Background: In example-based learning, examples are often combined with generative activities, such as comparative self-explanations of example cases. Comparisons induce heavy demands on working memory, especially in complex domains. Hence, only stronger learners may benefit from comparative self-explanations. While static text-based examples can…

Eye movement modelling examples (EMME) are computer-based videos displaying the visualized eye gaze behaviour of a domain expert person (model) while carefully executing the learning or problem-solving task. The role of EMME in promoting cognitive performance (i.e., final scores of learning outcome or problem solving) has been questioned due to…

Although students often appear to be skilled in retrieving and making use of information from the internet, research shows that their information problem solving skills are overestimated. They show deficiencies in many of the necessary skills, such as generation of search terms, selection of sources, and critical processing of information. It is…

The understanding of core concepts and processes of science in solving problems is important to successful learning in biology. We have designed and developed a Web-based, self-directed tutorial program, "SOLVEIT," that provides various scaffolds (e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance) to help college students enhance their…

Examines problems of existing courseware authoring systems and suggests the use of knowledge-based techniques. A prototype knowledge-based representation language called GTE (Generic Tutoring Environment) is described that could form the basis of a full authoring environment, including generic tasks and instructional methods, domain knowledge, and…

Describes the difference between mediation and "mediatisation." Suggests the need for a paradigm shift away from the computational model of knowledge as pure information processing and task-centered problem solving to a more contextualist, sociointeractional, constructivist, user-centered model of cognition. (Author/AEF)

Reports on a pilot study that investigated the creative impact of information and communication technology (ICT) in a grade 6 class in England. Presents a model of creativity that includes problem solving, creative cognition, and social interaction; and discusses the creation of personal Web pages. (Author/LRW)