Week 6

Week 6 - Micro Computer Based Laboratory(MBL)

Week 6's class was held at Micro -Computer Based Laboratory (MBL). (MBL) is one of the strategies in the Designing Application Tools. My group members and I chose to do an activity on the topic Electricity. We use a device called Voltage Current Sensor to conduct the experiment.

We first discussed about the steps as it is good to plan before engaging in the experiments. There are a few steps that we followed while conducting the experiment:

1. The sensor is being plugged in to the computer.

2. EZscreen or DataStudio is selected from the window or programme files.

3. The voltage leads is being connected to one battery. The red lead is connected to the positive of the battery while the black lead to the negative.

4. Choose “Table” from the list of items in Datastudio.

5. Click “Start”
6. The voltage and ampere of the battery is displayed on the screen.
7. The data is being recorded on a piece of paper.
8. Step 3 to 7 is being repeated with 2 and then 3 batteries.

The Suitability of MBL in Primary Science classroom’

I think it is suitable to be used only for Level 2 Primary schoold students and more appropriate to be used in secondary schools.

Firstly, it is user-friendly and safe to use especially when an experiment requires dangerous substance like acids and bases. The data collected is very fast and accurate. In addition, the data can also be converted into graph and table by clicking. As a result, I believed that this is very convenient for students to see the whole picture and concept of an experiment fast.

However, the teacher needs to be well-trained so that each function of DataStudio can be used to the fullest. Besides that, this strategy also cannot be used for all experiments. Moreover, basic process skills cannot be integrated or acquired as students will not get the chance to learn how to use certain basic apparatus like thermometer and ammeter. As a result, they will be failed to acquire science process skills.

There are a few advantages and disadvantages that we have discovered:

ADVANTAGES

User friendly
Uses computer solely.
Manipulative skills can be acquired.
Data achieve is very precise.
Saves time in collecting and tabulating the data.

DISADVANTAGES

If there is no electricity it cannot be used anymore

Students cannot acquire science process skills. This is because all the data are ready and students do not need to measure.

It can only engage with some lab apparatus such as battery, bulb and beakers.

The cost is also very high. Not all the students can have their own unit of Voltage Current Sensor and use it simultaneously.

All in all, this was a totally new experience for us to use this MBL and we really wish to use in school once a week and not all the time so that it will be a exposure and bring a new experience for the students to learn and they still can acquire science process skills too.