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Sean Brophy is currently a Postdoctoral Scholar with the Assessments for Learning theme team at the Learning Technology Center at Vanderbilt. He is pursuing several research projects related to assessment including the development of a dynamic assessment environment, the use of simulations and modeling environment for assessment, and automated methods for reporting students' progress.
A common theme throughout Sean's work is the use of simulations for both learning and assessment in math, science and engineering applications. For example, his dissertation work provides a virtual laboratory setting to explore the concept of density. A rocket simulation helps students develop skills in hypothesis testing and mathematical concepts to create smart tools for calculating the height of the rocket. Another simulation supports the students inquiry while generating a recovery plan to help repopulate a specific region of the county with the bald eagles. Currently, Sean is continuing the development of a simple electrical system and analogous water system to investigate the potential of interactive analogies for instruction. Simulations have the potential of supporting both learning and the assessment of learning; the challenge is defining meaningful contexts in which to introduce the simulations, and identifying the methods of naturally capturing student's current level of understanding at various times in their interaction with a simulation.