A competency-based guided-learning algorithm applied on adaptively guiding e-learning

This paper presents a new algorithm called competency-based guided-learning algorithm (CBGLA), which can be applied on adaptively guiding e-learning. Computational process analysis and mathematical derivation of competency-based learning (CBL) were used to develop the CBGLA. The proposed algorithm could generate an effective adaptively guiding learning path in order that it would guide the learners to study adaptively without requiring teacher involvement. In order to verify the effectiveness for the CBGLA, a system is implemented. Using statistical methods, the data of which are collected from the students' learning activities on the system, we have verified the efficiency of the CBGLA by the comparison of the pre-test and post-test scores of students. While the learning materials possess fixed scope and could be classified into several categories, students could even learn more effective under the guidance of CBGLA system than a teacher. Analyzing the questionnaire, it also has been shown that learners were very satisfied with the design of the system user interface and the guided-learning mechanism.     

Educational action research to initiate discourse on inclusion in an e-learning environment in teacher education

This paper reports on a fragment from an educational action research in a teacher education setting, ascertaining the possibilities of using the online environment of google.doc for initiating pre-service teachers’ discourse about the nature of inclusive relationships between individuals and the environment, and the ways of their enhancement. The method of discourse analysis applied to the generated data demonstrates contradictory evidence as regards the effectiveness of the chosen medium for discourse in terms of the participants’ involvement. However, content analysis of the generated discourse yields a system of 15 approaches that pre-service teachers use for communicating about the nature of and prerequisites for inclusive relationships as well as for contemplating the role of education in enhancing them. We suggest that teacher educators can apply these approaches as a framework for exploring the frames of reference that future teachers use in making sense of the phenomenon of inclusion. The identified approaches can help to identify the paths to be pursued to develop these frames, on the grounds of an assumption that a balance can be found between the cognitive, affective, experiential and action orientations.     

Retaining learners by establishing harmonious relationships in e-learning environment

Drawing from social resource-social capital theory, this paper aims to clarify and characterize the role of harmonious learner–instructor and learner–learner relationships in promoting experience and retaining learners in online learning environments. Hypotheses are tested by applying a structural equation model and the data are collected from a survey of online learning website (n?=?539). The results suggest that harmonious relationships have a positive impact on learners’ experience (i.e. perceived performance, enjoyment and social presence), which, in turn, strengthen learners’ continuous intention to use the e-learning platform. And learners’ expertise moderates the relationships between harmonious relationships and learner experience. Based on the analysis results, this study can provide educational institutions with useful tactics to retain learners in the e-learning environments.     

人工智能助力教育均衡发展--以个性化在线教学系统对随迁子女的有效辅导为例

随迁子女的教育问题是一个重要但复杂的社会问题。不同于以往从宏观视角进行的研究,该文以某初中10名随迁子女使用智能教学系统进行学习的个案为例,通过对学生和家长的深度访谈,探究在日常的教学层面这一特殊群体所遇到的排斥问题,以及人工智能技术如何在一定程度上解决这些问题。访谈发现:家庭有限的经济能力和学校有限的师资阻碍随迁子女获取优质教育资源,班级成员构成的复杂性和沉默的师生交流更加剧了他们所受到的排斥。对于这些主动的、希望改变自己命运的学习者来说,各种以低成本、高性能的独特优势出现在日常情境中的技术产品,成为了其改变现状、向上流动的抓手。智能教学系统以其个性化的教学模式、独特的师生交流方式和低廉的价格在一定程度上解决了随迁子女所面临的问题。     

基于聚类协同过滤的个性化推荐系统

个性化推荐系统被越来越多地应用到各类网站中,以解决信息增长带来的信息迷失和信息过栽问题,而协同过滤算法是个性化推荐系统的重要算法之一,但是传统的协同过滤算法存在数据稀疏、冷启动等问题,为了解决这些问题,在综合WEB日志挖掘和聚类两个因素基础上,提出基于WEB日志和聚类的协同过滤算法,并将该算法与传统的协同过滤算法进行分析比较,验证了该算法能够提高推荐的精确度和实时性．     

A constructivist approach in a blended e-learning environment for statistics

In this study, we report on the students' evaluation of a self-constructed constructivist e-learning environment for statistics, the compendium platform (CP). The system was built to endorse deeper learning with the incorporation of statistical reproducibility and peer review practices. The deployment of the CP, with interactive workshops and group assignments, immerses students in a novel blended e-learning experience. Based on the Delone and McLean framework, we tested an explanatory success model with a sample of 607 business students, collected during three consecutive academic years. The results indicate that system quality and teacher support are the most important success factors, directly or indirectly contributing to a higher degree of relative advantage and satisfaction, both of which strongly determine continuous intention to use. The findings ascertain the usability and acceptance of the CP and promote a more radical constructivist approach to the teaching of statistics, but also other subjects.     

Creating a framework of a resource-based e-learning environment for science learning in primary classrooms

Advancements in information and communications technology and the rapid expansion of the Internet have changed the nature and the mode of the presentation and delivery of teaching and learning resources. This paper discusses the results of a study aimed at investigating how five teachers planned to integrate online resources in their teaching of science topics in the primary curriculum. Based on the findings obtained from the content analysis of the teaching designs created by the participating teachers, and insights gained from the pre- and post-lesson implementation interviews with them, a resource-based e-learning environments (RBeLEs) framework is proposed as an outcome which could be of reference as a planning tool for teachers who wish to integrate the Internet into their classroom teaching.     

Dynamic learner profiling and automatic learner classification for adaptive e-learning environment

E-learning allows learners individually to learn “anywhere, anytime” and offers immediate access to specific information. However, learners have different behaviors, learning styles, attitudes, and aptitudes, which affect their learning process, and therefore learning environments need to adapt according to these differences, so as to increase the results of the learning process. In addition, providing the same learning content to all the learners may lead to a reduction in the learner's performance. Hence, there is a need to classify the learners based on their performance and knowledge level. Learner profiles play an important role in making the e-learning environment adaptive. Providing an adaptive learning environment, catering to the changing needs and behavior of the learner can be achieved by evolving dynamic learner profiles. Navigation logs can be used to analyze learners’ behavior over a period of time. In this work, we propose dynamic learner profiling to cater to changing learner behaviors, styles, goals, preferences, performances, knowledge level, learner's state, content difficulty, and feedbacks. Based on the continuous observation of learner preferences and requirements, the learner profile is dynamically updated. Furthermore, we propose an automatic learner classification to construct the learner profile and identify the complexity level of learning content, using the Bayesian belief network and decision tree techniques. We evaluated our system with two traditional adaptive e-learning systems, using static profiles and behavioral aspects, through our performance evaluation method of different learner types. In addition, we compared the actual learners’ data with the system generated results for various types of learners, and showed the increased interest in their learning outcomes.     

基于语音评测的英语口语智能导师系统研究

移动互联网环境下,智能语音技术取得了突破性发展和创新性应用。在教育领域中,语音评测技术也达到了大规模应用的条件。该研究针对英语口语教学中存在的学习环境匮乏和评价难度大等问题,设计了基于语音评测的英语口语智能导师系统,旨在通过一对一个性化教学的途径为上述问题提供解决方案。该智能导师系统主要包括学生模型、领域模型和教学模型三部分,作为核心的学生模型通过自动化语音测评技术描述学生当前的口语技能水平,教学模型依据学生模型向学生推荐个性化的口语学习资源。结果表明,该方法能够有效地辅助学生的英语口语学习。     

论现代教育技术环境的创设

创设现代教育技术环境必须要以现代教育思想和现代教育理论为指导,以现代信息技术为手段,以硬件建设为基础,软件建设为关键,潜件建设为龙头,发动广大教师积极参与,运用现代教育技术,探索新型教学模式,实施素质教育,为新世纪我国教育走向现代化作出贡献。     

教学中的信息本质与智能教学系统元信息结构研究

为简化智能教学系统设计,增强可维护性,提出了一种信息元结构。通过分析教学过程中的认识论信息内涵,得出授课单元的三元信息结构:内容、条件和效用。建立了基于该结构的智能教学系统创作工具的工作模型,证实了它能够支持高效清晰的智能教学系统创作。     

Change levers for unifying top-down and bottom-up approaches to the adoption and diffusion of e-learning in higher education

Using Giddens’ theory of structuration as a theoretical framework, this paper outlines how five prominent United Kingdom universities aimed to integrate top-down and bottom-up approaches to the adoption and diffusion of e-learning. The aim of this paper is to examine the major challenges that arise from the convergence of bottom-up perspectives and top-down strategies. Giddens’ theory is used to understand the dynamics of organisational change as they pertain to the adoption and diffusion of e-learning. This is intended to support our understanding of the interplay between top-down strategy and bottom-up adoption of e-learning. From the research and from our findings, we present a set of change levers that are intended to provide practical value for managers responsible for the diffusion of e-learning strategy in higher education.     

论现代化教学环境建设

综述历史上教学环境研究的发展轨迹 ;指出目前环境研究存在的问题 ;提出环境的三分法 ;探讨目前现代化教学环境建设的原则和要求     

The design and development of the dragoon intelligent tutoring system for model construction: lessons learned

This paper describes Dragoon, a simple intelligent tutoring system which teaches the construction of models of dynamic systems. Modelling is one of seven practices dictated in two new sets of educational standards in the U.S.A., and Dragoon is one of the first systems for teaching model construction for dynamic systems. Dragoon can be classified as a step-based tutoring system that uses example-tracing, an explicit pedagogical policy and an open learner model. Dragoon can also be used for computer-supported collaborative learning, and provides tools for classroom orchestration. This paper describes the features, user interfaces, and architecture of Dragoon; compares and contrasts Dragoon with other intelligent tutoring systems; and presents a brief overview of formative and summative evaluations of Dragoon in both high school and college classes. Of four summative evaluations, three found that students who used Dragoon learned more about the target system than students who did equivalent work without Dragoon.     

西班牙语教学对智慧教学环境的需求探讨

21世纪的教育呈现出数字化、网络化、智能化和多元化的特征,对于西班牙语教学来说,加快智慧教学环境的建设日趋重要。基于高校小语种教学现状的分析,讨论西班牙语在课堂教学、口语课以及语言测试中对智慧教学环境的具体需求,以及如何打造智慧化学习环境,以满足个性化和主动学习的需求。     

教育技术“人—机”系统的研究

纵观近现代教育技术的历史,我们发现有诸多的教育技术系统。文章分析、概括此类系统的共性,提出教育技术"人—机"系统概念,并以虚拟学习社区为例研讨了教育技术"人—机"系统的复杂系统特性;探究了大量出现教育技术"人—机"系统的原因所在;提出了教育技术"人—机"系统的一般开发模式。     

Cloud e-learning service strategies for improving e-learning innovation performance in a fuzzy environment by using a new hybrid fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making model

The purpose of this study was to address this problem by applying a new hybrid fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making model including (a) using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique to construct the fuzzy scope influential network relationship map (FSINRM) and determine the fuzzy influential weights of the fuzzy DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) as well as (b) the modified VIKOR method combining fuzzy influential weights of fuzzy DANP to integrate each criterion of fuzzy performance gaps into dimensions and, overall, to examine the interdependent and feedback problems among various dimensions/criteria of cloud e-learning services for creating the excellent improvement plan based on the FSINRM to implement the strategic orientations. An empirical case of the network communication service industry was used as an example to show the proposed methods and ultimately present the most effective improvement plan for decision-makers to achieve the aspiration level.     

Beyond intelligent tutoring systems: Situations,interactions, processes and affordances

The idea of an intelligentsystem to support learning has been epitomisedby that of an intelligent tutoring system(ITS). However, ITSs are, in fact, just aparticular kind of intelligent system tosupport learning whose components reflect thevalues of the particular view that ITSsemphasise in regard to the nature of knowledge,learning and teaching, which have led to anarchitecture that focuses on representing theknowledge to be learned (domain model),inferring the learner's knowledge (learnermodel), and planning instructional steps to thelearner (teaching model). On the other hand,other views of learning may lead to differentneeds in terms of knowledge representation,reasoning, and decision making capabilities inthe intelligent systems that support them.Constructivist views, for example, emphasisedifferent values and may require an entirelydifferent architecture of intelligent system tosupport its philosophy of learning. This paperpresents an architecture of an intelligentsystem to support learning that is able toaddress the issues that arise fromconstructivist theories of learning in a waythat, rather than opposing to the standard ITSarchitecture, characterises a broader view inall its components which can be appropriatelyattuned to address the issues of particularphilosophies.     

Situations,interactions, processes and affordances: A response

This is a brief response to thecommentaries provided by Young, DePalma andGarrett and by Azevedo on our original paper(Akhras & Self, this issue). In this responsewe elaborate on the aims of ourconceptualization, focussing on the nature ofaffordances and situations.