ITR: Systems for Learning Science and Assessing Student Learning

North Dakota State University Fargo, Fargo ND

Investigators

Abstract

EIA- 0086142 Slator, Brian North Dakota State University, Fargo Title: Information Technology Research: Systems for Learning Science and Assessing Student Learning This five-year project to study science learning in authentic, immersive, virtual environments involving 1) simulated environments for teaching science topics, each framed according to a theoretical approach, role-based learning, 2) an innovative, integrated, distributed software platform for developing and hosting virtual environments, 3) empirical studies using an innovative protocol, scenario-based assessment, for measuring student learning in virtual worlds, and 4) a graduate-level summer school course for in-service teachers who will be trained, beginning in year three, to use virtual environments in their classrooms. This interdisciplinary project, in part, depends on fundamental computer science research in the areas of distributed systems, software agents and intelligent tutoring, and virtual environments. The intent of this research is to produce a large, controlled study demonstrating the statistical significance of the impact of the above methods on student learning.