Effects of Computer Based Learning on Students' Attitudes and Achievements towards Analytical Chemistry

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of computer-based learning and traditional method on students' attitudes and achievement towards analytical chemistry. Students from Chemistry Education Department at Dokuz Eylul University (D.E.U) were selected randomly and divided into three groups; two experimental (Eg-1 and Eg-2) and a control (Cg). In teaching analytical chemistry topics, two different computer based methods--new analytical chemistry learning software called "HEHAsit" (Method A) and a Microsoft Excel program (Method B)--were prepared by us and applied to Eg-1 and Eg-2, respectively. Whereas the last group (Cg) was taught by the traditional method (Method C). In the comparison of the effects of the three methods, we developed an attitude questionnaire and an achievement test related to Analytical chemistry, and applied to students in all three groups. Students' attitudes towards computers were also tested by a computer attitude test developed by us. As a result of the study, significant differences between control group and both experimental groups and between experimental groups on computer attitudes and analytical chemistry attitudes were found. Furthermore, analytical chemistry achievement in experimental groups was significantly higher from the control group.