At this moment in time, computational technologies are increasing attention among science educators
because of their potentials to support new variety of science classroom (Srisawasdi, 2008). MBL and
computer simulation are taking participant their own prominent rules in thinking and reflecting
learning input for an instructor and a conceptual construct respectively. Serving as alternative
software for teaching assistant tool, MBL is widely used for instructional activities to stimulate
students’ curiosity as a learning motivator, develop students’ scientific skills, foster collaborative
network, understand in scientific concepts, and establish students’ cognitive construct (Srisawasdi &
Kroothkaew, 2014).
Additionally, Redish, Saul, and Steinberg (1997) investigated that active-engagement tutorials
using MBL equipment were replaced for traditional problem-solving recitations in introductory
calculus-based mechanics classes for engineering students at the University of Maryland. Two specific
tutorials, on the concept of instantaneous velocity and Newton's third law, were performed with eleven
lecture classes taught by six different teachers with and without tutorials. Classroom achievement tests
were probed by using standard multiple choice questions and a free-response final exam question. The
result shows that the MBL tutorials originated in a remarkable improvement compared to the traditional
recitations. Russell et al. (2003) designed and provided experiments with grade 11 physics classes of 29
students. The research distinguished the learners and illustrated the patterns of interactions in the MBL.
Analysis of students’ discourse and actions identified kinematics in multiple ways. The finding is that
MBL activities likely catalyzed students’ construction of understanding. Students were able to design
the research questions, predictions, designing experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.
In addition, Gunhaart and Srisawasdi (2012) used MBL as a tool for scientific thinking and
computer simulation as a cognitive tool for conceptual learning to improve the construction of physics
conceptual understanding on properties of sound wave at macroscopic (observable) level. The results
show achievement caused them importantly obtaining a better conceptual score at the end of their
learning. In addition, the qualitative analysis suggests the students had changed their conceptual
understanding on physics of sound wave properties in three characteristics including differentiation,
class extension, and reconceptualization. Srisawasdi (2012) introduced MBL and computer simulation
to cover basic science concepts including three physical science activities; air resistance of falling
objects, heat of fusion for ice and photosynthesis and respiration for 26 second year pre-service teachers
in Thailand. Results indicate that all the groups did not perceive differently the goal and the support of
computerized science laboratory. The highest attitude group realized the ease of use, self-learning, and
value greater than the medium and the low attitude groups, but the medium attitude group possessed the
most satisfaction with the laboratory.