Implementing and combining on-line technologies in robotics course Yair Zadok

Out line Robotics course Problem presentation and needs characterization literature review Research objectives Development, implantation and upgrading the learning environment Tools, method and research approach Research findings Summary

Robotics course Robotics course is based on aspects such as solving technological problems, social and cognitive aspects. Robotics course is computer and project based. Communication between the teacher and students is carried out through discussion groups and s. 25 heterogeneous junior high school, participated in this research.

Robotics website What is robotics course? Materialsmultimedia softwarelinks Photo gallery presentations Exercise sheets Robotic models programming LDRAW videos

The problem In a preliminary research that was conducted it has been found that: the teacher did not utilize on-line environment tools which he possessed. The students revealed low motivation towards participation in discussion groups. Class activities where carried out throughout class proceedings only.

Solution- need characterization The possible solutions for increasing activity and motivation are numerous and divertive: It is necessary to carry out, first acquaintance with the system at the beginning of the course. Motivating the students through out the entire course by s, weekly messages, and immediate feedback in course forums.

Possible solutions Davidson (2007), suggested that within the course website there should be classifications in a number of levels: Opening forums for each project, uploading presentations, evaluating classmates in the forum. writing a pool of questions Adding weekly messages in order to remind the students of upcoming tasks. Communication with the students through . Re Organizing and representation class material in the course web site.

Learning environment – knowledge era Before New technology, old pedagogy After New technology updated and practical pedagogy

Blended Learning An optimal model for on line learning which combines traditional learning and on line learning (Andrews & Haythornthwaite, 2007) There is an uncertainty whether implanting the model in certain learning environments will contribute to the learning process (Bonk et al., 2003) Blended learning model

an on-line learning environment: High learn The course is supported by an on-line LCMS (high learn) environment. This kind of environment enables to create, store, and transmit information from a database which contains all learning materials. ) Hall, 2006( the purpose of the LCMS is to provide the learner its personal knowledge needs according to different learning purposes. (Barnea, 2004). *Learning Content Management System

Research objectives The main goal of this research : The influence of combining an on line web site to a project based robotics course Learning processes in class and students view points towards project based learning

Project description The research lasted 12 months (two semesters) And included the following steps: Needs analysis and characterization of the course web site Motivating and operating the on-line environment. Analyzing data and conducting assessment research.

Developing,implementing and upgrading the learning environment Opening active forums Combining digital means Uploading messages to the course website Creating tests (tasks)

Opening active forums Before research interference,the teacher maintained one active forum which included all class materials As a result of research interference: There has been a clear division of class materials. Different forums have been opened for different subjects.

Combining digital means It is known that students are requested to shut down all multimedia means through out class proceedings. In this course, the students where given a free hand to document their projects through multimedia means such as cell phones and still cameras, which contributed to students motivation. After each lesson all pictures where gathered to one photo gallery, the students used the photos to present their project building process.

messages Uploading weekly messages contributes to the connection between teacher and students. As a result of sharing the students with weekly messages, the students felt commitment and motivation towards course proceedings.

Creating tests (tasks) Before research interference course assessment was project based only, and the teacher did not conduct knowledge based tests. In this research the researchers conducted on-line tests in the high learn environment The test checked knowledge and proficiency towards class materials.

Tools and methods The project was based on tools and methods such as: Characterizing course web site. Documenting student dialogue through out the course. Interviewing certain groups of students through out the course. View point questionnaire in the beginning and at the end of the course. Online tests. Assessing project presentations. Supervising class activities.

Research approach This research was based on a combination of two research principals, quantity and quality based research. Quality research Quantity research

Research approach Viewpoint questionnaire observationsinterviews

Findings Analyzing general findings from high learn reports. Questionnaire findings: Orientation to computer and internet. Student use of course web site. Course website as a learning aid. Teacher’s assessment of project presentation. On-line tests.

general findings from high learn reports At the end of the course on-line activity and entries to the course web site was analyzed. Amount of entriestypeName of item 187Discussion groupCourses main forum 163Discussion groupFishing rod forum 51Discussion groupBridge forum 47Discussion groupTechnical problems 26testBridge test 22test Makeover bridge and forces test

Orientation to computer and internet Is it possible to use the internet for learning purposes?

Student use of course web site To what extent did the students use the courses website, and what kind of tools did they use in the website?

Course website as a learning aid Which characteristics in the course website increased levels of motivation and self learning?

Teacher’s assessment - project presentations During robotics course the students built two kinds of projects from Lego blocks (bridge and fishing rod). When the students finished building the models, they where requested to document their projects through ppt presentations. Team 5Team 4Team 3Team 2Team 1 Grades- bridge/fishing rod projects (n=24) bridge Fishing rod

On-line tests The goal of the online test is to reflect assimilation/perception of class materials. To check class and students knowledge level. To identify difficulties and wrong misconceptions amongst the students. First test Second test Average test grades (n=24)

summary The students which participated in the research experienced for the first time on-line learning, which is very different from traditional way of education. The students revealed enthusiasm towards the teaching method. The online environment did not constitute an obstacle towards the learning process. There were technical problems that the students faced in the high learn environment, although frustration, the students reported that the course web site contributed to the communication with the teacher and project preparations.

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