ERIC Number: EJ860456
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1436-4522
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Mobile Natural-Science Learning Based on the 5E Learning Cycle: A Case Study
Liu, Tzu-Chien; Peng, Hsinyi; Wu, Wen-Hsuan; Lin, Ming-Sheng
Educational Technology & Society, v12 n4 p344-358 2009
This study has three major purposes, including designing mobile natural-science learning activities that rest on the 5E Learning Cycle, examining the effects of these learning activities on students' performances of learning aquatic plants, and exploring students' perceptions toward these learning activities. A case-study method is utilized and the science club with 46 fourth-grade students is selected as the study case in the study. Besides, a set of quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the case to document the learning effects of and the students' perceptions of the learning activities, and to discuss factors underlying these effects and students' perceptions. The results indicate that the learning activities can enhance students' scientific performances, including both knowledge and understanding levels. Students' perceptions of these learning activities appear to be positive. The study identifies two factors that are prominent in the positive effects: students' engaging in "mobile-technology supported" "observation" during their scientific inquiry; and students' engaging in "mobile-technology supported" "manipulation" during their scientific inquiry. Finally, the conclusions that our study has drawn could constitute a useful guide for educational practitioners concerned with the potentials of mobile computing in school settings. (Contains 7 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, Learning Activities, Learning Processes, Science Education, Science Instruction, Science Activities, Science Achievement, Case Studies, Grade 4, Models, Teaching Methods, Technology Integration, Educational Technology, Computer Uses in Education, Instructional Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Handheld Devices, Laptop Computers, Natural Sciences, Environmental Education, Extracurricular Activities, Clubs
International Forum of Educational Technology & Society. Athabasca University, School of Computing & Information Systems, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada. Tel: 780-675-6812; Fax: 780-675-6973; Web site: http://www.ifets.info
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A