Research & Publications

Research Interests

  • Improving learning from Interactive Learning Environments

  • Analyzing learners' cognitive demands while learning from Interactive Learning Environments

  • Signals & Systems: Education and Education Research

  • Applying research-based learning principles in educational practices


Doctoral Thesis Topic: Determining Interactivity Enriching Features for Effective Interactive Learning Environments

Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Sahana Murthy


Thesis abstract: Interactive learning environments (ILEs) are computer-based simulation environments which allow learners to interact with the learning material using various interaction features. The broad research objective of the thesis was to explore under what conditions do ILEs lead to effective learning in the context of a course on 'Signals and Systems' from Electrical Engineering. We proposed 'Interactivity Enriching Features (IEFs) 'as additional interaction features needed to unleash the learning potential of ILEs. The overall solution approach included establishing the need for IEFs, identifying and designing of IEFs for variable manipulating interactions, investigating learning effectiveness of IEFs and exploring the effect of IEFs on learners' cognitive load. We proposed and designed four IEFs: Permutative Variable Manipulation, Productively Constrained Variable Manipulation, Discretized Interactivity Manipulation, and Reciprocative Dynamic Linking. Five research studies were conducted (Ntotal= 437). The results showed that learners learnt better with IEFs. The improvement in the germane load of learners could confirm the role of IEFs in offering the required cognitive support to learners in learning. The thesis contributed towards designing of four IEFs and recommendations in the form of Interactivity Design Principles based on the findings of empirical studies conducted in the course on Signals and Systems.

Selected Publications

Journals

  • Patwardhan, M., & Murthy, S. (2017). Designing Reciprocative Dynamic Linking to improve learners’ Representational Competence in interactive learning environments. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(1), 10. DOI:10.1186/s41039-017-0046-8

  • Patwardhan, M., & Murthy, S. (2015). When does higher degree of interaction lead to higher learning in visualizations? Exploring the role of “Interactivity Enriching Features”. Computers & Education, 82, 292–305. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2014.11.018

Conferences

  • Singh, C., Nivangune, A., & Patwardhan, M. (2016, November). Function code based vulnerability analysis of DNP3. In Advanced Networks and Telecommunications Systems (ANTS), 2016 IEEE International Conference on (pp. 1-6). IEEE. DOI: 10.1109/ANTS.2016.7947865

  • Patwardhan M., S. Murthy, “How Reciprocative Dynamic Linking Supports Learners’ Representational Competence: An Exploratory Study “, Proceedings of 23rd International Conference on Computers in Education, Hangzhou, China, November December 2015. (Nominated for Best Technical Design paper)

  • Banerjee G., Patwardhan M., S. Murthy, “Learning Design Framework for Constructive Strategic Alignment with Visualizations”, Proceedings of 22nd International Conference on Computers in Education, Nara, Japan, November- December 2014.

  • Banerjee, G., Patwardhan, M., & Mavinkurve, M. (2013, December). Teaching with visualizations in classroom setting: Mapping Instructional Strategies to Instructional Objectives. In Technology for Education (T4E), 2013 IEEE Fifth International Conference on (pp. 176-183). IEEE. DOI: 10.1109/T4E.2013.51

  • Diwakar, A., Patwardhan, M., & Murthy, S. (2012, July). Pedagogical analysis of content authoring tools for engineering curriculum. In Technology for Education (T4E), 2012 IEEE Fourth International Conference on (pp. 83-89). IEEE. DOI: 10.1109/T4E.2012.15

  • Patwardhan, M., & Murthy, S. (2012, January). Teaching-learning with interactive visualization: How to choose the appropriate level? In Technology Enhanced Education (ICTEE), 2012 IEEE International Conference on (pp. 1-5). IEEE. DOI: 10.1109/ICTEE.2012.6208660

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