فاعلية استخدام المعامل الافتراضية على التحصيل الدراسي في تدريس منهج الأحياء المطور في المدارس الثانوية للبنات بالمملكة العربية السعودية

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of virtual laboratories on academic achievement in teaching the biology curriculum at female high schools in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In order to achieve this objective, the researcher used the descriptive and experimental curriculums. The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data for the descriptive curriculum; the study sample included (168) female high school biology teachers. The achievement test was used as a tool for the experimental curriculum, for both the control group and the experimental group. The study sample included (100) students chosen randomly from two schools, for the first semester of the academic year 1438Hijri/1439Hijri. The statistical methods used in the analysis of the study data included Cronbach's alpha, percentages, arithmetic means and standard deviation, (t-test) for two independent samples, and effect size; and that was done using the statistical packages software SPSS. The results showed the effectiveness of virtual laboratories on the academic achievement of the students in the biology curriculum. One of the most important findings of the questionnaire, from the perspective of the teachers, was the ability of the virtual laboratories to explain the subject, the examples and the experiments for more than once without any mistakes, also virtual laboratories limits some of the educational obstacles. On the other hand, there are some requirements that must be available, most importantly the availability of computers. Furthermore, the need to train teachers on how to use the virtual programs in a smooth manner. The most prominent obstacles were the weak ability of the teachers and the students in dealing with the virtual education programs’ applications, weak internet connection in schools and the low number of computers available. The achievement test results showed that the experimental group, that used virtual laboratories, has exceeded the control group that undergone the traditional method of teaching. This confirmed the effectiveness of virtual laboratories in teaching the biology curriculum in female high schools. The most important recommendations are the need for training for teachers on how to use the virtual laboratories programs in teaching, also providing computers and strong internet connection in schools.