Student’s View for Using Computer Animations on Teaching Biology

Abstract

Biology has a very rich content in terms of concept. Students have serious difficulties on meaningful learning of biology subjects that have the dynamic structure abstract and complex, such as particularly cell division, protein synthesis, etc.. Animations, which was prepared for abstract and micro events that have some difficulties, to be learned and taught, helps students about imaging these events correctly, increasing their conceptual understanding and interests for biology courses and also helps overcome their misconception. The purpose of this study is to determine students' views about computer animations which are used by teaching of some abstract concepts in biology. The study was participated in 48 pre-service teachers studying in the first year of university. Within this research, computer animations were used in teaching the subjects related to, protein synthesis, cell division and exchange of substance across the cell membrane. Students' opinions about the animations were determined with the open-ended questions. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 students. As a result, most of students explain that they like teaching of biology topics by using animations, the animations contribute them to learn and comprehend the topics, and they can understand the topics and concepts which couldn't be understood before by helping animation.