Briefing Document: AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle Extension
Introduction:
This document summarizes information related to the "AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension" project, gleaned from a variety of linked resources. The project appears to be an educational initiative focused on enhancing learning with interactive simulations, learning analytics, and open educational resources (OER) within a Moodle environment. It emphasizes the use of Easy JavaScript Simulations (EjsS) to create these interactive learning tools. The project has received funding and is aligned with Singapore’s goals of deeper ICT integration in education.
Key Themes:
- Virtual Labs & Interactive Simulations: The core of the project revolves around creating and using virtual labs and interactive simulations for learning various subjects, primarily physics, mathematics, and chemistry. These are built using EjsS, enabling HTML5 output for accessibility. There are numerous examples of simulations listed on the page.
- Examples include: "Tank Concentration JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model", "Projectile Motion with System of Masses and Spring", "Volume of Pyramid in 3D WebGL JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model", "Sound Waveforms JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model," and many more.
- Learning Analytics: A significant component is the integration of learning analytics within the Moodle platform. This is facilitated by the "Moodle Plugin EjsS Learning Analytics" to track student interaction with the simulations. This feature suggests a focus on data-driven insights to improve teaching and learning.
- "AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension"
- Open Educational Resources (OER) & Open Source: The project strongly embraces OER principles, promoting the sharing and collaboration of educational resources. This is indicated by the use of Creative Commons licenses and the "GoOpen" hashtag.
- "Do you agree? Just look at all the data and evidences of the somewhat non-disclosed proposals, and come to your own conclusions whether #GoOpen promotes sharing and collaboration that ultimately supports education."
- "Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License"
- Technology Integration in Education: The project is positioned as an innovation in education through ICT integration, as highlighted by its selection as an eduLab project. The initiative aligns with larger educational technology goals.
- "We are pleased to inform you that your project has been selected as an eduLab project."
- Easy JavaScript Simulations (EjsS): The primary tool used to create simulations is EjsS, emphasizing ease of development and adaptability to web browsers. EjsS allows the development of interactive models without requiring a deep coding knowledge.
- "Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring tool EjsS_5.3_190423-beta.zip"
- Professional Learning and Development: There is an indication that the project team is active in the professional development space with a number of workshops and teacher sharing events mentioned.
- "20120704 Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series by STs/LTs Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models."
- "20111110 The Academy Symposium 10th November 2011 Science Centre"
Important Facts & Ideas:
- Project Grant: The project received an eduLab grant, signifying its recognition as an innovative educational initiative.
- "We are pleased to inform you that your project has been selected as an eduLab project."
- Moodle Integration: The project is not just about the simulations themselves but also about integrating them into a learning management system.
- "Moodle Plugin EjsS Learning Analytics"
- EjsS Tool: The provided links for the EjsS Authoring tool and the plugin shows that the technology is available for educators to use and adapt.
- "Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring tool EjsS_5.3_190423-beta.zip"
- "Moodle Plugin EjsS Learning Analytics"
- Multiple Subject Areas: The simulations are designed to be applied in physics, math, chemistry, and potentially other fields.
- Emphasis on HTML5: The conversion to HTML5 ensures that the interactive simulations are accessible on various devices without needing browser plugins like Java.
- "GoOpen" Approach: The project explicitly promotes open sharing and collaboration in education as seen with the #GoOpen hashtag, aligning with the larger OER movement.
- Data Driven Improvement: The learning analytics component indicates a desire to use data to make iterative improvements to the simulations and the way they are used for instruction.
Quotes from Original Source:
- "Do you agree? Just look at all the data and evidences of the somewhat non-disclosed proposals, and come to your own conclusions whether #GoOpen promotes sharing and collaboration that ultimately supports education."
- "We are pleased to inform you that your project has been selected as an eduLab project."
- "Moodle Plugin EjsS Learning Analytics"
- "Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring tool EjsS_5.3_190423-beta.zip"
- "Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License"
Conclusion:
The AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension project is a significant effort to enhance education through interactive simulations, learning analytics, and open source resources. Its use of EjsS, integration with Moodle, and emphasis on OER principles make it a model for technology-driven innovation in education. The project's focus on data analysis through learning analytics suggests an intention to continuously improve educational outcomes.
Moodle Plugin EjsS Learning Analytics https://github.com/felixgarcia/ejss-moodle-plugin Right Top corner on webpage select Download ZIP and save it to your computer say desktop for ease of finding it
Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring tool EjsS_5.3_190423-beta.zip https://gitlab.com/ejsS/tool/blob/master/Release/EjsS_5.3_190423-beta.zip
Proposal https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yqfd01srM1x4bFuZbxRShkRMSHzLv47rxfrsozdSP8I/edit?usp=sharing
Final Report Slides https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/0B6Uop3OE_O32T0lSY0JtcXBZV2xVOHUwQVcwamU5SF9PY2lB/edit#slide=id.p6
Final Report https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AVIl9sCyZ610VGJVdy3GTTXTurORUj_0ZZdwdVbjSvs/edit?usp=sharing
AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension
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ETD_VirtualLabLearningAnalytics.ppt going #GoOpen i hope helps to guide us in our journey to achieve goals through the 4 approaches below.
Approach 1: Deeper ICT Integration in Curriculum, Assessment & Pedagogy
Approach 2: Sustained Professional Learning
Approach 3: Translational Research, Innovation & Scaling
Approach 4: Connected ICT Learning Ecosystem
Do you agree? Just look at all the data and evidences of the somewhat non-disclosed proposals, and come to your own conclusions whether #GoOpen promotes sharing and collaboration that ultimately supports education.
Dear Applicant
Title of Project: Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension
We are pleased to inform you that your project has been selected as an eduLab project.
The grant is awarded based on the premise that the aims and deliverables stated in your approved proposal will be fulfilled.
We will send you further instructions and a letter of offer with details of the approved grant* amount by Jan 2018. Meanwhile, there’s no immediate action required from you.
Thank you for championing innovations for learning with ICT! Enjoy your holidays and we wish you a great year ahead!
*Note: Your budget is being reviewed for compliance to the budgeting guidelines. As such, the approved grant for your edulab project may differ from your submitted proposal.
FAQ: Open Educational Resources and Virtual Labs
- What is the AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension project? The AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension project is an initiative focused on integrating virtual laboratory simulations with Moodle, a popular learning management system. It uses the Easy JavaScript Simulations (EjsS) tool to create interactive, educational applets. This extension aims to enhance student learning through data-driven feedback and analysis, fostering a more engaging and effective learning experience in science and mathematics. The project was selected as an eduLab project, signifying its innovative approach to education through technology.
- What is Easy JavaScript Simulation (EjsS) and how is it used in this project? Easy JavaScript Simulation (EjsS) is an authoring tool used to create interactive simulations. It allows educators and developers to design engaging, model-based learning resources. In this project, EjsS is used to develop simulations across various subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics, which can be embedded into the Moodle platform via a plugin. This enables students to interact with the simulations, visualize concepts, and conduct experiments virtually, enhancing understanding through active learning.
- How does the Moodle plugin enhance the learning experience? The Moodle plugin integrates EjsS-created simulations directly into the learning environment. By doing so, it enables educators to use virtual labs as part of their courses more easily, allowing students to interact with simulations within the familiar Moodle interface. Importantly, the plugin collects and provides learning analytics, offering insights into student engagement and performance, which can inform teaching strategies and personalize learning. This data-driven approach helps to refine instructional methods and improve student outcomes.
- What are the main approaches of the project related to ICT in education? The project is guided by four main approaches: (1) Deeper ICT Integration in Curriculum, Assessment & Pedagogy, which emphasizes using technology not just as a tool, but also as a crucial component of teaching and assessment; (2) Sustained Professional Learning, which focuses on the need for ongoing development of teachers' digital literacy and pedagogical skills; (3) Translational Research, Innovation & Scaling, which highlights the importance of using research findings to innovate and scale successful practices; and (4) Connected ICT Learning Ecosystem, which is aimed at building an interoperable and collaborative digital learning environment that is available and accessible. These approaches collectively advocate for thoughtful and effective integration of ICT in education.
- What kind of simulations are available through this project? The project includes a wide array of simulations across different subjects, such as physics (e.g., projectile motion, electromagnetism, and harmonic motion), chemistry (e.g., titrations, and atomic structure), and mathematics (e.g., fractions, geometry, and algebra). The simulations range from basic models for primary school to more advanced models for secondary and tertiary levels. Many are interactive, allowing students to manipulate parameters, observe results, and build their own models, enhancing understanding through discovery.
- How does the project promote Open Educational Resources (OER)? The project strongly advocates for the use of OER by creating and sharing educational resources openly and freely. The use of open-source tools like EjsS and making the simulations freely available on platforms like GitHub promotes sharing and collaboration, allowing educators worldwide to adapt, use, and contribute to the resources. This is in line with the goals of OER, which include increasing access to high-quality educational content and promoting equitable learning opportunities.
- What evidence is there that the project promotes collaboration and sharing in education? The project's approach of creating resources using open source tools, making the code available, and developing resources in a modular, open way directly promotes sharing and collaboration. This is seen in the sharing of the EjsS tool itself, as well as the distribution of simulation applets and associated Moodle plugins. Furthermore, the project's frequent workshops and collaborations with teachers and educational institutions signal a commitment to open access and continuous improvement through shared efforts.
- Is this project currently active? While the project was initiated around 2017-2018 and continues to reference activities up to 2025, the website and related materials provide an active collection of materials. The resources developed under the project appear to be continuously maintained and updated, suggesting that the project remains a relevant resource for educators and learners. The ongoing workshops, development of new apps, and the sharing of resources indicate continued activity and a sustained commitment to the project's goals.