Researching the Effect of Communication Modes on Learning Outcomes Using Terracotta in an Online Chemistry Course

Danielle Collins, Iske Larkin, Patrick Larkin, H. Maness, M. Veige

University of Florida

An LTI plug-in, Terracotta, is used to conduct randomized control experiments in CHM1020 Chemistry for the Liberal Arts to quantify the impact of student learning outcomes from communication choices including using multimodal weekly instructions. Terracotta is a free, open-source plug in and was the runner-up winner of the XPRIZE Digital Learning Challenge. The work is performed in collaboration UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Information Technology and the Department of Chemistry. Students are randomly assigned to treatment and non-treatment groups, alternating over the course of the study. Data analysis is ongoing and includes comparison of performance on quizzes and assignments in each module, time spent and interaction with multimodal weekly instruction videos, and student survey responses. A description of Terracotta and the anonymized output is described. Future work includes multimodal assignment instruction and use of AI learning tools. The collaborative study uses the theoretical foundation of the Universal Design for Learning framework.