The distributed developmental network - d2n: a social configuration to support design pattern genera
DiSessa et al. (2004) conducted a comparative study of how research teams design, develop and evaluate TEL software, in the context of component-based educational programming. They identified the issue of the social configuration of the production team as “a critical family of issues that are easily marginalized” (p.117). These social configurations are loosely equivalent to what Activity Theorists refer to as the rules and division of labour (Engeström, 1987) in the activity system of TEL pr
Enabling Mobile Collaborative Learning through Multichannel Interactions
The work presented here shows an architecture to integrate multiple communication channels for a simple communication tool: a weblog. The motivation for this work is to enable learners to access learning services regardless of their situation. Indeed, in some cases the access to these services is quite hard because people are on the move or don't easily have access to an Internet connection. This article presents the different elements that fit into the architecture which lay the path for a rich
Adding new Representations of Mathematical Objects to Aplusix
In the framework of the ReMath European project, we initiated two new representations for algebraic expressions in Aplusix: a Tree & Natural representation mixing tree representations and natural representations of algebraic expressions, and a graphical representations to show curves and sets of solutions. Our work has been driven by two approaches: (1) a traditional approach focusing on the definition of new objects with their functionalities, beginning with a specification phase and continuing
Description et exploitations des traces du logiciel d’algèbre Aplusix
Cet article porte sur l’emploi de traces dans un contexte éducatif et sur leur utilisation dans un EIAH. La première partie présente le logiciel Aplusix, un micromonde pour l'apprentissage de l'algèbre qui permet l’enregistrement de productions d’élèves, comme celles obtenues dans l'environnement classique papier, mais comportant de plus d'autres informations, comme le temps, les hésitations, les corrections. Ce recueil produit une trace brute qui représente une modélisation comporte
How can we take into account student conceptions of the facial angle in a palaeontology laboratory w
This study investigates student conceptions of the facial angle as a way to attain understanding elements of the theory of human evolution. The chosen laboratory work involved determining the species of a human cranium, and students had to design and write down their own experimental procedure. Three versions of the laboratory work were carried out leading to different student productions. Three aspects will be presented in the present paper, which are related to the three conceptual difficultie
Concepts and methods for exploring the future of learning with digital technologies. Kaleidoscope
Very little of the transformation of working and social life that has accompanied digital technologies is reflected in the practice of learning and teaching, or in the quality of research. Kaleidoscope's central aims are to fill these gaps in research by integrating existing European initiatives to develop a rich, culturally-diverse and coherent theoretical and practical research foundation for research and innovation, and developping new tools and methodologies that operationalize an interdisci
Using and Enhancing a Normalized IMS-LD Description to Support Learners in their Appropriation of a
The general context of our work is the support that can be proposed to a distance learning student in order to appropriate a curriculum to him. In this paper we explore how the IMS learning design (LD) norm can be used to address this issue. An LD model of a curriculum permits the construction of tools that allow a student to visualize different points of view on the curriculum items, annotate his progression in the activities or build individual projects. We present what can be done with an LD
DSTM: a Framework to Operationalize and Refine a Problem-Solving Method modeled in terms of Tasks an
In this paper we present DSTM, a framework that enables the operationalization and the refinement of problem-solving methods modelled within the Task–Method paradigm. DSTM proposes an operational kernel, i.e. operational but flexible high-level constructions: modelling primitives, such as task or method, and manipulation mechanisms, such as select a method. These constructions can be customized in order to better capture the paper-based model to be operationalized. This permits the construction
Mining learning groups' activities in Forum-type tools
Mining data produced by students involved in communication through forum-like tools can help revealing aspects of their communication. In this paper we propose an approach to the construction of models to highlight structural properties of learning groups based on a relational perspective (analysis of chains of references) and the use of Social Network Analysis techniques. These models can be useful both for the tutor and the participants. We begin by introducing the overall approach, then we de
First version of the awareness-support tool
This document reports on the awareness services offered through two tools developed in the context of the PALETTE project (Collaboration services), namely e-Logbook and CoPe_it! We first present the awareness types that need to be supported and we proceed by describing in detail how these are conceived and implemented in the abovementioned tools. Moreover, we briefly report on the integration of these tools, focusing on the additional awareness services resulting from this integration.,First ver
Une approche pro-pédagogique du diagnostic cognitif dans les STI: conception, formalisation, et imp
In an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), issues related to the design and the implementation of the cognitive diagnosis (DC) of learner's behavior is addressed intuitively according to the specific goals of this STI. From a purely operational viewpoint, this approach is not really bad since the STIs arising from it, "work". However, when it comes to give to DC a pedagogical dimension in the human tutors, a look into perspective on more fundamental considerations promotes reflection in this direc
A Bayesian Student Model without Hidden Nodes and Its Comparison with Item Response Theory
The Bayesian framework offers a number of techniques for inferring an individual's knowledge
state from evidence of mastery of concepts or skills. A typical application where such a
technique can be useful is Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). A Bayesian modeling scheme,
POKS, is proposed and compared to the traditional Item Response Theory (IRT), which has been
the prevalent CAT approach for the last three decades. POKS is based on the theory of
knowledge spaces and constructs item-to-item gra
Operationalizing macro-scripts in CSCL technological settings
This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the technological dimensions related to the operationalization of CSCL macro-scripts. CSCL scripts are activity models that aim at enhancing the probability knowledge generative interactions such as conflict resolution, explanation or mutual regulation occur during the collaboration process. We first recall basics about CSCL scripts and macro-scripts. Then, we propose an analysis of some core issues that must be made explicit and taken into account wh
Enhancing Collaborative Language Learning in Engineering Education with Team Portfolio
This paper describes the development and implementation of learning and teaching experiment to encourage the use of e-portfolio in language learning courses and also the integration of English courses with professional studies of engineering students. This is an ongoing project which is annually developed and improved based on student feedback the focus being on collaborative and communicative language learning. New learning environments, such as learning platforms, e.g. R5 Generation, Skype and
Learning in the Age of Ubiquitous Computing: Exploring the Impact of Mobile Technologies on Individu
This paper explores the emergence of a pervasive learning culture within the context of ubiquitous computing scenarios. Furthermore, this paper examines the impact of mobile technologies on collaborative learning and highlights the key characteristics of these phenomena.
Remote Training via WEB for Operation and Maintenance of a
Rain Monitoring Equipment using PHP and G
The aim of this paper is to present the development and implementation of an interactive environment via WEB for the training of non-centralized technician teams that work with the maintenance of ambient monitoring equipment. The case presented here is concerned to the network of Pluviologgers installed in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The tools used for the construction of the WEB environment and, also, the requirements are detailed. The methodology and the techniques presented in this c
Testing and Assessing Mathematical Skills by a Script Based System
Especially in the mathematical education there seems to be a need for strict drill and practice exercises. Such training cannot be met by traditional means. Therefore, a computer program is needed which generates parametrisable questions/problems which the students have to answer/solve and which at the same time assesses the answers/solutions of the students.
We designed such a system as an interface between the learning platform ILIAS and MATLAB/Maple as the symbolic mathematics engine. We dem
Introducing interactive whiteboards in the schools: an experience report
We report the findings of a project aimed at introducing Interactive Whiteboards in schools (both primary and secondary). We focussed on the early phases (installation, introduction, training, first use). We find that there are indeed problems that need to be tackled before one can hope to obtain the good results that are promised by the marketing hype.
Motivating learning in mobile and game-based environments - Experiences in everyday classroom work -
The world around us has changed. The pedagogy of the classroom has stayed more or less the same for decades, offering a stark contrast to the rate of change in other fields. Inspiration for change can be found in the veritable passion for new technologies, such as mobile devices and game technology, displayed by younger generations. The real challenge is to import these technological advancements into the classroom and, furthermore, educating teachers about the possibilities they hold. We have r
Purpose and design of an ePortfolio
The focus of this contribution is the relationship between the purpose to use an ePortfolio and its design. By highlighting the relationship between purposes and design of an ePortfolio, we want to present a framework that gives directives to use an ePortfolio in an educational context. When used for lifelong learning and / or ‘assessment for learning’, student-ownership and reflection are important characteristics. When used for accreditation (=’assessment of learning’) the use of ‘standar
