Probeware in 8th Grade Science: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Attitude and Achievement

The use of probeware in the delivery of science instruction has become quite widespread over the past few decades. The current emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, especially in the case of underrepresented populations, seems to have accelerated the inclusion of probeware into curriculum. This quasi-experimental study sought to examine the effects of a direct replacement of traditional science tools with computer-based probeware on student achievement and student attitude toward science. Data analysis was conducted for large comparison groups and then for target STEM groups of African-American, low socioeconomic status, and female. Student achievement was measured by the Energy Concept Inventory and student attitude was measured by the Attitude Toward Science Inventory. The results showed that probeware did not have a significant effect on student achievement for almost all comparison groups. Analysis of student attitude toward science revealed that the use of probeware significantly affected overall student attitude as well as student attitude in several disaggregated subscales of attitude. These findings hold for both the comparison groups and the target STEM groups. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are presented.