Fostering conceptual change with technology: Asian perspectives

Abstract

Conceptual change is one of the most important outcomes of learning. It is an intentional and constructive effort to bring about deep understanding. Researchers in this field have studied various methods and strategies to bring forth conceptual change among learners. We argue that technology can play a critical role in fostering conceptual change. Specifically, it helps learners to externalize and manipulate their internal conceptual models in order to construct or revise their conceptual understanding. When fostering conceptual change with technology, learning is meaningful, effortful, dynamic, and engaging. Through bringing together the work of scholars from various countries, we hope to forward our understanding of fostering conceptual change with technology. In this symposium, the presenters will provide general perspectives on the current research fostering conceptual change with technology in Asia-Pacific, examine social factors of learning; and discuss the possible approaches in various countries.