Boris Gauss

Individual differences in navigation between sharable content objects—an evaluation study of a learning module prototype

In this article, we report the design and evaluation of a prototype for learning modules compliant to the SCORM standard. This prototype is especially developed for the subject matter of process systems engineering and features a novel process control display for the navigation between Sharable Content Objects. In a controlled field study, N = 18 undergraduate students interacted with the module for a period of 40 minutes. The relations between individual differences in learner characteristics, navigation, and learning outcome were considered. Interaction with the module had a strong positive effect on learning outcome. Individual differences in learning outcome were significantly affected by individual differences in intrinsic motivation, computer experience and navigation behaviour.

Web-based object oriented modelling and simulation using mathml

Abstract In the world of computer aided process modelling, the potential of web-based technologies has still not been fully exploited. In particular in the scope of collaborative model development, the use of those technologies helps to solve some common problems. In this paper a new modelling environment based on a combination of MathML, XML and JAVA™ is presented that especially addresses the problems faced when it comes to sharing models as well for documentation as for execution purposes. The application is currently used in e-learning scenarios, in which students learn to model distillation column systems with the only use of their web-browser by drag and dropping human readable equations into subsystems of a given process.

E-learning in Process and Chemical Engineering - trends and challenges

In the poster, the European Network for E-learning in Process and Chemical Engineering (EuPaCE.net) is introduced. EuPaCE.net is a special interest group that has been set up by seven European Universities to exploit synergies in the field of e-learning for Process and Chemical Engineering (PaCE) education. The poster includes the results of an international survey about trends and challenges of e-learning in academic PaCE education, which was conducted with students and faculty members at the EuPaCE.net partners. Results show that the use of information and communication technologies in PaCE education is still evolving.

Teaching modelling of chemical processes in higher education using multi-media

Together with partners from three other German universities we are developing a multimedia learning system for the instruction of process engineering students. This paper focuses on a single module of that system which supports students in learning the task of stationary process modelling. As a basic example to teach systematic modelling we have selected a single distillation tray. On the base of this example, the students learn to apply systematic modelling techniques on complex problems, in particular they learn to draw proper system boundaries, to formulate mass and energy balances and to select appropriate equations to describe phase equilibrium and other relevant phenomena. To reach the intended level of competence students are supported with a pool of so called edu:snipplets, i.e. multi-media material like schematic drawings, interactive flash animations and short “edutaining” films that allow to look inside real distillation column. These edu:snipplets are integrated in a structured script that is nonlinear navigable by means of a semantic net. To foster self-paced learning some checkpoints are integrated where students can examine their understanding of the topic. Further support is given by small interactive programs (edu:trainlets) that can be fully integrated into the online script. These programmes may be as simple as an interactive visualization of some formula or concept like the bubble- and dew-point lenses and as complex as the simulation of a unit operation like a distillation tower or an adiabatic flash up to the operation of whole simulated plants in a distributed environment.

Multimedia-supported teaching of process system dynamics using an ontology-based semantic network

Abstract The subject of process and plant technology substantially bases on the dynamic behaviour of chemical processes. Thus the use of multimedia to display the temporal behaviour of dynamic systems seems to be useful for the students to enhance their understanding of processes and methods. In this paper we present the cooperative project [my:PAT.org] which aims to develop a semantic enriched eLearning environment for process systems engineering at four German universities. With regard to forward-looking didactics existing teaching concepts will be reviewed and — if necessary — redesigned [1]. Using ontologies, a set of keywords is attributed to each independent segment of learning content. The Keywords are held in superposed Metadatafiles that describe the characteristics of the given learning object [2]. By using existing keyword-systems, we can access content provided by other institutions as well as our own information [3]. The atomic units of learning include interactive modules called edurtrainlets, which refer real process to modelling illustrated by a web-based simulation. To connect simulation and learning-content, we bridge process-metadata and learning-metadata dynamically. In an accompanying scientific evaluation, we will measure the students transfer performance to evaluate the modules efficiency in a comparative study between common and multimedia-supported teaching.

Risk-based information integration for ship navigation

The Navigational Risk Detection and Assessment System (NARIDAS) is an approach to risk-based information integration on the ships bridge. The purpose of this novel system is to reduce data overload and to support situation awareness of the bridge team. This paper focuses on the evaluation of NARIDAS during the development process. Evaluation is performed with system prototypes and practitioners. Three levels of evaluation are addressed: risk model validity, graphical user interface (GUI) design, and system usability. In two evaluation studies, positive results were obtained on all three levels. These results suggest that NARIDAS provides a valid model for the risks of ship navigation, a well-designed GUI, and a high usability for enhancing situational risk awareness of the bridge team.