Gordon’s Virtual Math Classroom
Analyzing what is available to Math studentsArchive for March, 2008
ITS, Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Not much out there with what I’m looking for in terms of blogs. This subject seems to be heavily focused on research and not posting blogs but publishing articles at this time. Here are two leading articles that I found with a quick synopsis of each.
Jun, Youngcook. “Facilitating Mathematical Learning with a Peer Tutoring System: Lessons Learned.” Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching 22 (2003): 75-92.
Reviewed how to improve a software program titled “Linear Kid” with regards to formative evaluation with low and intermediate level students. The results noted that low level students watched how problems were solved while intermediate level students explored the various possibilities of problem solving. The researchers noted that there was some degree of frustration because it did not accommodate learning differences and that the program was not that engaging. This article shows where pitfalls may occur with my research and that I should always attempt to engage and address multiple learning differences and intelligences.
Moundridou, Maria, and Maria Virvou. “Analysis and Design of a Web-Based Authoring Tool Generating Intelligent Tutoring Systems.” Computers and Education os 40 (2003): 157-181.
Describes empirical study for WEAR (WEb based authoring tool for Algebra Related domains) for Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). WEAR attempts to address the complex and time consuming process for developing an ITS for Algebra. It analyzes the attitudes and behaviors of students and instructors with this particular system and how a framework could be created modeling not only the stereotypical student learning differences but also instructor teaching and scaffolding differences to make an easier to use system for instructors to create intelligent tutors. This article directly relates to my research in showing me how complex a system I may need to build in order to potentially accommodate student and teacher differences in other schools and classrooms. This article dangles a carrot in front of me because if indeed the researchers believe that they have developed an excellent skeleton facilitating input of domain info then I might be able to use it for my research.
Virtual Math Classroom vs. Online Tutoring
As Yoda would say,
No, this probably will be the only Star Wars reference I ever make on this blog but hopefully this one was enough of a hook for you to read on.
I would like to see if research and artificial intelligence (AI) have progressed to the point where instructors can utilize a base system to aid them with creation of an online expert tutor using AI.
I am nicknaming my AI the “Virtual Math Classroom” because a human teacher would not be able to easily administer, let alone teach, an entire classroom of 30+ students over the Internet without extreme duress. Not only would the teacher become stressed but also many students might grow frustrated and even learn less from this “distance learning” scenario. The at risk students would have an increased chance of “falling through the cracks”.
Through my initial research, it seems like there has been quite a lot of effort initiated throughout the last three decades. This initial research has not found web enabled virtual classrooms although I have faith they exist.
If through the next few weeks I don’t make much progress, I might possibly modify my focus to online tutoring through human to human interaction such as the trackback I’ve listed. There are many options for online tutoring as this blog so aptly discusses. It seems like there are also blogs that help create a stir that certain online tutoring sites are the latest and greatest such as 24hourstutor.com, thank goodness this trackback doesn’t even address this site because it seems that they are spamming many blogs out there. This trackback very eloquently lists several of the more prominent tutorial sites available such as:
Stay tuned….
