Exploring a blended mobile learning environment to develop students' scientific inquiry skills in science museums. (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Du, Hua; Gu, Xiaoqing
• Is Part Of: International journal of smart technology and learning. Volume 1:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: blended learning -- mobile learning -- scientific inquiry skill -- science museum; 371.33405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4058

Abstract

Informal environments, such as science museums, are known to have potentials for developing scientific inquiry skills. Mobile devices, including smartphones and portable tablets, are increasingly applied to scaffold exploration due to their convenience and interactivity. Although the pedagogical affordability of mobile devices has been widely investigated, designing a blended mobile learning environment in science museum still need to be explored further. In this study, a blended mobile learning environment and a set of activities are designed by adapting to learners' different styles. Subsequently, a quasi-experimental research with two original classes of 66 participants was conducted to examine the differences in their scientific inquiry skills. Moreover, the learners' attitude on the blended mobile learning environment has been measured using questionnaire. Results show that a well-designed blended mobile learning environment in science museums is effective in developing students' scientific inquiry skills.