Effects of Computer Simulation and Interactive Activities to Students' Academic Performance and Engagement in Cell and Molecular Biology


Authors : Yvonne Catherine D. De Asis; Dr. Wilfred G. Alava Jr.

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdz3zfp6

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct1280

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Abstract : The study examined the effects of computer simulations and interactive activities on the academic performance and engagement of second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education Science students in Cell and Molecular Biology at Don Carlos Polytechnic College. A pretest-posttest research design was employed. Data were gathered using a 60-item validated researcher-made academic performance test in Cell and Molecular Biology and a 27-item engagement questionnaire. Findings were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA. Findings revealed that computer simulations affect academic performance and promote student engagement across behavioral, affective, and cognitive domains. This enables students to achieve a reasonably satisfactory grasp with the ability to apply the essential knowledge acquired. A significant difference in academic performance was found between the computer simulation and interactive activity groups, indicating that the type of treatment had a substantial effect on learning outcomes. ANCOVA results for all engagement domains also indicated a significant effect of the treatment. Furthermore, students in the computer simulation group demonstrated more consistent responses across engagement domains, compared to those in the interactive activity.

Keywords : Computer Simulation, Interactive Activities, Academic Performance, Engagement, Cell and Molecular Biology.

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The study examined the effects of computer simulations and interactive activities on the academic performance and engagement of second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education Science students in Cell and Molecular Biology at Don Carlos Polytechnic College. A pretest-posttest research design was employed. Data were gathered using a 60-item validated researcher-made academic performance test in Cell and Molecular Biology and a 27-item engagement questionnaire. Findings were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA. Findings revealed that computer simulations affect academic performance and promote student engagement across behavioral, affective, and cognitive domains. This enables students to achieve a reasonably satisfactory grasp with the ability to apply the essential knowledge acquired. A significant difference in academic performance was found between the computer simulation and interactive activity groups, indicating that the type of treatment had a substantial effect on learning outcomes. ANCOVA results for all engagement domains also indicated a significant effect of the treatment. Furthermore, students in the computer simulation group demonstrated more consistent responses across engagement domains, compared to those in the interactive activity.

Keywords : Computer Simulation, Interactive Activities, Academic Performance, Engagement, Cell and Molecular Biology.

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