The ScienceWare Modeler: a learner-centered tool for students building models

The Modeler is designed using a learner-centered approach [5], with scaffolding to address the specific needs of learners. Scaffolding [3] is an educational term that refers to providing support to learners while they engage in activities that are normally out of reach. We provide software-realized scaffolding to support learner’s needs regarding software tasks, tools, and interfaces: Constructing and testing models is a complex task, but the process helps scientists develop a better understanding of natural systems. Similarly, we wish to support students building models, and so we have designed the ScienceWare Modeler with special learner-centered support for students to do scientific modeling and simulation. With the Modeler, students can easily construct dynamic models of scientific phenomena, and run simulations based on their models to verify and analyze the results. Students build their models using an easy-to-use object-oriented visual language – not traditional programming....

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1995
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Shari L. Jackson
• Keywords: Building Models, CHI 1995, Human Computer Interaction, Scaffolding, Students Building Models