Classifying Learning Model Components

Mark J. Norton
Jan. 30, 1996

A component is defined to be the set of behaviors needed to implement a particular learning model and to present events in a uniform manner. Presenting events in a uniform manner means having a single process flow model and having a uniform screen layout for each event. Several different kinds of components can be described:
Reference, Test, Situation and Simulation.

Reference

A reference component in its purest form describes how to present information to a user from a body of knowledge. How the information is accessed and presented is what distinguishes one reference type from another.

Matrix Reference

A piece of information is accessed by specifying a choice from two or more sets selection criteria. Together, these choices form a multidimensional index (m x n x o x ..) which can be used to retrieve what is needed. The Source is an example of a matrix reference.

Hierarchy Reference

In contrast, the hierarchy reference presents a series of choices which successively refine choice of topics, narrowing it to the point where a piece of information is identified. This interative process can be arbitrarily deep. While there are no examples in current MicroMentor products, this is a commonlyused technique in Web pages.

Shallow Hierarchy Reference

While a Hierarchy Reference can be abritrarily deep, there is a more specialized form which is limited to one or two levels deep. By restricting the depth of the hierarchy of topics, the chances of getting lost in large numbers of branching is reduced. The AT&T Encyclopedia is an example of a shallow hierarchy (two levels plus definitions).

Linear Reference

The linear reference presents information in a pre-set, ordered sequence. This is a useful approach for teaching assembly procedures, or describing a process.

Exploration Reference

The exploration reference presents information in an arbitrary network of conecepts connected by links. The student is allowed to explore these connections at will. This is another approach that is commonly used in Web pages.


Test

A test component is used to present questions to a student and measure comprehension based on the responses made. Simple tests present a direct measure of comprehension (a grade or score). More complex tests might have hints built in or reference to source material in correcting answers.

Game Test

A game test uses a game playing metaphore to present questions to the student. Feedback is presented in the form of corrected answers and a final score. The MindBender Challenge is an example of a game test component.

Mutliple Choice Test

Questions are presented along with a set number of possible answers. Feedback is immediate providing the correct answers where needed or a rewards screen when the correct answer is choosen. The presentation model is branched linear.

Exam

Game tests usually present feedback to the student immediately. By contrast, the Exam does not. Questions are present and results are gathered for grading and analysis which is turned over to an administrator and possibly the student. An exam can be used to certify knowledge comprehension in a student.


Situation

A situation component describes some situation that the student might find herself in and allow previously accumulated knowledge to be used in chosing between a set number of responses. These responses lead to new situations which allow the student to explore the consequences of the selection made. Situations components are based on decision trees.

Branched Linear Situation

In the branched linear situation component, the user is forced through a strict series of situations. Choices can be made, but an immediate response is made to correct non-optimal decisions. This organization can be useful to make sure that the student covers a known set of situations.

Branching Situation

In the braching situation component, on the other hand, the student does not immediately become aware of the results of decisions made. Things can develop, get more complicated, interact, etc. After a while, it becomes obvious that a better choice could have been made along the way. This type of component appeals to the puzzle solving skills of many students. They do not want to be given the answer, they want to repeatedly try the module until they figure out the answers themselves. This leads to increased knowledge retention.

Space Framework

The space framework serves as a means of defining places in a town, building, room, etc. Movement from place to place is handled by links. The space framework is often combined with other components to form complex components. An example of this is the AT&T branch management simulation, which allows movement from place to place and problems to be solved in various places.


Simulation

Simulation components are more complex in their modeling of a scenario and may allow a wider range of choices. Subsequent points in the simulation may be computed on the fly based on analysis of the students selections. Content may also be dynamically created. Simulations usually involve some form of custom software although parts of it can be modular in nature, such as the Space Framework described in the situation components above.

Classifying Components Page #