Title: Learning from interactions with software: a Popperian analysis

Authors: James Aczel

Addresses: Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK

Abstract: This paper introduces a method of analysing learning situations, based on the work of Karl Popper, and applies it to some examples of software-based teaching innovations. The basis of Popperian analysis is identification of processes of discontinuous trial-and-improvement of |strategic theories| (students| conjectured constructions of some sort of reality) under the selection pressures provided by |concerns| (problems of special interest to the student). It requires us to examine the mechanisms by which teachers| target problems become students| concerns; the mechanisms by which students improve upon their existing strategic theories in the direction of target theories; and the encouragement given to the raising of new problems. The examples considered include a CD-ROM on natural selection, a CD-ROM on the work of Homer, a tool for supporting the learning of formal reasoning, a negotiation simulation, and SimCity.

Keywords: cognition; software; Popperian analysis; epistemology; psychology; problem-solving; evaluation; strategic theories; concerns; learning mechanisms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2006.010631

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2006 Vol.2 No.2/3, pp.159 - 184

Published online: 09 Aug 2006 *

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