Scaffolding Complex Learning: The Mechanisms of Structuring and Problematizing Student Work

There has been much interest in using software tools to scaffold learners in complex tasks, that is, to provide supports that enable students to deal with more complex content and skill demands than they could otherwise handle. Many different approaches to scaffolding techniques have been presented in a broad range of software tools. I argue that two complementary mechanisms can explain how a diversity of scaffolding approaches in software act to support learners. Software tools can help structure the learning task, guiding learners through key components and supporting their planning and performance. In addition, tools can shape students' performance and understanding of the task in terms of key disciplinary content and strategies and thus problematize this important content. Although making the task more difficult in the short term, by forcing learners to engage with this complexity, such scaffolded tools make this work more productive opportunities for learning. I present arguments for these mechanisms in terms of the obstacles learners face, and I present several brief examples to illustrate their use in design guidelines. Finally, I examine how the mechanisms of structuring and problematizing are sometimes complementary and sometimes in tension in design, discuss design tradeoffs in developing scaffolded investigation tools for learners, and consider the reliance of scaffolding on a classroom system of supports.     

Understanding collaborative learning behavior from Moodle log data

Although course management systems (CMSs) were originally designed for teachers to manage their teaching, little interest has been directed at students' learning. Moodle is usually regarded as a CMS. However, how to make full use of its powerful features and design them into learning tools has rarely been investigated. This study investigates two features, embedded in the Moodle system, wiki and assessment tools, to find out how they are designed to support project-based learning. The theory and rationale for using these two features in learning activities are elaborated. The effects of wiki-supported collaboration, peer grading, and feedback on junior secondary students' enquiries in liberal studies are analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. One hundred and eighty-six students participated in the study. Working on their own wikis, commenting on the work of peers, and previous performance on the humanities course were found to be significant predictors of liberal study project performance.     

Microcomputers in Mathematics Teaching

The use of computers is of considerable value for those learning mathematics. Their effective use depends upon adequate teacher education and the provision of sufficient hardware in classrooms where mathematics is taught. The purpose of using computers in mathematics classrooms is to engage learners' interest and involvement in the mathematics they are learning. To achieve this learners need to be in control of what they are doing. At present, turtle geometry and the use of relatively limited software packages appear to be most effective for this, but in the near future it should be possible to develop software tools which are both powerful and easy to use. These are likely to include information-retrieval packages; spreadsheets; and also 'microworlds' written in a language such as Logo or Prolog.     

Investigate and Decide Learning Environments: Specializing Task Models for Authoring Tool Design

The complexities of building educational software can be reduced by relying on appropriate tools for adapting and re-using similar, previous applications. Although researchers have been creating tools for automating some aspects of software design, most of these tools typically aim for generality, attempting to cover a broad class of interactive programs in many domains. However, this approach may not be effective for building complex interactive systems, and fails to re-apply the instruction and design expertise implicit within prior software applications. An alternative is to provide tools which use specialized, rather than general, task models, tailored specifically to a target category of software. In addition, an understanding of the authoring task itself can inform the design of such specialized authoring environments. This article presents a prototype authoring tool for interactive educational software, called IDLE-Tool. Investigate and Decide Learning Environments (IDLE) is introduced as the task model around which the tool is based, and a model of the authoring process, called Guided Case Adaptation, is offered as an approach to employing the model and an exemplar in tandem to effectively support the design process.     

Computer Toolkits in Special Education

Abstract

Modular software tools and common user‐interfaces have much to offer special education, especially in reducing the problems a child (and sometimes a teacher) has in understanding complex modes. Examples are given of mode‐free toolkits used in the design of a Smart Wheelchair, and in an assessment kit for tailoring communication aids. Toolkit metaphors are outlined. The multiple control and learning tasks for a handicapped user of computers is related to potential toolkit metaphors available to designers. The case is made for common operating systems powerful enough to support those metaphors requiring advanced features like multi‐tasking.     

Retracted: The application of a multi‐attribute decision‐making algorithm to learning management systems evaluation

Recently, because of the rapid increase in the popularity of the Internet, the delivery of learning programmes has gradually shifted from local desktop to online‐based applications. As more and more technological tools become available for online education, there is an increasing interest among educators and other professionals in the application of these tools with regard to online courses. In large‐scale operations, online learning management systems (LMSs) can save cost and time. LMSs are software applications that comprise a suite of tools for learning and teaching online. In conventional educational settings, online LMSs can help to improve the speed and effectiveness of the educational process, communication among learners, and also between staff and students. There are a large number of open‐source and commercially available LMSs on the marketplace, and one of the problems facing an administrator or instructor is how to choose the LMS that can meet his/her needs. This paper describes a software system developed by the author to aid in the selection of a suitable LMS. The software is a web‐based decision support system, titled Easy Way to Evaluate LMSs, and is based on using a multi‐attribute decision‐making algorithm for the effective selection of an LMS.     

Metacognition as a Basis for Learning Support Software

In order to understand the task of instructional designers who produce learning support software, this paper reviews the influence of learning theory on instructional design, recent developments in computer technology, and the evolving role of the instructor as a facilitator of higher-order thinking. Constructivist principles of learning and an appreciation for the fact that the learner must become more independent and skilled in metacognitive self-assessment and self-management are fundamental to this changing role. Two cognitive tools that provide learner/user support for personal construction of knowledge systems are “MindMap” and “Learning FourMat Processor.” These tools are examined in the light of current learning theory and a recent study comparing the work of novice and expert writers using different forms of performance support. Recommendations are made for the development of a more complete set of cognitive tools that enables users to construct their own multimedia knowledge systems based on higher-order thinking and problem solving.     

Java异常处理技术及EJB中的应用

在企业级的大型软件开发中，严谨强大的Java异常处理机制为软件质量控制提供了有力的技术支持，提高了软件的可读性、可维护性、容错性和开发效率。深入分析了Java异常处理的基本机制及语法结构、总结了异常处理的基本原则，进一步探索了EJB中异常处理的方法，并给出了其关键技术、优化策略和应用实例。     

浅谈软件过程性能及稳定性的分析方法

目前常用的软件过程模型有CMM、PSP、TSP和敏捷开发过程等,对这些过程模型的使用,需采用统计过程控制方法的控制图等工具对过程数据采样点进行分析,以便了解过程性能和过程能力,采取措施消除过程异常,保证过程的稳定性,从而提高软件开发质量.本文简要介绍了CMM、PSP等过程模型以及基于离散数据的控制图分析过程稳定性的方法.     

Supporting Human Performance Across Disciplines: A Converging of Roles and Tools

Performance support is close to the center of a host of related fields and specialties, including human performance technology, electronic performance support systems, technical communications, and instructional design. Because of their common interest in performance support, and common external influences such as cognitive psychology and digital technologies, roles and tools within these fields are beginning to converge, resulting in unprecedented overlap. In times of rapid change, related fields have an opportunity to learn from one another, borrowing useful elements and incorporating them into their own practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities, differences, and emerging trends among some of these fields and to gain insights into how their evolution affects performance support. Across these fields, we find a continuing tension between designed messages and tools allowing users more flexibility and control. The best performance-support systems include both of these components as well as a strong human support component. We also observe a trend toward greater reliance on users and user communities in defining and controlling support systems.     

Software engineers helping themselves: The web resource collaboration center

Conclusion By implementing knowledge management features in an EPSS-like structure, the WRCC provided a more effective performance solution that was in alignment with the firm’s business objectives, making sure that both the employees’ learning and performance needs and the firm’s needs were addressed (Stone & Villachica, 2003). The activity of building a WRCC helped the software engineers learn about new tools and languages in the software engineering domain, while constructing a knowledge base to support their future learning and professional development in that domain. In addition, their work on the WRCC helped software engineers strengthen their connections to the larger software engineering communities of practice while they developed a local learning community that encouraged sharing, coaching and mentoring. Ultimately, the firm was able to reduce their reliance on conventional training by 70% - their original goal — by allowing the software engineers to create and use an on-the-job learning architecture that was more situated, social, transparent, open, flexible and respectful of their workplace learning and professional development needs.     

Using electronic portfolios

The digitized collections of artifacts known as electronic portfolios are creating solutions to a variety of performance improvement needs in ways that are cost‐effective and improve both individual and group learning and performance. When social media functionality is embedded in e‐portfolios, the tools support collaboration, social learning, collection and sharing of best practices, and coaching. By eliminating the constraints of time and geography, electronic portfolios can support organizations' performance management and talent management strategies.     

用Delphi开发"选择题练习"教学软件

随着计算机的普及，各种教学软件的应用使教学手段发生了全新的变化。在众多的应用程序开发工具中，Delphi是开发Windows应用程序最为强大的工具之一。本文通过一个“选择题练习”的实例来介绍如何用Delphi开发教学软件。     

AIDA: a methodology independent support tool for educational software authoring

Many authoring tools have been proposed in an attempt to find more effective ways to face the challenge of developing educational software. However, most of them are reported to be restrictive, since they are strongly connected to a specific educational software development methodology. The AIDA (Ambiente Integrado para o Desenvolvimento de Aplicações educacionais) authoring environment was developed at the University of Coimbra having as its main objectives the support of most of the activities involved in authoring and making educational software development easier. The AIDA system is based on a design module, i.e. a prototyping tool allowing the creation of Windows-based software, including multimedia features. The system assists evaluation activities and it caters also for support on translation and cultural adaptation, as well as on the reutilization of educational materials. The use of the AIDA environment is illustrated by three small examples using different development methodologies.     

Role of the educator in social software initiatives in further and higher education: A conceptualisation and research agenda

Higher and further education institutions are increasingly using social software tools to support teaching and learning. A growing body of research investigates the diversity of tools and their range of contributions. However, little research has focused on investigating the role of the educator in the context of a social software initiative, even though the educator is critical for the introduction and successful use of social software in a course environment. Hence, we argue that research on social software should place greater emphasis on the educators, as their roles and activities (such as selecting the tools, developing the tasks and facilitating the students' interactions with these tools) are instrumental in a social software initiative. To address this gap, we have developed a research agenda on the role of the educator in a social software initiative. Drawing on role theory, both as the basis for a systematic conceptualization of the educator role and as a guiding framework, we have developed a series of concrete research questions that address core issues associated with the educator roles in a social software context. We have provided recommendations for further investigations. By developing a research agenda, we hope to stimulate research that creates a better understanding of the educator's situation and develops guidelines to help educators carry out their social software initiatives. Considering the significant role an educator plays in the initiation and conduct of a social software initiative, our research agenda ultimately seeks to contribute to the adoption and efficient use of social software in education.     

Authoring for simulation-based learning

This paper describes the SAM (Simulation and Multimedia) project and the rationales behind it. SAM focuses mainly on integrated simulation-based learning environments and creates a framework for authoring, modelling and learning. In these frameworks existing software tools are used where possible and an exchange of tools is enabled. Specialised tools support all actors: learners, authors and modellers. Emphasis will be put on methodologies and graphical tools supporting global course design and integration of simulations. Tools enable also the implementation of general and local course control including instructions for the monitor to recognise and evaluate learner behaviour.SAM methods and techniques are developed to design adaptable courses to meet different learner profiles and to integrate simulations in courseware. This implies a technical integration: the simulation package must accept external control and support an exchange of data. It also implies a conceptual integration: instructional domain concepts must be connected with the model entities; variables, parameters and relations.     

Feedback as dialogue: exploring the links between formative assessment and social software in distance learning

The paper explores the relationship between formative assessment and social software. Formative assessment practices though beneficial for student learning become marginalised and constrained in open and distance learning environments in higher education. Feedback is a key factor in formative assessment and learners can benefit from the deployment of emerging technologies and the opportunities for participation and dialogue afforded by social software. This paper explores and proposes a conceptual framework for this relationship. The claim is that the social dimensions of emerging technologies – specifically, blogs and wikis – allow for formative assessment practices to be re‐invented or at the very least facilitated by essentially participative and student‐focussed interventions. A comparison of these technologies against formative assessment mechanisms identifies the types of processes that these new tools might best support to encourage effective feedback approaches that both empower the learner and enhance their learning experience.     

基于Authorware+数据库的竞赛评分系统的设计与实现

Authorwarc是一种最常用的多媒体CAI课件制作工具,它是一个功能强大的图标导向式多媒体编辑制作软件。它除了可以很方便地将文字、图形、图像、声音、动画、视频等各种多媒体数据汇集在一起之外,还提供了相应的ActiveX控件技术、ODBC与数据库技术,通过对这些技术的综合应用可以制作出界面美观、功能适用的竞赛评分系统。     

Matlab和Word的链接及应用

Matlab是功能强大的工程计算和数据分析软件,Word是一个功能强大的文字处理软件.通过二者结合,可以在Word中实现数据可视化操作,并很方便地在科技报告、论文和专著的写作中实现图文并茂.     

探究CRM域版本控制与SCM智能终端的实现过程

结合成熟的SVN版本管理工具同SCM软件配置管理理论,从CRM域版本管理的工作需要角度出发,叙述了SCM过程中的变更控制和版本控制。使用开源软件SUBVER-SION和APACHE搭建支持WEB访问的版本管理工具系统,提出了基于智能终端安全访问,有效地使变更处于便捷、科学、有效的受控状态。