The effect of external representation on constructing computer models of complex phenomena

Computer modeling – creating executable modelsof science domains – has been recognized as animportant teaching method. Still not much isknown about the factors making modelingenvironments effective in use. We investigatethe effect of different externalrepresentations on the construction of computermodels. Representations can significantlyinfluence the processes of modeling. In orderto find the specific benefits of two differentrepresentations, we compare dyads working on acollaborative modeling task using a text-basedmodel representation, in which correctequations are required to make the model run,with others using a graphical representation,in which the model is built by qualitativelylinking variables. The learners, secondaryschool students and modeling novices, workedwith the representations on a task in thedomain of physics. Results indicate that thetwo representations induce differentbehaviours, which are appropriate for differentphases of the modeling process.