An interactive CD to teach electricity : a resource for primary teachers

Abstract

Science Education is a lifelong process aimed at helping students to function with confidence in relation to the scientific aspects of the world that is being able to look at something in a scientific way. This is done through acquiring knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to science. Through the use of LT., teachers can facilitate the kind of learning required in Science Education through a holistic approach. This study involves the design, development and evaluation of a multimedia package for the teaching of the topic Electricity at primary level from Year 4 to 6, using a constructivist approach. This package includes background information as general knowledge about the subject Electricity, together with a set of lesson plans and worksheets, interactive videos and presentations, as well as multimedia games. The interactive CD, together with the manual has been tested with a number of practicing primary teachers in the junior years, who had the opportunity to make full use of its features. On the basis of this study, a number of recommendations are suggested to enable teachers implement the constructivist approach in their science teaching.