Web assisted collaborative learning in inorganic chemistry

Aim of the study is to compare web assisted collaborative learning (WACL), as a Hybrid approach, with collaborative face-to-face learning (CFL) in terms of the students? achievement and opinions to the learning approach.In accordance with this aim, it was used control group pretest-posttest quasi experimental design. Experimental grup (EG, n=18, 10 boys, 8 girls) and control grup (CG, n=17, 9 boys, 8 girls) were chosen through random sampling from second class chemistry teacher candidates (n=35, mean of ages=19) in second semester of 2009-2010 educational year.While WACL was applied to EG, CFL was applied to CG. The students of EG studied in accordance with collaborative learning approach by using both class and web environment. The students of CG studied in accordance with collaborative learning approach by using only face-to-face class environment. For WACL, the web page including topics of coordination compounds, isomerism and crystal field theory was created by using Moodle, a free web application, that allows online collaborative learning (http://www.deusanalkimya.chemistry-tr.org/). Scientific Achievement Test (SAT), Scientific Process Skills Test (SPT), Social Skills Test (SST), The Scale of Attitude Towards Chemistry (SAC) as quantitative data collection tools and The Questionnaire About Students? Opinions Related the Learning Approach (QASO) as qualitative data collection tool were used in the study.The results of the study showed that WACL increased the students? achievement of EG is more than the students? achievement of CG. The students learned by WACL declaired that they like the learning approach (WACL), it makes learning easy, this learning application is a different and interesting experiance for them.