Learning Primary Science in a Web-Based Learning Environment
Learning primary science includes the acquisition of science process skills. Studies have shown that integrated science process skills should be taught through some form of specific training. This study adopts the use of Web-based learning environment in learning science process skills. The purpo...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
2003
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11036/1/FPP_2003_10.pdf |
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| Summary: | Learning primary science includes the acquisition of science process skills.
Studies have shown that integrated science process skills should be taught
through some form of specific training. This study adopts the use of Web-based
learning environment in learning science process skills. The purpose of this
study was to unravel the learning processes that occurred in the learning of
science, particularly the skill of controlling variables, in a Web-based learning
environment.
The study employed an exploratory qualitative case study which involved
nineteen Grade Five children. The participants were selected using the purposive
sampling technique. During the study, children explored the specially designed
Web-based instructional material known as 'Science Process Skills in Scientific
Exploration', in short SPicE. The primary data collection techniques used in this study were interviews,
children's conversations, observations, children's diary entries and entries from
the on-line discussions. Data from interviews, conversations and observations
were transcribed while relevant entries from children's diaries and on-line
discussions were extracted. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative
method of analysis.
The findings of the study suggest that there were three dimensions of learning,
the cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions. These learning
dimensions were intertwined among each other and were influenced by the
design features of SPicE. Besides the acquisition of the intended skills, the
findings also indicate that the children acquired other science process skills,
manipulative skills as well as computer skills. There were four main factors that
influence the acquisition of these skills; the programme, physical setting, the
teacher and children's readiness.
Three major conclusions were drawn from this study. First, Web-based learning
facilitates science learning. Second, besides the intended learning outcome,
learners acquired other related skills such as manipulative skills and computer
skills, in the Web-based learning environment. Lastly, skill acquisition in the
Web-based learning environment is influenced by various external and internal
factors. |
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