Tutoring System Project -Learning Sciences

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. In essence, you will become “experts” within one particular topic 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 to the class, receive feedback from your peers in order for you to make improvements, and then provide John with an internet link for assessment. Please consider choosing a topic that will benefit you outside of the realm of classwork (your job, in your teaching, research, etc.). The project can be completed individually or in a small group (max 3 students). If completed in a group the completion of a confidential “contribution sheet” will be required. Some general topics are below but you should transform these into something more specific for your intended audience. For instance, Strategies for Improving Metacognitive Monitoring abilities in Reading for 4th graders. Once you have determined your topic inform John of your choice. 

  • Memory – Understanding its components and their functions (e.g., working memory, long-term memory, etc.)
  • Memory – Strategies for increasing the effectiveness of one’s memory
  • Metacognition
  • Behavioral principles applied to education
  • Goal Orientation, Growth Mindset; the impact of Dweck’s theory
  • Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
  • Problem Solving processes and skills
  • Cognitive Study Skills
  • The Use of Rewards in Education
  • Developing Expertise
  • The impact of the learning sciences on the teaching of Reading (or an approved discipline, e.g., Science)
​More specific examples from one specific category (serious games):
  • How to Promote Working Memory through Digital Games
  • Knowing What We Know and Don’t Know: How Digital Games can Improve Metacognition
  • The Impact of Serious Games on Self-Regulated Learning
  • Elements of Serious Games that promote Problem Solving processes
  • Game-based approaches to improve Cognitive Study Skills for Elementary Students
  • The Impact of Rewards in Serious Games
  • Techniques within Digital Games for Enhancing Personal Interest in Microbiology

Required Components of your Tutoring System:

  • Summary introductory screen preferably with a summary graphic or graphic organizer - your target audience should be clearly identifiable here
  • At least 5 hyperlinks to related Internet web sites
  • Information screens with accompanying graphics and at least 4 sources cited (not counting internet links)
  • Applied examples/case studies for instruction/learning
  • A discussion of any controversies or opposing/competing theories
  • Review Activity that causes reflection/self-testing of comprehension/application of information (more than just a couple T/F items)
  • 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 project:

  • 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 assessing so the target users should be clear to the user.
  • 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 science topics discussed in the course.
  • Everything should be self-contained in your website but the use of linked blogs/posts or other activities is encouraged.
  • 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 (40 points):

  • 3 points for the intro screen and graphic organizer
  • 3 points for the presentation of internet links in a clear/descriptive fashion
  • 14 points for a clear and creative presentation of information related to your topic
  • 6 points for providing applied examples/case studies illustrating your topic
  • 3 points for a discussion of controversies and/or opposing/competing theories
  • 3 points for ease of navigation
  • 3 points for a review activity
  • 5 points for in-class presentation of full working site (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 all text on each slide - be selective).

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH
Sample Projects
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