Computer Simulations use in learning science

Constructivist based student centered instructional methods are necessary in development of science lessons simply because they are abstract topics and students want to understand.

Learning by doing is no longer a new concept in the world of teaching students the context of chemistry. The concept of learning by doing have allowed learning shift from tradition ways of teaching to new methods where teachers give students opportunities to conduct experiments within the classroom. Laboratories have turned to be key learning components that students use in improving their skills plus develop their experience.

Evidence suggests that chemistry falls under applied branch of science thus the work of the laboratory is to emphasis on what students gets in theory work. It is true that laboratories help students learn about new concepts on chemistry because they get opportunities to observe, doing things, and seeing things. With laboratory concept where students get not only custom learning knowledge but they get knowledge through experience.

Evidence shows that laboratory application in science education is vital but limits and creates problems for students in distance learning setting. Since laboratory application includes hands on lab components, it may become difficult for educators to develop distance learning curriculum. The argument behind this is that educators should provide lab materials for students to do the experiment at home or students avail themselves to the laboratory.

Taking the above limitations into account, the best solution when developing a distance learning system is to get an appropriate solution on how students should do their experiments. The use of computer technology in developing methods on laboratory issues is the best alternative that should help educators develops distance learning courses.

For most educational practitioners and researchers, Virtual Reality (VR) technology helps in developing a new world of learning. Duffy and Jonassen (1992) supported the use of constructivist paradigm when developing educational technology system for students. Sung and Ou (2002) claimed that VR has the capacity to provide ideal results when applied in constructivist learning materials. This is a clear indication that virtual reality can help develop the best experiential learning tool for distance learning.

Simulations and animations form the best interactive learning environment when developing design for abstract topic. Demirci (2003) suggested that students becomes active and may develop capabilities of creating solutions to set problems within their learning course work. Learning by doing is the only approach that provides students with opportunities to solve complex issues by the use of technology idea. Virtual laboratory in the concept of science distance learning help solve some of the major problems that have existed in traditional laboratory application.

Yenitepe (2001) explains how simulation programs helps reduce or remove danger associated with real laboratory. For distance learners who use simulation programs to make experiments, they get to learn some of the dangers that develop in the real lab hence create some measures on how to solve the danger and any other problem that may develop in the process, (Rodrigues, 1997).

Researchers such as Mintz (1993) have confirmed the usefulness of computer application when developing science instruction in teaching both distance learners as well as those in class. Computer simulation experiments and traditional approach give desired results depending on the context of use. In general, computer simulations are an appropriate alternative method that may help conduct online labs with ease. Technology have enabled the world of science abstract topic develop a new approach simply because simulation and virtual reality approach.

Reference:

Jana, K. A. (2010). Chemical Process Modelling and Computer Simulation: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd

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