Assessing the Role of Mobile Applications in Improving Stoichiometry Understanding among Matriculation College Students: An Investigation

Abstract

Mobile learning is anticipated to enrich learning experiences, enabling students to access educational content regardless of time or place. In light of the widespread use of smartphones for daily activities and ubiquitous mobile access to the internet, the mobile learning approach becomes feasible. The digital era has initiated significant transformations across various facets of contemporary life, with education being no exception. However, a persistent challenge lies in identifying suitable digital learning platforms and tools to effectively engage students in learning at their own pace, particularly in disciplines such as chemistry at Matriculation College. Chemistry, being a highly complex subject, demands abstract thinking and diverse problem-solving approaches. Computational Thinking (CT) emerges as a potential problem-solving technique in 21st-century learning that is applicable in teaching and learning chemistry. These skills are considered essential for enhancing the digital technology innovation capacity and should be nurtured among students. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the current teaching and learning methods in chemistry and determine the necessity for a mobile learning application that introduces CT as a problem-solving technique among matriculation college students studying chemistry. Findings reveal that lecturers mainly use conventional teaching methods, incorporating blended learning through platforms such as YouTube for video lectures and the distribution of notes through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram platforms. Notably, there is no standardized technique employed by lecturers in teaching chemistry problem-solving. However, all of them acknowledge the potential of mobile learning applications that integrate CT to effectively engage students in developing problem-solving skills, particularly in the context of solving stoichiometric problems.