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Computer Simulation as Pedagogical Tool for Conceptual Understanding of Science


Affiliations
1 Research Scholar, Panjab University, Chd, India
2 Assistant Professor, DAV University, Jalandhar, India
 

The most important thing in science education is the practical side and hands-on training, especially in secondary schools, where the students gradually begin to embody their learning and use their observation skills, analysis, and conclusion. There are different ways, methods, and strategies of science teaching due to the accumulation of information and the increase and complexity of knowledge; it has appeared urgent to find a style or method to simplify and facilitate the transfer of information in the minds of students. Educational computer simulation programs are considered to be one of the best and most powerful educational computer programs when used in science education if properly programmed. Computer simulation has a great potential for the enhancement of the teaching and learning of science concepts. Computer simulations facilitate the learning of abstract concepts and provide interactive, authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for learners. In addition to that, through simulations learners get instant feedback and also would have the chance to make observations (Bell & Smetana, 2008). The purpose of this paper was to investigate the contribution of a computer simulation in the field of science and how computer simulation brings improvement in conceptual understanding of science concepts.

Keywords

Computer Simulation, Pedagogical Tool, Conceptual Understanding, Science.
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  • Computer Simulation as Pedagogical Tool for Conceptual Understanding of Science

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Authors

Shefali Ravash
Research Scholar, Panjab University, Chd, India
Punam Bansal
Assistant Professor, DAV University, Jalandhar, India

Abstract


The most important thing in science education is the practical side and hands-on training, especially in secondary schools, where the students gradually begin to embody their learning and use their observation skills, analysis, and conclusion. There are different ways, methods, and strategies of science teaching due to the accumulation of information and the increase and complexity of knowledge; it has appeared urgent to find a style or method to simplify and facilitate the transfer of information in the minds of students. Educational computer simulation programs are considered to be one of the best and most powerful educational computer programs when used in science education if properly programmed. Computer simulation has a great potential for the enhancement of the teaching and learning of science concepts. Computer simulations facilitate the learning of abstract concepts and provide interactive, authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for learners. In addition to that, through simulations learners get instant feedback and also would have the chance to make observations (Bell & Smetana, 2008). The purpose of this paper was to investigate the contribution of a computer simulation in the field of science and how computer simulation brings improvement in conceptual understanding of science concepts.

Keywords


Computer Simulation, Pedagogical Tool, Conceptual Understanding, Science.

References