Fostering Experimental Skills by a Combination of Hands-On and Computer-Based Learning-Environments

• In Event: Supports for Technology-Based Learning

Abstract

404 German eighth graders in higher track secondary schools learned with different combinations of computer-based and/or hands-on learning-environments, and were tested on content knowledge and experimental skills after each learning phase.
Students who first worked in hands-on followed by computer-based learning-environments scored higher on a strategy knowledge test (d = .17) than those who worked with computer-based or hands-on environments twice or those who learned with computer-based first and then with hands-on environments.
The practical implication of this study for science lessons is that it is possible to foster experimental skills effectively and profoundly by working with a combination of first hands-on learning-environment followed by a computer-based learning-environment.

Authors

• Silke Schiffhauer, Ruhr University Bochum

• Jill Goessling, University of Duisburg-Essen

• Joachim Wirth, Ruhr University Bochum

• Meike Bergs, University Duisburg - Essen

• Maik Walpuski, University of Duisburg-Essen