“A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instructions on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Hazards of Use of Plastic Products Among the School Children at Selected Urban School.”

Abstract

Plastic pollution poses major environmental and health dangers, but awareness among school children remains low. This study set out to evaluate ow well computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has worked to raised school children’s awareness and attitudes towards the risk association with plastic hazards. Pre- and post-test control groups were non-equivalent and employed a quasi- experimental approach. A suitable non-probability sampling method was used to select thirty children from Sahyadri Vidya Mandir in Mumbai. They were subsequently divided into two groups. Experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). Both before and throughout the session, knowledge and attitude were assessed using a Likert scale and a standardized study. The control group did not receive any intervention, whereas the experimental group was given CAI.

Pre-test findings showed that the majority of students in both groups lacked appropriate information (86.66% in the experimental group, 80% in the control group) and had a moderate attitude (40% in the experimental group, 73.33% in the control group). Post-test findings showed that 100% of students in the experimental group had gained enough knowledge and attitude, but the control group did not significantly improve. Statistical analysis revealed a substantial increase in the experimental group’s attitude (t =10.06, p < 0.05) and knowledge (t

=17.45, p < 0.05). Post-test comparisons across groups further validated the effectiveness of CAI, revealing a significant difference in attitude (t = 36.46, p < 0.05) and knowledge (t = 19.90, p < 0.05).

The results of the study show that CAI is an extremely effective teaching strategy for improving school children’s knowledge and attitudes on the problems associated with plastic. These findings demonstrate how crucial it is to include CAI in school curricula to promote environmental conscious behavior and sustainable practices.