Scholarship & Research
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Item The impact of technology on engagement and content mastery in high school biology(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) Livesay, Jennifer Marie; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: C. John GravesThe use of technology-mediated versus traditional paper-based delivery methods as a means of increasing student mastery and engagement was studied in the areas of notetaking and simulations. Data collection instruments included pre- and post-content tests with confidence response measures as well as both Likert-item and open-ended response surveys. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results indicate that technology leads to increased levels of engagement and mastery when utilized as a way to model scientific processes, but a decrease of mastery and engagement when used as the medium for notetaking.Item A 3D anatomy app as a learning tool(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) MacKenzie, Michael John; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: C. John GravesComplete Anatomy is a digital 3D anatomy platform that allows users to manipulate virtual human models. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the students perceived the app as useful, and how they made use of the app to help them understand anatomy and anatomical relationships. At the beginning of the semester surveys and questionnaires were conducted to determine students' initial perceptions of the app. Over the course of the semester, students were given a brief lesson on how to use the app, provided with resources within the app, and given quiz questions based on images created in the app. At the end of the semester surveys, questionnaires and interviews were again conducted to determine of students' perceptions of the app had changed, and to learn how students made use of the app. From the data gathered, students' perception of the app was positive to begin, and became slightly more positive over the course of the semester. Having a brief lesson on how to use the app, and exploring the tools available in the app made a significant difference in the students' comfort with the app. The flexibility of the app to be used when and where they wanted, and the ability to adapt the app to their current study practices were some of the app's greatest strengths according to the students. Complete Anatomy is a powerful, flexible 3D app that students perceive as useful, and in some cases even necessary. Having the ability to work at times and in ways they prefer makes it an app that benefits student learning.Item How does the use of the anatomage table impact student learning of anatomy and physiology concepts?(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2021) Keegan, Emily; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisAnatomy and Physiology is a class that relies heavily on visual models. In this study, the use of the Anatomage table was used during the skeletal system and muscular system units. A comparison group did not use the table for their lab in the first unit, and an experimental group used the table. During the second unit, the groups switched so that all students got to experience working with the table in at least one unit. Pre and post-test data, surveys, interviews, and retention tests were used as data collection tools. The results suggest that the Anatomage table has benefits for some students, especially in identifying and applying the knowledge acquired in the units. It had less of an impact on written test scores, especially in higher achieving students.Item Use of computer simulations in physics : comparison of simulation implementation as introductory or reinforcement tools(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2014) Shaw, Kaylee Christine.; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.This study investigated whether online simulations are more effective as introduction activities or concept reinforcements in the physics classroom. The effectiveness of simulations based on student preference and performance was analyzed using the topics of energy, force, the law of gravitation and thermal physics. The study showed students preferred and had greater conceptual understanding when computer simulations were used as a reinforcement tool in the physics classroom.Item The effect of computer simulations on the conceptual understanding in general chemistry lab(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2014) Mohr, Stephen David; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.Computer simulations provide an interactive and visual environment that promote and support conceptual change in chemistry education. They are tools that enable students to become actively engaged in their learning and encourage concept exploration and assist in developing their inquiry skills. It is through the implementation of a series of inquiry based student activities that these simulations will be evaluated for their effectiveness in improving conceptual understanding. The results of this study revealed that traditional instruction supplemented with computer simulations helped students perform better on short term conceptual assessments. The use of computer simulations improved student achievement and had a positive influence on student's attitudes to learning conceptual chemistry concepts.Item What are the effects of computer simulations on students' conceptual understanding on Newtonian mechanics?(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2012) Basaraba, Kristian Robert; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.Computer simulations provide an interactive and visual environment that promote and support conceptual change in physics education. They are tools that enable students to become actively engaged in their learning and encourage concept exploration and assist in developing their inquiry skills. One area that students consistently retain misconceptions is that of their understanding of Newtonian mechanics and the application of his three laws to motion problems. It is through the implementation of a series of inquiry based student activities that these simulations will be evaluated for their effectiveness in improving conceptual understanding. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods including summative exams, class observations, student surveys and interviews.