The learning design revolves around three main tasks: predict-observe-explain (POE). View the Learning Design Sequence for a graphical representation of this learning design.

Students are required to complete POE tasks in the physics domain of vertical and projectile motion. They select from a range of multiple-choice options for their predictions....

The CD-ROM is the main resource accessible to the students. The program has an introductory tutorial...

It is desirable that users are familiar with the POE strategy before using the CD-ROM. The teacher facilitates small group engagement with the tasks...

The intended delivery context is face-to-face in a computer-based learning environment...

The collaborative use of the POE computer tasks is designed to facilitate peer discussions and promote conceptual development and consensual meaning-making in the domain of science...

Multiple choice tests, other POE tasks (same domain but different scenarios), concept maps or reflective journals could be used to assess learning outcomes...

The computer environment encourages small group use of the POE tasks, moving away from the traditional whole class, teacher-led POE tasks; the computer program effectively scaffolds the POE strategy for the users...

The design and development of the software was informed by social constructivism...

The program was created as part of a doctoral thesis...

A research study explored three main issues relating to the use of the multimedia-supported POE tasks: firstly, the students’ learning conversations during their use of the POE tasks; secondly, the use of the program as an instrument...

The POE tasks generally use real-world, everyday contexts that tend to be complex but appealing to students. Care is needed in the design stage to choose relevant contexts for the intended users...