Published in Acta Didactica Napocensia, volume 3 number 2, 1 June 2010
André Heck, AMSTEL
Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ton Ellermeijer, AMSTEL Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract: Coach is an activity-based,
open computer environment for learning and doing mathematics, science, and
technology in an inquiry approach, developed in the last twenty-five years at
the AMSTEL Institute of the University of Amsterdam. It offers a versatile set
of integrated tools for data collection, data analysis, modelling and
simulation, and for multimedia authoring of activities. In this paper, we
present the STOLE concept that underpins the design and implementation of
systems like Coach. It is an example of how members from the physics education
research community came to convergence on tools for doing investigative work
and achieved integration of tools. Special attention goes further to the
mathematical requirements of such a learning environment and to the computer
support of various representations of one and the same phenomenon or scientific
concept. We also discuss one of the most complicating factors in the
implementation of an integrated learning environment for mathematics and
science, namely that mathematical concepts are not always used the same in
these fields. Differences between the use of variables, functions, and graphs
in mathematics and physics are briefly discussed, and consequences for the
design of a general-purpose learning environment are addressed.
Key words: secondary
physics education, information and communication technology, Coach, tool design
Pages 17-34. Download PDF