Biology Teachers’ Access and Utilization of Virtual Laboratory in Secondary Schools in Okene Local Government Area
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The following research hypotheses are formulated;
- To find out the perception of Biology teachers on access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area
- To find out the effect of virtual laboratory on performance of student on biology
- To find out the availability of facilities for virtual laboratory in secondary school in okene local government
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Theoretical Context
The use of virtual laboratories in teaching and learning is based on David Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning theory, which is rooted in the constructivist approach and John Dewey’s work (Ouyang & Stanley, 2014). Around 1938, Dewey showed that no learning happens without practice and the active involvement of students. Kolb advocated and applied Dewey’s concept of “learning by doing”, believing that learning occurs through cognitive and experiential learning (Kolb & Kolb, 2005). The core of experiential learning theory is the individual learner’s participation and experiences (Ouyang & Stanley, 2014). The application of virtual labs in teaching ensures students’ active learning (Evans et al., 2004). The use of virtual labs allows learners to experiment with immediate feedback and interactivity (Dyrberg et al., 2017; Tan & Waugh, 2013). Thus, virtual labs help students to learn by doing and to become more engaged in their studies (Gallagher et al., 2005; Marchevsky et al., 2003).
The Virtual Lab as a training means
This section deals with utilizing the Virtual Lab as a training tool concerning enhancing understanding, improving operational skill, promoting learning interest and inspiring innovation. The results show the Virtual Lab as a means of providing training, experience for teaching laboratories, and positive attitudes towards learning (Rong, 2005, Hatherly, et al. 2009). An illustrative example is the study of Feudner et al. (2009) who investigated whether capsulorhexis training on a surgical simulator improves wet-lab operating performance of surgical novices; the results showed that such training improved traditional lab situation. In relation to science laboratories and training, Bell and Fogler (1999) produced a sequence of VR-based laboratory accidents that allowed students to experience potential consequences of laboratory safety. A set of safety rules based upon criteria of lab situations, potential consequences, and adaptability to a virtual reality environment, were presented.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.\
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Biology teachers’ access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Biology teachers’ access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area
Summary
This study was on Biology teachers’ access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area. Five objectives were raised which included: To find out the perception of Biology teachers on access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area, to find out the effect of virtual laboratory on performance of student on biology and to find out the availability of facilities for virtual laboratory in secondary school in okene local government. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in okene local government. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
This study on Biology teachers’ access and utilization of virtual laboratory in secondary schools in okene local government area, the study concluded that Biology teachers’ self-efficacy in the use of virtual laboratory for instruction was high biology. Also, there is no significant difference between male and female Biology teachers’ in their self-efficacy in the use of a virtual laboratory for instruction. This showed that females are also coming up in matters concerning ICT and so should not be discriminated against. Appointments that will involve the use of ICT can thus be given to anybody without gender biases
Recommendation
Simulated environments involving the use of virtual laboratory should be encouraged and provided for teachers teaching sciences. Science curriculum should be restructured to accommodate the use of virtual laborator. Less experienced teachers, as well as the experienced, should be encouraged to adopt the use of the virtual laboratory for instruction.
References
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