen, R. (2001) Constructivist Learning Theory: Changing Educational Practice with Research. Presentation at the annual conference of the Science Coordinators’ and Consultants’ Association of Ontario (SCCAO), Jun. 5, 2001, Barrie, ON.



vanOostveen, R. (2001) Action Research as P.D.  Presentation at the annual conference of the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO), Nov. 1-3, 2001, Toronto, ON.





Contributions to Edited Books

vanOostveen, R., Corry, A., Bencze, J.L., Ayyavoo, G. (2000) Teaching a Combined Science-Technology Curriculum. In D. Hodson (Ed.), OISE Papers in STSE Education, 1 (p. 145-160). Toronto: University of Toronto Press.



vanOostveen, R., Corry, A., Bencze, J.L., Ayyavoo, G. (2002) Correlational studies in school science: beyond experimentation. In D. Hodson (Ed.), OISE Papers in STSE Education, 3 (p. 221-230). Toronto: University of Toronto Press.





Technical Reports

vanOostveen, R., Desjardins, F. & Bullock, S. (2010). Professional Development Learning Environments (PDLEs) embedded in a Collaborative Online Learning Environment (COLE): Moving towards a new conception of online professional learning. Ottawa: Canada Council on Learning.



vanOostveen, R. (2002) Investigate! Invent! Innovate!: Investigate. The Learning Partnership. Toronto: http://www.thelearningpartnership.ca/I3



Chandra, N., & vanOostveen, R. (2001) OISE-UT/CSA Satellite Education Project: Proposal for Feasibility Study. A Technical Paper for the Imperial Oil Centre for Studies in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education at OISE/UT. Toronto: OISE/UT







Writing for Non-Academic Publications

Curriculum Resources

vanOostveen, R. (Ed.) (2000) TDSB Science and Technology Resource Packs (22 Units). Toronto: Toronto District School Board.



Textbook Sections

Ritter, B., Hirsch, A.J., Plumb, D.,, Worrall, E., and T. Gibb (1995) Science 9. Toronto: Nelson Canada.



Wolfe, E., Clancy, C., Jasper, G., Lindenberg, D., Lynn, D., Mustoe, F., and R. Smythe (1999) SCIENCEPOWER9. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.



Skills Development Handbook (2000) in SCIENCEPOWER9 Teacher’s Resource Binder. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd.



Assessment and Evaluation Handbook (2000) in SCIENCEPOWER9 Teacher’s Resource Binder. Toronto: McGrawHill Ryerson Ltd.

Undergraduate Courses

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

•    CURS4100, 4101 Curriculum Methods: Biology (2003-2005)

•    CURS4180, 4181 Curriculum Methods: General Science (2003-2008, 2009-2010)

•    CURS4280, 4281 Curriculum Methods: Primary/Junior Science and Technology (2006-2007)

•    EDUC3460 Education Elective: Problem Based Learning (2007-2008, 2010)



Graduate Courses

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

•    EDUC5303 Technology and the Curriculum (2009)

•    EDUC5302 Curriculum Planning and Implementation (May 2010)



University of Calgary

•    Master’s Level Qualitative Research - Designer and Co-instructor (Spring 2004)





Contributions to Training

One student:  Master Project Supervisor (2010) Master of Education in Education and Digital Technologies (M.Ed.) Provisional Project Title:



Other Teaching Activities

Instructor - UOIT Additional Basic Qualification Course Intermediate Division Science - General (2007)

Instructor - UOIT Tech-Week Program (2005-2006)

Teacher in Residence in the Imperial Oil Centre for Studies in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, OISE/UT (1999-2002) Participated as principal researcher, graduate assistant or researcher in the following projects:

•    Developed a proposal to the Canadian Space Agency for a feasibility study for research of real-time satellite data streams in science classrooms. (Primary Researcher)

•    Designed, collected, edited and presented video/audio recordings for multimedia case studies used with pre-service teachers. (Researcher and Graduate Assistant)

•    Designed ‘thinking tag’ curricular programs to enhance STSE classroom lessons. (Researcher)

•    Coordinated and assisted in the development of an online web site designed to assist students in science and technology project work. (Researcher and Graduate Assistant)

High School Courses (Grades 9 - OAC, Alberta and Ontario)

•    Science for Grades 8, 9 and 10 at multiple levels in separate and combined classes (Calgary Christian Schools, Chatham & District Christian Secondary School, Board of Education for the City of Scarborough, Toronto District School Board)

•    Introduction to Computers for Grade 10 (Calgary Christian Schools, Toronto District School Board)

•    Senior Biology for Grades 11, 12 and OAC (Calgary Christian Schools, Chatham & District Christian Secondary School, Board of Education for the City of Scarborough, Toronto District School Board)

•    Senior Chemistry for Grade 11 (Calgary Christian Schools, Chatham & District Christian Secondary School)

•    Senior Physics for Grade 11 (Chatham & District Christian Secondary School)

•    Intermediate and Senior Mathematics for Grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 at multiple levels in separate and combined classes (Calgary Christian Schools, Chatham & District Christian Secondary School, Board of Education for the City of Scarborough)

•    Introduction to Accounting for Grade 10 (Calgary Christian Schools)

•    Intermediate and Senior Vocal Music for Grades 6-OAC (Calgary Christian Schools, Chatham & District Christian Secondary School)