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Asia-Pacific Forum
on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 11, Issue 2, Article 10 (Dec., 2010) |
A new approach: Computer-assisted problem-solving systems
Tolga GOK
Torbali Vocational School of Higher Education
University of Dokuz Eylul, Izmir-TURKEY
E-mail: tolga.gok@deu.edu.trReceived 8 Feb., 2010
Revised 14 Jul., 2010
Computer-assisted problem solving systems are rapidly growing in educational use and with the advent of the Internet. These systems allow students to do their homework and solve problems online with the help of programs like Blackboard, WebAssign and LON-CAPA program etc. There are benefits and drawbacks of these systems. In this study, the drawbacks of this software were examined. Unfortunately, this software is insufficient to completely improve students’ fundamental and conceptual understanding and problem solving completely. In this paper, problem solving is viewed as a fundamental part of learning physics, and due to the drawbacks of other software, IPSS (Integrated Problem Solving Strategy Steps) was developed for problem solving on the computer. Using the IPSS method, the number of attempts for correct answer was eliminated to focus the students’ attention on getting the correct answer with the full solution. Students’ opinions toward IPSS were taken. According to their declarations, it seems that students found the program helpful for their learning on a conceptual basis.
