This book is about the ways in which experiments can be employed in the
context of research on learning technologies and child-computer
interaction (CCI). It is directed at researchers, supporting them to
employ experimental studies while increasing their quality and rigor.
The book provides a complete and comprehensive description on how to
design, implement, and report experiments, with a focus on and examples
from CCI and learning technology research. The topics covered include an
introduction to CCI and learning technologies as interdisciplinary
fields of research, how to design educational interfaces and
visualizations that support experimental studies, the advantages and
disadvantages of a variety of experiments, methodological decisions in
designing and conducting experiments (e.g. devising hypotheses and
selecting measures), and the reporting of results. As well, a brief
introduction on how contemporary advances in data science, artificial
intelligence, and sensor data have impacted learning technology and CCI
research is presented. The book details three important issues that a
learning technology and CCI researcher needs to be aware of: the
importance of the context, ethical considerations, and working with
children. The motivation behind and emphasis of this book is helping
prospective CCI and learning technology researchers (a) to evaluate the
circumstances that favor (or do not favor) the use of experiments, (b)
to make the necessary methodological decisions about the type and
features of the experiment, (c) to design the necessary "artifacts"
(e.g., prototype systems, interfaces, materials, and procedures), (d) to
operationalize and conduct experimental procedures to minimize potential
bias, and (e) to report the results of their studies for successful
dissemination in top-tier venues (such as journals and conferences).
This book is an open access publication.
