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ERIC Number: EJ880092
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1436-4522
EISSN: N/A
A Study of the Efficacy of Project-Based Learning Integrated with Computer-Based Simulation--STELLA
Eskrootchi, Rogheyeh; Oskrochi, G. Reza
Educational Technology & Society, v13 n1 p236-245 2010
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.)
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
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A