Supporting collaborative learning and problem-solving in a constraint-based CSCL environment for UML class diagrams

We present COLLECT-UML, a constraint-based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that teaches object-oriented analysis and design using Unified Modelling Language (UML). UML is easily the most popular object-oriented modelling technology in current practice. While teaching how to design UML class diagrams, COLLECT-UML also provides feedback on collaboration. Being one of constraint-based tutors, COLLECT-UML represents the domain knowledge as a set of constraints. However, it is the first system to also represent a higher-level skill such as collaboration using the same formalism. We started by developing a single-user ITS that supported students in learning UML class diagrams. The system was evaluated in a real classroom, and the results showed that students’ performance increased significantly. In this paper, we present our experiences in extending the system to provide support for collaboration as well as domain-level support. We describe the architecture, interface and support for collaboration in the new, multi-user system. The effectiveness of the system has been evaluated in two studies. In addition to improved problem-solving skills, the participants both acquired declarative knowledge about effective collaboration and did collaborate more effectively. The participants have enjoyed working with the system and found it a valuable asset to their learning.

[1]  John A. Self,et al.  LeCS: A Collaborative Case Study System , 2000, Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

[2]  Pierre Dillenbourg,et al.  Over-scripting CSCL: The risks of blending collaborative learning with instructional design , 2002 .

[3]  Michael J. Baker,et al.  Computer-mediated epistemic interactions for co-constructing scientific notions: Lessons learned from a five-year research programme , 2001 .

[4]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  COLLECT-UML: Supporting Individual and Collaborative Learning of UML Class Diagrams in a Constraint-Based Intelligent Tutoring System , 2005, KES.

[5]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  KERMIT: A Constraint-Based Tutor for Database Modeling , 2002, Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

[6]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  Problem-Solving Support in a Constraint- based Tutor for UML Class Diagrams , 2006 .

[7]  Grady Booch.  Architecting web-based systems with the unified modeling language , 1999 .

[8]  Alejandra Martínez-Monés,et al.  From Mirroring to Guiding: A Review of State of the Art Technology for Supporting Collaborative Learning , 2005, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..

[9]  Stephanie Jarboe,et al.  Procedures for Enhancing Group Decision Making , 1996 .

[10]  Beatriz Barros,et al.  Analysing student interaction processes in order to improve collaboration. The DEGREE approach , 2000 .

[11]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  A Constraint-Based Tutor for Learning Object-Oriented Analysis and Design using UML , 2005, ICCE.

[12]  Aurora Vizcaíno.  A Simulated Student Can Improve Collaborative Learning , 2005, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..

[13]  강문설.  [서평]「The Unified Modeling Language User Guide」 , 1999 .

[14]  Hiroaki Ogata,et al.  Active knowledge awareness map: Visualizing learners activities in a web based CSCL environment , 2000 .

[15]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  Authoring web-based tutoring systems with WETAS , 2002, International Conference on Computers in Education, 2002. Proceedings..

[16]  N. Webb,et al.  Constructive Activity and Learning in Collaborative Small Groups. , 1995 .

[17]  Angelique Dimitracopoulou,et al.  Designing collaborative learning systems: current trends & future research agenda , 2005, CSCL.

[18]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  Evaluation of a Constraint-Based Tutor for a Database Language , 1999 .

[19]  Amy Soller,et al.  Supporting Social Interaction in an Intelligent Collaborative Learning System , 2001 .

[20]  Daniel D. Suthers,et al.  Coaching Web-based Collaborative Learning based on Problem Solution Differences and Participation , 2003, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..

[21]  Pierre Dillenbourg,et al.  What we know about CSCL and implementing it in higher education , 2004 .

[22]  Michael J. Baker,et al.  Promoting reflective interactions in a computer-supported collaborative learning environment , 1997 .

[23]  Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica.  Analysing student interaction processes in order to improve collaboration . The DEGREE approach , 2000 .

[24]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  NORMIT: a Web-enabled tutor for database normalization , 2002, International Conference on Computers in Education, 2002. Proceedings..

[25]  M. S. Poole,et al.  Communication and Group Decision-Making , 1986 .

[26]  Ivar Jacobson,et al.  The Unified Modeling Language User Guide , 1998, J. Database Manag..

[27]  Stellan Ohlsson,et al.  Constraint-Based Student Modeling , 1994 .

[28]  Ard W. Lazonder,et al.  Using sentence openers to foster student interaction in computer-mediated learning environments , 2003, Comput. Educ..

[29]  Riichiro Mizoguchi,et al.  Learners' Roles and Predictable Educational Benefits in Collaborative Learning An Ontological Approach to Support Design and Analysis of CSCL , 2004, Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

[30]  Antonija Mitrovic.  The Effect of Explaining on Learning: a Case Study with a Data Normalization Tutor , 2005, AIED.

[31]  Ben Shneiderman,et al.  The design of history mechanisms and their use in collaborative educational simulations , 1999, CSCL.

[32]  Nikolaos Avouris,et al.  Design of collaboration-support tools for group problem solving , 2001 .

[33]  Tanja Mitrovic,et al.  Constraint-based tutors: a success story , 2001, AIED.

[34]  E. Paice,et al.  Collaborative learning , 2003, Medical education.

[35]  Daniel D. Suthers,et al.  Coaching collaboration in a computer-mediated learning environment , 2002, CSCL.

[36]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  DB-Suite: Experiences with Three Intelligent, Web-Based Database Tutors. , 2004 .

[37]  Robert M. Aiken,et al.  Monitoring computer-based collaborative problem solving , 1995 .

[38]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  An Intelligent SQL Tutor on the Web , 2003, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..

[39]  B. Bloom.  The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as One-to-One Tutoring , 1984 .

[40]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  A Constraint-Based Collaborative Environment for Learning UML Class Diagrams , 2006, Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

[41]  S. Graf,et al.  Adaptive and Intelligent Web-Based Educational Systems , 2009 .

[42]  Nikol Rummel,et al.  Solving the Case Together : The Challenge of Net-based Interdisciplinary Collaboration , 2001 .

[43]  W. Doise.  The social development of the intellect , 1984 .

[44]  K. A. Ericsson,et al.  Protocol Analysis: Verbal Reports as Data , 1984 .

[45]  J. Mills,et al.  Experimental social psychology , 1972 .

[46]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  An Intelligent Tutoring System for Entity Relationship Modelling , 2004, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..

[47]  Maria Samarakou,et al.  ACT: a web-based adaptive communication tool , 2005, CSCL.

[48]  Antonija Mitrovic,et al.  Optimising ITS Behaviour with Bayesian Networks and Decision Theory , 2001 .

[49]  Amy Soller,et al.  Computer software support for CSCL , 2004 .

[50]  Jakob Nielsen,et al.  Usability engineering , 1997, The Computer Science and Engineering Handbook.

[51]  Alan M. Lesgold,et al.  Knowledge Acquisition for Adaptive Collaborative Learning Environments , 2000 .

[52]  Sandra Katz,et al.  Modeling pedagogical interactions with machine learning , 2000, Kognitionswissenschaft.

[53]  N. Rummel,et al.  Learning to Collaborate: An Instructional Approach to Promoting Collaborative Problem Solving in Computer-Mediated Settings , 2005 .

[54]  Bert Bredeweg,et al.  Student Modelling: The Key to Individualized Knowledge-Based Instruction , 2010, NATO ASI Series.