'Earth, Sun and Moon': Computer assisted instruction in secondary school science - achievement and attitudes

• Published in: Issues in educational research Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 206 - 224
• Main Authors: Orhan Ercan, Kadir Bilen, Evrim Ural
• Format: Journal Article
• Published: Perth, WA Institutes for Educational Research in NSW, SA and WA 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Astronomy; Computer-assisted instruction; Methodology; Philosophy; Science; Study and teaching; Teaching
• ISSN: 1837-6290; 1837-6290

This study investigated the impact of a web-based teaching method on students' academic achievement and attitudes in the elementary education fifth grade Science and Technology unit, 'System of Earth, Sun and Moon'. The study was a quasi-experimental study with experimental and control groups comprising 54 fifth grade students attending a state school in the 2012-2013 academic year. Lessons in the experimental group of 26 students were taught with the help of web-based teaching materials designed in a computer environment, whilst students in the control group of 28 were taught according to the textbook. Comparisons based on pre- and post-test results were used to identify the impact of the web-based method on student achievement. Findings suggested a significant difference in favor of the experimental group in their achievement in Science and Technology lessons and positive attitudes towards computer technologies and astronomy.
This study investigated the impact of a web-based teaching method on students’ academic achievement and attitudes in the elementary education fifth grade Science and Technology unit, 'System of Earth, Sun and Moon'. The study was a quasi-experimental study with experimental and control groups comprising 54 fifth grade students attending a state school in the 2012-2013 academic year. Lessons in the experimental group of 26 students were taught with the help of web-based teaching materials designed in a computer environment, whilst students in the control group of 28 were taught according to the textbook. Comparisons based on pre- and post-test results were used to identify the impact of the web-based method on student achievement. Findings suggested a significant difference in favor of the experimental group in their achievement in Science and Technology lessons and positive attitudes towards computer technologies and astronomy.