PowerPoint Presentation

Click on PowerPoint Presentation. This is a the same presentation that I gave on December 12, 2007, except for some reformatting that was necessary to correct formatting problems that showed up when I placed the PowerPoint online.

Technology Demonstration Proposal for EDTEC 550

Fall 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the technology demonstration is to demonstrate a program that teaches mathematics using the ACT-R learning model as a way of illustrating that model.

Title

A Demonstration of an Adaptive Tutor for Teaching Algebra 1

Project Team Roles

The demonstration will be performed by one person, Peter Ash, who will be playing several roles.

· Preparation of a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the ACT-R learning model and explaining how it is used in the Carnegie Learning Algebra I learning system. (Content Expert role)

· Development of a script that will be used to demonstrate the Carnegie Learning Algebra I learning system, where the demonstrator will play the role of a middle school student learning elementary algebra. (Instructional Design role)

· Delivery of the script. (Instructor role)

Main Idea

The Carnegie Learning Cognitive Tutors are based on over twenty years of learning research at Carnegie Mellon University, specifically on the ACT-R theory of learning. These Tutors are adaptive in the sense that they dynamically adjust their presentation to the student using them. Though they are designed for use in a blended learning approach (40% of time in a computer lab, 60% in class), it seems to me that this approach is ideally suited to the demands of distance learning, and that programs such as these will play a large role in the distance learning system of the future.

My presentation will have three parts:

(1) A PowerPoint presentation explaining the ACT-R (adaptive control of thought – rational) theory of cognition integration on which the Cognitive Tutors are based.

(2) A demonstration, using Adobe Connect, showing the Algebra I Cognitive Tutor in action.

(3) A paper, available online, describing the features of the Algebra Cognitive Tutor that may not be apparent from the demonstration.

Objectives

(1) Participants will be able to describe the purpose of ACT-R.

(2) Participants will be able to distinguish declarative knowledge from procedural knowledge, according to ACT-R theory.

(3) Participants will be able to describe the purpose of the Carnegie Learning Algebra I cognitive tutor.

(4) Participants will be able to describe the structure of a typical Carnegie Learning Algebra I cognitive tutor lesson.

(5) Participants will be able to describe how the Carnegie Learning Algebra I cognitive tutor adapts to the individual learner.

(6) Participants will be able to list at least two components that need to be developed to be able to use the Carnegie Learning Algebra I cognitive tutor in a distance education program.

Instructional Design

The information will be conveyed in one online session, lasting 15 – 20 minutes. The session will include a written/verbal presentation of the ideas to be presented and a live demonstration of the software.

Format

The session will be delivered over Adobe Connect. The written/verbal presentation will be presented by a simple PowerPoint presentation. The live demonstration of the software will be presented through a shared screen on Adobe Connect, with live voice-over.

Flow Diagram

See below.