Technology-based Science Classroom: What Factors Facilitate Learning?

Abstract

Learning primary science includes the acquisition of science process skills. This study explores the use of specifically designed web-based instructional materials in teaching these science process skills, particularly the skill of controlling variables. This qualitative case study attempts to uncover the factors that influence learning in a webbased learning environment. Analysis of verbal and non-verbal data reveals that there are various factors that influence the acquisition of science process skills. Four factors emerged from this study: (1) the web-based instructional materials, (2) the physical setting, (3) the role of the teacher, and (4) the students readiness. This article discusses these findings and their implications to the teaching and learning of primary science in a web-based learning environment.

Mempelajari sains rendah termasuklah memperoleh kemahiran proses sains. Kajian ini meneroka penggunaan bahan pengajaran berasaskan web yang dibangunkan untuk mengajar kemahiran proses sains, khasnya kemahiran mengawal pemboleh ubah. Kajian kes kualitatif ini cuba mencari faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pembelajaran dalam persekitaran berasaskan web. Analisis data lisan dan bukan lisan mendedahkan bahawa terdapat beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi perolehan kemahiran proses sains. Empat faktor timbul daripada kajian ini: (1) bahan pengajaran berasaskan web, (2) susunan fizikal, (3) peranan guru, dan (4) kesediaan pelajar. Artikel ini membincangkan dapatan-dapatan ini dan implikasinya kepada pengajaran dan pembelajaran sains rendah dalam persekitaran pembelajaran berasaskan web.