Design of TEL environment to improve Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning skill

Abstract

Undergraduate level science and engineering learners are required to apply Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning (HDR) within various topics of their curriculum. HDR include steps like formation of hypotheses, checking of individual hypothesis by experimentation, designing of experiment, predicting the outcome based on experiment, collecting the observed outcome and comparing predicted and observed outcome. In order to provide causal explanation behind any phenomena, designing of experiment and for accepting or rejecting hypothesis this skill is important. Fewer efforts have been made at college level especially in the context of biology to develop this reasoning in learners. Geneticus Investigatio (GI) aims to improve learner’s HDR skill in the context of genetics and was developed to address this gap. Technology affordances like agent-based modelling is used which includes functionalities like variable manipulation, providing immediate feedback and self-paced learning.