نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه آموزش فیزیک، دانشکده علوم، دانشگاه فرهنگیان، تهران، ایران
2 گروه آموزشی علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه فرهنگیان، تهران، ایران
3 گروه علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان، تبریز، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Objective: In contexts where budgetary and infrastructural constraints have challenged equitable access to physical laboratories in many Iranian schools, virtual laboratories have emerged as a low-cost, scalable solution for realizing active learning in experimental sciences.
Methodology: This qualitative research, employing a classroom-based case study design, investigated the feasibility of integrating the interactive simulation platform PhET within the 5E instructional model to teach the concept of density to sixth-grade elementary students. Data were collected through participatory observation, field notes, and diagnostic questions, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Results: Findings revealed that the strategic integration of PhET's free simulations available in Persian with offline capability, across the five stages of the 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) enables the implementation of a complete inquiry-based learning cycle without dependence on expensive physical equipment.
Conclusion: Given the high penetration of smartphones among students, this approach not only reduces the structural costs of physical laboratories but also facilitates blended (face-to-face and virtual) instruction and strengthens educational equity in underserved regions. However, the success of this transformation requires two key actions from educational management: (1) designing research-based in-service training programs to empower teachers in the purposeful use of simulations, and (2) structurally embedding virtual laboratory activities into textbook content and teacher guides. This study emphasizes the necessity of transitioning virtual laboratories from optional tools to structural components of the national education system, thereby enhancing the quality of science education at scale without incurring prohibitive costs.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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