Michael Yacci

The promise of automated interactivity

This paper discusses issues and potential methods that can be applied to create instruction and interactive instructional material automatically from knowledge components. Knowledge management systems generally promote a static recombination of text and images, with little concern as to how these objects and components will actually work as useful, well-designed instruction. Interactivity itself has historically been poorly defined; the structural model of interactivity created an operational definition of instructional interactivity that will be used as the basis for the discussion of automated interactivity. A prototype system that uses automated interactivity in diagnosis is illustrated.

Active Learning for Classroom Management Model

This paper proposes the Active Learning for Classroom Management Model as a method to structure active learning experiences. The model was devised and tested in an Introductory Computer Programming course. Stages in the model are explained with examples of classroom activities. The model was evaluated twice in series of quasi-experiments and limited support was provided for improved student performance through the use of the model.

Student information consumption strategies: implications of the Google effect

Previous research in the area of distributed cognition within the educational process has revealed several new and emerging phenomena regarding student behavior. Students appear to be strategically discriminating in their learning strategies, taking the opportunity to offload learning when information is easily accessible and retrievable. This paper reviews several current research findings, and offers societal implications.

Performance Categories: Task-Diagnostic Techniques and Interfaces

The application of diagnostic techniques must consider two major factors: the type of expected human performance task and the diagnostic delivery interface. This chapter describes two major categories of human performance that require different diagnostic techniques: (1) prescribed tasks and (2) discretionary tasks. We then describe alternative interfaces that can be used in diagnostic situations for these performance categories, including hierarchical prerequisite templates, text chat bots, and embodied conversational agents.