Math Nation
The Virtual Learning Lab conducted a focused program of research to learn whether and under which conditions the use of a video recommendation system within a virtual learning environment can improve students’ Algebra achievement. The researchers addressed the challenge of improving low-achieving students’ achievement in algebra, using Math Nation, a free and widely-used online learning platform for students and teachers designed to promote mastery of basic algebra, as a virtual laboratory.
The team evaluated the student and teacher use of the virtual learning environment for Algebra; developed sensor-free estimates of engagement during learning, developed algorithms to estimate student achievement based on short quizzes, created algorithms for providing video recommendations, estimated the average treatment of offering video recommendations, evaluated heterogeneity of treatment effects, and evaluated the fairness of the algorithms. Supplemental studies using natural language processing investigated communication strategies in online tutoring, video lectures, and discussion forums. Three multi-state experimental studies were completed, as well as several analyses using log data from Math Nation.
Collaborators
Walter Leite, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Philip Poekert, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
Danielle McNamara, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
Corinne Huggins-Manley, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
George Michailidis, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
Sidney D'Mello, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator
Catherine Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
Key Collaborator
Wanli Xing, Ph.D.
Key Collaborator
Thomasenia Adams, Ph.D.
Key Collaborator
Jinnie Shin, Ph.D.
Key Collaborator
Carole Beal, Ph.D.
In Memoriam
Student Collaborators
Amber Hatch
Jordan Sutherland
Yide Hao
Shibani Rana
Jason Liang
Partners
Study Edge
Study Edge, a Gainesville-based educational technology company, first partnered with the Lastinger Center for Learning to create Algebra Nation, a free online learning platform that has increased student mastery in Algebra 1. Study Edge is now partnering with the VLL team as they test, modify and create a more effective learning environment for students.
Contact – Ethan Fieldman, Founder and President
UF College of Education and The Lastinger Center for Learning
The University of Florida’s College of Education is a consistent authority in regards to innovative education and student success. Annually ranked as one of the top colleges of education in the US, the UF College of Education brings its high-standard and tradition of excellence to this project.
The Lastinger Center for Learning is an innovation hub working to create equitable educational systems where every child and educator, regardless of circumstances, experiences high quality learning every day to support the achievement of critical milestones in children’s trajectory through school that are predictive of success in life.
Together these organizations provide project management and communications support, as well as determining the impact of Algebra Nation on student achievement and then developing a more personalized assessment system based on questions that are most closely aligned with success on the end-of-course exam. The College of Education in particular works on a multitude of projects that will contribute to the Virtual Learning Lab.
UF Informatics Institute
The pervasiveness of interconnectivity on our persons and in our homes, the capabilities of high-performance computers, the emergence of smart infrastructure, and the Internet of “everything” is changing the way we do research in nearly every field of study.
Established in 2014, the UF Informatics Institute focuses on the development and nurturing of integrative informatics research and education studies at the University of Florida. One of its core areas is to leverage the explosion of data in the social sciences to better understand people, culture, political development, education, and human behavior. UF Informatics will oversee the development of recommendation systems for personalized learning.
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado at Boulder team is focused on understanding students’ engagement as they interact with Algebra Nation, developing real-time computational models of engagement, and integrating the models into Algebra Nation to trigger adaptive interventions aimed at increasing engagement and learning. The Institute of Cognitive Sciences within University of Colorado at Boulder fosters rich scientific interchange across researchers from a broad range of disciplines including Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Philosophy, and Education.
Arizona State University
The ASU team will be joining the project for a supplemental study investigating the potential of supplemental human tutoring to improve outcomes for failing students. The Science of Learning and Educational Technology Lab (SoLET Lab) at ASU focuses on applying research from computer science, education, and psychology in educational environments. The lab aims to further the understanding of cognitive processes and to use this theoretical foundation to improve educational methods.
Interested in joining our team?