The Problem Solving Assistant

Authors:

Dr. Donn Ritchie, faculty, San Diego State University
Mr. Peter Norris, graduate student, Glenco Publishing
Mr. Arthur Pajak, alumni, SDSU Instructional Technology Services
Mr. Corey Fayman, graduate student and
Ms. Gina Chestnutt, graduate student.

Description of the Software

The Problem Solving Assistant is a guided-discovery learning tool. Similar to other anchored instruction and problem-based learning software products, the software presents enticing dilemmas that engage students in a series of higher-order thinking skills to solve a problem. What differentiates the Problem Solving Assistant is that it provides three unique aspects not found in other software. The program provides:

In a nutshell, here is how it works. The teacher places information about a relevant problem into various objects in the program environment (templates guide you through this activity). Students explore the environment and look for information that will help them develop solutions to the problem. The software then prompts and guides students through a heuristic to solve the problem. Finally, the software takes the information and guides students through the process of developing a classroom presentation.

Why did we create this software? We know in adult life that reaching solutions to a complex, ill-structured problem ("Should I buy that new car?" or "Is it time to apply for a new job?") is difficult, time consuming, and often doesn't have one clear-cut, right answer. To arrive at a viable solution, we examine the problem from many angles, gather as much relevant information as feasible, formulate potential solutions, weigh their consequences, and make a decision. The Problem Solving Assistant has been established to mimic these steps. It is not intended to be an all encompassing, self-contained, problem-based learning environment. Instead, its intent is to engage students and guide them through the basic steps of problem solving while encouraging them to think, research, and experiment away from the computer. The Problem Solving Assistant helps generate ideas, provoke thought, store information, assist students in reaching solutions, and helps present those results to their peers.

The problem-solving environment is a simulated room called the Study Room (see Figure 1). The room contains objects such as books, a bulletin board, computer, telephone, notepad, television, and laserdisc player. Information and clues about the problem are found within the various objects. Students search for information by clicking the mouse

Figure 1. The Study Room.

on different objects. In addition to providing relevant information about the problem (as well as some dead ends), objects within the room also guide the students through the problem-solving process to arrive at a solution and structure their solution for later presentation.

Program Objectives

With the help of the Problem Solving Assistant, students will be able to:

1. Construct personal understanding of a problem by restating the problem in their own words and identifying critical components.

2. Formulate and implement research strategies.

3. Utilize resource materials to gather relevant data.

4. Make decisions as to the relevance of collected information.

5. Summarize, evaluate, and prioritize solutions.

6. Present conclusions to their classmates.

7. Increase their use of technology tools to improve learning.

Authored by:
Donn C. Ritchie Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Educational Technology
Contact Information : dritchie@mail.sdsu.edu
Last Revised September 13,1995
URL: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/Open_House/PSA.html