Heinz Ulrich Hoppe

CSCL scripts: modelling features and potential use

The design of collaboration scripts is a new focus of research within the CSCL community. In order to support the design, communication, analysis, simulation and even execution of collaboration scripts, a general specification language to describe collaboration scripts is needed. In this paper, we analyse the suitability and limitations of IMS LD for modelling collaborative learning processes. Based on the analysis, we propose a CSCL scripting language. This paper presents the conceptual framework of this modelling language and the underlying design ideas. Furthermore, two developed CSCL script authoring tools are briefly described. Finally, we discuss potential types of usage and system support possibilities of CSCL scripts.

A teaching/learning approach to CSCL

In this paper an integrated system to support an educational process called COSOFT (Computer Support for Face-to-face Teaching) is presented. It is intended for use by authors, teachers and students, who can use it to enhance the traditional ways of working inside and outside the classroom. The scenario for the system is the Computer-integrated Classroom (CiC), which is a traditional classroom in which computer technology has been added to support and enhance traditional teaching/learning activities and to enable new ones. The CiC is equipped with an electronic blackboard for the teacher and a personal computer for each student. The electronic blackboard and the personal computers are connected and to the Internet by a TCP/IP network. COSOFT is especially aimed to support the cooperative/collaborative use of computer based learning material by teachers and students upholding the following activities: presentation of learning material, planning and authoring of lesson units, discussion and cooperative problem-solving, students individual work and problem solving, creation of new material during a lesson, and remote access to the learning material. The system uses open technology and it is extensible, allowing the incorporation of other tools.

PDAs as Input Devices in Brainstorming and Creative Discussions

In this paper we present the use of PDAs as input devices in brainstorming sessions and creative discussions using the Mobile Notes architecture and application. Mobile Notes enables heterogeneous, mobile input devices together with collaborative modelling environments to be used in different discussion scenarios, e.g. classroom discussions, seminars or lectures. Based on the conceptual perspective of assigning specific functionalities to different devices in technology enhanced learning environments, we describe the design, implementation and first experiences with Mobile Notes.

The use of mobile computing to support SMS dialogues and classroom discussions in a literature course

In this paper we present a communication and discussion toolkit based on sending short messages designed for use in schools. This toolkit is the result of a students project at the University of Duisburg-Essen in collaboration with a local secondary school. Our approach uses PDAs in a wireless network to build an environment which emulates sending of short messages with mobile phones. The messages created by the students are collected in a database and establish a base for a discussion and analysis later on using Cool Modes, a graph based modeling and discussion system.

Enriching traditional classroom scenarios by seamless integration of interactive media

We present an approach of enriching grown structures of teaching in German schools with innovative technology and collaborative software tools. Two applications for collaborative modelling and mind mapping will be introduced. Together with a community of secondary school teachers we have elaborated classroom experiments which give an added value but without redefining well suited pedagogic methods or changing the learning matters. We will present different experiences made by teachers and researchers in the domains of mathematics, biology and German language in secondary schools. We have found out that not only are teachers in science interested in computerised learning scenarios but there are several premises for a successful transfer of technology into schools.

Document Management in a Computer-Integrated Classroom

This paper reports on a work in-progress scenario of a computer-integrated classroom (CiC) with a focus on document management and document sharing. Following a brief introduction on the topic of distributed (distance) and non-distributed (face-to-face) learning, the systems functionalities and architecture are being described, as well as the file structure to be found in the document archive. The system uses a unique type of XML document that can be created and edited by the FreeStyler application. The paper then concludes with a short description about the future work on the project.

Modeling CSCL Scripts — a Reflection on Learning Design Approaches

The design of collaboration scripts is a new focus of research within the CSCL research community. In order to support the design, communication, analysis, simulation and also the execution of collaboration scripts, a general specification language to describe collaboration scripts is needed. In this chapter, we analyze the suitability and limitations of IMS LD for modeling collaborative learning processes. Based on the analysis, we propose an approach to designing a CSCL scripting language. This chapter presents the conceptual framework of this modeling language and the solutions to the identified problems of IMS LD for formalizing collaboration scripts. Especially, we compare the two approaches through modeling the same collaboration script by using IMS LD and our own CSCL scripting language.

Lightweight extensions of collaborative modeling systems for synchronous use on PDAs

Based on experience in orchestrating collaborative learning scenarios with ubiquitous computing technology, two strategies for extending a co-constructive modeling environment with PDAs connected through a wireless LAN are described. One application is an annotation tool, the other replicates the modeling system on the PDA, both provide full synchronization with the PC environment. General implementation strategies for such extensions are discussed.

Monitoring Student Activities with a Querying System over Electronic Worksheets

Monitoring students’ work in the classroom has been recognized as one of the key factors for successful teaching since only a good real-time assessment enables the teacher to give proper and timely feedback. However, it is not an easy task to systematically supervise what students do in the classroom. It also might consume a considerable amount of teachers’ resources. This paper presents a work in which computer technology is used in classrooms by students working on electronic worksheets on their. We explore the possibilities of assessing students’ work during classroom by automatically analyzing the structure of the documents and the changes along time while students work on them. An experiment is described, showing the system is able to give the teacher valuable information. This information is intended to assess the students’ performance and provide them with proper feedback.

Two Make a Network: Using Graphs to Assess the Quality of Collaboration of Dyads

In this paper we explore the application of network analysis techniques in order to analyze synchronous collaborative activities of dyads. The collaborative activities are represented and visualized as networks. We argue that the characteristics and properties of the networks reflect the quality of collaboration and therefore can support the analysis of collaborative activities in an automated way. To support this argument we studied the collaborative practice of 228 dyads based on graphs. The properties of each graph were evaluated in comparison to ratings of collaboration quality as assessed by human experts. The activities were also examined with respect to the solution quality. The paper presents the method and the findings of the study.