ASCILITE ’98 97 Effective Interaction or a Maze of Confusion? – Problem Solving in a Multimedia Environment EFFECTIVE INTERACTION OR A MAZE OF CONFUSION? – PROBLEM SOLVING IN A MULTIMEDIA ENVIRONMENT

In this preliminary study, the problem solving ability of young adult learners was examined. The problems investigated by novice learners reflected environmental situations associated with river catchment systems simulated through the multimedia CD-ROM product, Exploring the Nardoo. Each of the problems required collection and analysis of data to generate a solution. Thirty Year 8 science students from a comprehensive coeducational city high school were surveyed on their attitudes, opinions and understanding after determining a possible solution to their assigned problem. Assessment of the written responses of students in this group indicated their perception of a ‘correct’ answer varied considerably. This is possibly a reflection of the varying views students hold about the problem solving process. Most pairs of students reported they had no difficulty in developing a solution and had clearly understood from the problem statement what they were to do. However from a problem solving perspective their answers did not support this view. All students exhibited a positive attitude towards the learning environment and were actively engaged throughout the time allocated to the assigned task. The outcomes of this study will have real application at the tertiary level