Supporting Observing-on-the-Move with Proximity-Based Technology: Designing for Children’s Scientific Observations Outdoors

Abstract

This research employs mobile, proximity-based technologies to create opportunities for children to engage in place-based science learning in an arboretum. We present data from a mobile, iBeacon-enabled learning experience to support wayfinding and observing the biodiversity of tree fruit with 84 youth working in 27 small groups (4th graders on a field trip). Data collected include log files, observational field notes, and learners’ photographic artifacts of children’s scientific observations. Our findings show that (a) learners personalized their own routes to navigate the space, (b) made accurate observations of tree fruit, cones, and seeds, and (c) began to express productive dispositions to support their work as scientific observers. We provide insights into how to support short-term, child-centered mobile computing experiences in outdoor gardens that support observations of natural objects in informal spaces.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the participants, the Arboretum at Penn State and our research team (Jessica Briskin, Jaclyn Dudek, Yong Ju Jung, Chrystal Maggiore, and Michael Mohney) at the Augmented and Mobile Learning Research Group. This work was supported in part by a grant from the Center for Online Innovation in Learning at Penn State. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan M. Land

Susan Land is an Associate Professor with the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Penn State University. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8754-1664. Twitter: @susanmland.

Heather Toomey Zimmerman

Heather Zimmerman is an Associate Professor with the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Penn State University. ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7402-4126 Twitter: @heather2mezimm

Chris Millet

Chris Millet is the Assistant Director of Education Technology Services (ETS), a division of Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) and Information Technology Services (ITS) at Penn State. Twitter: @chrismillet

Gi Woong Choi

Gi Woong Choi was a doctoral candidate of Learning, Design, & Technology at Penn State University when this research was conducted. Gi Woong Choi is now an Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at SUNY-Oswego.