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Biology Laboratory Construction Kit with Intelligent Tutor. Final Project Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Biology Laboratory Construction Kit with Intelligent Tutor. Final Project Report.
Language: English
Authors: Peterson, Nils S., Oregon Univ., Eugene. Dept. of Information Science.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 1989
Sponsoring Agency: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (ED), Washington, DC.
Contract Number: G008730445
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Graphics, Computer Simulation, Computer Software, Computer System Design, Expert Systems, Formative Evaluation, Higher Education, Man Machine Systems, Programed Tutoring, Science Instruction
Geographic Terms: U.S.; Oregon
Abstract: This project developed a new kind of computer simulation and explored its impact on teaching and learning in introductory biology. The aims of the project were to: (1) develop a flexible simulation environment that would permit students to design, build, and test realistic simulations; (2) support student experimentation with intelligent tutoring expert systems that could explain how particular designs met or failed to meet specific design goals; and (3) develop a student manual as a curriculum to accompany the software for use in biology laboratory sessions. Student and instructor materials were created and tested in small group protocols. It was found that some of the computer graphics and software design of the simulation components were effective even though they were more complex than traditional modeling techniques, and that existing artificial intelligence models need to be further developed before they can be used in programmed tutoring for science instruction. Videotaped protocols of pairs of students exploring the software using written directions proved to be a valuable formative evaluation techniques. (DB)
Notes: A 17-minute videotape created as part of this report describes the project's methods and demonstrates the construction kit. It is not included in the ERIC database.
Journal Code: RIEOCT1991
Entry Date: 1991
Accession Number: ED332685
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This project developed a new kind of computer simulation and explored its impact on teaching and learning in introductory biology. The aims of the project were to: (1) develop a flexible simulation environment that would permit students to design, build, and test realistic simulations; (2) support student experimentation with intelligent tutoring expert systems that could explain how particular designs met or failed to meet specific design goals; and (3) develop a student manual as a curriculum to accompany the software for use in biology laboratory sessions. Student and instructor materials were created and tested in small group protocols. It was found that some of the computer graphics and software design of the simulation components were effective even though they were more complex than traditional modeling techniques, and that existing artificial intelligence models need to be further developed before they can be used in programmed tutoring for science instruction. Videotaped protocols of pairs of students exploring the software using written directions proved to be a valuable formative evaluation techniques. (DB)