Effectiveness of computer simulation software on students' learning and performance of scientific concepts in Sabon- Gari Educational Zones Kaduna state, Nigeria.

This study examined the effect of computer simulation as an instructional delivery system in determine students' understanding of scientific concepts and academic performance. The study used a quasi-experimental design, the population consist of Private and public senior secondary school students studying science in Sabon- Gari educational Zones Kaduna state. The sample for the study was derived from the selected secondary schools. Systemic sampling technique was embraced to smooth out the chosen zones. In each zone, two (2) schools were deliberately chosen, one (1) each from the urban and rural area respectively. A sample of 155 different students, comprising of 76 and the control group with 79 students, the participants taking a set of tests before and after receiving treatment. An innovative computer-simulated instructional system was used with the experimental group, while the traditional lecture method was used with the control group. Information was collected using a tool called the Science Concepts Performance Test (SCPT). The collected data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics of means, percentages and standard deviation to provide insight into the research questions and the quantitative statistics employed the use of t-test to test the null hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The data gathered from the pilot test of the SCPT were subjected to Kuder–Richardson 21 (KR-21) test which resulted as 0.712 reliability coefficient. The coefficient guaranteed the certainty of purpose of the instrument. The results indicated that Science concepts were easier to grasp through simulation software than through traditional lecture.