This monograph focuses on the design of personalized and adaptive online interactive learning environment (OILE) to enhance students' learning in and about complex dynamic systems (CDS). Numerous studies show that students experience difficulties when learning in and about CDS. The difficulties are due to challenges originating from a) the structural complexity of CDS, (b) the production of dynamic behavior from the underlying systems structure, and (c) methods, techniques and tools employed in the analysis of such systems. Despite the fact that studies have uncovered such learning challenges, it is still not well understood how we may effectively address these challenges. In this monograph, the authors provide some answers as to how we may best improve our cognitive capabilities to meet these challenges by way of effective instructional methods, techniques, and tools and their implementation in the form of an OILE. The OILE developed for this purpose, builds on a five-step holistic instructional design framework; identification of instructional design models, identification of authentic learning material, identification of instructional methods, identification of instructional techniques, and design of the interface and implementation of the tool. In this OILE development, six well-documented instructional design models were considered; a four component instructional design, first principles of instruction, constructivists learning environment, task centered instruction, cognitive apprenticeship, and elaboration theory.

Could Computer Simulations enhance Physics achievement of students? This book deals with the effect of using computer simulations on undergraduate students' achievement in physics theoretical and practical lessons. Using student pre/posttest results as a source of data, the book tried to show how students' achievement was enhanced when physics lessons were supported by computer simulations first in theoretical lessons and then in practical lessons. The study on physics theoretical lessons was made to investigate the effectiveness of computer simulation assisted instructions over traditional instructional methods in enhancing students' achievement, whereas the study on practical lessons was carried out to identify which sequence would work better in physics practical lessons, computer simulated experiments followed by real laboratory experimental activities or real experimental activities followed by computer simulated experiments.