The use of I.T. in Physics teaching at the Junior College, Msida

Abstract

This research was carried out in order to investigate the students' and teacher's views about the use of I.T. in physics education, and to identify their attitudes and perceptions about the effectiveness of computerised physics education. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. We studied a sample of thirty-six students attending the Junior College in Msida. These were given a questionnaire at the beginning of the study and were divided in groups for interviews at the end of it. We also carried out an in-depth interview with their physics teacher. After having made an evaluation of the software used, lessons, in which computers were being used, were observed. Findings showed that students have a positive attitude towards the use of computers in physics education. They pointed out that this resource should be used throughout the curriculum. Furthermore, the teacher argued that if I.T. applications are used appropriately, they could be beneficial to the teaching/learning process. This study illustrates that teachers should not feel threatened by computers. Instead, they should be encouraged to implement this tool in their pedagogy. This requires the formulation of a policy in order to guide teachers in this innovative way of teaching. The study also gives recommendations as to what is needed if computers are to be implemented effectively in the classroom. Moreover, it is stressed that computers should be used from the early years of schooling. Finally, suggestions for future research in this expanding field of computerised education, particularly in physics are given.