Design and evaluation of web based science learning environments

Abstract

Web based learning has found its place in educational methods with the development of internet and internet technologies. The materials, that used with web based learning environments, should have some properties like visualization, pedagogic acceptance and convenience for students level. The purpose of this study is to construct two web based science environments for 9th grade students with using two different educational methods: inquiry with 5E learning cycle and expository with expository texts. These web environments are named as Web Based Inquiry Learning Environment (WILE) and Web Based Expository Learning Environment (WELE). Both environments are prepared for "conservation of energy" subject in 9th grade physics lesson. In evaluation part of this study, WILE is tested in two classrooms with 27 students and WELE is tested with 15 students. Students wrote their opinions to WILE and WELE, then 4 students interviewed for WILE and 2 students for WELE. Interview results and general opinions of students, a physics teacher and two physics education experts are represented in evaluation part.