Learning Sciences

In human-interaction, 55% of affective information is carried by the body whilst 38% by the voice tone and volume, and only 7% person by the words spoken [1]. Ekman [2] further suggests that non-verbal behaviours are the primary vehicles for expressing emotion. With the availability of computational power, and great advances in the fields of computer vision and speech recognition, it is now possible to create systems that can detect facial expressions, gestures and body postures from video and audio feed. Furthermore, systems that can integrate different modalities can offer powerful and much more pleasant computer experiences as they would be embracing users' natural behaviour.

In the paper it says "According to Wolcott teachers rely on nonverbal means such as eye contact, facial expressions and body language to determine the cognitive states of students, which indicate the degree of success in the instructional transaction". I really wonder what is your opinion about it and would it be succesful to implement affect recognition (after voice-recognition) in intelligent tutoring systems.

Pınar, I think Carnegie Learning "Success Stories" page does not provide the information whether the research group uses the tutoring system as additional or supportive on top of the control group's traditional lesson content. So if the research group only used the tutoring system then it is a significant result.

I think it was a supportive program because in the report it was stated that the Cognitive Tutor Algebra I curriculum consisted of classroom instruction, software sessions, and text. However, the information provided in the report is not sufficient to make an evaluation of the program, other variables might have influenced the results.

The construct of motivation which we all like as a class:) is for sure critical in tech-based environments. This issue that sometimes go unnoticed is underlined in this paper focusing on Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

I really had fun while watching this video. Brief cartoon summary of what traditional education system turns to us.

there is a conference on intelligent tutoring systems.

An event you shouldn't miss. TEDx is now at METU!!!

Hocam, they increased the participants number to 190. If anyone has not registered, I suggest to register because we have more chance to be audience.

This company was founded by John E. Laird, a professor in the faculty of the Computer Science and Engineering Division of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of the University of Michigan.

It was an informing video about the basics of situated cognition, I wish that whole essays can be transformed into videos :) It was nice to support with perssonal experiencec with theory

the page briefly and clearly defines what situated learning is, and shows how to create authentic learning contexts by using digital media. There are very short videos showing situated learning genres and some handouts which can be helpful in the class.

While I was reading about interactive case scenarios, I remembered some of my friends playing a game on the Internet called "fantasy role play". I am sure most of us have already heard about it because it is very popular among METU students. Actually the major aim of the game is to have some fun, but it can also be organized as a learning tool.

Thanks for sharing the examples. I already started thinking about how to integrate these into teacher training programs.

Do you think village institutes in Turkey can be some examples of implementation of situated learning examples? I am sure most of you have watched the documentary on them :)

Canan, this is a very good example, and I believe will spark a good discussion on situated learning.

Bu okulda öğrencileri okuldan soğutacak hiç bir uygulama yok. Özel okul statüsünde ancak kar amacı güdülmüyor. Bütçesi velilerin katılımıyla bir kooperatif tarafından karşılanıyor. İlk şubesi Bodrum'da açılan okulun ikinci şubesi için İzmir'de çalışmalar başlatıldı.

most probably you have heard that Summerhill School in England. It is a boarding school founded by A.S. Neill in 1921 and its basic principle is the school should be made to fit the child, rather than the child should be made to fit the school. I think the one in Turkey might be founded based on the Summerhill School. here is is website for more information; www.summerhillschool.co.uk

There is this point that I totally agree with Burcu about disadvantaged groups. Also whenever I think about examples like Sudbury Valley, I get impressed by the idea of getting rid of exam threat. But for our country, we have to change like everything, the belief systems, the culture, the attitudes. We have a lot do to in that respect, even if our main intention to make just a small change.

There is a workshop at METU Library on Mendeley. Do not miss this opportunity!!!

The article focuses on the application of situated learning based on a game "Full Spectrum Warrior", which is useful to review.

thank you burcu for sharing this with us it reminded me the game "SimCity" :)

I wish we had been born in this era. Students are so lucky. I can't imagine learning through such tools. We were all born into textbooks:-(