Science Practical Work Instructional Technologies and Open Distance Learning in Science Teacher Training: A Case Study in Zimbabwe

Autor/inn/en	Bhukuvhani, Crispen; Mupa, Mathew; Mhishi, Misheck; Dziva, Daimond
Titel	Science Practical Work Instructional Technologies and Open Distance Learning in Science Teacher Training: A Case Study in Zimbabwe
Quelle	In: International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 8 (2012) 2, S.17-27 (11 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1814-0556
Schlagwörter	Case Studies; Distance Education; Teacher Education; Problem Solving; Science Instruction; Open Universities; Teaching Methods; Program Effectiveness; Science Education; Academic Degrees; Scientific Research; Educational Technology; Tutoring; College Faculty; Teacher Attitudes; Educational Philosophy; Student Centered Learning; Electronic Learning; Computer Simulation; Science Laboratories; Foreign Countries; Program Descriptions; Computer Peripherals; Questionnaires; Interviews; Observation; Zimbabwe + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Case study; Fallstudie; Case Study; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Lehrerausbildung; Lehrerbildung; Problemlösen; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Offene Universität; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Degree; Degrees; Academic level graduation; Akademischer Grad; Hochschulabschluss; Unterrichtsmedien; Förderkonzept; Nachhilfeunterricht; Fakultät; Lehrerverhalten; Bildungsphilosophie; Erziehungsphilosophie; Group work; Student-entered learning; Student-centred learning; Student centred learning; Schülerorientierter Unterricht; Schülerzentrierter Unterricht; Gruppenarbeit; Computergrafik; Computersimulation; Ausland; Fragebogen; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Beobachtung; Simbabwe
Abstract	The practical work component offers unique challenges for university science courses. This is even more pertinent in an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment like the Bindura University of Science Education's Virtual and Open Distance Learning (VODL) programme. Effective ODL education should be flexible enough to accommodate science disciplines with practical components. The main challenges with practical work in ODL are that students are geographically scattered and that they come from very different educational backgrounds. In spite of these constraints, there is an equivalence motive as justification for compulsory practical work as a means to put degrees and diplomas in science education awarded through ODL programmes on the same level of achievement as those offered conventionally as they should equally develop practical scientific inquiry and problem solving skills. This Case Study evaluates the use of instructional technologies for science practical work, adopting Kumar et al (2005)'s five-stage model. The research revealed that although lecturers place great value on practical work, in practice they prefer using lecture notes and internet downloads more than other instructional technologies. Research participants do not use online tutoring at all though the philosophy of VODL requires the use of such technologies that support student-centred learning. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology. University of the West Indies Open Campus, Dave Hill, St. Michael BB11000, Barbados. Tel: 868-663-9021; Fax: 868-645-9741; Web site: http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01