Concept-building through hierarchical cognition in a web-based interactive multimedia learning system: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits

Nazli Yahaya, Program Pengajian Diploma, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Semarak, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia.  nazli@utmnet.utm.my

Rio Sumarni Sharifuddin, Jabatan Multimedia Pendidikan, Fakulti Pendidikan, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, West Malaysia.  rio@fp.utm.my

Abstract

This is a description of the work-in-progress design and development of an interactive multimedia learning system employing constructivist underpinnings to support conceptual change in the learning of electrical concepts. In the design of the interactive multimedia learning system, the multimedia components are selectively categorized into three conglomerated sets to conjure hierarchical cognition, namely, the low, medium and high cognitive levels, for reconceptualization. Learner activities selected become more sophisticated with increasing levels of cognition. The amount of tutor-learner interactivity concurrently increases to gradually release control of the learning to the novice learner. Active learner participation in an interactive tutor-learner setting can induce cognitive conflict and scientific concept-building is facilitated when the learner takes charge of his own learning by conducting on-screen simulations to test their newly-acquired ideas.