Computer assisted teaching in physical chemistry concepts for G.C.E. (A/L) students

Abstract

Chemistry is a dynamic subject where molecules are constantly moving, even though when they are not reacting. In the past and even today many teachers, follow traditional method to teach Chemistry. However, when we combine presentation technology with interactive CD-ROM in our classes, it becomes possible to show how chemical reactions occur, both at the macroscopic and molecular level and this leads to avoid misconception in chemistry learning and attract children to the classroom. Chemistry educators, when teaching some topic that cannot be taught through only experiments in a laboratory, resort to computers to help students to visualize concepts and processes. However, computers make possible, students’ involvement in higher order thinking skills by performing many of the lower level cognitive tasks by providing memory support and by juggling interrelated variables. Though a partnership with the computer, the user may also benefit from the effect of cognitive, reside resulting in improvement or mastery of a skill or strategy. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka there is lack of related computer based instructional resources. In this project I prepared a computer based teaching and learning package for selected physical Chemistry concepts of the A/L syllabus by using Macromedia Flash MX. According to students’ ideas, they could easily understand what is happening when a chemical reaction occurs.