When faced with excessive detail in an online environment, typical users have difficulty processing all the elements of representation. This in turn creates cognitive overload, which narrows the user's focus to a few select items. In the context of e-learning, we translated this aspect as the learner's demand for a system that facilitates the…

Discussion of dynamic modeling focuses on the development of a new modeling tool called Model-It which provides intentionally designed scaffolding for learners, enabling them to build and test dynamic models of complex systems using object-oriented and qualitative techniques. Classroom testing with high school students is described. (Author/LRW)