English abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of teaching physics using computer simulations on Acquiring Physics Concepts and Developing of Laboratory Skills, and Attitudes Toward Physics. The sample of the study consists of (117) students in grade 11, from two schools (one male and one feinale) in Al-Batinah North Governorate. It is divided into: (n=61) students representing the experimental group studying physics using computer simulations, and (n=56) students representing the control group who study using the conventional teaching method. To answer the study questions, five tools where prepared by the researcher: the achievement test of physics concepts, the laboratory skills test, an observation laboratory skills card, Interview questions, and attitudes toward physics survey. The tools were verified by a number of examiners in the field, and their reliabilities were calculated using an appropriate scientific method. After implementing the tools, the results showed:
- There were statistical differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of male and female students on the achievement test in general, in favor of female students. There were no statistical differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of experimental and control groups on the achievement test according to the gender, groups, and interaction between gender and groups. There were no statistical differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of experimental and control groups on the laboratory skills test according to the gender, groups, and interaction between gender and groups. There were no statistical differences at (a=0.05) between the mean scores of experimental and control groups on the attitudes toward physics survey according to the gender, groups, and interaction between gender and groups. - The findings from the observation laboratory skills card show that students did the laboratory skills in high level using computer simulations.
The findings from interview questions show that male students prefer to work with real laboratory tools, while females prefer to work with computer simulations. In light of the results of the study, the researcher recommends that computer simulations could be used as alternative teaching mothed to improve the achievement of the students, and the teachers should be trained to use and apply such technology in class rooms. The researcher suggests that similar studies need to be conducted in the field of teaching all science streams at different educational levels to know their effects on different educational aspects.
