Implementation of a computer algebra based assessment system
This article describes the design and implementation of the CABLE computer aided assessment system. Introducing a computer algebra system (CAS) to assist in marking allows instructors to design effective assessment schemes that are valid and reliable. A modular design approach allows system components, including a virtual learning environment (VLE), CAS and database, to be used for their respective strengths. Requirements for both interoperability and customisation for particular learning contex
Fostering Simulation-based Learning in Medical Education with Collaboration Script
Active participation of learners is considered a major benefit of simulation-based learning. However, in most courses only few persons can act simultaneously in the simulator while the remaining group observes the running scenario. We investigated how these observation phases can be instructionally designed for more active participation. Research in educational psychology suggests the use of collaboration scripts to structure these observation phases. A collaboration script is an instruction tha
ΜελÎτη των μεταγνωσιακών και συνεÏγατικών χαÏακτηÏισÏ
A learning environment for the Teaching of the Natural Sciences in the 6th grade of Primary school will be presented. The learning environment combines the use of new technologies with collaborative learning. It has been based on general learning principles derived from research on the fields of Psychology and Physics Education. The effects of the learning environment on the studentsÂ’ cognitive, metacognitive and cooperative performance have been thoroughly studied through the use of various me
Using visualizations to teach problem-solving skills in mathematics: Which kind of visualization wor
In the experiment described in this paper we investigated 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 examplesÂ’ contents, or they could retrieve either static pictures or concrete animations that depicted the problem statement and the problem states achieved by applying a specific solut
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 examplesÂ’ 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
Balancing situativity and formality: the importance of relating a formal language to interactive gra
A situated cognition theory is presented in which situated learning is viewed from a Vygotskian perspective: the developmental situativity theory. It is assumed that learning is basically a non-symbolic inductive process that is greatly enhanced by formal systems which act as tools. Instruction should provide students with an environment containing elements to allow for situated activity as well as with appropriate formal tools. Tarski's World, which is an instructional Interactive Graphical Rep
A methodological alternative to media comparison studies: Linking information utilization strategies
Literature reviews on hypermedia learning have yet failed to show consistent positive effects of learner-controlled nonlinear information access. We argue that a possible reason for this lack of evidence in favor of hypermedia learning results from the fact that not sufficient attention is paid to the strategies of information utilization learners deploy. The few studies that do analyze these strategies fail to link them to an instructional approach, which hampers a deeper interpretation of stra
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)
Mentoring, Metacognition and Music: Interaction Analyses and Implications for Intelligent Learning E
This paper reports on an empirical study of the interactive means by which a human teacher supported higher-order, musical thinking in learners. The aim of the work presented here was to create guidelines on how to make practical use of empirical research in teaching agent development. The research overview given in the introduction is followed by an illustrative example of mentoring interactions in musical learning. An elaboration of a musical education problem is then given and a description o
Cognitive tools for discovery learning
Cognitive tools, defined here as instruments that support or perform cognitive processes for learners in order to support learning, can bridge the difference between open learning environments, like discovery learning environments and traditional supportive instructional environments. This article discusses a definition of the concept of cognitive tool and its use in learning. Two examples of cognitive tools for discovery environments are presented, and it is made clear how these tools can serve
Challenges of implementing CSCL designs in the Greek classrooms
not available,Paper presented at the 10th Biennial Conference of the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI), 2003, Padova, Italy.
Internet Scout Project
The United States Geological Survey's Learning Web site Working with Maps contains a complete Web-based lesson for students between grades 5 and 8. The site introduces the basic concepts related to cartography, including the definition of a map, various map types, and information that you can find on them. Printable activity sheets are available for download, covering four lessons: Introduction to Maps, Some Things You Need to Know to Read a Map, What You Can Learn From a Map, and How to Read a
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.
Problems and Opportunities of Learning together in a Virtual Learning Environment
This chapter explores new ways of collaborative learning in a virtual learning environment based on our acquisition of knowledge from previous experience. We identify both the problems faced in real collaborative learning practices and the ways these problems can be overcome and become opportunities for more efficient learning. These issues concern pedagogical, organisational and technical elements and constraints that influence the successful application of collaborative learning in distance ed
A Framework for Assessing Self, Peer and Group Performance in e-Learning
In this chapter we propose a framework that supports the analysis and assessment of collaborative learning of online groups of students working on a complex task (software project, or case study) in a real web-based, distance learning context. On the one hand, our approach is based on principled evaluation criteria that involve and measure a variety of elements and factors as well as on a combination of a basic qualitative process and a quantitative method that provide a grounded and holistic fr
Designing biases that augment socio-cognitive interactions
This chapter questions the assumption that the best environment for computer-supported collaborative learning is the one that most closely reproduces the features of face-to-face collaboration. Empirical studies have failed to establish the superiority of group interaction with richer media. Instead, the chapter explores media features that do not exist in face-to-face interactions and explains how these features might augment group cognition. The first feature, the persistency of the informatio
Sharing solutions: persistence and grounding in multi-modal collaborative problem solving
This article reports on an exploratory study of the relationship between grounding and problem solving in multimodal computer-mediated collaboration. This article examines two different media, a shared whiteboard and a MOO environment that includes a text chat facility. A study was done on how the acknowledgment rate (how often partners give feedback of having perceived, understood, and accepted partner's contributions) varies according to the media and the content of interactions. It was expect
Towards an Open Grid Marketplace Framework for Resources Trade
A challenge of Grid computing is to provide automated support for the creation and exploitation of virtual organisations (VOs), involving individuals and different autonomous organizations, to which resources are pooled from potentially diverse origins. In the context of the presented work, virtual organizations trade grid resources and services according to economic models in electronic marketplaces. Thus in this paper we propose GRIMP (Grid Marketplace), a generic framework that provides servi
Internet Scout Project
The International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior's (IAVCEI) website advocates its research in volcanology and closely related disciplines as well as its work to mitigate volcanic disasters. After learning about the history of the organization, users can discover the many projects undertaken by the commissions including a volcanic eruption database and research involving the chemistry of volcanic gases. Researchers can learn about possible funding opportunities a
Towards a Generic Platform for Developing CSCL Applications Using Grid Infrastructure
The goal of this paper is to explore the possibility of using CSCL component-based software under a Grid infrastructure. The merge of these technologies represents an attractive, but probably quite laborious enterprise if we consider not only the benefits but also the barriers that we have to overcome. This work presents an attempt toward this direction by developing a generic platform of CSCL components and discussing the advantages that we could obtain if we adapted it to the Grid. We then pro
