Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Examining The Effects Of Computational Tools On Students' Conceptual Understanding Of Thermodynamics Of Material Concepts And Representations, Oyindamola Oluwatimi

Open Access Theses

Technology is becoming a more critical agent for supporting learning as well as research in science and engineering. In particular, technology-based tools in the form of simulations and virtual environments support learning using mathematical models and computational methods. The purpose of this research is to: (a) measure the value added in conveying Thermodynamics of materials concepts with a blended learning environment using computational simulation tools with lectures; and (b) characterize students' use of representational forms to convey their conceptual understanding of core concepts within a learning environment that blended Gibbs computational resource and traditional lectures.

A mix-method approach was implemented …