Abstract: The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based courses can be probl... more Abstract: The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based courses can be problematic for academic staff and students alike. Qualitative approaches used in this setting may also be seen as lacking validity by those who consider only quantitative assessment approaches to be viable. This five-institution research project is designed to gather data from academic staff and students about their experiences with assessment in team-based settings with the goal of deriving assessment practices that are fair to students and yield ...
Fifteenth Conference on Design and Emotion, Gothenburg, Sweden, Sep 1, 2006
Abstract As humanoid robots become increasingly lifelike, the boundaries are blurring between the... more Abstract As humanoid robots become increasingly lifelike, the boundaries are blurring between their roles as functional products and socially aware companions. Humanoid robots, or androids, have been developed and marketed along three general lines: entertainment robots (such as toys), service robots (task-oriented, such as security guards or receptionists) and companion robots (used in prolonged social interactions, such as teachers or home attendants). Little is known, however, about users’ expectations and preferences for highly interactive humanoid companions. What design characteristics would encourage or reduce human,attachment to a humanoid,robot? How do users differentiate service humanoid,robots from other androids designed for companionship? Do humanoid,products present unique issues for person-product attachment? This paper presents the results of a pilot research project investigating how potential robot users differentiate between “companion” and “service” robot preferences and expectations. Keywords Android, appearance, companion robot, design, emotion, function, human-robot interaction, robot, service robot, usability.
Abstract The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based subjects can be problemati... more Abstract The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based subjects can be problematic for academic staff and students alike, unless these stakeholders work toward a shared understanding of the basic elements of the assessment process. This paper describes both the background of an ongoing five-university research project investigating effective assessment of individual student learning in PBL-based subjects as well as the current framing of our findings–a strategic assessment framework.
How do students build their identities as professional engineers while learning about the roles a... more How do students build their identities as professional engineers while learning about the roles and responsibilities related to professional engineering practice? By what process does this identity construction occur, and how can we as educators more effectively guide it? Our study, funded by the National Science Foundation, used portfolio construction as a context to investigate these questions.
Abstract The assessment of individual student learning within team‐based subjects is often a chal... more Abstract The assessment of individual student learning within team‐based subjects is often a challenging task, due in part to the high levels of complexity inherent in the socially mediated and socially determined team‐based learning environment. This paper will describe the design and current status of a two‐year funded research project.
We live in a time of great enthusiasm for the role that e-Portfolios can play in education and a ... more We live in a time of great enthusiasm for the role that e-Portfolios can play in education and a time of exploration in which educators and researchers are investigating different approaches to using e-Portfolios to differentially support educational goals. In this paper, we focus on preparedness portfolios and portfolio studios as two key components of an approach to using portfolios in a specific educational context.
BACKGROUND While previously researching the educational impacts of single-course and cross-curric... more BACKGROUND While previously researching the educational impacts of single-course and cross-curricular portfolios, investigators noted that student participants described their portfolio activities as positively impacting their growing identities as engineering professionals. These impacts were seen particularly in studies regarding cross-curricular portfolios.
Abstract: This paper reports on a collaborative project between a university and technology corpo... more Abstract: This paper reports on a collaborative project between a university and technology corporation that explored computer software usability and accessibility with older adults and individuals who have disabilities, some of whom use assistive technology. The project history and overall goals are described. In addition, the methods and results from usability/accessibility studies involving individuals with visual impairments, people with mobility impairments, and older adults are presented.
Abstract Humans bring a complex infrastructure of beliefs and expectations to their social relati... more Abstract Humans bring a complex infrastructure of beliefs and expectations to their social relationships which can drive both social action and social thought. As robots become increasingly anthropomorphic, the potential for humans to bring this same infrastructure to human-robot interaction increases as well. Mori's Uncanny Valley theory can serve as an interesting lens through which to explore one of humanity's most primal social drives: the ability to make clear human-nonhuman distinctions.
Abstract: For many engineering educators, the topic of diversity can be frustrating and difficult... more Abstract: For many engineering educators, the topic of diversity can be frustrating and difficult. Writing and sharing individual diversity statements represents one strategy for empowering educators in their efforts to address diversity in their teaching. In this paper, we present the results of an empirical study in which graduate students (future engineering educators) prepared diversity statements as part of a teaching portfolio program.
BACKGROUND Grading individual students in teams has always been problematic. To accurately gauge ... more BACKGROUND Grading individual students in teams has always been problematic. To accurately gauge individual learning outcomes, students' grades need to be based on what they have learned as an individual within the team context. However, within engineering team-based project-oriented subjects, individuals have traditionally been assigned a grade heavily influenced by the team's project deliverables rather than their individual efforts.
Abstract Textual hyperlinks are important mainstays of the navigation systems of websites. The st... more Abstract Textual hyperlinks are important mainstays of the navigation systems of websites. The study presented here examines how the wording of hyperlinks in a navigation menu and embedded within the body text of a web page can influence users' browsing behavior, perceptions, and comprehension. Five experimental conditions were tested that varied hyper-link wording (generic, intriguing, and informative) in a navigation menu and in embedded links.
Abstract: The effective assessment of individual students' learning in team-based coursework is a... more Abstract: The effective assessment of individual students' learning in team-based coursework is a complex process which may not be fully understood by academic practitioners, much less mastered. To help bring greater understanding to this pedagogical challenge, this research team developed an ALTC-funded project to investigate current assessment practices in the team-based context and to derive an effective assessment framework.
ABSTRACT: Assessment of student learning in team-based subjects can be challenging, as the inhere... more ABSTRACT: Assessment of student learning in team-based subjects can be challenging, as the inherent complexity in this learning environment can create ambiguity for academic staff and students alike. This five-institution research project gathered data from academic staff and students about their experiences with assessment in team-based settings, data which served as a support for the development of a conceptual model for effective assessment of individual student learning in this highly collaborative setting.
Abstract In some domains, user-centered design practitioners have little or no direct access to t... more Abstract In some domains, user-centered design practitioners have little or no direct access to the users themselves. This project faced just such a challenge. Our goal was to develop a Web site to help engineering faculty respond effectively to teaching-related concerns, without having direct contact with this user group. In order to develop a relevant and useful Web site, we worked with a subject matter expert (SME) to obtain information about individual members of the target user group. This paper describes a four-stage approach ...
Abstract: The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based courses can be probl... more Abstract: The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based courses can be problematic for academic staff and students alike. Qualitative approaches used in this setting may also be seen as lacking validity by those who consider only quantitative assessment approaches to be viable. This five-institution research project is designed to gather data from academic staff and students about their experiences with assessment in team-based settings with the goal of deriving assessment practices that are fair to students and yield ...
Fifteenth Conference on Design and Emotion, Gothenburg, Sweden, Sep 1, 2006
Abstract As humanoid robots become increasingly lifelike, the boundaries are blurring between the... more Abstract As humanoid robots become increasingly lifelike, the boundaries are blurring between their roles as functional products and socially aware companions. Humanoid robots, or androids, have been developed and marketed along three general lines: entertainment robots (such as toys), service robots (task-oriented, such as security guards or receptionists) and companion robots (used in prolonged social interactions, such as teachers or home attendants). Little is known, however, about users’ expectations and preferences for highly interactive humanoid companions. What design characteristics would encourage or reduce human,attachment to a humanoid,robot? How do users differentiate service humanoid,robots from other androids designed for companionship? Do humanoid,products present unique issues for person-product attachment? This paper presents the results of a pilot research project investigating how potential robot users differentiate between “companion” and “service” robot preferences and expectations. Keywords Android, appearance, companion robot, design, emotion, function, human-robot interaction, robot, service robot, usability.
Abstract The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based subjects can be problemati... more Abstract The assessment of individual students' learning in team-based subjects can be problematic for academic staff and students alike, unless these stakeholders work toward a shared understanding of the basic elements of the assessment process. This paper describes both the background of an ongoing five-university research project investigating effective assessment of individual student learning in PBL-based subjects as well as the current framing of our findings–a strategic assessment framework.
How do students build their identities as professional engineers while learning about the roles a... more How do students build their identities as professional engineers while learning about the roles and responsibilities related to professional engineering practice? By what process does this identity construction occur, and how can we as educators more effectively guide it? Our study, funded by the National Science Foundation, used portfolio construction as a context to investigate these questions.
Abstract The assessment of individual student learning within team‐based subjects is often a chal... more Abstract The assessment of individual student learning within team‐based subjects is often a challenging task, due in part to the high levels of complexity inherent in the socially mediated and socially determined team‐based learning environment. This paper will describe the design and current status of a two‐year funded research project.
We live in a time of great enthusiasm for the role that e-Portfolios can play in education and a ... more We live in a time of great enthusiasm for the role that e-Portfolios can play in education and a time of exploration in which educators and researchers are investigating different approaches to using e-Portfolios to differentially support educational goals. In this paper, we focus on preparedness portfolios and portfolio studios as two key components of an approach to using portfolios in a specific educational context.
BACKGROUND While previously researching the educational impacts of single-course and cross-curric... more BACKGROUND While previously researching the educational impacts of single-course and cross-curricular portfolios, investigators noted that student participants described their portfolio activities as positively impacting their growing identities as engineering professionals. These impacts were seen particularly in studies regarding cross-curricular portfolios.
Abstract: This paper reports on a collaborative project between a university and technology corpo... more Abstract: This paper reports on a collaborative project between a university and technology corporation that explored computer software usability and accessibility with older adults and individuals who have disabilities, some of whom use assistive technology. The project history and overall goals are described. In addition, the methods and results from usability/accessibility studies involving individuals with visual impairments, people with mobility impairments, and older adults are presented.
Abstract Humans bring a complex infrastructure of beliefs and expectations to their social relati... more Abstract Humans bring a complex infrastructure of beliefs and expectations to their social relationships which can drive both social action and social thought. As robots become increasingly anthropomorphic, the potential for humans to bring this same infrastructure to human-robot interaction increases as well. Mori's Uncanny Valley theory can serve as an interesting lens through which to explore one of humanity's most primal social drives: the ability to make clear human-nonhuman distinctions.
Abstract: For many engineering educators, the topic of diversity can be frustrating and difficult... more Abstract: For many engineering educators, the topic of diversity can be frustrating and difficult. Writing and sharing individual diversity statements represents one strategy for empowering educators in their efforts to address diversity in their teaching. In this paper, we present the results of an empirical study in which graduate students (future engineering educators) prepared diversity statements as part of a teaching portfolio program.
BACKGROUND Grading individual students in teams has always been problematic. To accurately gauge ... more BACKGROUND Grading individual students in teams has always been problematic. To accurately gauge individual learning outcomes, students' grades need to be based on what they have learned as an individual within the team context. However, within engineering team-based project-oriented subjects, individuals have traditionally been assigned a grade heavily influenced by the team's project deliverables rather than their individual efforts.
Abstract Textual hyperlinks are important mainstays of the navigation systems of websites. The st... more Abstract Textual hyperlinks are important mainstays of the navigation systems of websites. The study presented here examines how the wording of hyperlinks in a navigation menu and embedded within the body text of a web page can influence users' browsing behavior, perceptions, and comprehension. Five experimental conditions were tested that varied hyper-link wording (generic, intriguing, and informative) in a navigation menu and in embedded links.
Abstract: The effective assessment of individual students' learning in team-based coursework is a... more Abstract: The effective assessment of individual students' learning in team-based coursework is a complex process which may not be fully understood by academic practitioners, much less mastered. To help bring greater understanding to this pedagogical challenge, this research team developed an ALTC-funded project to investigate current assessment practices in the team-based context and to derive an effective assessment framework.
ABSTRACT: Assessment of student learning in team-based subjects can be challenging, as the inhere... more ABSTRACT: Assessment of student learning in team-based subjects can be challenging, as the inherent complexity in this learning environment can create ambiguity for academic staff and students alike. This five-institution research project gathered data from academic staff and students about their experiences with assessment in team-based settings, data which served as a support for the development of a conceptual model for effective assessment of individual student learning in this highly collaborative setting.
Abstract In some domains, user-centered design practitioners have little or no direct access to t... more Abstract In some domains, user-centered design practitioners have little or no direct access to the users themselves. This project faced just such a challenge. Our goal was to develop a Web site to help engineering faculty respond effectively to teaching-related concerns, without having direct contact with this user group. In order to develop a relevant and useful Web site, we worked with a subject matter expert (SME) to obtain information about individual members of the target user group. This paper describes a four-stage approach ...
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