Differential benefits of situated instructional prompts

Learners often neglect support (glossaries, help sites etc.) in computer-based learning environments since they experience it as an unrelated add-on. We assumed that prompts presenting situated instructional support would lead to an increased use of help sites and glossary. Further it was assumed that situated instructional support would lead to a higher cognitive load of learners, which causes differential learning outcomes depending on learners’ general domain knowledge. To scrutinise the differential effect of situated instructional prompts we conducted an experiment with 69 students (undergraduates vs. graduates). Students learned either with a learning environment with or without prompts. As expected, learning with prompts resulted in an increased support usage. Furthermore, two interaction effects occurred. (1) Graduates learned slightly better with a program including prompts whereas undergraduates performed better without prompts. (2) Undergraduates stated a higher perceived cognitive load if they learned with a program with situated instructional prompts. In the group of graduates no differences occurred concerning the perceived cognitive load. The results are interpreted within the framework of cognitive load theory.     

Designing on‐demand education for simultaneous development of domain‐specific and self‐directed learning skills

On‐demand education enables individual learners to choose their learning pathways according to their own learning needs. They must use self‐directed learning (SDL) skills involving self‐assessment and task selection to determine appropriate pathways for learning. Learners who lack these skills must develop them because SDL skills are prerequisite to developing domain‐specific skills. This article describes the design of an on‐demand learning environment developed to enable novices to simultaneously develop their SDL and domain‐specific skills. Learners received advice on their self‐assessments and their selections of subsequent learning tasks. In the domain of system dynamics – a way to model a dynamic system and draw graphs depicting the system's behaviour over time – advice on self‐assessment is provided in a scoring rubric containing relevant performance standards. Advice on task selection indicates all relevant task aspects to be taken into account, including recommendations for suitable learning tasks which meet the individual learner's needs. This article discusses the design of the environment and the learners' perceptions of its usefulness. Most of the times, the learners found the advice appropriate and they followed it in 78% of their task selections.     

Scaffolding wiki‐supported collaborative learning for small‐group projects and whole‐class collaborative knowledge building

While educators value wikis' potential, wikis may fail to support collaborative constructive learning without careful scaffolding. This article proposes literature‐based instructional methods, revised based on two expert instructors' input, presents the collected empirical evidence on the effects of these methods and proposes directions for future refinements. The instructional methods were implemented by an expert instructor teaching a 12‐week 68‐student undergraduate design class in Canada. Data were collected from observations, interviews and content analysis of wikis. The findings revealed that in small‐group project (SGP), the wiki instructional methods enhanced collaborative learning with most instructional methods derived from cooperative learning, but in whole‐class collaborative knowledge building (CKB), the wiki instructional mehtods failed to turn the class into a self‐sustained learning community after the scaffolding faded. We conclude that the genre of wikis should be different for SGP and CKB. While the students easily adopted the ‘reproduced’ genre of wikis for SGP with familiar tasks, they felt overwhelmed or resistant to the unfamiliar ‘emergent’ genre of wikis for CKB in massive collaborative constructive learning. Therefore, we propose that future refinements for wiki‐supported CKB should focus on providing students scaffolding for intersubjectivity (understanding collaborative constructive learning) and transfer of responsibility (developing autonomy).     

Triple scheme of learning support design for scientific discovery learning based on computer simulation: experimental research

Abstract Learning support studies involving simulation‐based scientific discovery learning have tended to adopt an ad hoc strategies‐oriented approach in which the support strategies are typically pre‐specified according to learners' difficulties in particular activities. This article proposes a more integrated approach, a triple scheme for learning support design on the basis of the systematic analysis of the internal conditions of scientific discovery learning. The triple learning support scheme involves: (a) interpretative support that helps learners with knowledge access and the generation of meaningful and integrative understandings; (b) experimental support that scaffolds learners in systematic and valid experimental activities; and (c) reflective support that increases learners' self‐awareness of the discovery processes and prompts their reflective abstraction and integration. Two experiments were conducted with eighth graders (13‐year‐olds) to examine the effects of these learning supports embedded into a simulation program on floating and sinking. The overall results support the main hypotheses that learning supports in a simulation environment should be directed towards the three perspectives to invite meaningful, systematic, and reflective discovery learning.     

Self‐regulation during e‐learning: using behavioural evidence from navigation log files

The current paper examined the relationship between perceived characteristics of the learning environment in an e‐module in relation to test performance among a group of e‐learners. Using structural equation modelling, the relationship between these variables is further explored in terms of the proposed double mediation as outlined by Ning and Downing. These authors initially proposed that motivation and self‐regulation strategies are mediators between the perception of the learning environment and performance. In our replication and extension study, we substituted self‐reported self‐regulation with behavioural indicators of self‐regulation using navigation log files and focused on test‐taking rather than general motivation. We proposed that navigational patterns captured using log files can also help deduce self‐regulation in e‐modules and provide information in the absence of self‐reports. Path analyses provide partial support for our navigational hypotheses and the model. Implications of our results for the use of e‐module data and conclusions based on navigation are discussed.     

The effects of discovery learning and expository instruction on the acquisition of definitional and intuitive knowledge

Abstract Types of learning with a strong emphasis on the responsibility of the learner (such as discovery learning) are gaining popularity over traditional forms of (expository) instruction. Discovery learning distinguishes itself by the central role of learning processes such as hypothesis generation (induction), experiment design, and data interpretation. Expository instruction pays more attention to directly ‘exposing’ definitions and equations to learners. In the current study, students worked with either a simulation (discovery learning) or a hypertext learning environment (expository instruction) with the same domain content. Each of the environments contained a large number of assignments. The study followed a pre‐test, post‐test design. To measure the knowledge acquired a definitional knowledge test, an intuitive knowledge test (where both correctness and speed of answering are aspects that are measured) and a test in which relations needed to be explained were administered. It was predicted that the hypertext group would outperform the simulation group on the definitional knowledge test and it was expected that the simulation group would perform better on the intuitive knowledge test. Results showed that both the interaction with the simulation and with the hypertext resulted in substantial learning gains. It was found that the hypertext group performed better on the definitional knowledge test. On the intuitive knowledge test the hypertext scored better than the simulation group on the correctness of the items but not on the time needed to answer items. On the explanation test there was no difference between the two groups. An analysis of interaction processes as recorded in the logfiles indicates that the differences between both environments in their actual usage were less distinctive than expected. In the simulation group many students followed the assignments given and did not engage in self‐guided discovery. Since the assignments were rather directive, this resulted in ‘discovery behaviour’ that focused on generating outcomes; outcomes that were also, and more directly presented in the hypertext environment. For research and practice, this implies that simulations are to be considered only when clear benefits of discovery are expected, and only with complex domains, sufficient learning time and freedom for students in the assignments to engage in discovery.     

Learning adaptivity in support of flipped learning: An ontological problem‐solving approach

In recent years, flipped learning has received tremendous attention from educational practitioners and researchers. However, this study argues that existing e‐learning systems mainly serve for learning management and content delivery purposes, although they lack support for flipped learning. As an innovative educational approach, flipped learning requires more pedagogical elements, such as integrated instructional design and adaptive content delivery, to achieve effective direct instruction. This study aims to create a learning adaptivity design to support effective learning in the flipped individual learning space in which the teacher is absent. Because teaching involves various pedagogical and content knowledge sources, we propose a conceptual model of teaching as a function of the knowledge triad of Guideline (G), Teaching Activity (T), and Material (M). To realize this conceptualization, an ontological problem‐solving approach is used for knowledge‐based systems development to integrate the relevant knowledge sources. The knowledge model is created using the Protégé platform to develop OWL‐based domain ontology, task ontology, and SWRL‐based semantic rules to enable inference in the GTM triad for learning adaptivity. The case illustration shows that the knowledge‐based system prototype can adaptively guide student learning in the flipped individual learning space with the knowledge sources integrated.     

A study of building a resource-based learning environment with the inquiry learning approach: Knowledge of family trees

This study aims to provide teachers with ways and means to facilitate learners to develop nomenclature knowledge of family trees through the establishment of resource-based learning environments (RBLEs). It discusses the design of an RBLE in the classroom by selecting an appropriate context with the assistance of computer-mediated learning resources and tools and employing the inquiry learning approach as the pedagogy. This study reports on the creation of the RBLE within the learning context of family trees. The computer-mediated learning resources and tools comprise three components: an audio-visual database for guided and coupled inquiry, an interactive interface for conceptualising the nomenclature and a tool for learners to construct their own family trees. Scaffolds were designed for an inquiry mode of learning and teaching to support the use of the resources and tools in learning about family trees. The learning and teaching process, including the outcomes for learners, through the RBLE with inquiry learning approach are studied. The findings of an interview and a pre-test/post-test study indicate that the RBLE can assist learners to build knowledge of family trees. The role of teachers in such an environment is to guide and encourage learners to inquire during the learning process.     

External and mental referencing of multiple representations

This article reports on two experimental studies that investigate the impact of integration and external activity on an instructional support method that encourages learners to systematically and interactively integrate multiple representations in the external environment. The experiments compared different kinds of relating representations to each other: Interactive integration of representations, interactive referencing without integration, prompted mental referencing without interactivity, and spontaneous referencing without interactivity or instruction to relate different representations to each other. Results suggest that step-by-step integration of information can reduce extraneous cognitive load in such a way that externally relating multiple representations can be managed within the realms of working memory capacity, whereas it is revealed that interactive referencing without integrating representations externally was just as effective as prompted mental referencing. The experiments clarify the importance of considering the different sources of cognitive load and the changes in these sources during learning.     

Fostering self‐regulated learning in a blended environment using group awareness and peer assistance as external scaffolds

Most systems for training self‐regulated learning (SRL) behaviour focus on the provision of a learner‐centred environment. Such systems repeat the training process and place learners alone to experience that process iteratively. According to the relevant literature, external scaffolds are more promising for effective SRL training. In this work, group awareness and peer assistance are used as external scaffolds in the process of training SRL behaviour, enhancing opportunities for self‐reflection and stimulating and encouraging learners. This work further develops a system, called self‐regulated learning with group awareness and peer assistance (SRL‐GAPA). Experimental results reveal that SRL‐GAPA provides significantly more participation in online training tasks and learning activities, better SRL behaviour and better learning achievement than the traditional SRL system (i.e,, a learner‐centred environment). The SRL‐GAPA benefited poorly self‐regulated learners more than highly self‐regulated students. Some implications of this finding are discussed.     

The effect of scaffolding students’ context-generating cognitive activity in technology-enhanced case-based learning

This study investigates the hypothesis that students’ learning and problem-solving performance in ill-structured domains can be improved, if elaborative question prompts are used to activate students’ context-generating cognitive processes, during case study. Two groups of students used a web-based learning environment to criss-cross and study case-based material in the software project management domain. The experimental group was additionally prompted to consistently answer a set of questions based on a model of context-generating processes, meant to engage students in deeper processing of information presented in cases. Students were also classified as having either “complex” or “simple” EB profile (based on their epistemological beliefs record), thereby establishing a 2 × 2 factorial design. Results indicated that scaffolding treatment had a significant main effect on students’ performance, with the experimental group performing better in both domain knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer post-test items. There is also tentative indication that EB profile and scaffolding treatment interact, with complex-EB learners benefiting most from the scaffolded condition. Overall, the study provides evidence that it is possible to improve individual learning in a technology environment for case-based learning, by implementing appropriate questioning strategies that trigger students to activate their context-generating cognitive processes, while studying the contextually rich material of cases.     

Visual representation fidelity and self-explanation prompts in multi-representational adaptive learning

In their prior research on adaptive instruction for multi-representational learning, the researchers explored various perspectives on designing visual representations and scaffolds. However, controversies and discrepancies regarding the fidelity of visual representations and self-explanation prompts have yet to be resolved. This research thus examines types of visual representations and self-explanation prompts and thereby suggests instructional strategies for multi-representational adaptive learning. Sixty-nine college students participated in a 2 × 2 between-subjects study design (schematic only and adaptively increasing the fidelity of visual representation as well as fixed and fading self-explanation prompts). Adaptively increasing visual fidelity was shown to be effective for mental model construction. Knowledge inference was most enhanced in the group utilising both adaptive approaches. The increased germane cognitive load appears to have mediated, in particular, the effects of visually adaptive instruction. This research suggests that visually adaptive instruction should include customized self-explanation supports to ensure successful multi-representational adaptive learning. This research reveals that sequencing visual representations with increasing fidelity as learning progress in instructional materials and offering fading support for prompts tailored to learning progress are the two effective and complementary ways to ensure customized learning.     

Adjunct aids and signals support online learning from multiple representations

To achieve deeper understanding when learning from multiple representations, learners should actively select, organize and integrate the relevant information from text and graphics within a coherent mental representation. However, as learners often fail to select and integrate all relevant information, especially from graphics, they need specific instructional support. The current study investigated the effects of instructional support in the form of adjunct aids (i.e. fill-in-the blank tasks) with references to the graphics (e.g. “see Figure X”) on retention and understanding. In our study, 106 learners (N) received multimedia instructional materials about the formation of auroras either with or without adjunct aids – the former with references to graphics (signals), or with none. In line with our hypotheses, adjunct aids with signals led to deeper understanding, as reflected by higher scores in the comprehension test. In contrast, adjunct aids with signals did not lead to higher scores in the retention test. Thus, our results are in line with previous research, showing that instructional support for integrating text and graphics specifically fosters deeper understanding. Possible boundary conditions and implications for future research are discussed.     

Supporting self‐regulated learning in computer‐based learning environments: systematic review of effects of scaffolding in the domain of science education

Despite the widespread assumption that students require scaffolding support for self‐regulated learning (SRL) processes in computer‐based learning environments (CBLEs), there is little clarity as to which types of scaffolds are most effective. This study offers a literature review covering the various scaffolds that support SRL processes in the domain of science education. Effective scaffolds are categorized and discussed according to the different areas and phases of SRL. The results reveal that most studies on scaffolding processes focus on cognition, whereas few focus on the non‐cognitive areas of SRL. In the field of cognition, prompts appear to be the most effective scaffolds, especially for processes during the control phase. This review also shows that studies have paid little attention to scaffold designs, learner characteristics, or various task characteristics, despite the fact that these variables have been found to have a significant influence. We conclude with the implications of our results on future design and research in the field of SRL using CBLEs.     

A framework for self‐regulated digital learning (SRDL)

This article develops a framework for self‐regulated digital learning, which supports for self‐regulated learning (SRL) in e‐learning systems. The framework emphasizes 8 features: learning plan, records/e‐portfolio and sharing, evaluation, human feedback, machine feedback, visualization of goals/procedures/concepts, scaffolding, and agents. Each feature facilitates or supports one or more SRL skills, including planning, monitoring and evaluating learning, applying appropriate cognitive strategies, and setting standards of products or performance. The implementation in domain‐general and ‐specific systems as illustrated by web‐based inquiry and problem‐solving are discussed. Examples and learning effects are elicited from the literature to demonstrate various designs. Approaches for designing SRL systems, educational implications, and new directions for future research incorporating SRL into digital learning are presented.     

The role of spatial ability when fostering mental animation in multimedia learning: An ATI-study

The present Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction (ATI) study investigates the learner characteristic spatial ability (aptitude) and the variation of mental-animation prompts (treatment: no vs. mental-animation prompts). A group of high-school students (N = 94) learned about a biology topic through learner-paced multimedia instruction. Some of the learners received mental-animation prompts and others learned without prompts. A fine-grained analysis with spatial ability as continuous aptitude variable and mental animation as treatment showed a positive learning effect of animation prompts in learning outcomes of processes, but not in knowledge about structures. In addition, spatial ability only modified the relationship between animation prompts and learning when analyzing knowledge about processes. Specifically, only learners of low to medium spatial ability profited from the prompts while learners with very low or high spatial ability had comparable results when learning with or without prompts. In addition, only learners with high spatial ability rated their cognitive load to be significantly higher when learning with prompts. Results align with the assumptions of the production deficiency of learners with low to medium spatial ability, mediation deficiency of learners with very low spatial ability and stable learning performance of learners with high spatial ability whatever the learning situation offers.     

Developing a web‐based multimedia assessment system for facilitating science laboratory instruction

This study developed a web‐based multimedia assessment system (WMA system) and applied it to science laboratory instruction. The goal was to improve students' knowledge acquisition under science laboratory instruction. The developed system enabled learners to perform self‐assessments by responding to multimedia technology test items online. The system recorded each learner's complete answer history and provided the students with personalized learning resources. This study adopted a quasi‐experimental research design. The learning content was an “experiment on separating mixtures.” Students participating in the research were divided into a typical science laboratory instruction group (TI group; n = 25) and a group that received instruction through the WMA system (WMA group; n = 26). Before instruction, all the students completed the conceptual knowledge and experimental knowledge pretests. During instruction, the TI group watched the teacher's demonstration experiment, and the students then performed the experiment in a real laboratory. In the WMA group, after learning through the WMA system, the students also performed the experiment in a real laboratory. After instruction, all the students completed the conceptual knowledge and experimental knowledge posttests. The findings indicated that the students in the WMA group showed significantly higher improvements in their scientific conceptual knowledge and experimental knowledge.     

Personalizing the Interaction in a Web-based Educational Hypermedia System: the case of INSPIRE

In this paper we present an Adaptive Educational Hypermedia prototype, named INSPIRE. The approach employed in INSPIRE emphasizes the fact that learners perceive and process information in very different ways, and integrates ideas from theories of instructional design and learning styles. Our aim is to make a shift towards a more 'learning-focused' paradigm of instruction by providing a sequence of authentic and meaningful tasks that matches learner' preferred way of studying. INSPIRE, throughout its interaction with the learner, dynamically generates learner-tailored lessons that gradually lead to the accomplishment of learner's learning goals. It supports several levels of adaptation: from full system-control to full learner-control, and offers learners the option to decide on the level of adaptation of the system by intervening in different stages of the lesson generation process and formulating the lesson contents and presentation. Both the adaptive and adaptable behavior of INSPIRE are guided by the learner model which provides information about the learner, such as knowledge level on the domain concepts and learning style. The learner model is exploited in multiple ways: curriculum sequencing, adaptive navigation support, adaptive presentation, and supports system's adaptable behavior. An empirical study has been performed to evaluate the adaptation framework and assess learners' attitudes towards the proposed instructional design.     

Designing a technology‐enhanced flipped learning system to facilitate students' self‐regulation and performance

In recent years, the flipped classroom has become prevalent in many educational settings. Flipped classroom adopts a pedagogical model in which short video lectures are viewed by students at home before class so that the teacher can lead students to participate in activities, problem‐solving, and discussions. Yet the design or use of technology that employs planned instructional strategies with sustainable support of self‐regulation is scant. We propose a technology‐enhanced flipped language learning system (Flip2Learn) that provides facilitation and guidance for learning performance and self‐regulation. A quasi‐experimental study was carried out to examine whether Flip2Learn could enhance college students' self‐regulatory skills and later contribute to the learning performance in the flipped classrooms. The results showed that Flip2Learn not only better prepared students for flipped classrooms but also better promoted learning performance compared to the conventional flipped classrooms. The results of this research advanced our understanding of the dynamics of flipped classrooms and represented a revolutionary new approach to the technology‐enhanced learning for flipped classrooms.