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Sensor-enabled
Computer-based
Training for
Augmenting Science
Education
Meera S Datta and Sanjay Gupta
Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems (CRCS)
NIIT Limited, Synergy Building, IIT Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016.
INDIA
Phone: +91 11 658 1012 extension 7024
Fax: +91 11 658 1022
E-mail: meerasd@niit.com
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The Problem
No seamless connection
amongst
Computer-Based Training Packages - access to only theory
Data-logging units - no access to theory
Lab equipment The Problem
The Solution
Advantages
Lesson Design
The Experiment
Experimental Data
Learnings
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The Solution
Integrate lessons, data loggers
and lab equipment
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Advantages
Approach allows designing
teaching units that place the child in the role of a scientist
Eliminates delay between theory
and practice
Teaching unit takes on the role of
a guide
Enables topics to be introduced
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Lesson Design
Observe phenomenon using the Sensor-enabled system
Postulate appropriate Law/Hypothesis
Do more experiments to verify/validate proposed
Law/Hypothesis
Is Law/Hypothesis postulated correct?
Refer to Current Theory
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The Experiment
Student Spectrum
70 students 48 + 22
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The Experiment
Instrument
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The Experiment
Data Captured
Time taken to complete
experiments
Help Sought:
No guidance/Guidance/Handholding
Previous Experience: Yes/No
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The Experimental Data
Sample
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The Experimental Data
Time taken by School B children
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The Experimental Data
Time taken versus previous experience
Has Previous Experience
No Previous Experience
Sample Size Time Sample Size Time
School A 11 24.2 17 27.5
School B 1 10 15 24.5
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The Experimental Data
Time taken by School A and B (computer)
Size Min. Time
Max. Time
Avg. SD
School A 14 30 55 38.5 6.5
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Learnings
Performance does not seem be
affected by
background
gender
previous experience
exposure to computers
Transferred learning mass
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Learnings
Quick creation of lessons
possible
Can be integrated with
non-formal curricula
Computer will have to be placed
in the lab or vice versa
New methodology for lesson
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Future
Lessons designed by
children/teachers
New experiments conceived by
children
New instruments conceived by
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