Towards a real application of an electronic learning theory

Abstract

This work though diverse, gives help and stimulation in the design of computer based materials for developing skills , it allows the student to express solution as procedures, and receive feedback as the computer executes them, his /her idea can be extended to in imaginative but structured ways by using WHAT- IF questions. Problem solving materials must be implemented to allow the student to explore facts as she / he works through specific pre-stored problems. A command vocabulary is provided for this purpose, and the command set enables the student to set the problem chunk to be attempted (complete question, stages or smaller steps) and to ask, successively if he wishes, WHY DO a stage / step ( i.e. if that goal is achieved how does it help in moving towards a solution ?) WHY CHOOSE that goal ( i.e. what problem features lead to that goal rather than do others) .HOW DO stage / step ( a general hint on method ), and WHY THAT method would be followed . A HELP command provides advice, through heuristic, when the student can not proceed (A TELL response is available as a last resort), WHE WRONG enables student to gain further feedback. Other commands are available to provide summaries and reminders of previous and present work, and to manage the presentation of information. The system keeps full records of responses and these are to be analyzed, This method of triggering ideas towards developing and acquisitions skills in the solution of problems seems to be effective and needs to be developed through further works