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UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Faculty, Department
Faculty of Education Department of Teacher Education

Author
Jokela, Matti Juhani

Title
The Managuan Yuppie: The use of a computer assisted exhibition unit in a science centre

Subject, Level, Month and year, Number of pages
Education, M.A.Thesis, November 1995, 123 p., (22 app.)

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to describe, investigate and also partly explain the use of the Managuan Yuppie computer assisted exhibition unit in a science centre environment. The main aim was to examine sixth graders' choice of paths within the computer program and the time spent on each section within the program. The theme of the program is internationality in education.

The comprehensive themes being considered are computer-assisted learning, internationality in education and science centre education (outside school). These subjects, which are included in the basic curriculum (1994), are all combined in the science centre's computer assisted exhibition unit that is associated with internationality in education.

The test subjects (N = 58+5) were pupils of three sixth grade classes in the neighbourhood of Heureka Science Centre. The test was carried out by employing a quasi experiment in which the 1st (N = 58) group used the program and filled in a questionnaire. The 2nd group (N = 5) was video taped while using the program. After the trials, the pupils were interviewed. On the basis of videotapes, the use of the program and timetable was investigated. In the research these two different points of view are united in order to find a solution for the problem.

In order to analyse the use of the program “time-on-task” was employed (Carroll1963; Lahdes 1974; Anderson 1981). The teaching and learning in science centres was examined by using the criteria that has been classified by Salmi (1993). The structure of the Managuan Yuppie –computer program was examined according to Meisalo & Tella (1988).

The results proved that the Managuan Yuppie –computer program is easy to use, clear and suitable for supporting internationality in education. The topic selection was also successful. Time-on-tasks were influenced by the instructions given to pupils as well as by user-friendliness, environment, test circumstances and previous computer experience. The choice of paths within the program was charted on a diagram.

Keywords
Computer assisted learning, internationality in education, science centre, science centre education, time-on-task

Where deposited
The Library of the Faculty of Education (also available at Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre)