Students’ perceptions towards the use of computer simulations in teaching and learning of chemistry in lower secondary schools

Abstract

The study aims to explore how students perceive the use of interactive computer simulations (ICS). The mixed-method approach under a converging design was employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A sample of 160 participants were purposively selected. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, including Behavioral Intention to Use, Attitude Toward Usage, Usefulness, and Perceived Ease of Use. The collected data was analyzed in MS Excel. 83 % of participants believed that their learning experience has improved and become easier. Moreover, a significant number of students 79 % expressed high perceptions towards the ease-of-use ICS in the teaching and learning process, and 77 % demonstrated a strong positive attitude towards the usage. Additionally, 76 % had a highly positive perception of their behavioral intention to use ICS in their chemistry learning. However, 39 % of students expressed low perceptions of ease of use of ICSs due to a lack of basic computer skills. In general, the findings show positive significance in students’ perceptions toward the use of ICSs in teaching and learning chemistry. The study recommends that ICSs should be used to supplement chemistry education.

Keywords

• interactive computer simulations
• chemistry concepts
• students’ perceptions