Development of Web Application Using Virtual Science Simulation with 5e Inquiry-Based Learning to Enhance Integrated Science Process Skills of Secondary School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: (1) develop a web application using virtual science simulation based on the 5E inquiry-based learning approach to enhance the integrated science process skills of secondary school students; and (2) examine the effects of using the developed web application on students’ integrated science process skills. The research sample for expert evaluation consisted of seven experts in educational technology, chemistry education, and science process skills. The experimental group comprised 40 upper secondary students in the science–mathematics program from Nakhonnayok Wittayakhom School. The research instruments included: (1) the web application; (2) lesson plans using the web application with virtual science simulation; (3) an integrated science process skills test; and (4) a questionnaire on students’ opinions toward the use of the web application. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as a dependent t-test and content analysis.

The results revealed that: (1) the development framework of the web application consisted of five components: (1.1) content, (1.2) instructional design, (1.3) system design, (1.4) assessment, and (1.5) feedback. The expert evaluation indicated that the web application was overall rated at a high level of appropriateness. The highest-rated aspects were the design and layout and the usability of the web application; and (2) students’ posttest mean scores on integrated science process skills were significantly higher than their pretest scores at the .05 level of significance. Additionally, students’ overall satisfaction with the web application was at the highest level (M = 4.67, SD = 0.52).