Computer Algebra Based Assessment of Mathematics Online
In this paper, we investigate computer algebra based assessment of mathematics online, with a focus on undergraduate students. Introducing a computer algebra system to assist in marking allows a paradigm shift from teacher-provided answers to student-provided answers. The Computer Algebra Based Learning and Evaluation (CABLE) system is presented as an open source infrastructure for mathematical learning objects. Features of the CABLE system, including the modular design, database structure, lear
Constructing structure in number sequences
This paper reports on a design experiment in the domain of number sequences conducted in the course of the WebLabs project1. In this study, we designed and tested a set of activities in which 13-14 year old students use the ToonTalk programming environment to construct models of sequences and series, and then use the WebReports web-based collaboration system to share these models and their observations about them. We utilise a design pattern (programming method) called "Streams" which enables st
Semantic Annotation for Learning Material
This paper aims at providing the specification for semantic annotation tools for e-learning. From the specific requirements of annotating learning material, we categorize and evaluate the existing annotation tools, mainly general purpose ones. We illustrate two research prototypes of annotation tools we developed, and evaluate to what extend the specific requirements of annotating learning material are reached by these research prototypes.
Geospatially aware social software and Africa
We present a proposal for the development and implementation of a group of tools that will support the collection and sharing of georeferenced information. Locations such as rural Africa suffer from a technical problem hampering their participation in the global information community: infrastructures and terminals for Internet access are non-existent or of poor quality. We believe that cell-phone software can be leveraged as a way to bridge this. One important contribution that local communities
E-university – what have we learned?
Not available
Enforcing Cooperative Storytelling: First Studies
In this paper, we describe the first prototype of a system called StoryTable, aimed at supporting a group of children in the activity of storytelling. The system is based on a special multi-user touchable device (the MERL DiamondTouch) and it was designed with the purpose of enforcing collaboration between children. The paper discusses how the main design choices were influenced by the paradigm of cooperative learning and presents two observational studies to assess the effects of the different
Socio-cognitive functions of space in collaborative settings : a literature review about Space, Cogn
This document reports on a brief literature review about social and cognitive functions of spatial features used when collaborating in both physical and virtual settings. Those concepts come from various fields like social, cognitive as well as environmental psychology or CSCW (Computer Supported Collaborative Work). I briefly summarize the social and cognitive affordances of spatial features like distance, proxemics, co-presence, visibility or activity in the context of physical and virtual spa
Grounding is not shared understanding : distinguishing grounding at an utterance and knowledge leve
This paper argues that for the study and facilitation of collaborative learning, existing theories of grounding such as that of Clark and Shaefer [5] cannot be applied without adjustments. When comparing collaborative learning and conversation, four dimensions can be identified where grounding at a knowledge level differs from the grounding at an utterance level. Firstly, the indirect access and the existence of a range of manifest meanings, poses the need for a notion of ‘groundedness'. Second
Collaborative Ontological Engineering of Instructional Design Knowledge for an ITS Authoring Environ
Intelligence in an ITS authoring system could rely on content-based engineering of instructional design (ID) knowledge, i.e. based on principles such as conceptualization, standardization and theory -awareness. An ontology - based architecture with appropriate ontologies has been proposed for a theoryaware ITS authoring system. Ontological engineering (OE) as a collaborative process jointly conducted by an OE expert and an ID expert is presented as a step on a roadmap towards a theory-aware ITS
Design of adaptive feedback in a web educational system
This paper presents our interdisciplinary approach for the design of a technology-based learning environment for orthopaedic surgery. We present how we designed a part of this environment. This part is in relation to the web environment. The key idea is to produce an intelligent feedback in relation to the learner's activity. The didactical analysis of teaching and learning in the workplace gives a framework to build the computational representation of knowledge. This analysis is shown within th
Professional learning in the educational research community: initial reflections on the experience o
Research capacity-building is a key element in the political economy of research in the social sciences. This can be seen, amongst other things, in the development of the ESRC Research Methods Programme and the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. More specifically, concerns over research capacity reflect the criticisms that have been made of educational research, both within academia and, more particularly, the world of policy and professional practice. As a consequence within the educati
Standards and inclusive education: schools squaring the circle
It can be argued that inclusion is the major challenge facing the English education service. This presentation will report on the findings of a collaborative action research project involving teams from twenty-five schools in three LEAs working with researchers from three universities in an attempt to develop more inclusive practices. Unusually in this field, the schools were not selected because of any exceptional commitment to inclusion and the notion of inclusion was defined broadly as the at
Ask an Astronomer for Kids
This site provides answers and photos for 200 common questions about astronomy and objects in space. Topics include planets, stars, the solar system, comets, asteroids, galaxies, and the night sky.
Size and Scale
Another good lesson plan from DiscoverySchool.com, the Size and Scale Web site gives teachers a well conceived and thorough activity on the physics of size and scale. Objectives of the lesson include: understanding the relative sizes of bodies in our solar system and the problem of making a scale model of the entire solar system (because the distances in space are so great that even a very small scale model would be too large to be practical). The site contains all the information needed to comp
Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
A Dictionary of Units of Measurement was written by Russ Rowlett, the Director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This Web site provides information on everything from the Metric System to Viscosity Grades and many other measurement units in between. A simple but very useful site, visitors can find answers to their basic unit measurement questions or just have fun learning about some of the common and somewhat obscure ways we m
Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
This resource discusses how scientists and engineers study biological systems to develop artificial systems, in this case artificial olfaction. The sense of smell is extremely complex, and scientists working on artificial olfaction have had to study this biological system extensively to extract some basic principles upon which to build their devices. Disciplines of emphasis will involve biology, chemistry, electronics, and teamwork. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
Growing Power Farm: Aquaponics
Aquaculture is the symbiotic cultivation of plants and aquatic animals in a re-circulating system. Growing Power uses Tilapia and Yellow Perch to fertilize a variety of crops and herbs using aquaponics. Currently, we have three Tilapia systems and six Yellow Perch aquaponics systems in our greenhouses at our urban farm in Milwaukee.
Electronic Product Development Experiment
electronic product development (solar system) experiment with bi-color LED
computer simulation of the demolition of a structure
This is created by VFIFE (V-5), a new finite element technique capable of calculation motion and stresses of a structural system. It is developed by Center for Bridge Engineering Research, National Central University, Taiwan.
Perceived Versus Actual Risk for Hypertension and Diabetes in the African American Community
Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are leading health concerns in the United States. Despite a disproportionate burden of both conditions among African Americans, it is estimated that 44% of diabetes cases and one quarter of hypertension cases within this population are undiagnosed. Lack of awareness of the risk of these conditions may hinder preventive efforts and the adoption of positive lifestyle changes. Based on the findings from a pilot study to develop and standardize uniform screening fo
