Affects of Age and GPA on Learning Electronics via Computer Simulation-Based and Traditional Instruction.

With the advent of the microcomputer has come an increase in the use of educational simulations. Distinct from software used for drill and practice, tutorials, or problem-solving, simulation software recreates events, devices, or phenomena and can provide the student with a scientific experience which might otherwise be too expensive, dangerous, or time-consuming. This paper reports the results of an experimental study (n=28) designed to measure the effectiveness of computer simulations in a solid state electronics circuitry course in an industrial technology program. The study treated age and college grade point average (GPA) as independent variables and learning outcome, based on posttest scores, as the dependent variable. Findings revealed that neither age nor GPA had a significant impact on learning via simulation technology, although the researcher recommends replicating the study with a larger sample size over a longer duration. Three tables offer a glimpse of the data. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/BEW)