Geneticus Investigation: An Agent-Based Modeling System for Teaching-Learning Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning in Mendelian genetics

A variety of topics at the undergraduate level of science and engineering require learners to apply Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning (HDR). HDR involves forming hypotheses, designing experiments to test the hypotheses, predicting the outcomes of the experiments, conducting the experiments to observe the outcomes and comparing the predicted and observed outcomes. HDR skill is important for core practices in science such as providing causal explanation for any phenomenon, designing of experiments and accepting or rejecting hypotheses. Few efforts have been made at the college level, especially in the context of biology, to develop HDR in learners. In order to address this gap, we have designed and developed a learning environment, Geneticus Investigatio (GI), to help improve learners' HDR skills in the context of Mendelian genetics. Affordances of technology enhanced learning environments such as agent-based modeling system have been used in the design of GI leveraging functionalities like variable manipulation, system-generated feedback and personalized practice which help learners develop this reasoning. In this paper, we report the theoretical basis, design and development of GI and a preliminary study on learners' perceptions about usability and learning from GI.