Goal Configurations and Processing Strategies as Moderators Between Instructional Design and Cogniti
In this article, we propose some augmentations of cognitive load theory (CLT) inspired by evidence from hypertext-based instruction. In particular, we focus on the role of goal configurations and processing strategies as moderators between instructional design and cognitive load. First, we describe pivotal assumptions of CLT and conceptual shortcomings related to these assumptions. Second, we review evidence from our own hypertext-based research that gives reasons for integrating configurations
Implementing the Challenge Based Learning in Classroom Scenarios
Our Challenge Based Learning (CBL) method can be described as a special form of problem-based learning, in which the problems are of realistic, open-ended nature. Additionally, CBL contains features of experiential and project-based learning approaches. CBL is supported by the provision of Digital Experimentation Toolkits (DExTs) which comprise materials, initial instructions, references to web resources and specific software tools. Within the COLDEX project, a number of remote sites which gener
The Use of Multiple Student Modeling to Parameterize Group Learning
Recent criticism of ITS research for neglecting social aspects of learning is constructively answered by a practical attempt to extrapolate student modeling and intelligent learning support to group situations. The central focus is on using individually assessed student models to anticipate and parameterize group learning situations. This requires the integration of knowledge from individual models. Aspects of system architecture and dialogue design are discussedbased on an example of a replicat
Integrating Collaborative Concept Mapping Tools with Group Memory and Retrieval Functions
The provision of shared visual representations is considered to be an important facilitator for creative processes in group working and learning scenarios. Although reusability is an inherent feature of computerised representations in general, a comparative analysis of existing tools shows clear deficits in this respect. We are convinced that reusability and thus sustainability of the results of co-constructive group work can be much enhanced by integrating visual environments with functions for
Building Bridges within Learning Communities through Ontologies and "Thematic Objects"
Communication through artefacts, in the sense of objects (co-)constructed by learners, is a well known mechanism in synchronous shared workspace environments. In this article, we explore the potential of extending this principle to heterogeneous, anonymous and asynchronous learner communities by drawing on existing work, e.g. in the areas of "social navigation" and recommender systems. A new ingredient is the description and provision of "thematic objects" embedded in a task/activity context. De
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
The Remote Control Approach – An Architecture for Tutoring in Pre-existing Collaborative Applicatio
In this paper we present an architecture for the integration of tutoring and process scaffolds into existing collaborative applications. The architecture allows to combine existing research results concerning collaborative processes and their formalization, and existing and tested collaborative learning environments. The architecture allows controlling the learning environments either by a human or a pedagogic agent. Both types of tutors are using the same set of primitives – either via an intu
The Remote Control Approach - How to Apply Scaffolds to Existing Collaborative Learning Environments
In this paper we present an architecture for the integration of tutoring and process scaffolds into existing collaborative applications. The architecture allows to combine existing research results concerning collaborative processes and their formalization, and existing and tested collaborative learning environments. The architecture allows to control the learning environments either by a human or a pedagogic agent. Both types of tutors are using the same set of primitives - either via an intuit
Analysis and Intelligent Support of Learning Communities in Semi-structured Discussion Environments
Conventional discussion environments provide the technical platform for distributed discussion and collaboration, but apart from some statistical data collected, rarely provide information about the collaborative interactions taking place within the environement or even support the discussion by stimulating the learning setting according to the current situation. In this article we present our approach for intelligent support of groups of learners in distributed web-based discussion environments
Building and Maintaining the Common Ground in Web-Based Interaction
In this paper, the main purpose is to explore how participants establish and maintain the common ground in the computer-based conferences. Previous studies assume that before the participants can reach the deeper level interaction and learning, they have to gain an adequate level of common ground (Dillenbourg, 1999; Baker et al., 1999; Veerman, 2000). Subjects were 68 pre-service teachers and 7 mentors from three universities who participated in the web-based conferencing course for eight weeks.
Gemeinsame Wissenskonstruktion in computervermittelter Kommunikation: Welche Kooperationsskripts fö
Goal of this study is the facilitation of participation and knowledge acquisition in cooperative, computer-mediated learning environments. Two cooperative scripts with respect to discourse contents and interaction were developed to pre-structure communication. Both scripts were analyzed with respect to their influence on participation and application-oriented knowledge in computer-mediated learning environments. The factors "content-related cooperative script" and "interaction-related cooperativ
Facilitating collaborative knowledge construction in computer-mediated learning with structuring too
Collaborative knowledge construction in computer-mediated learning environments puts forward difficulties regarding what tasks learners work on and how learners interact with each other. For instance, learners who collaboratively construct knowledge in computer-mediated learning environments sometimes do not participate actively or engage in off-task talk. Computer-mediated learning environments can be endorsed with sociocognitive structuring tools that structure the contents to be learned and s
Measuring knowledge convergence: Achievement similarity and shared knowledge in computer-supported c
Learning in small groups may result in convergent knowledge outcomes or foster possible prior differences between learners. Few studies, however, measure convergence or divergence of knowledge as an outcome of small group learning. This contribution analyzes knowledge convergence/divergence as an outcome of learning in small groups with the concepts of achievement similarity and shared knowledge rooted in two different theoretical frameworks. Achievement similarity means that learners acquired s
Facilitating Knowledge Convergence in Videoconferencing Environments: The Role of External Represent
The study analyzed how two types of graphical representation tools influence the way in which dyads use shared and unshared knowledge resources in different collaboration scenarios, and how learners represent and transfer shared knowledge under these different conditions. We varied the type of graphical representation (content-specific vs. contentunspecific) and the collaboration scenario (videoconferencing vs. face-to-face). 64 university students participated. Results show that learning partne
Analyzing Sequential Data in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
Representations and changes between them play a major role in cognitive development (e.g., Vosniadou, & Brewer, 1992) and education (e.g., Hewson, Beeth, & Thorley, 1998). By definition, change of representations is also indispensable for collaborative work since a common understanding or shared knowledge can only be achieved by a partial convergence of the knowledge structures of the collaborating subjects. This articles presents and discusses knowledge tracking (KT), viz., an approach to analy
ICT and adult literacy, numeracy and ESOL
This project set out to obtain a picture of present teaching practice in the use of ICT in adult literacy, numeracy and ESOL within formal provision.,Research report for NRDC
Effective Teaching and Learning: Using ICT
Findings and recommendations on effective teaching practice - with the aim of providing material for improving the quality of teaching and learning and for informing developments in initial teacher education and continuing development.,Research report for NRDC
Using Interaction Analysis to reveal Self-Regulated
Learning in Virtual Communities
Aim of this paper is to analyse whether Interaction Analysis can help
investigate the practice and development of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) in Virtual Learning Communities (VLC). Interaction analysis is increasingly used to study learning dynamics within online activities. It proceeds by searching expressions that reveal the aspects under study in the written messages exchanged by the learners. To this end, we devised and classified a number of indicators suggesting the existence of self-re
Computer literacy and inquiry learning: when geeks learn less
A low level of computer literacy has often been hypothesized as constituting a disadvantage in knowledge acquisition. However, within the field of computer-supported inquiry learning systematic investigations of these purported relations have not been conducted. This classroom study investigates the role of computer literacy (procedural computer-related knowledge, self-confidence in using the computer, and familiarity with computers) as a learning prerequisite for knowledge acquisition, and anal
