Automatic Representation of Knowledge Structure: Enhancing Science Learning Through Knowledge Structure Reflection in an Online Course

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Improving Technology Practices Through Innovative Design and Integration Methods

Abstract

Summary writing is an important skill that students use throughout their academic careers. This exploratory and development-oriented investigation appraises the recently released online writing system, Graphical Interface of Knowledge Structure (GIKS) that provides structural feedback of students’ essays as network graphs for reflection and revision. Is the quality of students’ summary essays better with GIKS relative to some other common approaches? GIKS with reflection obtained the largest improvement due to the largest increase in relevant links and the largest decrease for irrelevant links. The different treatments led to different knowledge structures in a regular way. These support the use of GIKS as immediate focused formative feedback that supports summary writing in online settings.

Author

• Kyung Kim, Northern Illinois University