This document discusses how technologies can be used to help students build models and learn. It describes how computers present information, judge student answers, and adapt to meet student needs. It also explains that mindtools like concept maps, spreadsheets, expert systems, and databases allow students to conceptualize, organize, solve problems, and model domain knowledge, systems, problems, thinking, and experiences. The document provides examples of each mindtool and discusses why building models with mindtools takes a constructivist approach and supports students owning their knowledge.

1. Chapter 5 Modeling With Technologies

2. Learning by Building Models Technologies are developed by instructional designers to “teach” students Students often reply to the technology by answering questions which determine if they understood or remembered the information Computers are used to present information, judge answers, diagnose student understanding, and adapt to meet student needs

3. Learning by Building Models cont. When working with technologies, ask learners to conceptualize, organize, and solve problems Computers are meant to memorize and retrieve information so students can actually teach the computers Humans are natural model builders and have models in the mind called mental models

4. Mindtools (Purpose) Model domain knowledge (which is content that is supposed to be learned in school) Mindtools make people think harder in a different way about what they are studying They build models of systems They organize what people are learning They build models of problems by mentally constructing problem space in the mind

5. Examples of Mindtools Mindtools Databases Concept Mapping Spreadsheets Microworlds Systems Modeling Tools Expert Systems Visualization Tools Constraint-based Discussion boards Hypermedia Construction Tools

6. Modeling Knowledge With Concept Maps Concept maps are diagrams showing spatial representations and relationships of concepts Also known as: Cognitive Structures Conceptual Knowledge Structural Knowledge Semantic Networks They contain pictures and texts They provide learners with the tools to represent the semantic structure of domain knowledge

7. Example of a Concept Map Example courtesy of Google Images

8. Modeling Systems With Systems Dynamics Tools Illustrates causal interrelationships among the components of a system Components of a system affect other components which can affect the original Computer-based tools which include Stella, VenSim, and PowerSim, can help build these dynamic systems Once they are built, students can model and observe the output in graphs, tables, or animations

9. Modeling Problems With Spreadsheets Spreadsheets are computerized record-keeping systems They are examples of a mindtool that amplifies and reorganizes mental functioning The information can consist of text, numbers, and/or formulas There are 3 primary functions- Storing Calculating Presenting Information

10. Example of a Spreadsheet Example courtesy of Google Images

11. Modeling Thinking With Expert Systems Computer programs that are designed to simulate expert reasoning to facilitate decision making for all problems Consist of knowledge base of facts about objects and rules Basically an artificial decision maker-(simulates the way human experts solve problems) Approached by a novice with a problem

12. Modeling Experiences With Databases Computerized record-keeping systems (electronic filing cabinets) They store, retrieve, and manipulate information Each record has subunits called fields They are used everywhere like doctor offices, schools, libraries, etc. Students could build databases by collecting and then comparing/contrasting peoples’ stories

13. Why Build Models With Mindtools? They are essentially constructivist They construct personal representations of experiences Modeling supports hypothesis testing and inferring Students own the knowledge Modeling motivates our efforts to make sense of the world WHY? WHY?

14. Presented By: Katie Walker Images By: Google Images and Clip Art