Abstract:

Developments in technology have enabled us to learn, adapt and develop our skills and knowledge in innovative ways. Valuing the potential of technology will grow more and augment the process of science education, particularly through a student-centered mobile learning environment (Tayan, 2017). As known, mobile technology takes place every single aspect of our daily life that we cannot evade them. Furthermore, because of their convenient portability, connectivity, and multi-functional nature (Calabrich, 2016), mobile apparatuses such as smartphones or tablets, have also made their way to the science classroom. They have become a pedagogical tool in the science classes so that learners and educators can use a wide range of applications and web-based resources as a convenient tool. Utilizing mobile technology for enhancing learning (Bernacki, Greene, & Crompton, 2020) has the potential to make our students to develop a deeper understanding of science concepts, and develop the ability to structure, analyze, reason, and communicate effectively. This study investigates the pre-service primary math & science teachers’ views of utilizing mobile technology such as tablets, smartphones in their learning and understanding of Earth Science topics. The mobile technology-oriented approach includes the usage of smart phones and tablets in and out of class such as working on simulations related to topics like plate tectonics and also working on an activity sheet related to the simulations by using tablets or smart phones. In addition, it comprises discussions of questions or concepts via Instagram out of class by using smart phones. Methodology for this study includes semi-structured interviews and analyzing students’ assignments such as science journals and e-portfolios. The results of this study show that utilizing mobile technology in and out of class has the potential to develop students’ learning and understanding science topics. In addition, it can promote active engagement in and out of class, motivation, self-directed learning, communication easily, collaboration, and educational socialization.

Keywords:

Applications, Mobile technology, pre-service math and science teachers, smart phones, tablets.