Using a computer simulation to promote conceptual understanding

ISBN-13: 9783639137095 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 172 str.

Alphonso Hendricks

Opis

An Isreali cognitive psychologist Reuven Feuerstein holds the opinion that teaching of humans best occurs when the learning experience is mediated by fellow human beings. The main reason for this being reciprocation. Computers are incapable of empathy and cannot therefore reciprocate any emotions that a learner expresses. However, computers are finding their way into the learning environment. Their guises are many and varied. These include laptops, cellphones and ipods. However much I respect Feuerstein and agree with his sentiments, I felt it was imperative that we begin to explore to what extent the use of technology could be a positive influence within our teaching and learning environments.This work explored using the computer as a tool to challenge science learners in order that they might become aware of their own misconceptions in electricity. The aim was to see if by interacting with a computer simulation (PLAB) the learners would reach the stage of cognitive dissonance and eventually relinguish their naive conceptions. Their conceptual understanding of electricity was monitored throughout the intervention process.

O autorze

Married to Patricia, Alphonso has two sons, Jonathan and
Alexander and daughter, Rheta. Completed a Masters in Science
Education at UWC, South Africa in 2001 and went on to
complete a Masters in Material Science at Howard University,
Washington DC in 2004. Currently employed as a Senior
Scientist at the Institute of Maritime Technology.