Effectiveness of computer-based laboratory work

Abstract

The development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their use in chemistry classes could improve the quality of the teaching and learning process. The incorporation of appropriate multimedia materials into teaching and their educative role have the potential to provide instructional improvement and new learning experience.1 Computer animations and simulations have been used in a variety of teaching situations, to represent phenomena at the atomic and molecular level, as well as to simulate the laboratory procedures.2

This study investigated the effectiveness of using the Multimedia Educational Interactive System (MEDIS), applied in the laboratory class "The effect of temperature on the solubility of substances". Students' attitudes towards this type of learning were also examined.

This study involved 60 seventh grade students and results were statistically processed for 48 of them. These students attended the laboratory class, did two tests (pre-test and post-test) and completed the questionnaire.

Quantitative data were generated from the pre-test and post-test about the solubility concept and from the questionnaire. A paired sample t-test that was used showed that mean differences were not statistically significant, although the mean post-test achievement score (M = 7.52, SD = 3.64) was higher than the pre-test achievement score (M = 6.96, SD = 3.12). After analyzing the students' answers obtained by processing the data from the questionnaire, it was concluded that the students liked this way of studying and would like to use MEDIS or similar computer systems in chemistry laboratory classes in the future.