Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Educational Methods

Doctoral Dissertations

Animations

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Education

Using Computer Simulations As A Pre-Training Activity In A Hands-On Lab To Help Community College Students Improve Their Understanding Of Physics, Blanca Pineda Jan 2015

Using Computer Simulations As A Pre-Training Activity In A Hands-On Lab To Help Community College Students Improve Their Understanding Of Physics, Blanca Pineda

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using computer simulations as a pre-training activity to a hands-on lab to improve students’ understanding of induction topics in physics. The computer simulation activity was compared to an overview presentation. Conceptual understanding and spatial ability were measured. A two-group descriptive repeated measures design was implemented with a convenience sample of 35 community college physics students in the Bay Area. Participants were randomly assigned to a simulation group (n = 17) or a presentation group (n = 18). A 30-item spatial ability assessment was given to all participants one week …