Integrating computer technology in the teaching of Biology

Abstract

Over the past decade, the number of students who gained satisfactory passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in Biology in Guyana has been few. This poor performance may be attributed to the traditional method of teaching that was used to teach Biology. This study therefore ascertained if the integration of computer technology into the teaching of Biology would enhance students’ academic performance. The study was guided by a null research hypothesis. Hence, the related literature reviewed for this study showed that integrating computer technology into the teaching of Biology can enhance students’ academic performance in the subject. A quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test, nonequivalent control group research design was used for the study. The study used two intact grade 10 classes. One class was assigned the experimental group and the other class was assigned the control group through a simple coin toss. The experimental group was taught Biology using computer technology, while the control group was taught the same topic using the traditional method of teaching. A 20-item multiple-choice Biology achievement test was prepared by the researcher and was used for both the pre-test and post-test. Face and content validation of the instrument was achieved through the contributions from two grade 11 Biology teachers and a measurement and evaluation specialist from the University of Guyana. A reliability coefficient of 0.75 was obtained using Pearson product moment coefficient after a pilot test of the instrument. Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the academic performance of students in Biology who were exposed to computer technology and those exposed to the traditional method of teaching. It was therefore recommended that computer technology be integrated into the teaching of Biology to enhance students’ academic performance

Keywords

• computer, technology, academic performance

References

1. Barney, D., Bishop, A., Adlong, W. & Bedgood, D. (2009). Effectiveness of a virtual laboratory as a preparatory resource for distance education chemistry students. Computers and Education, 53(3), 853-865.
2. Bennett, C. (2000).Technology and Social Studies: A conceptual model for integration. Journal of Social
3. Studies Research, 24 (2), 3-9. Berson, M. J. (2003). Effectiveness of computer technology in the social studies: A review of literature. Journal of Research in Computing in Education, 28(4), 486-499. Retrieved from: http://www.metiri.com/USF/Berson%20Article.pdf
4. Chinna, N.C., & Dada, M.G. (2013).Effects of Developed Electronic Instructional Medium on students’ achievement in Biology. Journal of Education and Learning, 2(2), 1
5. Gay, L.R. (2000). Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application (6th ed.), New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.
6. Goolsaran. (2008).Science and Technology Strategic Plan 2008-2, Ministry of Education, NCERD.
7. Jonassen, D.H, Howland, J., Moore, J., & Rose, M. (2003) Learning to Solve Problems with technology: A
8. Constructivist Perspective. (2nd), New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Krulik, R.N. (2010). A Practical Approach to Problem Solving. New York: The Macmillan.

9. Leever, H. (2010). Case work paper Education and skills, Campaign for Science and Engineering in the UK.
10. Retrieved from: [e-mail] Lemon, C. T. (2005). Contemporary issues in technology and teacher education, Gateway Regional High
11. School, 5(1), 73-76. Retrieved from: http://www.cite.journal.org. Mehlinger, H. (1995). School reform in the information age. Phi Delta kappan, 77,400-407
12. Morton, C. (1996).The Modern land of Laputa: where computers are use used in education. Phi Delta Kappan, 77, (6) 416-419.
13. Murphy, V. (1995). Using technology in early learning classroom. Learning and leading with technology, 22(8), 8
14. New Horizons for learning, (2005). Education and technology. Retrieved from: http://www.newhorizons.org
15. Nzelum, V.N. (2010). Mechanism of transmission of information along a Neurone: A practical approach to a reflex Action. A paper presented at STAN Biology panel workshop, model Girls Secondary School.
16. Rumeme, Port- Harcourt, River State, Nigeria. Ogunkola, B. & Fayombo, G., (2009). Investigating the combined and relative effects of some student related variables on science achievement among secondary school students in Barbados. European Journal of
17. Scientific Research, 37 (3), 481-99. Retrieved from: http://www.eurojournal.con/ejszr.html Okeke, E.A.C & Ochuba, V.C. (1986). The level of understanding of selected ecology concept among Nigerian
18. School certificate candidates. Journal of Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria. 25,(1), 96-102. Ragasa, C. (2008). A comparison of Computer- Assisted Instruction and the traditional method of teaching Basic
19. Statistics. Journal of Statistics Education 16 (1). Retrieved from: http://www.amstat.org/publications/jse/vi6n1/ragasa.html Riel, M., (2000). New designs for connected teaching and learning. White paper for U.S. Department of education Secretary’s conference on educational technology.
20. Ross, S. & Morrison, G., (1989). Experimental Research Method, University of Memphis, (38), 1021-43.
21. Retrieved from: hthp://www.aect.org/edtech/ed1/38.pdf Schneider, D., (2011).Educational technology. In Wikipedia Encyclopaedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_technology
22. Umoke, T.C; & Nwafor, C.C.(2014). Effects of Instructional simulation on Secondary School Students’
23. Achievement in Biology. Journal of education and Practice, 19(5) Usman, I. A. (2010). Investigation into the Effects of Discovery Methods of instruction On the Academic
24. Achievement in Genetics among colleges of Education in North Western Nigeria. Journal of Science Technology and Mathematics Education, 7(1), 120-126. West African Examinations Council (WAEC), 2008-2011. Chief Examiner Reports.
25. Walker, J. (1998). Computers and Pedagogy. Paper presented at Australian computer in education conference.1995. Perth, Western Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.oltc.edu.au/cp/refs/Walker.html
26. Yong, B. (2009). Students Motivational Orientation and associating with achievement in Biology, Brunei
27. International Journal of Science & Mathematics Education (1), 52-64. Yusuf, M. A, & Afolabi, A.O. (2010). Effects of Computer Assisted Instructions (CAI) on secondary school students’ performance in Biology. TOJIET: The Turkish- online Journal of Educational Technology. Appendices