Developing and evaluating problem based computer aided material related to human endocrine system

The aim of this study is to develop Problem Based Computer Aided Material(PBCAM) on "Human Endocrine System", and investigate the applicability of PBCAM. Furthermore, the study investigates the progress of students' problem solving skills during the implementation of PBCAM. In the light of these aims, the study investigated the development of students' scientific argumentation skills, conceptual understanding, and perception of problem solving skills through the implementation of PBCAM that is related to "Human Endocrine System" topic. This study was carried out with mixed research approach. Research design was case study method. The sample of the study consisted of 43 (12 female and 31 male) 11th grade high school students who were enrolled to Science High School in the province of Rize. The study was carried out in the fall semester of 2010-2011 academic year for a six-weeksperiod. The findings of the research were gained from both quantitative and qualitative data. In this context, data sources for this study included. "Argumentation Text on Human Endocrine System" (ATHES), "Conceptual Understanding Test on Human Endocrine System" (CUTHES), and Problem Solving Scale (PSS). Furthermore, the scales developed for interviews, observation and documents were used as data sources. While analyzing the quantitative data "dependent two sample t-test" was used; descriptive and content analysis, including frequency and percentages tables, and direct quotations were used for analyzing qualitative data. The research findings revealed that implementation of PBCAM enhanced students' scientific argumentation skills, conceptual understanding and perception of problem solving skills related to "Human Endocrine System". Besides, the findings showed that PBCAM afford students' acquisition of knowledge and development of their different learning process such as research and organizing the knowledge besides students to store their conceptions of Human Endocrine System in their long- term memory. The study has been completed with suggestions and implications for educators and researchers. Key Words: Problem based computer aided material, Problem solving skills, Biology education, Human Endocrine System