Digital Game-Based Learning in high school Computer Science education: Impact on educational effectiveness and student motivation

The aim of this study was to assess the learning effectiveness and motivational appeal of a computer game for learning computer memory concepts, which was designed according to the curricular objectives and the subject matter of the Greek high school Computer Science (CS) curriculum, as compared to a similar application, encompassing identical learning objectives and content but lacking the gaming aspect. The study also investigated potential gender differences in the game’s learning effectiveness and motivational appeal. The sample was 88 students, who were randomly assigned to two groups, one of which used the gaming application (Group A, N = 47) and the other one the non-gaming one (Group B, N = 41). A Computer Memory Knowledge Test (CMKT) was used as the pretest and posttest. Students were also observed during the interventions. Furthermore, after the interventions, students’ views on the application they had used were elicited through a feedback questionnaire. Data analyses showed that the gaming approach was both more effective in promoting students’ knowledge of computer memory concepts and more motivational than the non-gaming approach. Despite boys’ greater involvement with, liking of and experience in computer gaming, and their greater initial computer memory knowledge, the learning gains that boys and girls achieved through the use of the game did not differ significantly, and the game was found to be equally motivational for boys and girls. The results suggest that within high school CS, educational computer games can be exploited as effective and motivational learning environments, regardless of students’ gender.     

Investigating the impact of video games on high school students’ engagement and learning about genetics

The popularity of video games has transcended entertainment crossing into the world of education. While the literature base on educational gaming is growing, there is still a lack of systematic study of this emerging technology’s efficacy. This quasi-experimental study evaluated a teacher created video game on genetics in terms of its affective and cognitive impact on student users. While statistical results indicated no differences (p > .05) in student learning as measured by our instrument, there were significant differences (p < .05) found in the participants’ level of engagement while interfacing with the video game. Implications on this emerging line of inquiry are discussed.     

Qualitative findings of students’ perception on practice of self-regulated strategies in online community discussion

With rapid emergence to the birth of the knowledge era, an active and interactive learning environment is fundamental to any teaching and learning process. Over time, negative implications of traditional learning environment are mounting, and measures must be taken to challenge it. With extensive research on available learning tools, it has become more feasible to provide our students with better learning opportunities. Such was the anticipation in the Malaysian educational context. Hence, this paper aims to address qualitative findings of a study on self-regulated learning strategies conveyed through the proposed interactive e-learning community (iELC). In duration of eight weeks, students (n = 50) from regular national secondary schools were subjected to online learning tasks aimed to advance strategies on self-regulated learning. To date, strategies of self-regulated learning have been perceived as key to learner to succeed academically and after the schooling years. By means of semi-structured interview, data were collected from small group and one-to-one perception. Results were directed at the overall development of self-regulated learning strategies and its diffusion in the iELC discussion platform. Conclusively, these findings add significantly to the understanding of self-regulated learning strategies in an online learning environment.     

The impact of multimedia effect on science learning: Evidence from eye movements

This study examined how middle school students constructed their understanding of the mitosis and meiosis processes at a molecular level through multimedia learning materials presented in different interaction and sensory modality modes. A two (interaction modes: animation/simulation) by two (sensory modality modes: narration/on-screen text) factorial design was employed. The dependent variables included subjects’ pre-test, post-test, and retention-test scores, showing their understanding of mitosis and meiosis process at molecular level, as well as data of subjects’ eye-movement behavior. Results showed the group that received animation with narration allocated a greater amount of visual attention (number of fixations, total inspection time, and mean fixation duration) than the group that received animation with on-screen text, in both pictorial area and area of interest, which is consistent with students’ immediate and long-term retained learning of the processes of mitosis and meiosis. The group that received simulation with on-screen text allocated a greater amount of visual attention than the group that received simulation with narration, consistent with students’ immediate and retained learning. The group that received simulation with on-screen text also allocated a greater amount of visual attention than the group that received animation with on-screen text, consistent with students’ immediate and retained learning. This study adds empirical evidence of a direct correlation between the length of eye fixation behavior and the depth of learning. Moreover, it provides insight into the multimedia effect on students’ cognitive process through the use of eye fixation behavior evidence.     

Visualizing the sequential process of knowledge elaboration in computer-supported collaborative problem solving

This case study illustrates the sequential process of the joint and individual knowledge elaboration in a computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment. The case comprised an Internet-based physics problem-solving platform. Six Dutch secondary school students (three males, three females) participated in the three-week experiment. They were paired based on self-selection. Each dyad was asked to collaborate on eight moderately structured problems concerning Newtonian mechanics. Their online interactions, including their textual and pictorial messages, were categorized and sequentially plotted. The three dyads showed three different collaboration patterns in terms of joint and individual knowledge elaboration.     

Sources and nature of secondary school teachers’ education in computer-related ergonomics

Teachers’ knowledge of computer-related ergonomics in education will have an effect on the learning process and the work practices of their students. However little is known about teacher education in this area. The study aimed to investigate the sources and nature of secondary school teachers’ education about computer-related ergonomics. It also investigated the use of computers by secondary school children. The study included all secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland. The findings suggest that computers are widely available and are used frequently by students and teachers. However, there is evidence that teachers are not receiving information on computer-related ergonomics. Teachers were generally dissatisfied with this and would welcome information on the subject. The study discusses the implications of the findings and makes recommendations to meet the needs of the teachers.     

分析AutoCAD二次开发方法的研究

CAD技术对于实现我国产业信息化具有重要的推动作用,它能够有效地体现一个国家的技术设计水平。然而由于技术的不断更新与完善,其功能的需求也会随之产生巨大变化,这就要求CAD软件也要不断更新,因此有必要加强对AutoCAD的二次开发。本文主要从当前AutoCAD五种较为典型的开发工具及其优缺点、应用特点等方面分析AutoCAD二次开发的方法。     

基于SQL SERVER数据库和VB．NET管理图形

以三维圆筒和圆台为例,提出以SQLSERVER数据库来管理AutoCAD图形,实现以数据库的信息绘图;并在VB．NET2005平台上．利用SQL语句进行数据查询、录入、修改以及保存等,能够非常方便的完成绘图以及管理图形信息。     

基于.NET的Nx二次开发技术在标准件库中的应用

随着CAD技术的发展,CAD软件得到了广泛的应用,在这些平台上开发符合企业所需要的零件库的工作也取得了很大成果。但随着网络和信息技术的发展,这些零件库的缺点与不足也逐渐显露了出来,界面不够友好、重复开发现象严重、资源不能共享、移植性和扩展性较差等。基于现有的二次开发存在的问题,重点对CAD软件系统NX的NXOpenFor.Net的开发方式进行了研究,获取完整的开发过程,采用将交互式和批处理式相结合的二次开发模式,提出了一种新的基于UG的企业标准件数据库系统,实现了企业标准件数据库系统中的数据库和图形库同步管理。