Source: Educationaltechnology research and development. 66(2), 545-561 

Formative Assessment inComplex Problem-Solving Domains:The Emerging Role ofAssessment Technologies

Abstract: Much of the focus on learning technologies has been on structuring innovative learning experiences and on managing distance and hybrid learning environments. This article focuses on the use of technology as an important formative assessment and feedback tool. The rationale for this focus is based on prior research findings that suggest that timely and informative feedback promotes learning. The general purpose of this article is to promote a focus on formative assessment, especially with challenging problems so as to help develop critical thinking skills. This is not a meta-analysis although we encourage such studies so as to emphasis the role that formative assessment plays in supporting learning. Much of the prior research on formative assessment has not involved advanced digital technologies and very little of that research has focused on complex and challenging problem-solving tasks. We review prior work on the use of problem conceptualizations elicited during problem solving activities and on stealth assessments of learner choices and decisions in online activities. We present a conceptual framework based on prior research and theory for conducting formative assessments in real-time with regard to complex problem-solving tasks. We then present an elaboration of how formative assessment can be used to support learning a common intellectual skill involving a discrimination task and to develop an appropriate cognitive strategy for that kind of problem. We conclude with recommendations for further research on the use of technology in support of formative assessment.  

Keywords: Cognitive strategies; Complex learning; Dynamic feedback; Formative assessment; Intellectual skills; Selfregulation 

Authors:Kaushal Kumar Bhagat, Smart Learning Institute, Beijing Normal University, China; J. Michael Spector, Department of Learning Technologies, University of North Texas, USA

Source:EducationalTechnology & Society, 20(4), 312-317

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between primary school students’ conceptions of, approaches to, and selfefficacy in learning science in Mainland China. A total of 1049 primary school students from Mainland China participated in this study. Three instruments were adapted to measure students’ conceptions of learning science, approaches to learning science, and self-efficacy. The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were adopted to validate three instruments. The path analysis was employed to understand the relationships between conceptions of learning science, approaches to learning science, and self-efficacy. The findings indicated that students’ lower level conceptions of learning science positively influenced their surface approaches in learning science. Higher level conceptions of learning science had a positive influence on deep approaches and a negative influence on surface approaches to learning science. Furthermore, self-efficacy was also a hierarchical construct and can be divided into the lower level and higher level. Only students’ deep approaches to learning science had a positive influence on their lower and higher level of self-efficacy in learning science. The results were discussed in the context of the implications for teachers and future studies.

Keywords: Conception of learning; approaches to learning; selfefficacy; science education

Abstract : The aim of this study was to explore cross-country (Taiwan versus India) differences in students’ perceptions of online leaning by gender. The self-reported instrument, POSTOL (Perception of Students towards Online Learning), was conducted to the students from Taiwan and India. Of the total 441 respondents, there were 233 students from India and 208 from Taiwan. A 2x2 between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance was employed on the four dimensions of the POSTOL scale. This scale consists of four dimensions: instructor characteristics, social presence, instructional design, and trust. Results showed that there were significant differences, between India and Taiwan, in the perception of students towards online learning. However, there was no significant interaction effect of country by gender. Findings indicated that culture did influence students’ perceptions towards online learning. There is a need to raise awareness about factors that may affect online learning experience and to provide guidance and for practice and future work. 

Keywords: cross-country, gender, online learning, perception 

The Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Digital InteractiveGlobe System Integrated into an Earth Science Course

Abstract :The aim of this study is to design and implement a digital interactive globe system (DIGS), by integrating low-cost equipment to make DIGS cost-effective. DIGS includes a data processing unit, a wireless control unit, an image-capturing unit, a laser emission unit, and a three-dimensional hemispheric body-imaging screen. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the learning effectiveness of our system. A total of 105 junior high-school students from Taiwan participated in this 8-week experiment. The students were divided into three individual groups of 35 students each, with one control group and two experimental groups (EG1 and EG2). The results of one-way mixed design ANOVA indicated that participants in the experimental group, who used the DIGS, outperformed the other two groups, in the post-test as well as in the delayed test. These findings demonstrate that the proposed DIGS can effectively enhance the performance of the learners in an Earth Science course.

Keywords: Digital Earth; Earth Science;  Interactive learning environment;  Learning outcomes

Authors:Wei-Kai Liou,Department of Interactive Entertainment Design, China University of Technology, Taipei; Kaushal Kumar Bhagat, Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Chun-Yen Chang,Science Education Center,  Taiwan Normal University,Department of Earth Sciences, Taiwan Normal University, Taipei