The use of computer simulations as a teaching method for improving learners’ performance in learning the concepts of biology (plants and animal cells).

Abstract

This study investigated the use of computer simulations as a teaching method for improving learners’ performance in learning the concepts of plants and animal cells. This study consisted of 240 learners from Gs Musenyi, Gs Nyagihunika and Gs Rulindo located in Bugesera district Rwanda. Respondents were randomly put into treatment and control group. These groups were taught the same topic of plant and animal cells for two weeks. An experimental group was taught using iCell simulations and a control group was taught without simulations. Biology achievement test was administered to both groups of students to check performance variation. The learners’ marks were examined using t-test and the results showed that treatment group performed better than control group. Also, the results showed the significant difference in marks obtained by both groups at the alpha of 0.05 as test statistic = -3.718, P-value=0.00<0.05. Hence, it has been proven that, using computer simulations in teaching and learning improves learners’ performance.