Computer Science & Engineering
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/3258
2024-03-29T14:48:55ZA problem-oriented approach to represent and manage knowledge in PBL
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/53662
A problem-oriented approach to represent and manage knowledge in PBL
Miao, Yongwu; Samaka, Mohammed; Wang, Disi
In traditional subject-based learning knowledge is well-structured and prepared in advance by the teachers before transferring in the form of a lecture presentation. However, the knowledge learned in problem-based learning (PBL) may be multi-disciplinary / ill-structured, constructed collaboratively by a small group of learners. It is challenge to support teachers and students in representing and managing knowledge in an online and hybrid PBL environment. This paper presents a problem-oriented knowledge representation and management method based on an analysis of technical requirements to support online and hybrid PBL. Adopting this approach we develop a PBL-specific whiteboard, a visualized knowledge representation tool supporting collaborative knowledge building in PBL. Through a combined use of a PBL scripting language and the PBL-specific whiteboard, the students can be guided and scaffold to construct and share a network of knowledge artifacts systematically as they progress through their various activities such as defining problems, identifying learning issues, proposing ideas, and improving their ideas. In this paper we demonstrate the technical feasibility of this approach by presenting the implementation of a web-based PBL application.
2015-01-01T00:00:00ZUsing a PBL authoring tool to train teachers in designing an online PBL unit
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/53664
Using a PBL authoring tool to train teachers in designing an online PBL unit
Miao, Yongwu; Samaka, Mohammed; Wang, Disi; Ali, Zeyad; Romanowski, Michael H.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is proposed as one of the most well-known alternatives to subject-based learning in educating graduates to become independent workers, critical thinkers, problem solvers, lifelong learners, and team workers. However, the PBL practice is still far from widespread. One of serious impediments to PBL's diffusion in education is that teachers have difficulties in transforming a subject-based course into a problem-driven course. In addition, teachers lack the necessary skills to make informed judgments and decisions about how to use technologies in their PBL practices. The purpose of this research is to support teachers in developing an online PBL unit. Based on schema theory we developed a PBL scripting language and an associated PBL authoring tool. The tool was developed for teachers to represent, communicate, and reuse their PBL course/lesson plans implementing in technology-enhanced learning environments. It is assumed that it can also be used as a means to educate teachers who may be not familiar with PBL to learn PBL design and to develop an online PBL unit. Through conducting an experiment we found that the PBL authoring tool can facilitate teachers to make informed decisions in their design practice through following a formal design method. Most participants of the experiment thought that the tool is useful to design an online PBL unit and easy to learn.
2014-01-01T00:00:00ZA flexible system and data model for the representation and management of PBL scripts
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/53663
A flexible system and data model for the representation and management of PBL scripts
Wang, Disi; Miao, Yongwu; Hoppe, Ulrich; Samaka, Mohammed
As problem-based learning (PBL) is becoming more and more popular, there is also a growing interest in developing and using technologies in the implementation of PBL. However, teachers may have difficulties to design a pedagogically high-quality and technically executable, online or blended PBL process on their own, because they lack appropriate expertise in learning theories and design methods as well as a deeper understanding of the potential affordances of technologies. From this premise, we are committed to developing and testing methods and tools to support the design and delivery of online or hybrid PBL processes with high flexibility and a low threshold of usage requirements. As a first milestone towards this goal we have developed a web-based PBL authoring tool for facilitating teachers to design, represent, understand, communicate, customize and reuse online or blended PBL processes. This paper presents a technical approach to the PBL authoring tool and focuses on supporting the representation and management of PBL scripts, computational descriptions of PBL process. In comparison with other tools and technical approaches, it is concluded that a combined use of semi-structured data management and a unified data format appears to be a promising approach to effectively and efficiently support the representation and management of PBL scripts.
2014-01-01T00:00:00ZWorkplace learning using mobile technology: A case study in the oil and gas industry
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/53668
Workplace learning using mobile technology: A case study in the oil and gas industry
Ally, Mohamed; Samaka, Mohammed; Impagliazzo, John; Mohamed, Abdulahi; Robinson, Martha
This article presents an innovative project using mobile technology to train workers in the oil and gas industry to develop their communication skills while functioning on the job. The training was delivered on mobile devices using Apps so that workers can access the training materials without having to connect to a network. Workers performance improved and workers indicated that they would like to engage in other experiences using mobile technology and that mobile learning provides flexibility for learning. Since not much research was conducted in the past on the use of mobile learning for training in organizations, more research should be conducted. Examples of research needed include how mobile sensors can be used for just in time training as workers are mobile and how to make learning pervasive using mobile technology so that workers can learn in context.
2014-01-01T00:00:00Z