Learning to collaborate: Designing collaboration in a 3-D game environment
To respond to learning needs, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) must provide instructional support. The particular focus of this paper is on designing collaboration in a 3-D virtual game environment intended to make learning more effective by promoting student opportunities for interaction. The empirical experiment eScape, which encourages learners to solve problems collaboratively, is also presented. eScape is a design experiment, comprising both the process of designing a collab
Building a Research University Ecosystem: the Case of Software Engineering Education at Sofia Univer
This paper analyses the specifics and the tendencies in building of the knowledge society and the role of the universities in this process. Some European policies and programs dedicated to the new role of the universities in realizing the Lisbon Strategy are analysed as well. It is emphasized on the importance of integration of the ‘knowledge triangle’ (education, research and innovation) into a research university and on the urgent need to re-design the university activities according the new
Situational knowledge in physics: The case of electrodynamics
Major difficulties for a novice physics problem solver are how to interpret new problems and how to combine information given in the problem with information already known. A domain expert, by contrast, has the knowledge to take full advantage of problem features at a glance. It takes a long period of practice to acquire such situational knowledge, and it would be desirable for this to be taught more effectively. As a first step, this requires information on how situational knowledge differs acr
Embedding email in primary schools: developing a tool for collective reflection
Reflection is an important aspect of learning in groups. In collective moments of reflection, learners can share and compare their ideas with others, and by doing so can reach an articulated and personal understanding of a learning task and domain. In the research presented here, e-mail is examined as a means for reflection in the context of group learning. In two design experiments, an e-mail tool is developed that seeks to (1) support collective reflection, and (2) overcome practical problems
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
Scripting argumentation in technology enhanced learning: a proposed system architecture
Argumentative knowledge construction is an important component of critical thinking. Learners who collaboratively argue about a subject can potentially develop domain knowledge and have the opportunity to use evidence critically in order to make sense of the subject under consideration. Moreover learners have to take into account claims and evidence of each other during argumentation and in this way they develop mental models for argument construction and sequence. However, research indicates th
Using Case-Based Reasoning in Instructional Planning.Towards a Hybrid Self-improving Instructional P
This paper presents a new approach, based on the Case-Based Reasoning technique, which is useful to enhance Intelligent Tutoring Systems with learning abilities. Case-Based Reasoning is a recent paradigm for problem solving that has an inherent learning capability. So we integrate a Case-Based Instructional Planner within existing Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) to enhance the pedagogical component with learning capabilities. In this way, the enhanced tutors combine the Case-Based Instruction
ActiveMath: A Generic and Adaptive Web-Based Learning Environment
ActiveMath is a generic web-based learning system that dynamically generates interactive (mathematical) courses adapted to the student's goals, preferences, capabilities, and knowledge. The content is presented in a semantic XML-based format. For each user, the appropriate content is retrieved from a knowledge base and the course is generated individually according to pedagogical rules. Then the course is presented to the user via a standard web-browser. One of the exceptional features of Active
Adaptive and Intelligent Web-based Educational Systems
daptive and intelligent Web-based educational systems (AIWBES) provide an alternative to the traditional “just-put-it-on-the-Web” approach in the development of Web-based educational courseware (Brusilovsky & Miller, 2001). AIWBES attempt to be more adaptive by building a model of the goals, preferences and knowledge of each individual student and using this model throughout the interaction with the student in order to adapt to the needs of that student. They also attempt to be more intelligen
Modélisation formelle en sciences expérimentales : problématiques de la transmission
Cette note de synthèse rédigée en vue de soutenir une habilitation à diriger des recherches (HDR) propose une relecture de mes travaux de recherche sur la modélisation en physique statistique et en écologie comportementale ayant pour but de dégager des problématiques de la modélisation en sciences expérimentales et de les traduire ensuite en problématiques de la transmission. Dans une première partie, je présente mes travaux en me plaçant du point de vue des modèles que j’ai util
Diagnostic et aide dans un environnement d'apprentissage ouvert : Un exemple en chimie, SCHNAPS
Cet article présente la conception et la réalisation d'un environnement ouvert pour l'apprentissage de la résolution de problèmes en chimie. Trois questions principales y sont étudiées : les outils mis à la disposition de l'élève, l'analyse de son activité et les aides que le système est en mesure de lui apporter. La conception de ces trois composantes de l'environnement s'appuie sur des analyses préalables des difficultés rencontrées, des formes de résolution des élèves et des
Modélisation et perception de l'activité dans l'environnement Symba
Nous présentons dans cet article les travaux de recherche liés à la conception de Symba, un environnement support d'activités collectives en contexte d'apprentissage (ACCA) dont l'objectif est de faire travailler les étudiants sur l'organisation de leur activité. A travers la conception de Symba nous abordons les problématiques du support à la modélisation de l'activité collective par les apprenants, de la perception de l'activité et de la malléabilité de l'environnement.,Proceeding
Faut-il vraiment laisser le déroulement d'une animation sous le contrôle de l'apprenant ?
Grâce aux possibilités technologiques accrues, l'utilisation d'animations dans les documents multimédia à visée technique ou didactique, est devenue un usage courant. Cependant, les études qui ont comparé « toute chose égales par ailleurs » animations et graphiques statiques montrent que le bénéfices des graphiques animés, loin d'être automatique, dépend des dispositifs d'interaction mis à la disposition des utilisateurs. Sur la base de la littérature, nous proposons que l'usage
Patrons d'exercices pour Aplusix Une étape du développement de l'EIAH occasion d'un travail entre
Au cours du développement de l'EIAH APLUSIX, il y a eu de nombreuses occasions d'un travail partagé entre informaticiens et didacticiens. Quelques-unes sont décrites succinctement. Lors de la mise en place de patrons d'exercices et d'une carte de tests, une coopération plus approfondie a eu lieu, en respectant les disciplines de chacun. Cette mise en place de patrons d'exercices est décrite plus longuement.,Preprint
L’utilisation d’un arbre des tâches pour concevoir et analyser des situations d’apprentissage :
Afin de prendre en compte les difficultés que les élèves ont pour donner du sens aux activités expérimentales, ce qui leur fait perdre de vue l’objectif initial du T.P. et les connaissances visées, nous proposons de leur faire concevoir le protocole des expériences. À travers trois exemples de situations de T.P. mises au point et expérimentées dans des classes de Terminale S, nous montrons comment la structuration du protocole expérimental dans un arbre de tâche, permet d'analyser e
Natural Editing of Algebraic Expressions
We call “natural editing of algebraic expressions” the editing of algebraic expressions in
their natural representation, the one that is used on paper and blackboard. This is an issue
we have investigated in the Aplusix project, a project which develops a system aiming at
helping students to learn algebra. The paper summarises first the Aplusix project. Second
it presents a notion of algebraic expressions, of representations of algebraic expressions.
The last section develops ideas about natur
Advanced video technologies to support collaborative learning in school education and
beyond
The aim of the paper is to characterize two new advanced video technology software systems developed for uses in collaborative learning (DIVER and HyperVideo2), and how they extend the paradigms of video use in classrooms today. The rationale for and characteristics of these tools are described, and early experiences with their use are characterized.
The Social and Technological Dimensions of Scaffolding and Related Theoretical Concepts for Learning
not available
Addressing the Challenges of Inquiry-Based Learning Through Technology and Curriculum Design
Inquiry experiences can provide valuable opportunities for students to improve their understanding of both science content and scientific practices. However, the implementation of inquiry learning in classrooms presents a number of significant challenges. We have been exploring these challenges through a program of research on the use of scientific visualization technologies to support inquiry-based learning in the geosciences. In this article, we describe 5 significant challenges to implementin
