Computer assisted conceptual change texts: An example on course implementation

Abstract

In order to achieve meaningful and permanent learning, first of all, the misconceptions of students should be determined and removed. One of the effective methods using for this purpose is conceptual change texts (CCT). It is explained that CCT are effective method because they reveal contradictions between scientifically accepted accurate and the students' probable misconceptions.

The other effective method to overcome students' misconceptions is "Computer Assisted Instruction" (CAI). CAI is an instructional method which increases the students' motivation and assists the process of instruction, supply the individual learning environment to students and students are active when they are learning anything.

In the last years it is seemed that CCT has been using frequently in studies about misconceptions in Turkey. However, when examine this study, while CAI can symbolize the information so students can learn meaningfully and permanently; but it is seemed those researchers haven't used the CAI. Thus, the first researchers in this field meet with various difficulties.

In this study, it was aimed that preparing computer assisted conceptual change texts for overcoming students' misconceptions and presenting an example on course implementation suitable for this method. For this aim, we used Moodle-Learning Management Systems. Moodle is an Open Source software package and it has generated instructional materials, assignments, exams, forums, chat rooms, and links. It is generally used in e-learning studies. It was thought that this study would present useful information about misconceptions, conceptual change, developing CAI materials and e-learning to new researchers and teachers and also it would contribute for new researchers using computer assisted conceptual change texts and Moodle Learning Management Systems in their studies for the first time.