Computer Versus Computer and Human Support in an Argumentation-based Science Learning Environment

Technological advancements have made it possible to design learning environments which support multiple representations, discussions and experimentations. This study designed and developed a web based argumentation environment, Argümantaryum. It provides virtual experimentation with, visually rich multi-representations of contents, video, and simulations upon which students may base their arguments and learn some elementary level science units related to matter. It has also a built-in discussion forum and an instant messaging component both of which contain argumentation sentence-openers. Following the implementation, the system was tested in real classroom settings under different study schemes for different learning units. Results revealed that when students used the system collaboratively under a teacher’s guidance, students made progress in terms of both scientific discussion skills and knowledge of the learning units accommodated in the platform. Similar results were also obtained when the same usage scheme was followed for another learning unit. Finally, the report compared performance of the system to a human support only learning environment, and provided a discussion and a set of recommendations on how to further evaluate the platform