The development and evaluation of an experiential computer simulation for animal science students

After reviewing the literature regarding the use of computers in education, the researcher identified a gap between state-of-art educational research and current educational practice; the majority of the presently available CAL software lacked appropriate design features that would enable the computer to meet its potential for the infusion of problem solving, information processing, and model building skills into the existing curriculum. With this gap in mind, the researcher proposed the development of a CAL lesson that could serve as a model of one type of computer use that better met the need for infusion of higher order thinking skills into the curriculum and also to serve as a model of how to develop software with these goals in mind;An experiential computer simulation was designed, using a state-of-the-art software development system, to enhance teaching and learning of a limited concept in animal science. A field test was undertaken with animal science students in order to determine lesson revisions needed to ensure the lesson adequately interacted with the varying student models. Results indicated that this lesson could enhance the existing curriculum, and that much attention throughout the developmental process must be focused on the possible student models and how the lesson can provide appropriate feedback for each student