COMPUTER-BASED TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROCESS OF NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS

It is obvious that ICT makes the process of teaching/learning more effective and beneficial whereas the education system starts functioning faster. The development of ICT and the process of globalization determine alteration in the education system as well as in the whole society. The implementation of new technologies in the educational process raises new possibilities for both teacher and learner, enhances edu-cation quality and makes the educational process more versatile. Hence, the object of research is the use of computer-based technologies in the process of teach-ing/learning sciences. Research is aimed at establishing the positions of 1st year students on applying com-puter-based technologies in comprehensive school learning sciences and at disclosing the frequency of using these technologies in the classroom during the lessons on sciences, and also to find out some infor-mation about students` own skills in using computer technologies. Pilot research Student and Computer-Based Technologies was conducted in October – November, 2009. To collect the required data, an anonymous questionnaire was prepared. Research sample consisted of 211 respondents who were 1st year university students (freshmen). Computer knowledge and abilities does not depend on the duration of computer usage per day. The best skills are demonstrated in ability to carry out the simple functions of editing of the text, to use search systems and e-mail. The weakest skills, according to respondents, are connected with abilities to create websites, to establish and change parametres of computer programs, and also to instal new computer programs. Some differences depending on the sex of respondents are estab-lished also. For example, male students are better in ability to use complex functions of operating systems, than female students.