Computational modelling, interactive environments and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education

In the diverse areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics the construction of knowledge involves research processes based on modelling actions that balance theoretical, experimental and computational elements. The corresponding learning environments, curricula and resources should then be structured around pedagogical methodologies based on the professional research processes, defining area specific strategies able to help the establishment of epistemologically balanced learning paths through the different cognitive phases of the various types of modelling processes. This epistemological and cognitive balance remains, however, far from being a reality for the majority of courses, particularly on what concerns the integration of computational themes. In this article we discuss a strategy to approach this problem that is based on the development of interactive learning activities which balance the inclusion of exploratory and expressive computational modelling experiments. We illustrate with examples from Physics created in the Modellus environment, which can be used at Secondary and Higher University or Polytechnic Education levels, either in student curricular programs or in teacher training courses. We also present and discuss results of the implementation of this strategy in several undergraduate university courses.