DEVELOMENT OF A PROCESS-ORIENTED SCAFFOLDING AGENT IN AN OPEN-ENDED INQUIRY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Based on the theories of metacognition and inquiry-based learning, we developed a process-oriented scaffolding agent (POSA) to support inquiry-based learning processes in complex domains centered around emerging learning objects. The objectives are to provide process guidance on time and on demand, and to help the students to reflect on and possibly re-plan their learning processes by monitoring and analyzing students’ actions and by using knowledge captured in a task model, a strategy model, a learner model and a scaffolding model. We demonstrate the technical feasibility to implement such a domain-generic and lightweight pedagogical agent and to integrate it into a flexible, open-ended inquiry-based learning environment. Furthermore, we report a pilot study to investigate the learners’ acceptance of the POSA based on the Technology Acceptance Model. The results reveal that most of the participants found the POSA generally useful in a flexible, open-ended inquiry learning process.