Analysis of a selection of interactive learning environments for mathematics
1) Analysis of the ILEs developed by TELMA teams: Aplusix, AriLab2, and e-Slate.
2) Critical analysis of the grid yielding a refined methodological tool for ILEs analysis.
3) Study of T-algebra, an additional ILE for the learning of elementary algebra;
4) Comparison of 10 ILEs based on the exploitation of the analysis grids.,deliverable D20.5.2 from ERT Telma of NoE Kaleidoscope
Pre-Service Teacher Training in Mathematics Using Tablet PC Technology
This study focuses on the use of innovative Tablet PC technology in learning and teaching mathematics. Specifically the effects of incorporating Tablet PC technology in pre-service teachers' mathematics education were analyzed. The significant impact of technology use in mathematics education was assessed by evaluating and comparing students' final project and course grades. Grade performance of two groups of students was compared. One group was the treatment group where students extensively use
Integrating the Virtual World: Teaching EAI and e-business Integration at Universities of Applied Sc
In this paper, we report on a technology-enhanced learning approach for teaching integration issues. Virtually available Web services have evolved considerably and teaching enterprise application as well as e-business integration at universities has become commonplace.However, this evolution is limited by the time that is needed for developing learner-centered applications, and most of all, by the resulting costs. By applying a collaborative learning model dans by incorporating shared code, avai
Constructive and Collaborative Learning Environments - What Functions are Left for User Modelling an
With constructive and collaborative learning environments being current trends in tutoring systems, the function of user modelling and intelligent support is not as well-defined as in traditional intelligent tutoring systems. For practical solutions, there tend to remain only some niches for the application of intelligent components. To investigate the practicability of intelligent functions, we have build a framework architecture that allows for the implementation of self-contained constructive
Towards a Pattern Language for Intelligent Teaching and Training Systems
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) are usually based on similar fundamental structures. In contrast to this, software engineering techniques are seldomly used for realizing ITSs. In the last years, some approaches tried to change this: pattern mining took place; methods covering the specifics of ITS project development have been deployed. These approaches usually focus on a specific system type or on a certain application domain. What is missing is a combination of all the different approaches
Learning from Explanations: Extending One's Own Knowledge During Collaborative Problem Solving by At
On the basis of an experimental study, we propose a cognitive simulation model of collaborative problem solving and learning. In the experimental study, we investigated how qualitative and quantitative problem representations in classical mechanics are acquired and successively interrelated during collaborative problem solving. Two students, who were taught different aspects of classical mechanics, collaborated on problems which were beyond the competence of each of them individually. Students s
Making the abstract concrete: Visualizing mathematical solution procedures
This paper reports on an experiment investigating the effects of different kinds of computer-based visualizations on the acquisition of problem-solving skills in the domain of probability theory. Learners received either purely text-based worked examples, text plus an instruction to mentally imagine the examples contents, or the possibility of retrieving either static pictures or concrete animations that depicted the problem statement and the problem states achieved by applying a specific solu
The impact of example comparisons on schema acquisition: Do learners really need multiple examples?
Comparing multiple examples within problem categories is usually considered a necessary prerequisite for schema acquisition. However, there is an evident lack of conclusive empirical evidence supporting this claim. Moreover, there are findings indicating that carefully designed one-example conditions may allow for profitable processes of example comparison as well. In line with this reasoning, we present an experiment - that builds up on a series of studies conducted by Quilici and Mayer (1996)
Component-Based Construction of a Science Learning Space
We present a vision for learning environments, called Science Learning Spaces, that are rich in engaging content and activities, provide constructive experiences in scientific process skills, and are as instructionally effective as a personal tutor. A Science Learning Space combines three independent software systems: 1) simulations in which experiments are run and data is collected, 2) representation construction tools in which data is analyzed and conceptual models are expressed and evaluated,
Co-Lab, design considerations for a collaborative inquiry learning environment
Co-Lab is a learning environment for collaborative inquiry learning in which learners can experiment, make models, consult background information and discuss their findings. The complex learning processes in such an environment need to be supported by appropriate features in the software. In this paper we report on how, based on existing literature and specific user and usability studies, we developed a set of design guidelines that were implemented in the software.
Normalising Geometrical Constructions: A Context for the Generation of Meanings for Ratio and Propor
This paper describes aspects of 13 year-olds activity in mathematics as emerged during the implementation of proportional geometric tasks in the classroom. Pupils were working in pairs using a piece of software specially designed for multiple representation (symbolic and graphical) of the variation in parametric procedures with dynamic manipulation of variable. In this paper we discuss childrens use of normalising, an activity in which children correct the geometrical figures while devel
ML Tutor: An Application of Machine Learning Algorithms for an Adaptive Web-based Information System
One problem that commonly faces hypertext users, particularly in educational situations, is the difficulty of identifying pages of information most relevant to their current goals or interests. In this paper, we discuss the technical feasibility and the utility of applying machine learning algorithms to generate personalised adaptation on the basis of a userÕs browsing history in hypertext, without additional input from the user. In order to investigate the viability of this approach, we develo
Learning Design Repositories Structure Ontology and Processes
We summarize here the results of a project called IDLD: Implementation and Deployment of the Learning Design specification. The main product of the IDLD project is a portal that provides a suite of tools and methodological aids to help build IMS-LD compliant learning designs. In this paper, we focus on a practical approach to build and extend a repository of learning designs. We present a more specific process where tools in the portal serve to extend the repository by building LD patterns extra
The E-Learning Challenge
In this book, Gilbert Paquette an internationally recognized expert in the field of technology-based training offers IT professionals, trainers, and consultants a revolutionary method for going beyond simple information management. Instructional Engineering in Networked Environments introduces the instructional engineering method that elicits knowledge from subject matter experts to make information more widely available for training other people and transfering knowledge through formal and info
Using a concept mapping software as a knowledge construction tool in a graduate online course
Stemming from a twenty-month pedagogical experience using a concept mapping software for higher education students in an online course, this paper reports findings from what became an exploratory study. The objectives were to support the students knowledge construction process and to stimulate metacognitive reflection. After having read some instructional texts, students used an object-oriented modeling tool called MOT) to graphically represent a network of at least fifteen knowledge units of
How to scaffold the students to design experimental procedures? A situation experienced by 108 high-
This paper presents a proposition to improve the construction of concepts when doing experimental activities, and, in fact, to improve the construction of sense in experimental activities. This research involved 108, 17-18 year old students designing an experimental procedure for palaeontology learning. We first developed an analyse of the expert procedure and second, we realised a teaching sequence in which students were led to design an experimental procedure to measure the facial angle of a c
Conception et réalisation de ressources pédagogiques vivantes : des ressources intégrant les TICE
L'intégration des TICE reste marginale à l'heure actuelle dans l'enseignement des mathématiques. Force est de constater que la complexité de cette intégration est largement sous-estimée dans les dispositifs de formation. Quels types de ressources seraient susceptibles de la favoriser ? Nous proposons une méthode de conception et de production de ressources évolutives intégrant les TICE en mathématiques qui a été mise à l'épreuve dans un dispositif de FOAD. La structure des ressourc
Mobile Usability in Educational Contexts: What have we learnt?
The successful development of mobile learning is dependent on human factors in the use of new mobile and wireless technologies. The majority of mobile learning activity continues to take place on devices that were not designed with educational applications in mind, and usability issues are often reported. The paper reflects on progress in approaches to usability and on recent developments, with particular reference to usability findings reported in studies of mobile learning. The requirements of
The Complexity of Distributed Collaborative Learning: Unit of Analysis
The problem area of this paper is manifested in the new conditions that characterise distributed collaborative learning. The core argument is that distributed collaborative learning implies an interconnected complexity that can only be properly understood by extending the unit of analysis from technology and pedagogy themselves to real-life social contexts in which networked computers are being used. Experiments and small-scale field trials are only steps towards a deeper understanding of how co
Elup Editor Conceptual Guide and User Manual
The eLup editor: elearning Quality Process Editor is based on the conceptual model adopted by the E-Quality project (www.e-quality-eu.org). The purpose of the eLup software is to enable the e-learning professional to structure and document the quality approach used in his/her organisation by making use of the approach and findings of the equality project. The eLup software was developed within Montpellier 2 University. The software is a model editor coupled with a database using Java, MySQL and
