Simulated Social Interactions

A major feature of the course is our method of simulating student-to-student communication

We use an SQL database of previously collected responses to deliver comments to the student under asynchronous conditions. This models the peer-tutoring environment of the face-to-face classroom.

Paradox Discussion

Students are confronted with a situation that is commonly misinterpreted. After contributing a text explanation, the student is shown a small gallery of responses (from the database) by other students on the same situation. This is followed by a second opportunity to submit an explanation. Finally, the instructor's response is made available.

Response Ranking

Students view a selection of responses (from the database) to a question and are asked to rank them according to which ones are most consistent with correct physics principles.

Process Discussion

Students examine the method by which they reached the answer to a problem. After contributing a response they are shown a small gallery of similar analyses (from the database) contributed by other students. Here are some examples of this strategy.

ConcepTest

Students consider a multiple-choice question. After responding they are shown a histogram of historical responses by other students to the same question. They then enter a justification for their answer. When this is submitted they are shown a selection (from the database) of similar student responses. They are then asked to vote again and are shown the second-vote historical histogram. Finally, the instructor's explanation is made available. ConcepTests involve seven frames.