A Preliminary Study of Science Courseware Development for Generation Alpha in Malaysia’s Preschools

摘要

With the development of Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education which will prepare younger generations with the skills to meet the science and technology challenges in future. Although Science subject is beingtaught as the compulsory subject from primary till upper secondary school, yet the exposure of Science in preschools is still limited. The current teaching methods in preschools are very much marker-board based, teacher-centered and content-intensive. Generation Alpha definedas individualsborn after year 2010. Thus, being the Generation Alpha, these preschoolers are technologically literate generations where computer, android, iPhones, YouTube and social media based learning are very much prevalent. The aim of this study is to develop an interactive Science courseware thatwill encourage the preschoolers to experience Science learning in much fun and interactive ways. The courseware is a first working prototype with limited content and functionality.Although the teachers positively feel that the course ware has attractive design and ease of use with appropriatecontent, yet more activities which are game-based and project-based are needed to sustain the learning and interest of Generation Alpha preschoolers. Furthermore, the content coverage must go beyond than those prescribed in textbooks with appropriate instructional strategies and pedagogicalapproaches. The aspirations of this courseware, Science FUN are to assist and integrate technologies with face-to-face teaching and learning.