Student management of web-based hypermedia resources during open-ended problem solving

Twelve middle school students' use of computer tools to manage and manipula te Internet-based hypermedia resources was investigated. Tools were propose d to support higher order thinking about hypermedia resources to help stude nts find, frame, and resolve open-ended science problems. Tools alone were insufficient to help students manage hypermedia information for solving ope n-ended problems. Students more frequently applied lower order tool functio ns (e.g., information collection) than higher order tool functions (e.g., r easoning). Students typically resolved problems with original solutions, bu t tools were used infrequently to develop evidence-based arguments justifyi ng new ideas. Computer tools alone may be insufficient to help students man age extensive hypermedia resources. Together with additional support struct ures, however, tool potential may be realized.