Niwat Srisawasdi. Development of computerized laboratory environments to promote active science learning : nose simulator and contact angle simulation . Doctoral Degree(Science and Technology Education). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Development of computerized laboratory environments to promote active science learning : nose simulator and contact angle simulation
การพัฒนาสิ่งแวดล้อมการเรียนรู้โดยการทดลองผ่านคอมพิวเตอร์เพื่อส่งเสริมการเรียนรู้วิทยาศาสตร์เชิงปฏิบัติ : Nose simulator และ contact angle simulation
Abstract:
The overall aim of this research was to develop, implement, and validate
interactive computerized laboratory environments that promote students performance
in science learning. The Nose Simulator and Contact Angle Simulation (CA-SIM)
were developed by conducting scientific laboratory experiments and educational
action research in turn.
For the first study, the Nose Simulator showed its potential for classifying
different types of alcohol and different concentrations of ethyl alcohol in a science
context. In an education context, the results of using the simulator obtained from
sixteen of grade 12 Thai high school students by using observations and questionnaire
surveys showed that they can perform a comprehensive inquiry with the simulator and
they perceived that the simulator afforded them cognitive ability, emotional practice,
inquiry skills, and a social inquiry process. Ten of the students were interviewed
individually and they pointed out their positives of gaining knowledge, skills, and
emotion in their experimental work with the simulator. Additionally, they also were
satisfied with working with the simulator experiment.
For the second study, the CA-SIM was constructed based on experimental
data of the contact angle variation of liquids on different solid materials, a functioning
of temperature. In the education context, the results of using CA-SIM were obtained
from 116 American freshman students, who were classified into Higher (HiPK) and
Lower (LoPK) Prior Knowledge groups, by using observations and surveys to examine
their gains in mental model development, and their perceptions. The result shows their
perception that the CA-SIM afforded them relevant information, ease of use for learning,
and challenges to learning science. There was no significant difference between
perceptions of HiPK and LoPK, and, their prior experience had no influence on their
perceptions towards the CA-SIM. The development of the mental model for both was
significant after they undertook the CA-SIM. In addition, six of the students were
individually interviewed through card sorting activities and the interview result
revealed that they could elaborate their mental model meaningfully.
Based on the developments, a conceptual framework was grounded for
turning contemporary scientific laboratory research into an innovative instructional
technology tool in future development