Component-Based Construction of a Science Learning Space

We present a vision for learning environments, called Science Learning Spaces, that are rich in engaging content and activities, provide constructive experiences in scientific process skills, and are as instructionally effective as a personal tutor. A Science Learning Space combines three independent software systems: 1) lab/field simulations in which experiments are run and data is collected, 2) modeling/construction tools in which data representations are created, analyzed and presented, and 3) tutor agents that provide just-in-time assistance in higher order skills like experimental strategy, representational tool choice, conjecturing, and argument. We believe that achieving this ambitious vision will require collaborative efforts facilitated by a component-based software architecture. We have created a feasibility demonstration that serves as an example and a call for further work toward achieving this vision. In our demonstration, we combined 1) the Active Illustrations lab simula...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: ITS
• Authors: Kenneth R. Koedinger, Daniel D. Suthers, Kenneth D. Forbus
• Keywords: Data Representation, ITS 1998, Multimedia, Science Learning Spaces, Tutor Agents