Embedding mobile technology to outdoor natural science learning based on the 7E learning cycle

Abstract

Outdoor learning in areas such as natural science has high potential to enhance learning by giving students a real experience of what they shall learn. However, traditional outdoor learning faces several problems. One of the major problems is that students lack instant guidance so that they often can not get suitable feedback. In the long run, students’ learning achievements are limited. Many researches have been conducted in the area of mobile and ubiquitous learning, using mobile technology to create ubiquitous learning environments. In this paper, we investigate the usage of mobile technologies for overcoming problems of traditional outdoor learning and propose a concept for outdoor learning in the area of natural science in elementary schools. To provide students with a pedagogically grounded instructional design, we applied the 7E learning cycle for technology enhanced outdoor learning, aiming at providing students with a ubiquitous learning environment where they can experience natural science.