Computer 3D Animation Use and Its Effect on Secondary School Students’ Conceptual Understanding of Mammalian Circulatory System in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

When students lack the basic information required to appreciate specific biological issues, they may believe biology is a difficult subject to learn. It may be easier to teach abstract biological processes or concepts in biology classes with the help of 3D computer animation, which may improve students’ recall and retention of knowledge of the lesson being taught and increase motivation and engagement in the learning process. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of computer 3D animation in enhancing students ’conceptual understanding of the mammalian circulatory system: structures, functions, and blood circulation in the mammalian heart. The study design was quasi-experimental. In order to gather data before and after treatment, pretests and posttests were given to students placed in the experimental and control groups. One hundred sixty students, eighty in each group, comprised the study’s sample size. The performance of students in the experimental group showed that computerized 3D animation treatment was effective in improving students’ conceptual understanding of the mammalian circulatory system as well as their retention of key biological terminologies as compared to students in the control group taught using conventional techniques, which resulted in no significant change in performance-conceptual understanding. Pretest and post-test items were reviewed by biology teachers and subject experts before being administered to students to validate test items. Additionally, it is advised that teachers be given the fundamental training necessary to operate or handle C3D animations and that C3D animations be made available to teachers and students in school libraries.