CAI: AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION IN UNDERSTANDING AND RETENTION OF SCIENCE CONTENT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LOW ACHIEVERS

It is proved that, technology enhanced classroom students demonstrated statistically significant increases in student engagement and improved academic achievement. Now the time has come for educationists to visualize the progress of ICT and its global impact. There is a great need to reshape educational system and take initiative in bringing the computers into the classroom for regular teaching.
Physics is an important subject containing number of basic concepts. As these concepts are abstract and complex in nature, generally, students at secondary school consider Physics as a difficult subject.
Present paper provides data that support computer assisted instruction (CAI) as an effective instructional method in understanding and retention of Physics content for low achievers in Physics. Literature indicates that student learn better when learning is multi-sensory, as in CAI.
The study employed development of a text-book based computer software with the help of computer personnel based on storyboards (considering teacher’s views and student’s learning difficulties) prepared by researchers by using Microsoft Power-point, Flash and Adobe photo-shop. Effectiveness of software was studied using single group pre-test post-test design involving VII and VIII standard students (identified low achievers in Physics using term-end examination and confirmed by teacher’s interviews) from 5 English medium schools in Pune city (Maharashtra-India) affiliated to Maharashtra State Board of secondary and higher secondary education.
The Physics achievement tests and retention tests were prepared by consulting experts.
Difference between means of pre-tests and post-tests were analyzed using t test at 0.01 level of significance to explore the significance. Statistically significant difference was found proving the developed software is effective and useful in retention of Physics content. The software package developed can be used for individual learning as well as for small groups made on ability based grouping or for the whole class when projected on screen, thus, catering to the different needs of the schools.