Cross-Referencing to Coconstruct Knowledge About Global Heat Transfer in an Online Learning Environment

• In Event: Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Online Learning Research

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate student learning of physics principles related to the phenomena of global heat transfer through the use of an electronic integrated book (EIB) that featured video, animations and a virtual experiment. We sought, through the design and development of a primarily visual and visually interactive online environment, to examine how students make sense of the physics principles underlying global heat transfer. Forty-nine, primarily Latino/a, eighth grade students took part in the study. Pre-post tests of content knowledge revealed a statistically significant gain related to convection and rotation t(42)= -7.101, p=.000. Preliminary analysis of videotaped, collaborative student interactions reveals how students use the various representations to reason about the phenomenon.

Authors

• Florence R. Sullivan, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• K.C. Nat Turner, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Rick Adrion

• Chris Hill, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Dave Hart, Massachusetts Institute of Technology