SMILE Maker: A Web-Based Tool for Problem Solving

This paper focuses on the purposes, theoretical model, and functionality of the SMILE (Solution Mapping Intelligent Learning Environment) Maker--a World Wide Web-based problem-solving tool. From an instructional design point of view, an attempt to establish a balance between constructivism/instructivism, content-treatment interaction/aptitude-treatment interaction, and user locus of control/system locus of control is made. The model behind the SMILE Maker consists of four sub-models (user, content, instructional events, and facilitator), each built from four components. A new concept mapping method that has been developed and experimentally validated is described. Four instructional scenarios--ready-made, tailor-made, self-made, and atelier--are discussed.