DEVELOPING A DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR AN AI-INTEGRATED SIMULATION LEARNING ENVIRONMENT TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC MENTAL MODELS: PHASE 1-THEORETICAL ANALYSIS AND FRAMEWORK DESIGN

Abstract

This research, part of a Development Research initiative, seeks to formulate a theoretical framework for an AI-integrated simulation learning environment to improve scientific mental models, with a specific emphasis on Phase 1: theoretical analysis and synthesis. The methodology involved documentary research, synthesizing key principles from Constructivist learning theory, Open Learning Environments (OLEs), and AI in education. The results indicated that the synthesized framework, designed for grade 11 students, consists of six core components: 1) Problem-based learning and Learning Tasks to stimulate cognitive processes, 2) Learning resources to support self-directed inquiry, 3) Collaboration Center for communication and conceptual validation, 4) Activating Mental Model Laboratory for constructing and testing internal representations, 5) Scaffolding integrated with AI systems for personalized support, and 6) Coaching to guide and stimulate metacognitive skills. The developed framework serves as a critical foundation for the functional design and innovation development in Phase 2. It aims to empower learners to construct accurate and systematic scientific mental models within a modern, technology-enhanced learning environment.

Keywords: Learning Environment, Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, Scientific Mental Models, Design and Development Research