This study addresses a very key question about how computer assisted learning might be designed to support rigorous, ambitious STEM instruction. To begin this effort, this project is providing a much needed meta-analysis about the effectiveness of computer-based scaffolding. More details about how you conducted meta-network analysis would be useful. Could you provide some preliminary findings to your exciting questions? (What forms are best? Quality of research? Being applied as originally intended?)

This study of a meta-analysis of computer-based scaffolding to support complex problem solving seems to incorporate a very wide range of learners, i.e. K-12, college, graduate, and adult learners. Do your findings show effective ways to use computer assisted learning have consistent characteristics through a very wide range of learners, i.e. K-12, college, graduate, and adult learners? Or, do your findings show there are specific effective ways to use computer assisted learning for specific learners such as k-3 learners versus college level learners?

I agree that computer-based scaffolding is an important component of our efforts to improve STEM education. However, our “general public” audience might need some help understanding the issues, including some background on words like scaffolding, meta-analysis, and effect size. The voice-over-PowerPoint type of video also seems rather academic and less suited for a general audience. How could you explain the importance of this work to non-researchers?

Scaffolding assists students as they generate solutions to ill-structured tasks. It helps extend student capabilities such that they can meaningfully participate in solution generation. Computer-based scaffolding is scaffolding that is delivered via a computer tool.
Meta-analysis is a strategy for systematically reviewing quantitative studies that meet certain criteria. It helps one see patterns in the pool of research studies more effectively than just looking at each study individually.
Effect size can be either the standardized difference in a posttest between an experimental and control group, or standardized pre-post gains. Standardized means that the difference is in some common metric, like standard deviation units

Very timely project and crystal-clear presentation! I’m very interested in future findings about the kinds of scaffolding that work best.

While it was probably out of the scope of a 3-minute video, I am wondering how you chose studies to include in your meta-analyses. What were your inclusion and exclusion criteria? It sounds like you were casting a wide net (e.g., Kindergarten to adult), but I would like to know for sure. Scaffolding is definitely an important topic, so I’m glad you are approaching it from a slightly different perspective.