Computer support for learning through complex problem solving

Abstract

The authors have the goal of helping students learn through tackling complex but meaningful problems using a variety of technological supports as facilitation. It is believed that a hard problem, addressed with support for successfully solving the problem and for reflecting on the problem will lead to deep, transferable knowledge and skills. Through collaboration, students work in teams to solve complex problems and articulate to one another their reflections. With case libraries, students find relevant solutions and see how knowledge can be generalized and transferred. With computer-based modeling and simulation, the kinds of powerful tools that experts use to solve problems are provided.