CHEM-BOT; A CHEMISTRY SIMULATION AND LEARNING APPLICATION FOR INTERMEDIATE LEARNERS

Abstract

This study addresses challenges faced by intermediate learners in chemistry, where access to laboratory reagents can be limited by cost, regulation, or availability. It presents Chem‑Bot, a simulation and learning application designed to enhance understanding of chemical reactions without the need for physical equipment or chemicals. Chem‑Bot allows users to combine virtual reagents and observe reaction outcomes, while providing step‑by‑step explanations of underlying principles to support conceptual mastery. This study employs a quantitative descriptive design with purposive sampling to evaluate Chem‑Bot’s acceptability among target users. Two respondent groups: information technology experts and chemistry teachers, completed a structured survey questionnaire that assessed game interface, user experience, learning‑progress tracking, reliability, and presentation. Independent t‑tests were used to compare mean acceptability scores between groups and determine the presence of any significant differences. Both respondent groups rated Chem‑Bot as highly acceptable across all evaluation criteria. IT experts yielded an overall weighted mean of 3.75 (variance = 0.027), and chemistry teachers yielded 3.50 (variance = 0.096). Independent t‑tests produced computed t‑values of 1.631, which were below the critical value of 1.988 at α = 0.05, indicating no significant difference between the two groups’ assessments. The findings indicated strong endorsement of Chem‑Bot’s design and educational value by both technical and subject‑matter experts. Recommended enhancements included improving graphics and equipment visibility, expanding the library of virtual experiments, optimizing performance for mobile devices, and simplifying explanations to support student comprehension. These refinements were expected to further increase user engagement and learning effectiveness.