The effect of representations on communication and product during collaborative modeling

In this paper we investigate the effect of different external representations on the process and product of collaborative computer modeling tasks. Shared representations can significantly influence the processes of modeling and communication. In order to find the specific benefits of two different representations, we compare pairs working on a collaborative modeling task using a text based model representation with others using a graphical representation. The learners, secondary school students, used the modeling representation for two hours working on a task in the domain of physics. Results indicate that the two representations support different phases of the modeling process.