Learning Science With Mobile Technologies: Opportunities for Enhancing Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Science Conceptual Understanding

Abstract

The use of technology is increasing rapidly in our society, and classroom teachers must recognize the impact and importance of technology in the lives of their students. It is crucial that college faculty involved in teacher training design courses that integrate mobile technologies to prepare the next generation of teachers. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of an iPadbased curriculum app, Exploring Physics, to enhance preservice elementary teachers’ physics conceptual understanding in a physical science content course. Data were collected using a pre-andpostPhysics Conceptual Understanding (PCU) survey and open-ended questionnaires. We found significant statistical gains in participants’ (N = 73) physics conceptual understanding at the end of the course. Qualitative findings suggest that the learning experience allowed participants to experience the pedagogical affordances of mobile technologies as learners and future teachers and found themselves to be more comfortable with the idea of integrating technology into their future classrooms. The results of this study provide insights into the importance of providing preservice teachers with opportunities to experience the use of mobile technologies in their teacher preparation programs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deepika Menon

Deepika Menon ([email protected]) is an assistant professor of science education in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Zarah Salas

Zarah Salas is a senior in the early childhood program and Allison Mellendick is a senior in the elementary education program, both a: Towson University in Towson, Maryland.

Allison Mellendick

Zarah Salas is a senior in the early childhood program and Allison Mellendick is a senior in the elementary education program, both a: Towson University in Towson, Maryland.

Meera Chandrasekhar

Meera Chandrasekhar is an emeritus faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of Missouri-Columbia in Co-lumbia, Missouri.

Dorina Kosztin

Dorina Kosztin is a teaching professor in the Department of Physic: and Astronomy at University of Missouri-Columbia in Columbia, Missouri.