Effects of computer-based learning in physics among pure science students of Agona Nyakrom Senior High Technical School.

Abstract

This study investigated the comparative efficiency of computer-based instruction (CBI) and traditional teaching method in physics among pure science students of Agona Nyakrom Senior High Technical School.The experimental design was used for this study. The research population for this study comprised of teachers and students of Agona Nyakrom Senior Technical High School .Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 62 respondents for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing data. The findings indicated that Computer- Based Instruction improves the performance of the students as against the traditional approach. Majority of the students expressed an opinion that traditional method of teaching be replaced completely with the CBI method rather than only supplementary. They therefore recommended that the use of the CBI method in teaching and learning other subjects as well. The study concluded that dependence on school teachers’ self initiative for acquisition of computer skills, high levels of anxiety in using computers, lack of computer resources, focus on ‘learning about the computer’ instead of ‘learning through computers’, were the predominant barriers. Among the recommendations made were barriers that have and are still hindering the integration of ICT in the curriculum should be tackled by policy implementers. In this regard, as teachers are unwilling to change from the traditional methods of teaching to using information and communication technologies, they should be encouraged by policy makers and sensitized from time to time to understand the good side of technology.