Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Getting Students Outside: Using Technology as a Way to Stimulate Engagement

December 1, 2014 | Media and Technology, Public Programs
Informal environments provide students with unique experiences that allow them to actively participate in activities while promoting a positive attitude toward and an increased interest in science. One way to enhance informal science experiences is through the integration of mobile technologies. This integration is particularly useful in engaging underrepresented students in learning science. Our informal environmental science program engages underrepresented, fifth-grade students in an informal learning environment supplemented with mobile tablet technology (iPads). The purpose of this study was to explore how fifth-grade students interacted with nature using mobile technology during a nature hike series. Participants included 55 fifth-grade students from two low-income schools. We found that students used the mobile technology to explore nature and stay engaged throughout the hike. The iPads were used as references, data collectors, and engagement tools. Students had an intense desire in returning to the site and responded positively toward interacting with nature. Prior research has indicated that students in this age group are likely to lose interest in science and the incorporation of field-friendly technology that engages students with nature, not technology alone, is a useful tool for keeping students interested in science.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • REVISE logo
    Principal Investigator
    University of Southern Mississippi
  • Carrie Boyce
    Author
    University of Southern Mississippi
  • Chandrani Mishra
    Author
    University of Southern Mississippi
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Loyola University
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1007/s10956-014-9514-8
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Education and Technology
    Volume: 23
    Page Number: 815-826

    Funders

    NSF
    Award Number: 1224051
    Resource Type: Research | Research Products
    Discipline: Life science
    Audience: Middle School Children (11-13) | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Public Programs | Park, Outdoor, and Garden Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Low Socioeconomic Status

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.