Embedding explanation facility in chemistry educational software: Towards the Qualitative Reasoning approach

Abstract

This work discusses the explanation facility of a tool called QRIOM for providing support to teaching and learning in the area of organic reactions. The approach is to use Qualitative Reasoning (QR), in particular, Qualitative Process Theory (QPT). This paper will focus on the reasoning engine and the explanation modules that served as embedded intelligence in the software tool. Explanation generated by the software can help learners to pick up the underlying concept better than merely memorizing the basic facts or the reaction steps. The main finding of this work is that when the domain knowledge is represented using QPT, the coupling between concepts and their embodiment in software are tightened. This type of conceptual embodiment may facilitate the acquisition of the fundamental principles of organic reactions in that a learner's cognitive capability is improved.