Özet:

The purpose of this research is to investigate how mobile learning activities facilitate a scientific investigation in an online science methods course. During a four week investigation, students collected data about the decomposition of household items within a constructed column and then reported on changes seen during the decomposition process. Analysis of data from this research indicates the presence of both planned and unplanned mobile learning activities facilitating the student investigation. The planned mobile learning activities include column construction, photography, journaling, and online discussions. The identified unplanned mobile learning activities include accessing external resources for content support, incorporating the participation of other individuals, replication of the investigation, as well as planned use of the investigation in future teaching. Resulting analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data indicate that mobile learning activities support student learning in various ways that align with the 12 principles of mobile learning (Heick, 2015) and self determination theory (Deci, Vallerand, Pelletier, & Ryan, 1991). Outcomes of this research include a discussion of evidence demonstrating alignment with the 12 principles of mobile learning and self determination theory as well as plans to modify current instructional practices to further support student engagement in future iterations of this course.

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