Open Learning Initiative

Brown, W. E., Lovett, M., Bajzek, D., & Burnette, J. M. (2006). Improving the feedback cycle to improve learning in introductory biology using the digital dashboard.   Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education. Reprinted with permission of AACE (http://www.aace.org).

Abstract

At Carnegie Mellon we are integrating timely and targeted feedback for the students and real-time student progress reports for the instructor to create an online learning environment that engages the student, improves learning and allows immediate adaptation of instruction.

The Digital Dashboard is a dynamic portal into the continuous data provided by student use of online instructional tools and assessments within the Open Learning Initiative environment. The compiled data presentation from each lesson is a guide to changing and targeting instruction in the classroom. The Digital Dashboard organizes information and is being developed to link concepts, categorize answers to open-ended questions and provide a use-index to better inform the instructor of student learning. The information provides tools for making the classroom more dynamic and data for research on student learning.