Sensor-enabled Computer-based Training for Augmenting Science Education

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Sensor-enabled Computer-based Training for
Augmenting Science Education

• Meera S Datta and Sanjay Gupta
• Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems (CRCS)
• NIIT Limited, Synergy Building, IIT Campus,
• Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016.
• INDIA
• Phone [phone] extension 7024
• Fax [phone]
• E-mail meerasd_at_niit.com
• sanjayg_at_niit.com

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The Problem
The Problem The Solution Advantages Lesson
Design The Experiment Experimental
Data Learnings Future

• No seamless connection amongst
• Computer-Based Training Packages - access to only
  theory
• Data-logging units - no access to theory
• Lab equipment

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The Solution

• Integrate lessons, data loggers and lab
  equipment
• Computer-Integrated Experimentation

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Advantages

• Approach allows designing teaching units that
  place the child in the role of a scientist
• Eliminates delay between theory and practice
• Teaching unit takes on the role of a guide
• Enables topics to be introduced to a younger age
  group

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Lesson Design
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The Experiment

• Student Spectrum
• 70 students
• 48 22
• 10 - 12 years

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The Experiment
Kit
Lesson
Instrument
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The Experiment

• Data Captured
• Time taken to complete experiments
• Help Sought
• No guidance/Guidance/Handholding
• Previous Experience Yes/No
• Observations/Remarks

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The Experimental Data
Time taken by School A children
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The Experimental Data
Time taken by School B children
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The Experimental Data
Time taken versus previous experience
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The Experimental Data
Time taken by School A and B (computer)
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Learnings

• Performance does not seem be affected by
• background
• gender
• previous experience
• exposure to computers
• Transferred learning mass seems high

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Learnings

• Quick creation of lessons possible
• Can be integrated with non-formal curricula
• Computer will have to be placed in the lab or
  vice versa
• New methodology for lesson design

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Future

• Lessons designed by children/teachers
• New experiments conceived by children
• New instruments conceived by children

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A screenshot of the Lesson
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A Student with the Kit
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Using the Booklet
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Using the Booklet
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Using the Booklet
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Equilibrium Temperature
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Good and Bad Conductors
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Using MSAgents