Constructing knowledge in the context of BioWorld

BioWorld is a computer learning environment designed for high school biolog y students. BioWorld complements the biology curriculum by providing a hosp ital simulation where students can apply what they have learned about body systems to problems where they can reason about diseases. Students work col laboratively at collecting evidence to confirm or refute their hypotheses a s they attempt to solve BioWorld cases. The present study examined students ' use of BioWorld to solve problems related to the digestive system. Analys es of student actions and verbal dialogue were conducted to pinpoint the ty pes of features within BioWorld that were most conducive to learning and sc ientific reasoning. An exploratory analysis of the types of assistance prov ided to students by a teacher, researcher.