2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Psychology

Poster Appointment: NONE

Student Presenters :
Miles Patrick Smaxwell Psychology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Eric Wiebe Depart Of Math Science And Technology Education

Abstract Title : JavaTutor: The Influence of Learning Environment and Engagement Level on Conceptual Change

Abstract :
This study looked at computer-based learning environments. The learning environment of this study involved remote, computer-facilitated human tutoring of introductory-level, college computer science students on JavaScript through the application JavaTutor. The research focused on the JavaTutor environment’s efficacy to sustain an appropriate level of engagement in order to affect conceptual change (i.e., learning). In particular, the research aimed to find significant interactions between level of engagement and conceptual change. Prior research indicates that conceptual change requires deep processing and that deep processing typically coincides with high levels of engagement (Taasoobshirazi & Sinatra, 2011). Following Sinatra’s Cognitive Reconstruction of Knowledge Model (CRKM), conceptual change was measured through short-term learning gains and long-term retention items. Engagement was assessed through the User Engagement Scale (O’Brien & Toms, 2008; 2010) and NASA-TLX (Wiebe, Roberts, & Behrend, 2010) instruments. Positive correlations were found between some of the learning activities and measures of engagement. These findings will be discussed along with how this informs future development of the JavaTutor system and future research into the development of machine-based tutors with the ability to promote engageed learning.