Betty's Brain
The crisis in science education and the need for innovative computer-based learning environments has prompted us to develop a multi-agent system, Betty's Brain, that implements the learning by teaching paradigm. The design and implementation of the system based on cognitive science and education research in constructivist, inquiry-based learning, involves an intelligent software agent, Betty, that students teach using concept map representations with a visual interface. Betty is intelligent not because she learns on her own, but because she can apply qualitative-reasoning techniques to answer questions that are directly related to what she has been taught. The results of an extensive study in a fifth grade classroom of a Nashville public school has demonstrated impressive results in terms of improved motivation and learning gains. Reflection on the results has prompted us to develop a new version of this system that focuses on formative assessment and the teaching of self-regulated strategies to improve students' learning, and promote better understanding and transfer.
Try Betty's Brain
If you'd like to try using the Betty's Brain program yourself, please click here to register or log in! We have several different lessons available in the system for you to try and we are always eager to hear your feedback.
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