Carnegie Mellon University

Kenneth R Koedinger

Scott E Hudson

Nesra Yannier

Neil Thomas Heffernan, Iii

The present invention relates generally to a system and method that bring together the advantages of computer games and the physical world to increase engagement, collaboration and learning. The system and method can be used with a myriad of physical setups and can be used for many different content areas in education. In one embodiment, a mixed reality interaction is facilitated with an EarthShake&#x2122; game presented on a display. The game is synchronized with a tangible interface comprising a physical object and a sensor capable of detecting a change in the condition of the physical object. The system and method help kids discover scientific and other learning principles while experimenting with real objects in a physical environment supported with audio and visual feedback. Students interactively make predictions, see results, grapple with disconfirming evidence and formulate explanations in forms of general principles.

Apparatus and methods for tangible collaborative learning

Methods and systems are provided for tutoring a student in solving a problem described in the form of a dialog with a student involving questions posed to the student and analysis of student responses. The method employs a student model for receiving and diagnosing student input and a tutorial model for deciding what new questions to plan to ask the student. The method comprises the following steps: receiving the diagnosis in a tutorial processing module; generating an agenda including at least one question; applying at least one tutorial strategy to the diagnosis; and, providing feedback to the student based on application of the tutorial strategy given the current context as indicated by the agenda data structure. In certain aspects of the method, at least one knowledge remediation dialog and/or at least one knowledge construction dialog can be applied to generate dialog between the tutor and the student. System embodiments are also provided that incorporate the functions of the methods for tutoring a student. In addition, in other embodiments, the present tutoring methods and systems are practiced in connection with instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Kenneth R Koedinger