Challenge FRAP

An e-learning tool used to scaffold authentic problem-solving processes

Abstract

Challenge FRAP (Form for the Analysis of Problems), is client based public-domain authoring software that facilitates the dynamic use of scaffolding, progressive feedback to learners, and student reflection at important decision-making points. This paper reports the student use and evaluation of this eLearning tool in the context of a plant pathology course over three years.

Students in a third year undergraduate course were given authentic commercially significant plant disease problems derived from industry and matched with industry clients to work through their analysis and diagnosis. The use of Challenge FRAP enabled students to work in a flexible, self- directed way with strong scaffolding support and guidance to assist them through a scholarly scientific reasoning process. The e-learning tool also enabled the teacher to gain insights into student decision-making and cognitive thinking processes and to provide feedback and guidance at crucial learning points. This paper details student perceptions of this e-learning scaffolding tool during and after their experience of using it, as well as their responses to the authentic learning context and how they believed the process influenced their learning.