Technology-enhanced learning for improving complex problem-solving expertise

Abstract

Learning through complex problem solving has received increased attention in educational areas. This is particularly the case in challenging domains such as medical education, where problem-based learning (PBL) is widely adopted and found to be effective in helping students to improve their abilities in clinical reasoning, problem solving, and self-directed and cooperative learning. However, there are concerns about PBL’s effects on development of systemic knowledge structures and efficient reasoning processes, which are critical for expertise development. To address the challenge, a technology-enhanced learning environment is proposed in this study, aiming to improve students’ complex problem-solving expertise by scaffolding their problem solving or reasoning processes as well as knowledge construction with support of expert knowledge.