The effects of computer-assisted and computer-based instructional methods on 6th grade science and technology course students? academic achivement and retention of knowledge on the content of ?particulate nature of matter?

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the computer-assisted and computer-based instructional methods on students? academic achievement and retention of knowledge on the content of ?particulate nature of matter? from sixth grade science and technology course.The study was implemented in a state-run primary school in Seyhan, Adana with 78 students. The study that was carried out in first semester of 2006-2007 educational years was completed in 16 lesson. An academic achievement test of science and technology was prepared by researcher and used as a pretest before instruction, posttest after instruction and four weeks later than instruction it was used as a retention test. The study designed as a experimental research with two experimental groups.According to study results, both of computer-assisted and computer-based instructional methods have positive effects on academic achievement and retention of knowledge. When these methods compared each other about increasing academic achievement and retention of knowledge it was found that computer-based instructional method was more effective than computer- assisted instructional method.