TY - GEN
T1 - Learning by Modeling (LbM) - The contribution of computer modeling to student's evolving understanding of complexity
AU - Hashem, Kamel
AU - Mioduser, David
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - The ideas of complexity are increasingly becoming an integral part in understanding natural and social sciences. Previous research indicates that involvement with modeling scientific phenomena and complex systems can play a powerful role in science learning. Some researchers argue with this view indicating that models and modeling do not contribute to understanding complexity concepts, since these increase the cognitive load on students. This study will investigate the effect of different modes of involvement in exploring scientific phenomena using computer modeling tools, on students' understanding of complexity concepts. Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to report about 121 freshmen students that engaged in participatory simulations about complex phenomena, showing emergent, self organized and decentralized patterns. Results show that Learning-by Modeling (LbM) plays a major role in students' concept formation about complexity concepts.
AB - The ideas of complexity are increasingly becoming an integral part in understanding natural and social sciences. Previous research indicates that involvement with modeling scientific phenomena and complex systems can play a powerful role in science learning. Some researchers argue with this view indicating that models and modeling do not contribute to understanding complexity concepts, since these increase the cognitive load on students. This study will investigate the effect of different modes of involvement in exploring scientific phenomena using computer modeling tools, on students' understanding of complexity concepts. Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to report about 121 freshmen students that engaged in participatory simulations about complex phenomena, showing emergent, self organized and decentralized patterns. Results show that Learning-by Modeling (LbM) plays a major role in students' concept formation about complexity concepts.
KW - Complex systems
KW - Complexity concepts
KW - Learning by Modeling
KW - Mental models
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77956046772&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/ICETC.2010.5529399
DO - 10.1109/ICETC.2010.5529399
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AN - SCOPUS:77956046772
SN - 9781424463688
T3 - ICETC 2010 - 2010 2nd International Conference on Education Technology and Computer
SP - V2215-V2218
BT - ICETC 2010 - 2010 2nd International Conference on Education Technology and Computer
T2 - 2010 2nd International Conference on Education Technology and Computer, ICETC 2010
Y2 - 22 June 2010 through 24 June 2010
ER -