THE AFFORDANCES OF PhET SIMULATION AS A SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING TOOL IN PHYSICS COURSE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The modular distance learning modality exacerbates students’ difficulties in physics. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted traditional laboratory and direct instruction and facilitation of learning. To support and enhance modular distance education, virtual laboratories like PhET interactive simulation are among the few supplemental tools available. In this study, the effectiveness and benefits of the PhET simulation tool were examined in direct current circuit lessons using quasi-experimental matched-pairing. Students’ test scores increased significantly after using the PhET simulation compared to students who used printed modules only. Because of the favorable learning environment, valid and reliable instructional characteristics and a positive impact on learning, the students’ outcomes improved. Thus, this study recommends integrating the tool into classroom instruction and distance education in order to maximize its potential for improving student performance. To ensure that the findings are accurate, additional research is needed. Other research design and methods (e.g., experimental crossover design and mixed-methods) and including other participants (e.g., teachers) will be beneficial in this endeavor as well.