CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS WHEN USING PHET SIMULATIONS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN HAI PHONG CITY

This study investigates the challenges faced by secondary school students in Hai Phong, Vietnam, when using PhET simulations in science education. PhET simulations are widely recognized for their ability to enhance students' understanding of scientific concepts through interactive and hands-on experiences. However, the effective implementation of these tools in classrooms can be hindered by various obstacles. The primary objectives of this research were to identify the specific challenges students encounter, assess the impact of these challenges on learning outcomes, and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of PhET simulations in science education. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from 265 students across multiple grade levels. The findings reveal that students experience significant technical difficulties, such as issues with device compatibility and unstable internet connections. Additionally, cognitive challenges were identified, with students reporting difficulties in understanding the scientific concepts presented in the simulations. A considerable number of students also expressed the need for additional guidance from teachers, indicating that insufficient instructional support is a key barrier to the effective use of PhET simulations. These challenges have important implications for science education. Without addressing these obstacles, the potential benefits of PhET simulations may be limited, leading to reduced student engagement and suboptimal learning outcomes. The study concludes by recommending strategies to mitigate these challenges, including enhancing technical infrastructure, providing targeted teacher training, and developing supplementary instructional materials. By implementing these solutions, educators can better integrate PhET simulations into their teaching practices, thereby maximizing their educational value. while PhET simulations hold great promise for improving science education, their effectiveness is contingent on overcoming technical, cognitive, and instructional barriers. This study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on technology integration in education and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the use of educational simulations in diverse learning environments.