Proceedings of the Workshop on Computer-Based Learning Environments for Deep Learning in Inquiry and Problem-Solving Contexts

I have taught and conducted research in online learning for a number of years. I currently teach an online class (Human Abilities in Learning, aka HAL Online) in which undergraduates study conceptual material about the science of learning, then deepen their understanding of the material by using it in small-group collaborative problem solving that takes place asynchronously online. Important components of the HAL Online design include: 1. Repeatedly requiring students to use course concepts as input to authentic collaborative problem solving activities designed to strengthen understanding and use those concepts. 2. Presentation of problem-solving tasks using cases, including video cases, leading to repeated and varied application of course material in realistic conditions. 3. Fostering and reinforcing effective collaborative processes through training and assessment that requires thoughtful and timely online participation as well as argument with evidence. The HAL Online formula accords well with current knowledge and theory about fostering deeper learning and provides a reasonable scalable model for online college instruction that is likely generalizable to other domains. The author and other instructors have taught HAL Online or very similar courses across many semesters and, in recent years after design stabilization, have been rewarded with positive student evaluations. Further, research results reported below demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach measured in terms of non-trivial assessments of deeper learning. However, this instructional method, which involves continuous online assessment of collaborative process, is time consuming and resource intensive, making scaling up a challenge within institutional environments that have limited instructional resources. A strategy discussed in our workshop presentation would develop plugins compatible with widely used course management systems that could support instructors of large HAL-type courses by providing improved analytics and automated forms of assessment.