A Study of the Efficacy of Project-Based Learning Integrated with Computer-Based Simulation--STELLA

Autor/inn/en	Eskrootchi, Rogheyeh; Oskrochi, G. Reza
Titel	A Study of the Efficacy of Project-Based Learning Integrated with Computer-Based Simulation--STELLA
Quelle	In: Educational Technology & Society, 13 (2010) 1, S.236-245 (10 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1436-4522
Schlagwörter	Males; Females; Science Projects; Student Projects; Experiential Learning; Active Learning; Computers; Program Effectiveness; Learning Laboratories; Educational Technology; Pedagogical Content Knowledge; Computer Assisted Instruction; Computer Simulation; Information Technology; Middle Schools; Problem Solving; Science Instruction; Science Education + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Male; Männliches Geschlecht; Weibliches Geschlecht; Science; Project; Wissenschaft; Projekt; Schulprojekt; Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen; Aktives Lernen; Digitalrechner; Lernstation; Unterrichtsmedien; Pädagogische Kompetenz; Computer based training; Computerunterstützter Unterricht; Computergrafik; Computersimulation; Informationstechnologie; Middle school; Mittelschule; Mittelstufenschule; Problemlösen; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung
Abstract	Incorporating computer-simulation modelling into project-based learning may be effective but requires careful planning and implementation. Teachers, especially, need pedagogical content knowledge which refers to knowledge about how students learn from materials infused with technology. This study suggests that students learn best by actively constructing knowledge from a combination of experience, interpretation and structured interactions with peers and teachers when using technology. Simulations do not work on their own, there needs to be some structuring of the students' interactions with the simulation to increase effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of project-based learning in a technology-rich environment. A science project, Land-use in Watershed, that takes advantage of Internet facilities was developed and integrated with a simulation software package, Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory, with Animation, (STELLA) developed to promote deeper understanding of Land-use by students. The Participants in the study were 72 students in a quasi-experimental research design. Statistical analyses showed that students who participated in the manipulation of the experimental model of the watershed experiment and the STELLA simulation performed best on understanding the watershed concept. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	International Forum of Educational Technology & Society. Athabasca University, School of Computing & Information Systems, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada. Tel: 780-675-6812; Fax: 780-675-6973; Web site: http://www.ifets.info
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10