Removing Learning Barriers in Self-paced Online STEM Education

Translated title of the contribution: Removing Learning Barriers in Self-paced Online STEM Education

Hongxin Yan, Fuhua Lin, Kinshuk

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Self-paced online learning provides great flexibility for learning, yet it brings some inherent learning barriers because of the nature of this educational paradigm. This review paper suggests some corresponding strategies to address these barriers in order to create a more supportive self-paced online learning environment. These strategies include a) increasing students’ self-awareness of learning, b) identifying struggling students, and c) facilitating mastery learning. Focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines’ delivery of self-paced online learning, this paper reviewed the role of formative assessment for learning. It is proposed that systematically designing and embedding adaptive practicing in STEM courses would be an effective learning design solution to implement these strategies. By examining the goals and context of adaptive practicing requested in this study, the feature requirements are depicted for such an adaptive practicing model. The models and techniques that can be used for adaptive assessment were then reviewed. Based on the review results, this paper argues that a reinforcement learning-based adaptive practicing model would be the best option to meet those feature requirements. Finally, we point out a research gap in this field and suggest a future research direction for ourselves and other researchers.

    Translated title of the contributionRemoving Learning Barriers in Self-paced Online STEM Education
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalCanadian Journal of Learning and Technology
    Volume48
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2022

    Keywords

    • Adaptive practicing
    • Exercise sequencing
    • Knowledge tracing
    • Learning barrier
    • Reinforcement learning
    • Self-paced online learning

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