The impact of a web-based virtual lab on the development of students's conceptual understanding and science process skills [Elektronische Ressource] / by Hassan Abd El-Aziz El-Sabagh

The Impact of a Web-Based Virtual Lab on the Development of Students' Conceptual Understanding and Science Process Skills Dissertation submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Educational Technology Department Faculty of Education Dresden University of Technology By Hassan Abd El-Aziz El-Sabagh Assistant Lecturer, Mansoura Univ., Egypt Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Thomas Köhler Defense Committee: Prof. Dr. Ralf Vollbrecht Prof. Dr. Thomas Köhler Prof. Dr. Zaher Mohamed Dr. Steffen Kersten Day of submission: 25.10.2010 Day of the defense: 28.01.2011 Acknowledgement Abstract Over the last few years, the use of the web and simulation technologies in school education has become widespread. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of a web-based Virtual Lab (WVL) environment with that of traditional educational experience in relation to conceptual understanding and science process skills in natural science for fourth grade primary school students. Using an instructional design model, the author developed a WVL; the design consisted of 3D animations and interactive experimental activities. The research instruments for the study were also developed; two online pre/post tests on conceptual understanding and science process skills were used to collect data.