Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 1, Volume 3, 2009)

Pages

A CAI System to Identify Each Weak Part of a Student: A New Proposal of a Student Model and an Instruction Program
Kazuhiro Uenosono, Shinya Kaneko, Tomohiro Tachibana, Akinori Sato, Marie Hashidate, Seiichi Komiya

Abstract: Recently, it is required to develop a Web-Based-CAI system to be able to learn efficiently due to the spread of Internet. However, since the order of giving a chain of decision frame does not change, without relation to whether a student of the CAI system can solve a given problem or not, he/she has also to learn the parts in his/her element. Therefore, he/she can not learn efficiently. Therefore, the authors propose a new instruction program and a new student model which improved the existent overlay model. The new model is easy to create the teaching materials, and it is able to grasp where the student’s weak parts in detail are. This paper clarifies by concrete examples how this system grasps where are the student’s weak parts by using what kind of student model and what kind of instruction program. The authors show the proposed student model and the proposed instruction program are effective through an experiment.
 

Advanced eVocational Education of Mechatronic Professions
Matija Pipan, Borka Jerman Blazic

Abstract: This paper is focused on introduction of best practices in the field of vocational training of mechatronics further supported with the state-of-the-art information-communication technology, as well as with established methodological and didactical approaches, with the view of improving the quality and efficiency of vocational training. The presented methodology introduces a completely new way of vocational training of this profile because both, theoretical and practical training will be entirely conducted on-line. Practical work will be done through an innovative remote laboratory for practical work, based on web technology which allows the performance of the real mechanical-electrical and programming related experiments in the physical laboratory, what is in the training of mechatronics crucial. This should result in a greater recognition and attractiveness of the profession and will positive influence on the reduction of existing disparities between supply and demand of qualified mechatronic staff on the market.
 

Effect of utilizing Geometer’s Sketchpad on Performance and Mathematical Thinking of Secondary Mathematics Learners: An Initial Exploration
Kamariah Abu Bakar, Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub, Aida Suraya Md. Yunus

Abstract: Educational researchers globally have articulated high expectations for the utilization of computer in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. The teaching and learning of geometry utilizing dynamic geometry softwares have been explicitly indicated in the Malaysian secondary school Mathematics syllabus. Teachers were recommended to utilize licensed dynamic geometry softwares such as the Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) software. This study attempted to explore and compare the effects of integrating the GSP and the traditional teaching strategy in the teaching and learning process. Specifically, the effects on mathematical performance in secondary mathematics and students’ attitudes towards the respective approaches used to teach the groups were investigated. The mean overall mathematical performance for the group using the GSP was 11.78 (SD = 4.10) while the mean overall performance for traditional teaching strategy group was 13.03 (SD = 3.65). Independent samples t-test results showed that there was no significant difference in mean mathematical performance between the GSP group and the traditional teaching strategy group, [t (90) = 1.552, p>0.05]. Findings also indicated that the use of GSP induced higher mathematical thinking process amongst the GSP group. These findings showed that the use of GSP had an impact on both mathematical thinking process and performance. However, these findings provided evidences of limited and deficient use of the technology, specifically in the teaching of mathematics at the Malaysian secondary level.
 

Construction and Selection of Usefulness Evaluation Items
Noraidah Sahari, Hairuliza Mohd. Judi, Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani, Hasan Selamat, Aida Suraya Md. Yunus

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to construct a set of indicators or items that could measure the usefulness of mathematics courseware (MC). Usefulness is a quality attribute to which a person believes that using a particular MC would enhance students mathematical understanding of certain topics and engage them in learning activities. In order to construct the items, open ended survey forms were distributed to five mathematics courseware developers. They were asked to list down the essential factors and items that are important in a of good mathematics courseware. In parallel to that several mathematics courseware reviews and evaluation instruments were analyzed. Ultimately, the preliminary survey and literature-based produced a checklist with 85 items consisting of three factors, which were usability, functionality and efficiency and seven criteria which were ease of use, attractiveness, concepts presentation, assessment, reinforcement, accuracy and learning support material. The mapping of items according to their criteria and factors are discussed. The items were then reviewed by 10 experts in two rounds of content validity check. Finally 66 usefulness items from seven factors with reliability range between 0.723 to 0.911 were produced.
 

Problem Solving to Teach Processing Systems: Engineering Learning Objects based on Anchored Instruction
S. Impedovo, A. Ferrante, D. Impedovo, R. Modugno, G. Pirlo, E. Stasolla, C. A. Trullo

Abstract: There is a great request of new and effective aids that facilitate information acquisition and knowledge construction. Researchers in the field of educational software development are continually involved in experimenting new approaches to improve students’ learning capabilities. The new engineering methodologies allow developing learning objects that really support information transfer and knowledge building. This paper presents an investigation on the capacity of web-based, computer-assisted, anchored instruction to improve problem-solving skills while teaching scientific disciplines in the university environment. The experience provides empirical evidence of the usefulness of the adopted solution in developing learning objects to teach computer systems architecture to computer science students. The developed instructional software really provides a motivating, attractive and enjoyable environment. The experience has a positive impact on students, strengthening their problem-solving skills. The results suggest that web-based anchored instruction exhibits high potentials in offering useful instructional environments.
 

Traditional Education vs. E-learning in the Vision of Romanian Business Students
M. Tutunea, R. V. Rus, V. Toader

Abstract: It is well-known that the globalization of the online environmental communication influenced all sectors of human activity; therefore education, as a personal and professional training has undergone the same trends. The development of e-learning, as an alternative to traditional education, has generated different perceptions among the main players of university education - teachers and students. To emphasize these different perceptions, in our study, we compare the traditional with online learning from two perspectives. Firstly, we made a literature review on e-learning studies showing different perceptions. Secondly, we considered useful and necessary to analyze the Faculty of Business students’ perceptions regarding the e-learning and traditional learning. The study was conducted from the perspective of a software solutions implemented by our faculty, namely a platform for long distance education, developed on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.
 

Meaningful Hybrid e-Training Model via POPEYE Orientation
Rosseni Din, Mohamad Shanudin Zakaria, Khairul Anwar Mastor, Norizan Abdul Razak, Mohamed Amin Embi, Siti Rahayah Ariffin

Abstract: This present study is aimed at developing a meaningful hybrid e-training model for ICT trainers by distinguishing the usefulness of its’ content, delivery, service, outcome and infrastructure. In doing so, the study sought to establish the content validity, test reliability and construct validate factors affecting usefulness of the hybrid e-training approach. Overall reliability coefficients of the instrument examined when analyzed with SPSS 15.0 using Cronbach Alpha reliability test were .986 while reliability at the scale levels were also acceptable ranging from .886 to .971. Subsequently external construct validity was conducted by employing structural equation modeling using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with AMOS 7.0. Overall analyses suggested that the instrument is valid and reliable to measure the usefulness of a hybrid e-Training module or program. Internal consistency was still maintained after CFA with overall reliability coefficient of .959 and at the scale level ranging from .814 to .909. A revised model was developed from the hypothesized measurement model with findings showing evidences for construct validity. Goodness-of-fit measures of comparative fit index (CFI) and non-normed fix index (NNFI also known TLI) were above suggested threshold > .90 (CFI=.943; TLI=.930). The paper will also showcase some of the instructional media and method used in the study to promote good practice of the problem oriented project based hybrid e-training (POPEYE) orientation.
 

Learners' Quanta based Design of a Learning Management System
S. Sengupta, N. Chaki, R. Dasgupta

Abstract: In this paper IEEE Learning Technology System Architecture (LTSA) for LMS software has been analyzed. It has been observed that LTSA is too abstract to be adapted in a uniform way by LMS developers. A Learners’ Quanta based high level design that satisfies the IEEE LTSA standard has been proposed for future development of efficient LMS software. A hybrid model of learning fitting into LTSA model has also been proposed while designing.
 

Advanced Educational Tools in Measurement and Sensors: From Remote Monitoring Systems to Magnetic Fluids
B. Ando, S. Baglio, A. Beninato, S. La Malfa, N. Pitrone

Abstract: In order to emphasize the large variety of situations and problems to manage in the didactic activity, two different tools have been implemented and are presented in the paper. The first one has been realized for using during the teaching activity on informatics and training on computer for the visually impaired students. Indeed, they should be provided with useful kinds of assistance; moreover, the environmental conditions and their health conditions should be in real time monitored in order to discover any difficulties and to evaluate the development. Such requirements are fulfilled by the developed tool, based on advanced hardware and software technologies. In the second tool an inertial sensor for vibration measurements based on the use of ferrofluids has been developed. The device consists of a glass pipe housing a drop of ferrofluid in a water environment. Two membranes are used to seal the glass pipe at its extremities and to transfer the vibration to the ferrofluidic mass. An inductive readout strategy is used to sense imposed vibrations. Simulations of the device behavior and the real prototype are presented along with preliminary experimental results.