Exploring the Relationships between Students" Online Interactive Activities and Their Views of the Nature of Scientific Theories

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether engaging students in computer supported collaborative activities in a knowledge-building environment could help them develop a deeper understanding of the nature of scientific theories. Findings indicated: 1) students’ views of the nature of scientific theories significantly changed, becoming more constructivist-oriented toward the end of the semester; 2) there was a statistically significant relationship between students’ online interactive activities and their enhanced understanding of the nature of scientific theories. In sum, engaging students in computer supported collaborative activities in a knowledge-building environment seems to be supportive in helping students develop a more informed view of the nature of scientific theories.