Case study of designing and evaluating an independent open learner model tool

Open Learner Model (OLM) visualisations capture and display a learner’s learning state such as knowledge levels, learning progress, and misconceptions. Exposing learners to their own models offers learners a perspective about their learning state. Numerous benefits have been reported include providing more opportunities for learners to collaborate, enhancing learning outcomes, and prompting learners to be more self-regulated. We describe a new independent OLM tool, Doubtfire++ that we have designed to support Task-Oriented Portfolio teaching to raise student awareness of their progress and achievements, and to encourage self-regulated learning. The results of our evaluation show that Doubtfire++ helped the teaching staff in creating a supportive learning environment and students felt supported and rewarded for learning in a self-regulated manner. We have identified several OLM visualizations that were perceived to assist self-regulated learning. We also have gained insightful inputs and feedback that lead to expanding its application to a broader context.