Case-based reasoning
Of black and glass boxes: scaffolding for doing and learning
ICLS '96 Proceedings of the 1996 international conference on Learning sciences
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
Designing clinical trials is a complex, ill-structured task. Medical students are equipped neither with relevant experience nor appropriate schemas to effectively design these experiments. Providing novice learners with real-world experiences are not always feasible due to safety, time, and cost. However, simulated experimental design environments can make these experiences possible. Computer models can promote new ways of thinking, facilitate multiple representation of problems, model the inquiry process, and provide explicit external representations. The Oncology Thinking Cap is one such modeling environment that provides students with experiences in designing and simulated clinical trials. In this paper, we present a case study of a group of fourth year medical students working collaboratively at designing Phase II clinical trials to test a cancer drug, Pittamycin. The trials were designed with a special interface that served to promote task-centered discussion and the construction of a shared problem space. The students became aware of the factors involved at this complex task and used the feedback to revise their understanding.