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Computer microworld development adapted to children's conceptions: A case study

Russell Lawrence Couturier, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

This research studied changes in ten middle school students' scientific conceptions during interaction with a computer microworld designed adaptively for exploring phases of the moon. Following direct observations of lunar phenomena, five students participated in the development of the computer microworld. The researcher implemented software design requests from the students based on their real world and microworld experience. Five different students used the final revised microworld and provided additional feedback. All sessions were transcribed and analyzed. Evidence from this case study suggests that this constructionist activity was a good catalyst for inducing conceptual change in learners—especially the five who had considerable ownership in the software development. Implications for classroom teaching strategies and suggestions for future research are offered.

Subject Area

Educational software|Computer science|Science education

Recommended Citation

Couturier, Russell Lawrence, "Computer microworld development adapted to children's conceptions: A case study" (2000). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9960744.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9960744

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