Using computer-based tutorials to encourage reflection

There is some evidence to suggest that undergraduate biology students need to be given more opportunities for reflection in their education. Some argue that computer-based learning packages may be able to offer such opportunities. This paper presents four different approaches to defining what reflection is and how it can be promoted. These approaches are then used to discuss and review the different ways in which computer-based tutorials can be used to promote lateral thinking. An example of a web-based biology tutorial called ‘How Now Mad Cow’ is described and preliminary evaluation results are presented, in order to illustrate how students may be encouraged to reflect and what factors may influence that. Finally, the role of the tutor in enspiring students to reflect while using computer-based tutorials is discussed. This distinguishes between the role of the tutor in designing a computer-based tutorial, and the role of the tutor in determining and facilitating how a student uses a tutorial once it has been designed.