Collaborative and Interactive Online Simulation System for Secondary School Scientific Experiments

Abstract

In this paper, we introduced a prototype collaborative and interactive online simulation system that will help learning STEM by simulation experiments. It especially benefits for studying phenomena that cannot be seen easily or requires unattainable resources. Our system supports self-learning process by guiding learners with systematic science experiment process: making claims, gathering data and results, and making conclusions. Learners can also collaborate with others to learn from each other. The system supports third-party simulations (currently PhET interactive simulation) using developed integration components. The primarily usability testing results showed potential of using the system in school. More than 50% of teacher participants were satisfied with our system and perceived that our system to be useful for their students. However, one third of participants needed more support on using the system, which seemed to be a little complex for them. Nevertheless, the study showed that the system is promising after little adjustment to the system.