Exploiting available technologies to align methodology and theory in the study of science classrooms internationally

This paper addresses the use of available advanced technology for data generation and analysis in relation to research in science(and other) classrooms. It is argued that available technologies enable a new level of alignment between research methodology and theory. Examples are provided of the types of complex data sets and associated analyses made possible by the new technologies. This heightened methodological capacity matches the contemporary diversity and sophistication of our theories of learning and instruction. The interdependence of methodology and theory is illustrated using the examples of distributed cognition, variation theory and complexity theory. In particular, examples are provided of multiple layers of complementary analyses made possible by advances in video analysis software. This paper addresses the extent to which available technologies support methodological approaches capable of accommodating and interrogating contemporary theories of learning and instruction in ways not previously possible.