PhD supervisor for Abraham Doron

Abraham's dissertation is available through the British Library's Ethos service.

Abstract

The present research examines the achievements of students using industrial simulators - Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programs integrated with a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) - in the school laboratory and at home in Israel's technological education system. The literature review revealed an array of disciplines that formulate a theoretical model to explain students' achievements in using simulators. The model combines learning theory, research into attitudes regarding use of the computer, and examination of the and the home as organisational environments for the learner.

In preparation for the pilot study, 22 schools were surveyed as potential candidates for participating in the project. Nine computerized simulation programs available on the market were checked in order to identify one that would be suitable for the experiment. The selected program, PLSES, was improved and adapted to the needs of the experiment.

Research tools were constructes, including questionnaires, interviews, diaries and exams. The questionnaires examined previous knowledge, willingness and behaviour during and after the experiment. The interviews provided supplementary information while the student diaries furnished real-time insight into the learning process. The exams supplied the final data for comparative purposes.

After the results of the pilot research, the study was continued, but only after a distinct change in concept was adopted, i.e. the study acquired the nature of action research. Programs equivalent to PLSES were investigated while different population levels and age groups were examined.

The results of the study as a whole were linked to various elements found in the theory as well as those based on my own practical experience. Eighty-eight percent of the hypotheses were confirmed only under certain conditions.

The findings of the study, as related to the teachers and students, clearly showed that the following factors must be taken into consideration: fear of computers, fear of change, the need to incorporate different methods to evaluate achievements, the need to develop learning aids, the necessity of developing reliable programs for use at home, the importance of increasing the time devoted to the subject and the benefits of reducing exam stress.

The teaching study recommends ways to: (i) formulate strategies and courses of action to improve and learning based on computer models, involving high financial investments in computerization by the education system; (ii) identify ways and strategies to utilize the tremendous economic potential inherent in home computer systems in order to improve homework, as well as develop advanced learning methods such as distance learning, use of the Internet, etc.

The present study serves as a basis for recommendations to extend investigations currently under way at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in use of the computer for school work to include a study of computer use for homework as well. It also provides a basis for recommending development of various courses of action by the Ministry of Education to improve learning and homework with the help of the computer.