A COMPUTER-BASED MAPPING TECHNIQUE FOR ST RUCTURING COMPLEX INFORMATION - DEVELOPMENT AND SOME PRELIMINARY DATA

Based on mapping-techniques, the computer-based InStructure-Tool was d eveloped for the support of problem-based learning within the medical domain. The tool is designed to help learners structure the complex in formation while solving diagnostic problems. In addition, it serves as a method for detailed analyses of learners' strategics. An empirical study showed that medical students were able to use the InStructure-To ol after a short period of practice, Students working with the tool we re able to represent a diagnostic case more coherently than students i n a control group. This applied especially to those learners with more prior knowledge. These findings are discussed with respect to further use of the InStructure-Tool.