Tutoring System Project

The goal of this project is to develop a Web-based tutoring system on a topic within the areas of learning and motivation. The objective is to integrate information/concepts learned from the course along with additional outside sources (journal articles, the internet, etc.) to create an informative program to benefit a targeted audience who is unfamiliar with your topic. In essence, you will become “experts” within one particular topic in the study of learning and then share your knowledge with others. Remember that your tutorial should be interesting and engaging . . . a program you would voluntarily choose to interact with. You will present this within your focus group (10 min.), receive feedback from your group members in order for you to make improvements, and then provide Dr. Nietfeld with a link by the due date. Please consider choosing a topic that will benefit you outside of the realm of classwork (your job/future job, in your teaching, volunteer work, etc.). Create your site in Weebly, Wix, or Word Press. The topic you choose should be from the following list OR determined after consultation with Dr. Nietfeld:   

  • Memory – Strategies for increasing the effectiveness of one’s memory
  • Metacognition
  • Behavioral principles applied to education
  • Goal Orientation; the impact of Dweck’s theory
  • Attribution Theory
  • Problem Solving processes and skills
  • Cognitive Study Skills
  • The Use of Rewards in Education
  • Instructional strategies (e.g., cooperative learning, direction instruction, etc.)
  • A Profile of Influential Learning & Educational Theorists
  • Developing Expertise
  • Implicit Beliefs (e.g., reading, knowledge, etc.)
  • Research on the teaching of Reading (or an approved discipline, e.g., Science)
  • Being a critical consumer of educational trends
  • Understanding types of research in learning & education
  • Technology/Game-based learning applications that enhance learning

Required Components of your Tutoring System:

  • Summary introductory screen
  • Graphic organizer at the beginning of your presentation
  • At least 5 hyperlinks to related Internet web sites
  • Information screens with accompanying graphics and at least 4 sources cited (not counting our textbook or internet links)
  • Applied examples/case studies for instruction/learning
  • A discussion of any controversies or opposing/competing theories
  • Review Activity
  • Providing a confidential "contribution sheet” (if completed as a group) that will describe your contributions to the project and the contributions of other group members (to be given by Dr. Nietfeld during your presentation in class).

Things to consider/include in your presentation:

  • Keep in mind that this is a tutoring system to inform a target audience about the topic that you choose.  I will be considering this when grading.
  • Be creative and develop a presentation that you would want to look at and learn from if you were not familiar with the topic.
  • Make sure there is a logical flow and organization with your information and various components.  Use hyperlinks and other control buttons within your presentation to help the reader navigate.
  • The tutorial must relate directly to learning and/or motivation.
  • Everything should be self-contained but the use of linked blogs/posts or other activities is encouraged.
  • Be clear upfront who the target audience is for the tutoring system.
  • Talk to the learner in your tutoring system.  This is not an academic presentation therefore you must interact with the user.
  • Make sure all of your links work before submitting your system.

How your presentation will be assessed (70 points):

  • 5 points for the intro screen and graphic organizer
  • 5 points for the presentation of internet links in a clear/descriptive fashion
  • 25 points for a clear and creative presentation of information related to your topic
  • 10 points for providing applied examples/case studies illustrating your topic
  • 5 points for a discussion of controversies and/or opposing/competing theories
  • 5 points for ease of navigation
  • 5 points for a review activity
  • 10 points for in-class presentation (If working in a group you must be involved in the presentation.  The presentation itself is an overview of what your tutoring system provides.  This does not include reading through every bullet or slide)
Sample Projects
(Click to Access)