Computerized teaching using the environment Web site – research findings

Abstract

“The Environment” site is a joint project of three teacher-training colleges (Kibbuzim, Oranim and Orot Israel). The site combines guided self-learning in a computerized setting, with information and knowledge sharing between teachers and students in these colleges. The development of the Environment site was accompanied by research that evaluated the effect of a computerized course on students’ attitudes to learning blended with the Internet. The research took place during 2000-2001. The subjects were students and teachers enrolled in ecology and environment courses that utilize the Environment site in the teaching process. The research checked the personal expectations of students from computer-assisted learning and students’ attitudes to integrating the Internet in teaching, on computerized courses and on Internet-assisted learning. In their responses, students attributed a high value to the contribution of computerized learning to personal development (improved learning, widening of knowledge and independent learning). No significant difference was found in the pre- and post-test personal expectations levels. With respect to opinions concerning the integration of computers into learning, the evaluations were found to be higher after the course than before. More students think that the Internet should be incorporated into school teaching, and expressed their intention to put it to use in their teaching. Internet-assisted learning is perceived as more motivating and more students were interested in adding computerized courses after they participated in the course, relative to their opinions at the beginning of the course. A comparison of the findings of the years 2000 and 2001 revealed significant differences in the characteristics of computer and Internet skills, however, the research questions showed the same trends. The research findings encourage developing more computer-integrated courses. They underscore the need to examine interactive computerized activities, distance learning and the effect of exposure to computerized courses on teacher-trainees and teachers in the field. [The Environment site: http://ichut.macam.ac.il/main.htm]