The DEVELOPMENT OF AN E-LEARNING MODULE ON THE SANDY SHORES ECOSYSTEM FOR GRADE-8 SECONDARY STUDENTS

Abstract

The research objective was to develop an e-learning module on the sandy shores ecosystem for grade-8 secondary students. The module development was divided into four stages: Stage 1 Studying and analyzing basic information, Stage 2 Developing the e-learning module and investigating its efficiency, Stage 3 Test piloting the e-learning module, and Stage 4 Improving the e-learning module. The pilot testing ran from November to December, 2006. The sample groups, derived by means of purposive sampling, included three classes of grade-8 secondary students at Sunthonphu Pittaya Secondary School in Klang District, Rayong Province, Thailand, studying in the second semester of the academic year 2006. The measurement and evaluation for the students had three parts: student achievement assessment, ICT skills assessment, and assessment of attitudes towards the sandy shores environment. It was found that the students' academic achievement and ICT skills in each sample group after using the module were significantly higher than prior to using the module. On the other hand, the students' attitudes towards the sandy shores environment in each sample group after using the module were found not to be higher than previously. Their academic achievement and ICT skills after using the module were not related to their level of science learning outcomes. The academic achievement and ICT skills, of the three sample groups after using the module were found to be no different than their level of achievement recorded before studying the module. The research findings revealed that the e-learning module on the sandy shore ecosystem was effective and could be used for grade-8 secondary students, as one of the vehicles fostering the development of the cognitive abilities and ICT skills.