Abstract:

Student engagement in learning and the need to focus teaching towards understanding are important goals for education. When students are engaged in learning in a technology-rich environment; they become explorers, producers and cognitive apprentices. Activities which are related to daily problems could help the student to enhance his cognitive and understanding of the subject matter.

Technology is a critical enabler for students to develop solutions to real world problems, especially when task-based learning and 21st century skills are utilized in the classroom.

In this study we examined various activities, which are based on solving problems from the student’s world. The activities are based on a computer application “Microsoft Excel” for a junior high student. The activities are, in fact, a summary. After the students (grade 8) had learnt and have experienced using the Excel program at school, we will have an "Excel Day" at school.

Some of these activities will be computerized and designed with Microsoft Excel, among other applications, such as Power Point. Such activities are thought provoking an even challenge students to solve mathematical problems and make decisions. In addition, such activities are exciting and joyful for students because the students are exposed to student-centered alternative teaching methods.

It is important to learn more about the attitudes of the pre-service teachers towards preparing learning activities based on the use of computerized tools to sharpen the process of based- activities learning among junior-high students. In addition, it is also important to learn about their perspective about empowering an environment of initiative in the field of computerized teaching.

The aims of the study:
1. To examine the effectiveness learning based on the use of computerized activities.
2. To examine the effect of the computerized activities upon motivation, enjoyment and excitement of junior high students.
3. To examine the readiness of the pre-service teachers to internalize computing in applied projects during their practical teaching experience in the school.

The Participants of this study are students of grade eight from 6 classes in junior-high school and 6 pre-service teachers. In this research, both a quantitative and a qualitative methods will used. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey questionnaire sent to grade 8 pupils via email. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with the pre-service teachers. For analyzing the Quantitative data, the study used two statistical methods for data-processing: descriptive and referential. Results of each method of analysis are meant to confirm those of the other.