Interactive Computer Simulations as Pedagogical Tools in Biology Labs
| Autor: | Sarah Leupen, Mauricio M. Bustos, Karen Whitworth, Christopher R. Rakes |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2018 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
Male Teaching method 01 natural sciences Article General Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular Biology Education 010104 statistics & probability learning tools Human–computer interaction computer simulation Humans Learning 0101 mathematics Students Biology Psychomotor learning Science instruction 05 social sciences Multilevel model 050301 education Cognition Female Laboratories psychomotor learning 0503 education cognitive processes Computer-Assisted Instruction |
| Zdroj: | CBE Life Sciences Education |
| ISSN: | 1931-7913 |
| DOI: | 10.1187/cbe.17-09-0208 |
| Popis: | Student learning in biology may be impaired by instructional environments that emphasize technical methodology over analysis. We hypothesized that time gained by experimenting with accurate computer simulations could be used to engage students in analytical, creative learning. The effects of treatments that combined a week of simulated lab instruction with a week of standard lab instruction in different order (E-to-S and S-to-E) were examined using a controlled experimental design with random assignment of lab sections and hierarchical linear modeling analysis to account for possible clustering within sections. Data from a large sample of students ( N = 515) revealed a significant increase (1.59 SD) in posttest scores for both treatment groups over the control. We posit as a plausible explanation the reinforcement of psychomotor learning due to strong engagement of cognitive processes facilitated by the computer simulation. This study supports a wider use of computer simulations as learning tools in laboratory courses. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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