Browsing by Author "Van Zyl, Kevin Clive"

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    The development and testing of a computer aided instructional resource for the teaching of physical science
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004-12) Van Zyl, Kevin Clive; Jordaan, A. S.; Van der Westhuizen, P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study set out to develop and test a Computer Aided Instructional Resource for Physical Science in Grades 11 and 12. The software was tested in the context of Newtonian Mechanics. This study differed from most other studies in that it did not develop or test tutoring-type software that the learner uses on a one to one basis in a computer laboratory. It did, however, test and develop software to be used by the teacher in the classroom while teaching. A theoretical framework is presented, built on experience-based as well as literature-based theory. In this framework, the effects of computer interventions on the teaching and learning situation as reported in the literature are viewed within the South African context. In the light of what is reported in the literature, the education authorities’ attempts to disseminate the curriculum with the use of technology, are questioned. Reasons for not doing a quantitative assessment of learner understanding of concepts are presented with reference to criticism in the literature against such assessments. The dissertation reports on the type of questions that need to be asked according to the literature. This discussion then leads to research questions that describe a process for the developing and testing of a resource that could assist teachers in teaching Physical Science. Developmental methods as well as ways of assessing had to be researched to determine the best way in which such a resource could be developed and tested. During this research it was found that the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver the curriculum had focused more on the development of tutoring type software and it seemed that the use of computers for actual classroom instruction did not receive as much attention. It was however possible to identify developmental and assessment principles that were common to research that had been done and the project that is reported in this dissertation. The Computer Aided Instructional Resource (CAIR) was developed by the researcher in the form of a presentations package that the teacher could use in the classroom while teaching. It was tested in a Prototyping Stage in the researcher’s classroom before being tested in eight project schools during the Piloting Stage. This was done by connecting personal computers up to 74cm televisions and then displaying the CAIR on the TV whileteaching. This was made possible by TRAC South Africa that funded the project. It also provided an opportunity to assess the use of the TRAC system in the same schools. After assessment criteria had been identified, assessment instruments were developed to assess the project in different ways. There were questionnaires for each stage to be completed by learners and teachers as well as an observation instrument that was used by the researcher during classroom visits. These assessment instruments made it possible to assess the CAIR with respect to didactical, visual and technical considerations. Results of the empirical study are presented under the assessment criteria that had been identified and are discussed with reference to the original research questions. The results of the assessment were very positive for both the CAIR and TRAC systems. The study has however tried to focus on the negative rather than positive outcomes to present as unbiased a picture as possible of the assessment results. It was also necessary to focus on the negative to determine how and where the CAIR could be improved and, to make recommendations regarding the implementation of the TRAC system. Recommendations are also made for immediate action and further investigations.
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    Die pretersiere onderrig van potensiaalverskil, stroom en weerstand
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1994) Van Zyl, Kevin Clive; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of . Dept. of .