Case-Based e-Learning group

Visions

We help people to be better problem-solvers in real world situations through design-based research approaches. We explore how people learn and solve real-world problems and we identify individual and environmental factors influencing learning and problem-solving. We develop feasible models that guide in the design, development, and implementation of technology-enhanced, case-based learning environments that facilitate meaningful learning in order to solve real-world problems. We value multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-national collaborations to find educational solutions which will enhance the quality of the human learning experience. Our research group is a social and physical collaborative space where scientific research is conducted, intensive mentorship/teaching is provided, and our research findings and the products we develop are diffused to the public.

Research Foci

• The nature and the processes of ill-defined, complex, real-world problems under uncertainty
• Individual and environmental factors influencing real-world problem solving (e.g., epistemic belief, adaptive expertise, argumentation/justification skills, metacognition/reflection, etc.)
• Case-based e-learning environments promoting learning how to solve real-world problems (design, development, and implementation models)
• Informatics and technology to develop dynamic learning resources and scaffolding tools for real-world problem solving
• Cognitive task analysis methods and tools for real-world problem solving

Current Emphasis: Bridging the gap between college classroom learning and real-world problem solving through case-based e-learning

A primary goal of higher education is to generate highly qualified professionals who are able to solve real-world, complex problems based on professional and scientific knowledge in specific areas of their professions. In spite of the importance of promoting students' real-world problem solving abilities in college classrooms, creating such a learning environment is a challenging task for all overloaded instructors. One reason for this could be the lack of research-based information and resources available to instructors as they revise their teaching methods in ways that enhance real-world problem solving abilities.

To address this issue, we have been conducting a series of design-based research projects to find ways of promoting the development of college students' real-world problem solving abilities through case-based e-learning environments across different disciplines, such as Agricultural Science (Turfgrass Management), Medical School (Anesthesiology), Teacher Education (Classroom Management), Veterinary Medicine (Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery), and Nano/Bioengineering ( Finite Element Analysis) . We have been testing our instructional models by developing and implementing various learning environments to college classrooms. We believe that our research has been contributing to the enhancement of the teaching and learning experience in higher education.