- Contact Info
- Education
- Professional Career
- Teaching Positions
- Other Professional Activities
- Publications
- Course Design and Development
- Research and Development
Contact Info
Office | + 972-9-7781339 |
Fax | + 972-9-7780626 |
[email protected] | |
Address | Dr. Paul Gorsky Open University of Israel POB 808 Ra'anana, 43137 Israel |
Education
1970 | B.A. | Mathematics and Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. |
1972 | M.Ed. | Curriculum and Instruction, Duke University, Durham, N.C. |
1989 | D.Sc. | Science
Education, Technion, Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa. Thesis Dissertation: Restructuring students' concepts of force: A study of a computer-aided, dissonance-based instructional strategy; Thesis supervisor: Prof. Menachem Finegold. |
Professional Career
1990 - |
CEO (1990-2002); Chair, Board of Directors (2002-2011); CEO (2011-), Science and Reasoning 2000, Bat Hefer, Israel. This Not-for-Profit Organization offers after-school, hands-on programs in science, technology and mathematics for gifted and “science oriented” youth throughout Israel. |
2010-2011 |
Subject Matter Expert / Instructional Designer, Pangea Tools Ltd., Herzliya, Israel. Design of interactive digital science and math lessons (grades 1-8) for schools throughout the USA (in affiliation with Houghton, Mifflin & Harcourt). |
2002-2011 |
Research Associate, Open University of Israel, Ra'anana, Israel. Research into the integration and use of web-based information technologies in diverse instructional systems. |
1990-1992 |
Consultant, Ministry of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel. Evaluation of science and math courseware for use in schools. |
1982-1990 |
CEO, Bits of Knowledge, Kfar Saba, Israel. Design of training programs for industrial and military clients using then state-of-the-art multimedia technologies. |
Teaching Positions
2006 - | Course Coordinator,
Master's
degree program, Open
University of
Israel, Ra'anana, Israel. - "Integrating communications media in various disciplines" |
2006-2009 | Instructor, Master's
degree program, Open
University of
Israel, Ra'anana, Israel.
- "Principles of design and analysis of
computer-based learning environments"
- "Theories of learning and instruction" |
1987-1990 | Instructor,
Technion, Israel Institute of
Technology, Haifa, Israel. - "Integrating learning technologies in physics education" |
Supervision of Higher Degrees
2008-2009 | Mirela Widder, M.A.,
Educational Technology, Open University of
Israel. Thesis Dissertation: Using computed simulation to overcome visual obstacles in 3D geometry teaching. |
2013 - | Liat Blatman-Lampert, M.A.,
Educational Technology, Open University of
Israel. Thesis Dissertation: Toward an intelligent tutoring system: Developing a tool to measure students' conceptual and procedural knowledge in fractions. |
Other Professional Activities
2010 - | Consultant, Ministry of Education, Jerusalem, Israel. (Evaluation of educational research proposals). |
2010 - |
Editorial Review Board, International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning. |
2004 | Expert Consultant, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium (Evaluation of science education projects). |
Publications
Professional Books
1. | Gorsky, P. & Nitzani-Hendel R. (2002). Simple Demonstrations in Physics. Israel: Science & Reasoning 2000. (Hebrew). |
Chapters in Professional Books
1. | Gorsky,
P. & Caspi,
A. (2010). Learning science at a distance: Instructional dialogues and
resources. In D. Kennepohl & L. Shaw, (Eds.), Accessible
Elements: Teaching Science Online and at a Distance. Athabasca, Canada: Athabasca University Press. |
2. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Chajut, E.
(2008). Instructional
dialogue: Toward a unified theory of instructional design in the
cognitive domain. In R. Zheng and S. Pixy-Ferris, (Eds.), Online Instructional Modeling: Theories and Practice. Hershey, PA: Idea Group, Inc. |
Articles in Refereed Journals
1. | Widder,
M. & Gorsky, P. (2013).
How students solve problems in spatial geometry while using a software
application for visualizing 3D geometric objects, Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 32(1), 557-588. |
2. | Gorsky,
P.,
Caspi, A. & Blau, I. (2012). A comparison of non-mandatory online
dialogic
behavior in two higher education blended environments, Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks. 16(4), 55-69. |
3. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A., Blau, I., Vine, Y. &
Billet, A. (2012). Toward
a Community of Inquiry population parameter: The impact of unit
(sentence vs. message) on the results of quantitative content analysis, International Review of Research on Distance Learning 12(7), 17-37. Available online at: http://www.irrodl.org |
4. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, Antonovsky, A., Blau, I. & Mansur, A.
(2010). The
relationship between academic discipline
and dialogic behavior
in Open University course forums. International Review of Research on Distance Learning. 11(2), 49-72. Available online at: http://www.irrodl.org |
5. | Meisher-Tal,
H. & Gorsky, P. (2010). Wikis: What
students do and don't do when writing collaboratively. Open Learning: The Journal of Open and
Distance Learning. 25(1), 25-35. |
6. |
Gorsky, P. & Blau, I. (2009). Effective online teaching: A tale of two instructors. International Review of Research on Distance Learning. 10(3), 1-27. |
7. | Tuvi-Arad, I. & Gorsky, P. (2007). Web based learning of molecular symmetry. Chemical Education: Research and Practice. 8(1), 61-72. |
8. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Smidt, S.
(2007). Use of
instructional dialogue by university students in a difficult distance
education physics course. Journal of Distance Education. 22(1), 1-12. |
9. | Caspi, A. & Gorsky, P. (2006). Open university students’ use of dialogue. Studies in Higher Education. 31(6), 735-752. |
10. | Caspi, A. & Gorsky, P. (2006). Online deception: Prevalence, motivation and emotions. Cyberpsychology and Behavior. 9(1), 54-59. |
11. | Gorsky, P., Caspi, A. & Trumper, R. (2006). Campus-based university students’ use of dialogue. Studies in Higher Education. 31(1), 71-87. |
12. | Caspi, A. & Gorsky, P. (2005).
Instructional media
choice: Factors affecting the preferences of distance education
coordinators. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia. 14(2), 169-198. |
13. | Caspi, A., Gorsky, P. & Privman, M. (2005). Using digital video in a History course taught at a distance. Instructional Science. 33(1), 31-47. |
14. | Gorsky, P.
& Caspi, A. (2005). A
critical analysis of
transactional distance theory. Quarterly Review of Distance
Education. 6(1), 1-11. Available online at Harvard Univ: http://www.harvard.edu |
15. | Gorsky,
P. & Caspi, A.
(2005). Dialogue: A
theoretical framework for distance education instructional systems. British
Journal of Educational Technology. 36(2), 137-144. Available online at: https://www.openu.ac.il |
16. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Trumper, R.
(2004). Dialogue in a
distance education physics course. Open Learning: The Journal of Open and
Distance Learning. 19(3), 265-277. |
17. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Tuvi-Arad
I. (2004). Use of
instructional dialogue by university students in a distance education
chemistry course. Journal of Distance Education. 19(1), 1-19. |
18. | Caspi, A., Gorsky P. & Chajut, E.
(2003). The influence
of group size on non-mandatory asynchronous instructional discussion
groups. The Internet and Higher Education, 6(3), 227-240. |
19. | Trumper, R. & Gorsky, P. (1997). A
survey of biology
students’ conceptions of force in pre-service training for high
school teachers. Research in Science and Technological Education, 15(2), 133-147. |
20. | Trumper, R. & Gorsky, P. (1996). A
cross-college age
study about
physics students’ conceptions about force in pre-service training
for
high school teachers. Physics Education, 31(4), 227-236. |
21. | Gorsky, P. & Finegold, M. (1994). The role of anomaly and of cognitive dissonance in restructuring students' concepts of force. Instructional Science, 22(2), 75-90. |
22. | Trumper, R. & Gorsky, P. (1993).
Learning about energy:
The influence of alternative frameworks, cognitive levels, and closed
mindedness. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 30(7), 637-648. |
23. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1992).
Using computer
simulations to restructure students' conceptions of force. Journal
of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 11(2), 163-178. |
24. | Finegold, M. & Gorsky, P.
(1991). Students'
concepts of force as applied to related physical systems: A search for
consistency. International Journal of Science Education, 13(1), 97-113. |
25. | Finegold, M. & Gorsky, P. (1988). Learning about forces: Simulating the outcomes of pupils' misconceptions. Instructional Science, 17(3), 251-261. |
Presentations at Refereed Conferences and Articles in Conference Proceedings
1. | Gorsky,
P. (2011). Hidden structures in
asynchronous course
forums: Toward a Golden Ratio population parameter. International Conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning. Hong Kong: The University of Hong Kong and the International Society of the Learning Sciences. |
2. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A., Blau, I. &
David, Y. (2011).
Toward a population parameter for "Communities of Inquiry" in higher
education, asynchronous course forums. In
Eshet-Alkalai, Y., Caspi, A., Eden, S., Geri, N., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 28-30). Open University of Israel. |
3. |
Wider,
M. & Gorsky,
P.
(2010). Using
computed simulation to overcome visual obstacles with 3D dynamic
geometry
software. In
Eshet-Alkalai, Y., Caspi, A.,
Eden, S., Geri, N., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 81-93). Open University of Israel. |
4. | Dubi,
T. & Gorsky,
P.
(2010). Developing reasoning
skills about personal finance by means of the Webkinz game. In
Eshet-Alkalai, Y., Caspi, A., Eden, S., Geri, N., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 57-65). Open University of Israel. |
5. | Gorsky,
P. & Caspi, A. (2009). Theory of instructional
dialogue: Toward a new paradigm for distance education. 25th Annual
Conference
on Distance Teaching & Learning, August 4-7, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. |
6. | Rozen,
E., Cassidy, K. & Gorsky,
P.
(2009). Classroom Blogs
and Parental Involvement. In Eshet-Alkalai, Y., Caspi, A.,
Eden, S.,
Geri, N., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 204-206). Open University of Israel. |
7. | Abu
Ahmed, L., Antonovsky, A. & Gorsky,
P. (2009). High school
geometry: The effectiveness of traditional vs. computer-aided learning
environments. In Eshet-Alkalai, Y., Caspi, A., Eden, S., Geri, N., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 173-174). Open University of Israel. |
8. | Levenberg,
A. & Gorsky,
P. (2008).
The effect
of feedback on students' willingness to participate in
educational
blogs. In Eshet, Y., Caspi, A., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 242). Open University of Israel. |
9. | Dalal,
S. & Gorsky,
P.
(2008). The use of websites in Israeli
elementary schools. In Eshet, Y., Caspi, A., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings
of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 231). Open University of Israel. |
10. | Levin,
T. & Gorsky,
P.
(2008). Using a shared spreadsheet for
encouraging meaningful mathematical discussion and for promoting
collaborative
knowledge construction in a community of learners. In Eshet, Y., Caspi, A., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 239). Open University of Israel. |
11. | Gorsky,
P.,
Caspi, A. & Smidt, S. (2007). Students'
utilization of instructional resources in a difficult distance
education
physics course. In Eshet, Y., Caspi, A., & Yair, Y. (Eds.), Proceedings of Chais Conference on Instructional Technologies Research: Learning in the Technological Era (pp. 71-77). Open University of Israel. |
12. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Chajut, E.
(2006). Dialogic
behavior: Students' utilization of instructional resources. In K.
Fernstrom & K. Tsolakidis (Eds.), Proceedings of ICICTE: International Conference on Information Communication Technology in Education (pp. 176-180). Abbotsford, BC, Canada: UCFV Press. |
13. | Gorsky,
P. & Caspi, A. (2006).
Dialogic behavior:
Students' utilization of instructional
resources. In Y. Eshet, A. Caspi, and Y. Yair, (Eds.), Learning in
the Technological Era (pp. 49-54). Open University of Israel. |
14. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A., Trumper R.,
Tuvi-Arad I. &
Nitzani-Hendel, R. (2005). Learning physics and chemistry: Distance and
campus-based university students' dialogic behavior. ESERA: European Science Education Research Association. Barcelona, Spain. |
15. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A., Tuvi-Arad, I.
& Trumper, R.
(2005).
Students’ utilization of instructional resources in different
educational environments. Meital Conference, Ben Gurion University, Be’er Sheva, Israel. |
16. | Tuvi-Arad, I. & Gorsky,
P. (2004).
Web based learning of
molecular symmetry. E-learn 2004 - World conference on e-learning in
corporate, government,
health care, and higher education, Wash., DC. |
17. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Tuvi-Arad,
I. (2004). Use of
instructional dialogue by university students in a distance education
chemistry course. In P. Kommers & G. Richards (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2004 (pp. 3568-3574). Chesapeake, VA: AACE. |
18. | Gorsky,
P., Caspi, A. & Trumper R.
(2004). Use of
instructional dialogue by university students in a distance education
physics course. GIREP: International Research Group on Physics Teaching, Ostrava, Czech Republic. |
19. | Caspi,
A., Chajut, E. & Gorsky,
P. (2003). A study of asynchronous
discussion groups in distance learning courses at the Open University
of Israel.EARLI: European Association of Research in Learning and Instruction, Padova, Italy. |
20. | Gorsky,
P., Trumper, R. &
Nitzani-Hendel R. (2003).
Informal science
education in Israel: Reasons for participation and impact on attitudes.
ESERA: European Science Education Research Association, Noordwijkerhout, Holland. |
21. | Gorsky,
P. & Trumper, R. (2002).
Informal science
education
in
Israel: Teaching elementary school children qualitative physics
concepts.GIREP: International Research Group on Physics Teaching, Lund, Sweeden. |
22. | Gorsky,
P. & Schwartz, A. (1993).
Computerized control
systems for elementary school aged children. Science Education in
Developing Countries: From Theory to Practice, Jerusalem. |
23. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1993).
Using computer
simulations to restructure students' concepts of force. Science
Education in Developing Countries: From Theory to Practice, Jerusalem. |
24. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1992).
Using computer
simulations to restructure students' concepts of force. European
Conference on Educational Research, Enschede, The Netherlands. |
25. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1990).
Using computer
simulations to restructure students' concepts of force. International
Conference on Science Education, Limerick, Ireland. |
26. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1989).
Using computer
simulations to restructure students' concepts of force. Australian
Conference on Science Education, Perth, Australia. |
27. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. (1989).
Learning about static
equilibrium: Simulating the outcomes of pupils' misconceptions. Second
International Jerusalem Convention on Education: Science and Mathematics Education, Jerusalem. |
Reports and Workshops
1. | Gorsky,
P.,
Caspi, A. & Chajut, E. (2007). Toward a unified theory of
instruction in
the cognitive domain. An audio-conference presentation, Centre for
Distance Education Research (CIDER), Athabasca University, Canada. |
2. | Gorsky,
P.,
Caspi, A. & Chajut, E. (2006). Dialogue: Toward a unified
theoretical
framework for instruction in the cognitive domain and a
practical
research agenda. ICICTE: International Conference on Information Communication Technology in Education. Rhodes, Greece. |
3. |
Gorsky, P. & Caspi, A. (2005). Dialogue: Toward a unified theoretical framework for instruction in the cognitive domain. Dept. of Education in Technology and
Science, Technion. Haifa, Israel. |
4. | Gorsky,
P. & Nitzani-Hendel R. (2004). Simple demonstrations
in physics. Junior High School Science and Technology Teachers
Convention,
Weizmann Institute of Science. Rehovot, Israel. |
5. | Gorsky, P. (2002). Learning technologies in distance education. Dept. of Education in Technology and Science. Technion. Haifa, Israel. |
6. | Gorsky, P. (1997). Simple demonstrations in physics. High School Physics Teachers Convention, Ministry of Education, Kibbutz Shefaim, Israel. |
7. | Gorsky, P. (1992). Students' misconceptions about physics concepts. Ministry of Education, Weizmann Institute of Science. Rehovot, Israel. |
8. | Gorsky,
P. (1991). Computers in the high school physics curriculum.
Workshop for new-immigrant physicists from the former Soviet Union. Tel
Aviv
University, Tel Aviv, Israel. |
9. | Gorsky,
P. & Finegold, M. Using
computer simulations to
restructure students' concepts of force. a. Dept. of Education in Technology and Science, Technion, Haifa, Israel, 1989. b. Dept. of Physics, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. 1990. c. Dept. of Science Education, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, 1990. d. Dept. of Science Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, S.A., 1991. e. Dept. of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, 1992. |
Software Programs
1. | Gorsky, P. & Finegold, M. (1992). Forces in physical systems: Newton's second law, Ministry of Education. |
2. | Gorsky, P. & Finegold, M. (1991). Forces in physical systems: Newton's first law, Ministry of Education. |
Course Design and Development
1. |
Open University of Israel: Master's Degree course 14017 "Integrating communications media in various disciplines"
- Chapter 1: Knowledge and academic disciplines - Chapter 2: Integrating communications media in various disciplines - Chapter 3: Educational technology: The future is now |
2. |
Science and Reasoning 2000: Hands-on science and technology courses for gifted and “science oriented” youth:
-
First
Steps in Science (1st
grade) -
Explore
and Discover (2nd
- 3rd
grade) -
Wonders
of the Universe (4th
- 6th
grade) -
Introduction
to Robotics (5th
- 6th
grade) -
Mathematical
Reasoning 1 (3rd - 4th
grade) -
Mathematical
Reasoning 2 (5th - 6th
grade) -
Computer
Applications 1 (2nd
- 4th
grade) -
Computer
Applications 2 (3rd - 5th grade) -
Designing
Web Sites
(4th - 6th
grade) -
Programming
in C#
(5th - 6th
grade) |
Research and Development ($339,600)
2011 |
Open Univ. of Israel: Toward a population parameter in higher education, asynchronous course forums. | $2,800 |
2008 |
Open Univ. of Israel: University students' dialogic behavior: A search for causality. | $25,000 |
2007 | Open Univ. of Israel: The relationship between students' strategic and tactical approaches to study. | $2,800 |
2000 |
Ministry of Science: Internet science projects for elementary school children. | $10,000 |
1999 | Ministry of Science: Build mobile science exhibits for elementary schools. | $10,000 |
1998 | Jewish Agency: Science for gifted children in outlying regions. | $48,000 |
1997 | Ministry of Science: Build a science exhibition for kindergarten children. | $20,000 |
1995 | Ministry of Environmental Quality: Workshops on environmental quality for junior high schools. | $7,000 |
1995 | Ministry of Science: Implement science enrichment programs for underprivileged children. | $47,000 |
1994 | Ministry of Science: Develop exhibits on chaos theory and fractal geometry. | $60,000 |
1992 | Joint Distribution Committee: Science program for Ethiopian, new immigrant children. | $20,000 |
1992 | Ministry of Education, Department of Gifted Children: Curriculum for gifted children grades 4-6. | $17,000 |
1992 | International Sephardi Education Fund: Young scientists program - Physics and mathematics. | $42,000 |
1990 | International Sephardi Education Fund: Computer control systems for underprivileged students. | $25,000 |
1988 | Technion: Factors influencing the acquisition of force related concepts among high school students. | $3,000 |