An adaptive feedback approach
for e-learning systems
The adaptive e-learning systems are a hot topic of
educational research. The approach presented is a
knowledge-based. There are several types of adaptation of an
e-learning system to the learner: content adaptation, interface
personalization, etc. This paper dials with a model for adaptation
of the learner assessment and the content of one learning system.
The model is based on Computer Adaptive Test Theory (CAT)
and organization of the learning domains. The learning objects
(LO) and the test it
Interfacing adaptive solutions with corporate training systems
not available,Research report of the ProLearn Network of Excellence (IST 507310), Deliverable 1.9
Half-Baked Logo Microworlds as Boundary Objects in Integrated Design
The paper addresses the problem of fragmentation of the communities involved in the design of digital media for education. It draws on the experience gained at the Educational Technology Lab in the design of Logo-based microworlds with three different platforms respectively based on component computing, 3D game engines and 3D navigation with a GIS. In this paper I use the term half-baked to describe a microworld which is explicitly designed to engage its users with changing it as the main aspect
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
“Graphical” Jogthrough: expert based methodology for user interface evaluation, applied in the cas
“Walkthrough” and “Jogthrough” techniques are well known expert based methodologies for the evaluation of user interface design. In this paper we describe the use of “Graphical” Jogthrough method for evaluating the interface design of the Network Simulator, an educational simulation program that enables users to virtually build a computer network, install hardware and software components, make the necessary settings and test the functionality of the network. Graphical Jogthrough is a furth
The defining characteristics of intelligent tutoring systems research: ITSs care, precisely
his paper argues that, despite the changes in philosophies and techniques that have occurred since ITS research began, there are continuous threads running through this research which define its essential and distinctive nature. In particular, ITSs are computer-based learning systems which attempt to adapt to the needs of learners and are therefore the only such systems which attempt to 'care' about learners in that sense. Also, ITS research is the only part of the general IT and education fie
Regulative support during inquiry learning with
simulations and modeling
Many factors impact learning; the environment and resources available, the domain, how much prior-knowledge a student has, and how well they make use of their metacognitive skills, all of these factors impact new knowledge creation. The series of studies described in this dissertation focuses on the latter; i.e. the metacognitive skillfulness of students. Known collectively as self-regulation, planning, monitoring, and evaluation, when applied appropriately will enhance learning. Students who m
Contextualizing Discussions in Distance Learning Systems
In distance learning systems, communication tools are rarely integrated into learning activities, which does not encourage their use. The main goal of our work is to mitigate this lack of integration. Our aim is to bring the discussion activities closer to the learning activities, i.e. to situations to which the discussions must ideally relate to in order to promote learning between students. Thus, we suggest two models of forum which are contextual and based on a structuring of discussions resp
Looking Ahead to Select Tutorial Actions: A Decision-Theoretic Approach
We propose and evaluate a decision-theoretic approach for selecting tutorial actions by looking ahead to anticipate their effects on the student and other aspects of the tutorial state. The approach uses a dynamic decision network to consider the tutor’s uncertain beliefs and objectives in adapting to and managing the changing tutorial state. Prototype action selection engines for diverse domains – calculus and elementary reading – illustrate the approach. These applications employ a rich mod
Synchronous computer mediated collaborative activities among collocated students: Conditions that ma
Synchronous collaborative activities are usually studied in conditions where teachers and students are physically separated. Is there any possibility to apply these activities when all participants are collocated? Does this collocated collaboration setting seems meaningful and for what reasons? Is the quality of learning and teaching process satisfactory high? Under what conditions? The present research explores the previous questions. More
specifically, it explores synchronous computer mediated
ZAPs: Using interactive programs for learning psychology
ZAPs are short, self-contained computer programs that encourage students to experience psychological phenomena in a vivid, self-explanatory way, and that are meant to evoke enthousiasm about psychological topics. ZAPs were designed according to principles that originate from experiential and discovery learning theories. The interactive approach that is offered invites students to engage in subject matter through exploration, experience, and discovery of psychology. In an empirical study the effe
Quelle est la nature des expériences vécues par les étudiants en Travaux Pratiques : analyse de d
Le but de cet article est de faire le lien entre les expériences vécues par des étudiants durant les TP et les activités conçues et décrites par l’enseignant. Nous tentons donc de déduire la nature des expériences d’apprentissage vécues par les étudiants en TP, à partir du discours des enseignants sur ce qu’ils font et ce qu’ils demandent aux étudiants de faire. Nous introduisons un cadre théorique que nous utilisons pour caractériser des Travaux Pratiques : selon leurs buts et
Pour une didactique du référencement Apprentissage et enseignement sur des espaces de communicati
L'introduction de plus en plus généralisée des nouvelles technologies dans tous les niveaux de la vie en société entraîne des modifications profondes dans la production et le transfert des connaissances. Constatant le flux souvent chaotique et labile des savoirs à travers l'Internet, cet article s'interroge d'un point de vue didactique sur la problématique de l'apprentissage et de l'enseignement du référencement sur Internet. Une enquête, auprès d'un public de référenceurs sur leur
Can research on science learning and instruction inform standards for science education?
We contrast the current science education reform effort with the reforms of the 1960s and suggest how the current effort could be enhanced. We identify insights from recent research that we believe can inform the reform process, in particular, to reach all science students and also impart a cohesive view of science. We propose an ldquoalternative modelsrdquo view of scientific explanation and show how this view would contribute to reforms of (1) course goals, (2) social aspects of science learni
Learning Scientific Concepts Through Material and Social Activities: Conversational Analysis Meets C
The number of analyses of cognitive activity situated in a material and social world has increased. It has been particularly challenging to the theoretician and researcher to make the bridge from macrosocial theories of cultural learning to microanalytic details of situated human activities for learning in specific subject domains. The ontogenesis of conceptual change in scientific thinking provides a central case for examining this problem. A sociocultural framework informed by studies of conve
A study of the development of programming ability and thinking skills in high school students
This article reports on a year-long study of high school students learning computer programming. The study examined three issues: I) what is the impact of programming on particular mathematical and reasoning abilities?; 2) what cognitive skills or abilities best predict programming ability?; and 3) what do students actually understand about programming after two years of high school study? The results showed that even after two years of study, many students had only a rudimentary understanding o
Designing Assessment Tools in a Service Oriented Architecture
Assessment is an important component of formal learning, and Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) is a well established component of most online learning. However, technical issues such as interoperability and security, and pedagogic reservations as to its effectiveness still remain barriers to the uptake of CAA.
In this paper we examine a number of current assessment projects, predominantly emanating from the UK, to consider how a service oriented architecture can facilitate the implementation o
E-Assessment using Latent Semantic Analysis
E-assessment is an important component of e-learning and e-qualification. Formative and summative assessment serve different purposes and both types of evaluation are critical to the pedagogical process.
While students are studying, practicing, working, or revising, formative assessment provides direction, focus and guidance. Summative assessment provides the means to evaluate a learner's achievement and communicate that achievement to interested parties.
Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) is a st
The Two Primary Tasks on the Way to National E_Learn Grid Node
E_learning as a class of applications
In this short paper we focus on technological
technologies for e-learning from the
Kaunas University of Technology.
Collaborative Concept Mapping in Education: Major Research Trends
Since the late eighties, more and more researchers have been exploring the potential of collaborative concept mapping to support learning. In those studies, students construct concept maps in pairs or in small groups. This paper presents a review of research trends on collaborative concept mapping in education. We present an overview of the theoretical framework, methodology and main results of 39 published studies investigating this topic.
