Abstract:
This research study was motivated by previous research which
found that the use of mobile phones could enhance the effectiveness of
teaching and learning. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of
three secondary level science lesson implementations in which the mobile
phones were integrated in teaching and learning processes. A group of
secondary level science teachers developed these lessons as small groups.
The study used qualitative approach and data were collected using
observation via video, audio recording and written materials. Then they
were analyzed using Thematic Analysis with the support of NVivo8
qualitative data analysis software. Four themes were derived as ‘mobile
phones supported to bring the outside world into the classroom’, ‘mobile
phones supported to enhance students’ engagement in science teaching and
learning’, ‘mobile phones supported to share information’ and ‘mobile phones
supported to assess students’ science learning and behaviour’. The findings
show that the integration of mobile phones in science lessons helped to get
students’ attention towards the lesson, provided more opportunities to
students’ active participation, connected students’ science learning with
their home environment as well as their school garden and provided more
opportunities to assess students’ learning during and after the lessons.
Therefore, mobile phones have the potential to add a new dimension to
science teaching and learning and enhance the effectiveness of it.
