Digital simulations as a pedagogical tool: How ready are Fiji year‐11 science teachers?

Background: Digital simulations are emerging technologies in science education that allow students to visualise abstract concepts and enable science teachers to conduct laboratory work/experiments online. Objective: To determine teacher readiness, the study focused on their cognitive skills and know...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 40; no. 6; pp. 3249 - 3264
Autores principales: Nandani, Shayal, Raturi, Shikha
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Dec2024
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=180899700&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 180899700
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        02664909
        6M1
      jtl: Journal of Computer Assisted Learning
      issn: 02664909
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Dec2024
      vid: 40
      iid: 6
      pid: 480
      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
    artinfo:
      ui:
        180899700
        179705731
        180899700
        180899700
        10.1111/jcal.13071
        180899700
      ppf: 3249
      ppct: 15
      formats:
      tig:
        atl: Digital simulations as a pedagogical tool: How ready are Fiji year‐11 science teachers?
      aug:
        au:
          Nandani, Shayal
          Raturi, Shikha
        affil: Discipline of Education, School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
      sug:
        subj:
          Teachers Psychosocial Factors
          Science
          Computer Simulation Utilization
          Cognition
          Professional Knowledge
          Faculty Attitudes
          Professional Competence
          Teaching Methods
          Schools, Secondary
          Human
          Melanesia
          Curriculum
          Funding Source
          Conceptual Framework
          Snowball Sample
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Professional Development
          Multimethod Studies
          Paired T-Tests
          Thematic Analysis
          Coefficient alpha
          Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test
          Students, High School
      ab: Background: Digital simulations are emerging technologies in science education that allow students to visualise abstract concepts and enable science teachers to conduct laboratory work/experiments online. Objective: To determine teacher readiness, the study focused on their cognitive skills and knowledge and perceptions of the use of digital simulations as a pedagogical tool incorporating an intervention in its research design. Methods: The theoretical framework of this study combines the modified Technology Acceptance Model with the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 10 chemistry teachers from secondary schools and a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design was adopted. The data was collected through survey, interview, pre‐test and post‐test results before and after the intervention (training). Results: Science teachers perceive digital simulations as valuable and easy to use and are ready to use them in future lessons. An increase in cognitive knowledge and skills coupled with a positive mindset was noted after the training. The teachers indicated the need for training and support at all levels to successfully integrate digital simulations in their classrooms. Additionally, parents' engagement to enhance their awareness of such initiatives was deemed crucial for their support. Conclusions: The study calls for a rethinking and a revision of science curriculum, policies and enhancement of infrastructure/general resources to support technology‐enabled learning, teaching and assessment practices in science classrooms; a continuous professional development program for teachers to keep up with the changing needs of 21st‐century education is imperative. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: System quality (user friendliness) influence teachers' readiness to use digital simlations.Facilitating conditions also impact teachers' readiness to use digital simulations. What this paper adds: Training boosts teachers' awareness and cognitive knowledge of digital simulation.Training improves perceived self‐efficacy towards its use as a learning and teaching tool.Role of administrators such as school and ministry is crticial for digital simulations use in education.Equally important is parents' engagement to enhance awareness on education initiatives. Implications for practice and/or policy: Support to teachers from school administration and ministry of education is crucial.Support at various levels is required to ensure a continous training plan.Access to resources, supportive curriculum for 21st century abilities must be in place.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N