Learning and Applying Difficult Science Knowledge: School- Based Research into the Application of Hypermedia Learning Environments

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This project investigates the learning of important but difficult scientific knowledge in biology using hypermedia learning systems based on a recent cognitive theory of case- based learning (Spiro, Feltovich, Coulson, & Anderson, 1988; Spiro & Jehng, 1990). This approach to structuring hypertext and hypermedia systems provides a multidimension and nonlinear learning environment that explicitly demonstrates critical conceptual interrelationships in the instructional content. The system has been tested in a number of different domains, such as biomedicine and military strategy (Spiro et al., 1988). There have also been promising findings of knowledge transfer in a controlled experimental setting using a hypertext system of this type (Jacobson & Spiro, 1991). The proposed research represents the first application in biology classroom settings of this theory-based approach to structuring hypermedia learning technologies. Scientists will validate the accuracy and currency of the biology content and practicing biology teachers will explore ways in which these hypermedia systems can be best integrated in real-world classroom settings. These new instructional systems will be tested in public high school biology and life sciences courses with a wide range of students spanning from academically talented to underserved populations comprised of low income, minority, or academically low performing students. These hypermedia learning systems are expected to help these different types of students both to learn difficult biology concepts and to be able to use their acquired knowledgen in new ways and in new situations. This collaborative university-school research project will explore a number of issues related to the acquisition and transfer of biological knoweledge, cognitive learning theory, hypermedia instructional design, and the integration of hypermedia learning systems into the overall school-based science learning environment.