Academic research for schools
Academic subjects are usually extremely far from actual problems and questions of academic research. Material at school is often presented as a sum of fixed, immovable facts one has to learn, although in the world of research these facts may be regarded as questionable or even disproved. On the other hand, pupils rarely have an understanding of how facts are developed and understood. As it is impossible to bring a researcher to every school, we are working on the project that would help research
Designing Instructional Examples to Reduce Intrinsic Cognitive Load: Molar versus Modular Presentati
It is usually assumed that successful problem solving in knowledge-rich domains depends on the availability of abstract problem-type schemas whose acquisition can be supported by presenting students with worked examples. Conventionally designed worked examples often focus on information that is related to the main components of problem-type schemas, namely on information related to problem-category membership, structural task features, and category-specific solution procedures. However, studying
Analysis Methods for Collaborative Models and Activities
A classification of analysis methods for CSCL systems is presented which uses as one dimension the distinction into summary analysis and structural analysis and as another distinction different types of raw data: either user actions or state descriptions. The Cool Modes environment for collaborative modeling enables us to explore the whole spectrum of analysis methods. Action logging is based on the MatchMaker communication server underlying Cool Modes. Example instances for several analysis met
The Remote Control Approach – An Architecture for Tutoring in Pre-existing Collaborative Applicatio
In this paper we present an architecture for the integration of tutoring and process scaffolds into existing collaborative applications. The architecture allows to combine existing research results concerning collaborative processes and their formalization, and existing and tested collaborative learning environments. The architecture allows controlling the learning environments either by a human or a pedagogic agent. Both types of tutors are using the same set of primitives – either via an intu
“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
Directions to Acknowledge LearnersÂ’ Self-organization in CSCL Macro-scripts
In this article we present a conceptual analysis of the notion of learnersÂ’ self-organization in CSCL macro-scripts. We highlight that taking into account self-organization as an emergent feature of activity requires considering issues such as conceptual and technological tools to support learnersÂ’ self-organization, maintenance of coherence between the script pedagogical objective and the emergent organization and between the technological setting and the emergent activity.
Gridcole: a tailorable grid service based system that supports scripted collaborative learning
This paper introduces Gridcole, a new system that can be easily tailored by educators in order to support the realization of scripted collaborative learning situations. To do so, educators can provide a script specifying the sequence of activities to be performed by learners as well as the tools and documents required to support them. Gridcole can then search for these tools in a service-oriented grid in order to integrate them so that they are available for users during the realization of the s
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
KMsim: A Meta-Modelling Approach and Environment for Creating Process-Oriented Knowledge Management
This paper presents a new approach to modelling process-oriented knowledge management (KM) and describes a simulation environment (called
KMSIM) that embodies the approach. Since the beginning of modelling researchers have been looking for better and novel ways to model systems and to use appropriate software to create simulations. The application of the approach and KMSIM make it possible to create realistic business models (BMs) and simulate the consequences of KM interventions and events. The
E-learning environments in medical education: how pervasive computing can influence the educational
As pervasive computing is integrated incrementally with all facets of everyday life, it is reasonable to expect that its further proliferation may influence educational activities as well. Several such arguments have been thoroughly discussed in literature and several projects have been developed. However, little work has been done to investigate how pervasive computing can influence the medical educational process using e-learning platforms, and the prerequisites for such endeavours. In this pi
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
An Algebra Subsystem for Diagnosing Students' Input in a Physics Tutoring System
To help a student in an introductory physics course do quantitative homework problems, an intelligent tutoring system must determine information of an algebraic nature. This paper describes a subsystem which resolves such questions for Andes2. The capabilities of the subsystem would be useful for any ITS which deals with problems involving complex systems of equations. This subsystem is capable of 1) solving the systems of equations at the level of introductory physics problems, 2) checking the
The effects of graphical overviews on exploratory behaviour and knowledge acquisition in hypertext e
One of the main and recognized problems of learning with hypertexts is that learners are easily distracted and end up ‘lost in hyperspace’. As a result, they do not acquire complete and adequate knowledge. In this study, we enhanced a hypertext environment with a graphical overview that represented the basic structure of the domain and we designed the layout in such a way that learners were unobtrusively encouraged to follow a sequence of exploration that followed the domain structure. This so
En quoi les TIC changent-elles les pratiques d'ingénierie pédagogique du professeur d'université?
Depuis quelques années, le terme « in-génierie pédagogique » (instructional enginee-ring) est de plus en plus utilisé en rempla-cement de celui de « design pédagogique » (instructional design). Pourquoi? Rappelons d'abord que le terme « design pédagogique » est apparu au cours des années 1960, lors-que certains chercheurs (surtout améri-cains) ont commencé à mettre au point des méthodes systématiques et systémiques de planiï¬cation et de développement de l'en-seignement. Inï
Putting knowledge to use
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Technology and pedagogy for collaborative problem solving as a context for learning
This workshop, sponsored jointly by CSCW'92 and the Centre for Applied Cognitive Science at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), was organized to bring together researchers with interests in the emerging area of Computer Support for Collaborative Learning (CSCL). It was held at OISE on the weekend preceding CSCW'92 and was attended by 27 participants from academia and industry.
Calculators, graphs, gestures and the production of meaning
In this paper we report an analysis of a teaching sequence in which Grade 11 students were asked to produce some graphs corresponding to the relationship between time and distance of a cylinder moving up and down an inclined plane. The students were also asked to carry out the experience using a TI 83+ graphic calculator equipped with a sensor, and to discuss and explain the differences between their own graphs and the ones obtained with the calculator. We analyze the students' processes of mea
La natura della mediazione offerta dai sistemi basati su micromondi all’apprendimento della matema
Questo lavoro analizza il ruolo che ambienti basati sull’uso del calcolatore, ed in particolare i micromondi, possono assumere nelle attività di insegnamento e apprendimento di conoscenze matematiche.
Il lavoro parte dallo studio di alcuni risultati significativi che si sono avuti in questo campo a livello internazionale. Tale studio viene utilizzato come quadro di riferimento per situare e analizzare una ricerca specifica che abbiamo svolto in questo settore.
Tale ricerca riguarda la proge
Lo sviluppo del pensiero strategico nella scuola di base: riflessionisull'uso delle TIC
In recent years the development of skills which are not strictly associated with technical abilities or specific subject contents has become a central focus of education and the debate on how to define and promote what is usually indicated as “core†skills or “key†competencies is involving national educational Institutions and systems, especially in OECD countries.
Among such skills a crucial role is assigned to strategic and reasoning abilities.
While a general agreement on the import
Costruire e gestire ambienti di apprendimento che integrino strumenti tecnologici: analisi di un cas
The paper discusses the results of a research project based on the field testing of a course aimed at developing arithmetic problem solving skills in primary school pupils. The course was designed to incorporate e-learning techniques, including the use of ARI@ITALES authoring tools. These tools allowed the integration in the course of constructivist activities based on interaction with a set of different microworlds. The aims of the project were twofold: to analyse how the adopted approach and t
