Conveying clinical reasoning based on visual observation via eye-movement modelling examples

Complex perceptual tasks, like clinical reasoning based on visual observations of patients, require not only conceptual knowledge about diagnostic classes but also the skills to visually search for symptoms and interpret these observations. However, medical education so far has focused very little on how visual observation skills can be efficiently conveyed to novices. The current study applied a novel instructional method to teach these skills by showing the learners how an expert model visually searches and interprets symptoms (i.e., eye-movement modelling examples; EMMEs). Case videos of patients were verbally explained by a model (control condition) and presented to students. In the experimental conditions, the participants received a recording of the model’s eye movements superimposed on the case videos. The eye movements were displayed by either highlighting the features the model focused on with a circle (the circle condition) or by blurring the features the model did not focus on (the spotlight condition). Compared to the other two conditions, results show that a spotlight on the case videos better guides the students’ attention towards the relevant features. Moreover, when testing the students’ clinical reasoning skills with videos of new patient cases without any guidance, participants studying EMMEs with a spotlight showed improved their visual search and enhanced interpretation performance of the symptoms in contrast to participants in either the circle or the control condition. These findings show that a spotlight EMME can successfully convey clinical reasoning based on visual observations.     

Learning to see: Guiding students' attention via a Model's eye movements fosters learning

This study investigated how to teach perceptual tasks, that is, classifying fish locomotion, through eye movement modeling examples (EMME). EMME consisted of a replay of eye movements of a didactically behaving domain expert (model), which had been recorded while he executed the task, superimposed onto the video stimulus. Seventy-five students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: In two experimental conditions (EMME) the model's eye movements were superimposed onto the video either as a dot or as a spotlight, whereas the control group studied only the videos without the model's eye movements. In all conditions, students listened to the expert's verbal explanations. Results showed that both types of EMME guided students' attention during example study. Subsequent to learning, students performed a classification task for novel test stimuli without any support. EMME improved visual search and enhanced interpretation of relevant information for those novel stimuli compared to the control group; these effects were further moderated by the specific display. Thus, EMME during training can foster learning and improve performance on novel perceptual stimuli.     

How to guide learners' processing of multimedia lessons with pedagogical agents

Two experiments examined the effects of a pedagogical agent's (PA's) pointing gestures, eye gaze, and eye contact on learning processes (measured by learners' eye fixations on relevant elements) and learning outcomes (as measured by retention and transfer test scores) with a multimedia lesson on neural transmission. In Experiment 1, having the PA look at and point to relevant elements as she lectured led to more eye fixations on the relevant portion of the graphic and better retention and transfer test scores. Keeping eye contact with learners tended to improve retention test scores and increased their eye fixations on relevant elements when the PA also looked at and pointed to the graphic. In Experiment 2, the PA's pointing gestures as a stand-alone feature caused better retention test scores and more fixations on relevant elements of the graphic, but eye gaze direction did not. These findings help extend the embodiment principle.     

Effects of In-video Questions and Feedback on Learning Performance

The eye-tracking technology was used in this study to investigate the effects of embedded questions and feedback in instructional videos on learning performance and attention allocation and whether an expertise reversal effect existed. The experiment involved 49 learners with high-level prior knowledge and 45 ones with low-level prior knowledge from a university. Meanwhile, they learned instructional videos with no embedded feedback, embedded questions without feedback and embedded questions with feedback. Findings from the experiment showed that the instructional videos with embedded questions but without feedback not only improved the participants’ attention but also enhanced their learning performance. Furthermore, there was an expertise reversal effect on the learning performance whereby instructional videos with embedded questions but without feedback improved the learning performance of learners with low-level prior knowledge, but not those with high-level prior knowledge.     

英语影视作品对网络环境下英语听力自主学习的有效性探究

采用问卷调查和听力测试的手段,对英语影视作品在网络环境下英语听力自主学习的应用的有效性进行验证,研究发现,将英语影视作品应用于英语听力训练中有助于培养和提升学生英语学习兴趣,同时能有效地提高学生的听力能力。     

Automatic attention cueing through eye movement in 2-year-old children with autism

Automatic attention cueing by perceived changes in gaze direction was studied in 2-year-old children with autism and typically developing (TD) controls using a visual attention cueing paradigm. In Experiments 1 and 2 the cue consisted of an eye movement (Eyes) and a nonbiological movement (SimEyes), respectively. The results suggest that visual attention in children with autism and their TD counterparts is cued by perceived eye movement. Thus, although in naturalistic situations toddlers with autism do not follow the gaze of others, they are sensitive to directional cues inherent in eye movement. Cue-specific differences in performance related to the level of engagement and cue-processing time may suggest reliance on different underlying strategies for gaze processing in autism.     

Eye-movement modeling of integrative reading of an illustrated text: Effects on processing and learning

Integrative processing of verbal and graphical information is crucial when students read an illustrated text to learn from it. This study examines the potential of a novel approach to support the processing of text and graphics. We used eye movement modeling example (EMME) in the school context to model students' integrative processes of verbal and pictorial information by replaying a model's gazes while reading an illustrated text on a topic different from that of the learning episode. Forty-two 7th graders were randomly assigned to an experimental (EMME) or a control condition (No-EMME) and were asked to read an illustrated science text about the food chain. Online measures of text processing and offline measures of reading outcomes were used. Eye-movement indices indicated that students in the EMME condition showed more integrative processing than students in the No-EMME condition. They also performed better than the latter in the verbal and graphical recall, and in the transfer task. Finally, the relationship between the duration of reprocessing the graphical segments while rereading the correspondent verbal segments and transfer performance was stronger in the EMME condition, after controlling for the individual differences of prior knowledge, reading comprehension, and achievement in science. Overall, the findings suggest the potential of eye-tracking methodology as an instruction tool.     

小学高年级数学的趣味性教学实践探究

小学数学相对于其他学科来说,学生学习起来具有一定的难度,很多学生在学习的过程中可能会因为对某些数学知识点不理解而对这门课程产生排斥感,而开展小学数学趣味性教学实践活动,不仅可以营造课堂学习的氛围,让学生可以在一个良好的环境下进行学习,而且还可以让学生切实地感受到学习数学知识的乐趣,让学生不再把学习数学知识当作一种负担。为此,教师应该重视趣味性教学,做好课堂教学的工作。     

Modeling attention in associative learning: Two processes or one?

Certain studies of associative learning show that attention is more substantial to cues that have a history of being predictive of an outcome than to cues that are irrelevant. At the same time, other studies show that attention is more substantial to cues whose outcomes are uncertain than to cues whose outcomes are predictable. This has led to the suggestion of there being two kinds of attention in associative learning: one based upon a mechanism that allocates attention to a cue on the basis of its predictiveness, the other based upon a mechanism that allocates attention to a cue on the basis of its prediction error (e.g., Le Pelley, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 57B, 193-243, 2004). As an alternative, it has been demonstrated that the effects of both predictiveness and uncertainty can be accounted for with only one kind of attention: one that emphasizes the role of prediction (Esber & Haselgrove, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 278, 2553-2561, 2011). Here, we consider the alternative: whether the effects of predictiveness and uncertainty can be reconciled with a model of learning that emphasizes the role of prediction error (Pearce, Kaye, & Hall, 1982). Simulations of this model reveal that, in many cases, it too is able to account for the influence of predictiveness and uncertainty in associative learning.     

Online instructional anatomy videos: Student usage,self‐efficacy,and performance in upper limb regional anatomy assessment

Allied health professionals concur that a sound knowledge of practical gross anatomy is vital for the clinician, however, human anatomy courses in allied health programs have been identified as high‐risk for attrition and failure. While anatomists and clinicians agree that learning anatomy via human cadaveric instruction is the preferred method, students vary in their reaction to the cadaveric learning experience and have differing levels of anatomy self‐efficacy. This study investigated whether student self‐efficacy had an effect on student usage of supplemental instructional videos and whether the use of videos had an impact on student self‐efficacy and/or learning. Anatomy self‐efficacy differed based on gender and prior performance. Student usage of the videos varied widely and students with lower self‐efficacy were more inclined to use the resources. The provision of the videos did not improve overall cohort performance as compared to a historical cohort, however, those students that accessed all video sets experienced a greater normalized learning gain compared to students that used none or one of the four sets of videos. Student reports and usage patterns indicate that the videos were primarily used for practical class preparation and revision. Potentially, the videos represent a passive mode of teaching whereas active learning has been demonstrated to result in greater learning gains. Adapting the videos into interactive tutorials which will provide opportunity for feedback and the development of students' self‐evaluation may be more appropriate. Anat Sci Educ 11: 461–470. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.     

Teachers’ experiences of using eye gaze-controlled computers for pupils with severe motor impairments and without speech

The purpose of this study is to explore teachers’ experiences of using eye gaze-controlled computers with pupils with severe disabilities. Technology to control a computer with eye gaze is a fast growing field and has promising implications for people with severe disabilities. This is a new assistive technology and a new learning situation for teachers. Using a reflective lifeworld approach, 11 teachers were interviewed twice. The essence of the phenomenon of teaching pupils who use an eye gaze-controlled computer is to understand what the pupil does with the computer and relate this to what the pupil wants to express through the computer. The pupils have emotions, wishes and knowledge that are trapped in their own bodies. The eye gaze computer creates opportunities to get a glimpse of these thoughts to others, and creates hope concerning the pupil’s future possibilities. The teacher’s responsibility to try to understand what is inside the pupil’s trapped body is a motivating factor to integrate the computer in everyday classroom activities. The results give directions for teaching and for implementation of eye gaze computers in the school system, and also suggest improvements that could be made to computers.     

Taking a closer look at how higher education students process and use (discrepant) peer feedback

Little is known on how students process peer feedback (PF) and use it to improve their work. We asked 59 participants to read the feedback of two peers on a fictional essay and to revise it, while we recorded their gaze behaviour. Regarding the PF processing subphase, discrepant PF led to more transitions, but only for participants who reported the discrepancy afterwards. Counterintuitively, participants who did not report the discrepancy, showed longer first-pass reading times. Concerning the PF use subphase, dwell time on essay correlated positively with the quality of the revised essays assessed by professors. Participants with a high-quality revision spent more time addressing higher order comments, corrected one or two lower order aspects at a time and proofread in the end, in which they went beyond the suggestions provided in the PF. These insights can be used when designing training to foster students’ uptake of (discrepant) PF.     

网络课程的可用性测试初探

随着网络教育的蓬勃发展,如何更有效地建设网络资源成为重要而迫切的问题。阐述了网络课程设计的可用性测试方法,并将视线追踪技术引入到网络课程的可用性测试中,获取学习者客观的眼动数据,分析人在网页浏览中的视觉特性,为网络课程设计者提供人的视觉参数。目的是使网络课程的设计更符合学习者的生理与心理方面的需要,使学习者的学习效率更高。     

What is the effect of talking heads in educational videos with different types of narrated slides?

Video-based learning plays an increasingly important role and thus the optimal design of video-based learning materials attracts the attention of scientists and practitioners alike. In this context, producers of educational videos often include a talking head in their videos, although theory (e.g., cognitive theory of multimedia learning) also suggests potential disadvantages for this format. Since talking heads attract a lot of visual attention, further empirical research is necessary to investigate whether a talking head can hinder learning, especially presented next to graphic-based learning content. To address this research gap, we conducted two online experiments to investigate the effects of a talking head in educational videos with narrated slides (short slideshow lectures) on learning outcomes (i.e., factual knowledge acquisition) and participants’ subjective ratings of the learning material (e.g., perceived learning). In Experiment 1 (N = 96), we varied whether the instructor’s talking head was present or absent in the videos as a between-factor, and whether the visual content on the slides was graphic-based (pictures, diagrams, maps) or text-based (bullet points) as a within-factor (slide type). In Experiment 2 (N = 184), we additionally varied as a between-factor whether the contents appeared sequentially or statically all at once (presentation type). Our results showed that the talking head did not affect learning outcomes, regardless of slide type and presentation type of the videos suggesting that the inclusion of a talking head offers neither clear advantages nor disadvantages. Potential explanations for the findings and directions for future research are discussed.     

合作学习在数学教学中的实施策略刍探

合作学习是一种创新型的教育模式,可以有效激发学生的学习兴趣,保证课堂教学质量。文章分析合作学习在数学教学中的应用价值,提出了具体的合作学习实施策略:坚持科学分组,促进合作学习实施;设置探究任务,增强学生合作热情;指导合作技巧,提高合作学习效果;重视合作评价,改进合作学习策略。     

E‐Learning for Continuing Medical Education of Neurology Residents

This study focuses on the application, advantages, and disadvantages of E‐learning in neurology education. The findings of the study demonstrate that E‐learning can effectively improve learning efficiency and reduce learning costs. Neurologists can access the right study material on the Internet anytime, anywhere. Compared with traditional teaching methods, it is easier for text, graphics, animation, audio, video, and other multimedia formats of E‐learning to attract learners' interest. This makes the complex subject of neurology, including its basic theories, more vivid, and easier to understand for young neurologists. Moreover, in clinical practice, gaps in knowledge and skills acquisition can be bridged by treating virtual patients and watching videos of examination techniques and pathological signs. Compared with traditional teaching methods, E‐learning can better meet individual needs, and thus it has come to be one of the foremost choices for young neurologists to continue learning.     

The integration of information in a digital,multi-modal learning environment

The aim of the reported eye-tracking study was to investigate whether learners integrate information presented on several pages within a digital learning environment and whether the underlying processes differ between a purely text-based and a multi-modal digital learning environment. Participants (N = 97) learned about the development of tornados. Picture presentation (yes vs. no) and presentation of inconsistent information between pages (yes vs. no) was varied between-subjects. Results showed that inconsistent information led to more intense gaze behavior. This indicates that learners re-activated information presented on previous pages to integrate it with the actual information, enabling them to detect the inconsistencies. Furthermore, the data pattern for text-related gaze behavior was not influenced by picture presentation, indicating that cognitive processes in purely text based or multi-modal learning environments are much the same. Comprehension outcomes did not differ between groups. The implications of these results are discussed.     

Eye tracking methodology for studying teacher learning: a review of the research

ABSTRACT

Eye tracking methodology offers insights into human attention, decision-making processes, and user behaviours. In the context of teacher learning, data generated from eye-tracking technology has the potential to provide important information about teachers’ behavioural patterns and cognitive processes that may or may not be occurring during learning experiences. This review analyses existing studies that use eye tracking methodology for studying teacher learning. The authors accessed three different databases (ERIC, PsycNet, and EBSCOHost) for their review. An iterative process of reviewing and coding the articles led to an in-depth review of 10 recently published articles. Emergent themes resulted from the in-depth review and include information processing, multimedia learning, learning tools and resources, and expert-novice knowledge construction. The reviewed articles also highlight how eye tracking can be used to determine teachers’ engagement with learning material, reading patterns, and sense-making strategies. Additional study characteristics, including context, data sources, eye tracking device and metrics were also reviewed. Results of this review shed light on how educational researchers can effectively use eye tracking methodology to investigate teacher learning at different career stages. This, in turn, can inform educational stakeholders about how to optimize learning opportunities and environments.     

Attentional changes in blocking are not a consequence of lateral inhibition

In three human causal learning experiments, we examined attentional modulation in the blocking task, in which participants typically learn little about a novel cue B when it is paired with a previously trained, predictive cue A. Evidence indicates that this blocking training led to a decrement in attention to the blocked cue B. The present experiments addressed whether this decrease in attention to the blocked cue could be better explained as being due to lateral inhibition from the pretrained cue A to the blocked cue B, or as a cue-specific property that is not conditional on the presence or absence of other stimuli. Strong effects of learned predictiveness were observed on participants’ causal judgments (Experiment 1) and choice behavior (Experiments 2 and 3). However, no evidence for lateral inhibitory processes emerged in any of the experiments, despite explicit attempts to maximize experimental sensitivity to this effect. The results are discussed in the context of formal models of the operation of attentional processes in human and animal learning.     

Discussion in College Math

Online videos are used increasingly in higher education teaching as part of the explosion of Web 2.0 tools that are now available. YouTube is one popular example of a video-sharing resource that both faculty and students can use effectively, both inside and outside of the classroom, to engage students in their learning, energize classroom discussion, and meet course learning goals. The authors, integrating current literature with their own classroom experiences, describe different types of assignments for which online video can be effectively used.