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Histology is the study of microscopic structures in normal tissue sections. Curriculum redesign in medicine has led to a decrease in the use of optical microscopes during practical classes. Other imaging solutions have been implemented to facilitate remote learning. With advancements in imaging technologies, learning material can now be digitized. Digitized microscopy images can be presented in either a static or dynamic format. This study of remote histology education identifies whether dynamic pictures are superior to static images for the acquisition of histological knowledge. Test results of two cohorts of second-year Bachelor in Medicine students at Ghent University were analyzed in two consecutive academic years: Cohort 1 (n = 190) and Cohort 2 (n = 174). Students in Cohort 1 worked with static images whereas students in Cohort 2 were presented with dynamic images. ANCOVA was applied to study differences in microscopy performance scores between the two cohorts, taking into account any possible initial differences in prior knowledge. The results show that practical histology scores are significantly higher with dynamic images as compared to static images (F (1,361) = 15.14, P < 0.01), regardless of student's gender and performance level. Several reasons for this finding can be explained in accordance with cognitivist learning theory. Since the findings suggest that knowledge construction with dynamic pictures is stronger as compared to static images, dynamic images should be introduced in a remote setting for microscopy education. Further implementation within a larger electronic learning management system needs to be explored in future research. Anat Sci Educ 9: 222-230. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists., (© 2015 American Association of Anatomists.)

Introduction: Regular assessments are recommended to identify individuals requiring additional resuscitation training. We developed a strategy of short CPR self-learning sessions followed by automated assessment with feedback and investigated its efficiency to achieve a pre-defined level of compression skills., Methods: Four hundred and four students in pharmacy and educational sciences participated. Initial training (max. 40 min) consisted of a 15 min learning-while-watching video followed by manikin exercises with computer voice feedback. At baseline and after training, performance was measured using an automated test. To be judged competent participants had to achieve ≥ 70% compressions with depth ≥ 50 mm and ≥ 70% compressions with complete release (<5mm) and a compression rate between 100 and 120 min(-1) within a two month period. Automated feedback was provided and failed participants had to retrain within two weeks. Retraining (max. 20 min and max. three times) was done with voice feedback exercises. Before retraining, the previous test result was displayed together with feedforward. After five months all participants were invited for a retention test., Results: After one to four sessions, 99% (401/404) of all participants achieved competency. After five months 48% (137/288) of the students participating in the retention test was still competent. The percentage competent participants was 80% (230/288) for compression depth, 97% (279/288) for complete release and 60% (172/288) for mean rate., Conclusions: One or multiple short self-learning sessions were highly efficient to successfully train 99% of participants. After five months, retention of compression depth and complete release was very high. However, only 48% still achieved a 70% combined score for compression skills, highlighting the importance of regular assessment and retraining., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Adult basic life support refresher training using voice feedback manikins has been shown to be feasible, but the superiority of this strategy over instructor-led (IL) refresher training for nurses in a hospital has not been studied in randomized trials., Objectives: To study if adult basic life support refresher training for nurses in a self-learning (SL) station using a voice feedback manikin is more effective than IL training., Methods: A Resusci Anne Skills Station (Laerdal, Norway) was installed in a small room. A total of 235 nurses were randomized to SL or IL training. After 1 month and after 7 months, the proportions of nurses achieving a mean compression depth of 38-51 mm, a mean compression rate of 80-120/min, incomplete release of at least 5 mm and a mean ventilation volume of 400-1000 ml were compared between the SL and IL groups., Results: After 1 month, the proportion of nurses with any incomplete release of at least 5 mm was significantly lower in the SL group (23 of 54 nurses, 43%) compared with the IL group (33 of 47 nurses, 70%) (P=0.005). After 7 months, a lower proportion of nurses achieved a depth of 38-51 mm in the SL group (13 of 45 nurses, 29%) compared with the IL group (25 of 45 nurses, 56%) (P=0.01). For the other outcome parameters, no differences between SL and IL training could be demonstrated., Conclusions: This randomized trial in a real-life setting showed that more nurses achieved adequate compression depth, 7 months after IL refresher training compared with training in a SL station. Further research is needed to improve the efficacy of this SL training strategy.

Background: Reflection on experience is an increasingly critical part of professional development and lifelong learning. There is, however, continuing uncertainty about how best to put principle into practice, particularly as regards assessment. This article explores those uncertainties in order to find practical ways of assessing reflection., Discussion: We critically review four problems: 1. Inconsistent definitions of reflection; 2. Lack of standards to determine (in)adequate reflection; 3. Factors that complicate assessment; 4. Internal and external contextual factors affecting the assessment of reflection., Summary: To address the problem of inconsistency, we identified processes that were common to a number of widely quoted theories and synthesised a model, which yielded six indicators that could be used in assessment instruments. We arrived at the conclusion that, until further progress has been made in defining standards, assessment must depend on developing and communicating local consensus between stakeholders (students, practitioners, teachers, supervisors, curriculum developers) about what is expected in exercises and formal tests. Major factors that complicate assessment are the subjective nature of reflection's content and the dependency on descriptions by persons being assessed about their reflection process, without any objective means of verification. To counter these validity threats, we suggest that assessment should focus on generic process skills rather than the subjective content of reflection and where possible to consider objective information about the triggering situation to verify described reflections. Finally, internal and external contextual factors such as motivation, instruction, character of assessment (formative or summative) and the ability of individual learning environments to stimulate reflection should be considered.

Introduction: Current computerised self-learning (SL) stations for Basic Life Support (BLS) are an alternative to instructor-led (IL) refresher training but are not intended for initial skill acquisition. We developed a SL station for initial skill acquisition and evaluated its efficacy., Methods: In a non-inferiority trial, 120 pharmacy students were randomised to IL small group training or individual training in a SL station. In the IL group, instructors demonstrated the skills and provided feedback. In the SL group a shortened Mini Anne™ video, to acquire the skills, was followed by Resusci Anne Skills Station™ software (both Laerdal, Norway) with voice feedback for further refinement. Testing was performed individually, respecting a seven week interval after training for every student., Results: One hundred and seventeen participants were assessed (three drop-outs). The proportion of students achieving a mean compression depth 40-50mm was 24/56 (43%) IL vs. 31/61 (51%) SL and 39/56 (70%) IL vs. 48/61 (79%) SL for a mean compression depth ≥ 40 mm. Compression rate 80-120/min was achieved in 49/56 (88%) IL vs. 57/61 (93%) SL and any incomplete release (≥ 5 mm) was observed in 31/56 (55%) IL and 35/61 (57%) SL. Adequate mean ventilation volume (400-1000 ml) was achieved in 29/56 (52%) IL vs. 36/61 (59%) SL. Non-inferiority was confirmed for depth and although inconclusive, other areas came close to demonstrate it., Conclusions: Compression skills acquired in a SL station combining video-instruction with training using voice feedback were not inferior to IL training., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Histology stands as a major discipline in the life science curricula, and the practice of teaching it is based on theoretical didactic strategies along with practical training. Traditionally, students achieve practical competence in this subject by learning optical microscopy. Today, students can use newer information and communication technologies in the study of digital microscopic images. A virtual microscopy program was recently introduced at Ghent University. Since little empirical evidence is available concerning the impact of virtual microscopy (VM) versus optical microscopy (OM) on the acquisition of histology knowledge, this study was set up in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. A pretest-post test and cross-over design was adopted. In the first phase, the experiment yielded two groups in a total population of 199 students, Group 1 performing the practical sessions with OM versus Group 2 performing the same sessions with VM. In the second phase, the research subjects switched conditions. The prior knowledge level of all research subjects was assessed with a pretest. Knowledge acquisition was measured with a post test after each phase (T1 and T2). Analysis of covariance was carried out to study the differential gain in knowledge at T1 and T2, considering the possible differences in prior knowledge at the start of the study. The results pointed to non-significant differences at T1 and at T2. This supports the assumption that the acquisition of the histology knowledge is independent of the microscopy representation mode (VM versus OM) of the learning material. The conclusion that VM is equivalent to OM offers new directions in view of ongoing innovations in medical education technology.

This scoping review aims at providing a summary of available knowledge about the role of ePortfolios in scaffolding learning in eight healthcare disciplines to identify main concepts, best practices, and knowledge gaps. ePortfolios are well established in scaffolding learning in many healthcare disciplines. Yet, an overview of the ePortfolio literature in the context of healthcare education doesn't exist. A scoping review of ePortfolio use in the following healthcare disciplines was conducted: audiology, dental hygiene, midwifery, nursing (associate degree and bachelor), occupational therapy, podiatry, and speech therapy. Eight databases were systematically searched. By structuring the data, five themes were identified: (1) contexts, (2) research populations and samples, (3) ePortfolio platforms used and objectives, (4) benefits and challenges in the use of ePortfolios, and (5) recommendations derived from literature in the use of ePortfolios. The themes were further specified with sub-themes. The themes help meeting the aim of the scoping review to develop a structured overview of ePortfolio use and research. Thirty-seven articles were included. Samples predominantly involved students and fewer mentors, educators, and graduates. ePortfolios were used to support learning in the context of healthcare workplaces (n = 17), educational institutions (n = 14), or both (n = 6). Different objectives of ePortfolio use were derived from literature and categorized into eight themes: (1) to document and evidence competency, (2) reflection, (3) feedback and assessment, (4) (inter)professional collaboration, (5) support Continuous Professional Development, (6) bridging the gap between theory and practice, (7) employment, and (8) certification. These objectives were in turn coupled to two identified types of ePortfolio platforms: "store and communicate" and "work and learn" ePortfolios. The description of benefits and challenges formed a substantial part of the literature and data were mapped into five themes to structure the data: (1) technology, (2) collaboration, (3) competency development (before and after graduation), (4) employment, and (5) quality of patient care. Although the benefits outweighed the challenges, important challenges were identified, e.g., the high time investment required when working with an ePortfolio, low digital literacy, lack of internet access. Studies mainly focused on perceptions (n = 32). Only a few studies explored measurable outcomes (i.e., competencies or behavioral indicators). Because ePortfolios are used by different ePortfolio users, in different contexts, and with different objectives, new research directions are needed to investigate how specific features, such as collaboration tools, feedback tools, or assessment tools can improve the role of ePortfolios in supporting healthcare education. This scoping review presents an overview of the knowledge about the role of ePortfolios in scaffolding learning in eight healthcare disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the design and evaluation of an innovative instructional approach to developing oral presentation skills. The intervention builds on the observational learning theoretical perspective. This perspective is contrasted with the traditional training and practice approach. Two sequencing approaches – learners starting with observational learning versus learners starting with practice opportunities only – were compared. It was hypothesised that learners starting with observational learning would outperform learners in the practice only condition. The results suggest a significant differential impact on development of oral presentation skills. This impact of the observational learning training approach is only found in a limited number of evaluation criteria. Results additionally suggest that students are highly motivated to learn this type of skill. Interaction effects between student characteristics and instructional interventions were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feedback and assessment play an important role in teaching and learning. This study describes the implementation and evaluation of an innovative instruction format that builds on the integrated use of a Student Response System (SRS) for peer assessment of oral presentations of third-year engineering students. A large number of oral presentations were assessed and participants played both the role of assessor and assessee. First, the analysis results demonstrate that the psychometric qualities of the peer assessment approach supported by SRS are acceptable. Secondly, students' learning process and their perceptions about the learning process in this particular instructional setting were investigated. Results mirror a very positive student attitude towards SRS. The SRS was reported as an effective way of producing feedback for presenters, assessors and educators. The learning effect concerning assessment remained rather limited. Lastly, the relationship between personal characteristics, performance and assessment was studied. Results point to a significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and oral presentation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study addresses the impact of the curriculum on primary school children's acquisition of clock-reading knowledge from analog and digital clocks. Focusing on Chinese and Flemish children's clock-reading knowledge, the study is about whether the differences in sequencing of learning and instruction opportunities-as defined by the curriculum-result in differences in accuracy and development of clock-reading knowledge. By means of (1) an in-depth qualitative analysis of the Chinese and Flemish mathematics curriculum standards and textbooks and (2) a quantitative analysis of 11,743 students' accuracy in reading the time, the current study mirrors the differential impact of alternative curriculum designs for primary education. The results of the analyses reveal that Chinese children acquire clock-reading knowledge-for analog and digital clocks-2 years earlier than their Flemish peers, due to a 2-year earlier exposure. Discussing these results, it is argued that the Flemish curriculum tends to underestimate what children are capable of and that clock-reading within the Flemish primary mathematics curriculum builds on dated assumptions and research results. Building on these outcomes, it is argued that curriculum development should be the result of collaborative inquiry involving policy makers, researchers, and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This study aims to examine which variables at the level of the individual employee and at the company level are predictors of self-directed learning in low-qualified employees. Methodology - Results were obtained from a sample of 408 low-qualified employees from 35 different companies. The companies were selected from the energy sector, the chemical industry and the food industry. Multilevel analysis was applied to examine which variables are significant predictors of perceived self-directed learning. Findings - At the company level, the economic sector in which the employee is employed in particular played a striking role in the prediction of self-directedness, as did presence of a participatory staff policy. At the level of the individual employee, a proactive personality (a disposition to take personal initiative in a broad range of activities and situations), striving for knowledge work, past learning initiative, task variety and the growth potential of the job were significant predictors of self-directed learning. Originality/value - Research on the predictors of self-directed learning has primarily focused on correlational studies examining the relation between individual variables and level of self-directedness. There is little research available that systematically traces the extent to which individual as well as company factors play a role in level of self-directed learning. Nor is it clear which category of variables should be considered as the most critical. In addition, earlier research on this subject has mainly focused on a higher-qualified group of workers (employees with at least a diploma of secondary education). Factors that are predictors of self-directed learning and their relative weight might differ for certain groups of employees. This issue has hardly been addressed up to now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationship between family socioeconomic status and mathematics performance on the base of a multi-level analysis involving a large sample of Chinese primary school students. A weak relationship is found between socioeconomic status and performance in the Chinese context. The relationship does not follow a linear, but a quadratic curve, implying that students from a disadvantaged family and higher socioeconomic background have a higher probability to attain higher mathematics scores. This can be explained on the basis of Chinese cultural beliefs about education, exams and social class mobility. Moreover, the aggregated socioeconomic status at the school level seems to moderate in the relation between individual SES and academic performance. This suggests that individuals from a disadvantaged family will achieve higher in the school with a higher family socioeconomic status than students who are enrolled in schools with a lower and average family socioeconomic status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Video games are often regarded as promising teaching and learning tools for the 21st century. One of the main arguments is that video games are appealing to contemporary students. However, there are indications that video game acceptance cannot be taken for granted. In this study, a path model to examine and predict student acceptance of video games is proposed, and empirically tested by involving 858 secondary school students. The results show that students’ preference for using video games in the classroom is affected directly by a number of factors: the perceptions of students regarding the usefulness, ease of use, learning opportunities, and personal experience with video games in general. Gender effects are found as well, but appear to be mediated by experience and ease of use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to understand teachers' perspectives on their roles in higher education, their views about the adoption of a social-constructivist approach to teaching and learning and the integration of online collaborative learning in blended learning environments in higher education from a cross cultural perspective. We interviewed 60 Chinese teachers from Beijing Normal University and Capital Normal University in Beijing, China and 30 Flemish teachers from Ghent University in Flanders, Belgium. The results revealed differences as well as specific similarities in perspectives between the Chinese and Flemish university teachers. The cultural and educational context is taken into consideration when discussing the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This empirical study explores the nature of and profiles in primary teachers' educational beliefs in the Chinese educational settings. A survey of 820 primary school teachers was conducted using a questionnaire focusing on teachers' traditional and constructivist beliefs about teaching and learning. Analysis of variance and cluster analysis were applied. Results show that gender and subject domain affect traditional educational beliefs. Significant differences appear considering economic and geographical context variables. Cluster analysis helps to delineate four teacher belief profiles: a constructivist profile, a mixed constructivist/traditional profile, a traditional profile, and a mixed low constructivist/traditional profile. Inter-relation between teacher belief profiles and school categories are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context This study set out to test the hypotheses that after the implementation of an integrated contextual medical curriculum (ICMC), ICMC students would attain higher levels of knowledge in both the basic and clinical sciences at an earlier stage than conventional medical curriculum (CMC) students, that ICMC students would perform significantly better on knowledge tests at the end of their education and, finally, that ICMC students would show a more linear acquisition of knowledge in the basic and clinical sciences. Methods We drew upon the Dutch Inter-University Progress Test (PT) to measure impact on knowledge acquisition and compared PT scores of 393 CMC students with scores of 1028 ICMC students (Years 2–6) in a cross-sectional design. We also compared the scores of 112 CMC students with those of 197 ICMC students in Years 3–6 in a longitudinal design. Results As expected, ICMC students showed a steeper learning curve in both the basic and clinical sciences: at the end of their training students had attained higher levels of knowledge in both domains. The learning curve pertaining to the clinical sciences was almost linear, whereas that for the basic sciences showed a sharper rise, indicating a continuing growth of knowledge. Conclusions The differential impact on knowledge acquisition of conventional and innovative curricula has seldom been studied in a longitudinal and cross-sectional design. This study confirmed our assumptions about the potential of an integrated contextual curriculum. The differences observed in ICMC students were attributed to the stronger emphasis on clinically relevant basic sciences in the early years of the ICMC and to the stronger integration of basic and clinical sciences in the ICMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has shown interest in studying the relationship between epistemological beliefs and numerous aspects of learning. A new question interests us: Is this kind of relationship homogeneous across cultures? This study focuses on the relationship between epistemological beliefs, learning conceptions, and approaches to study. A sample of Chinese (n = 299) and Flemish (n = 324) first-year university students in Beijing, China and Flanders were involved in the study. A structural equation model (SEM) relating the three concepts was applied to the sample data, largely confirming the theoretical assumptions. The results validated the postulation that epistemological beliefs predict students' conceptions of learning, which in turn are related to specific approaches to study. Multiple group analysis using SEM was applied and the structural weights model was confirmed across the two cultural groups. Mean level variations of the three main concepts were detected between the Chinese and Flemish groups. The results identified in the study offer valuable contributions to a deeper understanding of the interplay between epistemological beliefs and student learning from a cross-cultural perspective. Implications for learning and instruction are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports findings with regard to learning conceptions and approaches to learning of Flemish and Chinese students. The Conceptions of Learning Inventory (COLI) and the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) were administered to first-year university students from China (N =362) and Flanders (N =360). The 3-factor model of the ASSIST and a modified 4-factor model of the COLI were fitted across the cultural groups. The results revealed that Chinese students reflected to a greater extent conceptions of learning that stress understanding, personal change and development of social competence as compared to Flemish students. No differences were found with regard to their conception of learning as remembering. Approaches to learning were dependent on the learning context. Correlations between learning conceptions and approaches were identified, with some variations between the two groups. It appears that both cultural and learning contexts need to be considered to understand variables related to student learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present research studied the effect of learning in asynchronous discussion groups on students' levels of knowledge construction. Multilevel analyses were applied to uncover the influence of student, group, and task variables on the one hand and the specific effect of the assignment of roles to group members on other hand. Results indicate that students' attitudes toward the learning environment and their engagement in the discussion group are significant predictors. As to the effect of role assignment, no significant overall difference in students' mean levels of knowledge construction between the role and no role condition was observed. However additional analyses revealed that (a) the distribution patterns of the levels of knowledge construction differed as students in the role condition more often reached the highest level, and (b) assigning students the role of summarizer resulted in significantly higher levels of knowledge construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educationists and researchers who consider the use of the learning style concept to address individual differences in learning are often daunted by the multitude of definitions, models, and instruments. It is difficult to make an informed choice. The confusion with cognitive style, a term often used as a synonym, makes it even more complicated. Reviews of the literature give some direction, but there are a number of arguments why the available reviews raise new problems. In this paper, citation analysis is presented as a technique to develop an alternative organisation of the learning style and cognitive style literature. Application of this technique results in a review that clarifies dominant theoretical orientations in the literature, is helpful to identify the relative impact of different orientations, and helps to illuminate their interrelationships. As such, this alternative review of the literature can serve as a roadmap for novices to the styles field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features recent theoretical developments and empirical research on the cognitive load theory (CLT). Three basic new directions are suggested. The first one is related to the potential of CLT to ground, next to the cognitivist approaches, also constructivist approaches to learning and instruction. The second new direction looks at a neglected process in CLT that is related to the monitoring activities that occur during the learning process. The article also focuses on building current CLT theory, current research and other work in the field of learning and instruction, the need for an extra perspective on cognitive load, which is metacognitive load.

Background: Clinical workplaces are hectic and dynamic learning environments, which require students to take charge of their own learning. Competency development during clinical internships is a continuous process that is facilitated and guided by feedback. Limited feedback, lack of supervision and problematic assessment of clinical competencies make the development of learning instruments to support self-directed learning necessary. Aims: To explore students’ perceptions about a newly introduced integrated feedback and assessment instrument to support self-directed learning in clinical practice. Students collected feedback from clinical supervisors and wrote it on a competency-based format. This feedback was used for self-assessment, which had to be completed before the final assessment. Methods: Four focus group discussions were conducted with second and last year Midwifery students. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed in a thematic way using ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis. Results: The analysis of the transcripts suggested that integrating feedback and assessment supports participation and active involvement in learning by collecting, writing, asking, reading and rereading feedback. Under the condition of training and dedicated time, these learning activities stimulate reflection and facilitate the development of strategies for improvement. The integration supports self-assessment and formative assessment but the value for summative assessment is contested. The quality of feedback and empowerment by motivated supervisors are essential to maximise the learning effects. Conclusions: The integrated Midwifery Assessment and Feedback Instrument is a valuable tool for supporting formative learning and assessment in clinical practice, but its effect on students’ self-directed learning depends on the feedback and support from supervisors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study contributes to the emerging research on socially shared metacognitive regulation (SSMR). It investigates which regulation behaviour (i.e. particular skills and low- versus deep-level regulation) is associated with a socially shared regulation focus and identifies time-bound evolutions in individually-oriented metacognitive regulation, co-regulation, and SSMR. More specifically, higher education reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT) groups are studied. All sessions of a semester-long RPT-intervention of five randomly selected RPT-groups were videotaped (70 h of recordings). Time-bound evolutions are studied by means of mixed models for logistic regression analysis allowing change points, whereas binary logistic regressions are used to examine the relation between RPT-groups' socially shared regulation focus and their regulation skills and approaches. The results indicate that RPT-groups demonstrate a significant positive evolution in SSMR and tutee-prompted co-regulation, and a significant negative evolution in tutor-prompted co-regulation. Their socially shared regulation focus is particularly correlated with orientation, monitoring, and deep-level regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study unravels profiles of regulators, based on online measures of collaborative learners' adoption of individual-oriented and socially shared metacognitive regulation (SSMR) during asynchronous computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Additionally, it investigates how the regulation profiles are related to students' conceptual understanding after CSCL and to their motivation and self-efficacy for learning. 196 university students participated in the study. Hierarchical and k -means cluster analysis are adopted to identify the regulation profiles, whereas ANCOVA and MANOVA are run to study how the regulation profiles are related to respectively students' performance and learner characteristics. The results revealed three regulation profiles, labelled as 'all-round-oriented and affirming regulator' (AOAR), 'social-oriented and elaborating regulator' (SOER), and 'individual-oriented and passive regulator''(IOPR). The regulation profiles differed significantly in their conceptual understanding, motivation for learning, and self-efficacy beliefs. The current results serve as a stepping stone for lecturers and researchers to design customized metacognitive scaffolds in CSCL-environments and to examine their effectiveness in future intervention studies, advancing both the emerging literature on SSMR and educational practice. • Three profiles of regulators in CSCL are distinguished. • Regulation profiles differ in test performance, motivation, and self-efficacy for learning. • 'Social-oriented and elaborating regulator' picks up most from the learning content addressed during CSCL. • 'Individual-oriented and passive regulator' is considered the least favourable regulation profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The adoption and the effectiveness of game-based learning depend largely on the acceptance by classroom teachers, as they can be considered the true change agents of the schools. Therefore, we need to understand teachers' perceptions and beliefs that underlie their decision-making processes. The present study focuses on the factors that influence the acceptance of commercial video games as learning tools in the classroom. A model for describing the acceptance and predicting the uptake of commercial games by secondary school teachers is suggested. Based on data gathered from 505 teachers, the model is tested and evaluated. The results are then linked to previous research in the domains of technology acceptance and game-based learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study focuses on the process, output, and interpretation of multilevel analyses on quantitative content analysis data derived from asynchronous discussion group transcripts. The impact of role assignments on the level of knowledge construction reflected in students'' contributions and the relation between message characteristics and these levels of knowledge construction is studied. Results show that summarisers'' contributions and contributions focussing on theory, content moderating, or summaries result in significantly higher levels of knowledge construction. Multilevel modelling handles the hierarchical nesting, interdependency, and unit of analysis problem and is presented as a suitable technique for studying content analysis data from CSCL-environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]