Skip to main content

Improvement of Inquiry in a Complex Technology-Enhanced Learning Environment

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Innovations in Science Education and Technology ((ISET,volume 23))

Abstract

Inquiry learning is an effective approach in science education. Complex technology-enhanced learning environments are needed to apply inquiry worldwide to support knowledge gain and improvement of inquiry skills. In our study, we applied an ecology mission in the SCY-Lab learning environment and tested with 54 students (aged 14–18 years) how its rich technology and complexity could be applied in supporting students’ general inquiry knowledge, transformative inquiry skills, and domain-related knowledge. Reflection questions were applied in supporting inquiry. In this article, we show how different skills and knowledge improved and how these are related with each other.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Alfieri, L., Brooks, P. J., Aldrich, N. J., & Tenenbaum, H. R. (2011). Does discovery-based instruction enhance learning? Journal of Educational Psychology, 103, 1–18. doi:http://10.1037/a0021017

  2. Altin, H., & Pedaste, M. (2013). Learning approaches to applying robotics in science education. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 12(3), 365–377.

    Google Scholar 

  3. De Jong, T., Weinberger, A., Girault, I., Kluge, A., Lazonder, A. W., Pedaste, M., Ludvigsen, S., Ney, M., Wasson, B., Wichmann, A., Geraedts, C., Giemza, A., Hovardas, A., Julien, R., van Joolingen, W. R., Lejeune, A., Manoli, C., Matteman, Y., Sarapuu, T., Verkade, A., Vold, V., Wanders, B., & Zacharia, Z. C. (2012). Using scenarios to design complex technology-enhanced learning environments. Educational Technology Research & Development, 60(5), 883–901.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Furtak, E. M., Seidel, T., Iverson, H., & Briggs, D. C. (2012). Experimental and Quasi-experimental studies of inquiry-based science teaching. Review of Educational Research, 82, 300–329. doi:http://10.3102/0034654312457206

  5. Kori, K., Pedaste, M., Leijen, Ä., & Mäeots, M. (2014). Supporting reflection in technology-enhanced learning. Educational Research Review, 11, 45–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Mäeots, M., Pedaste, M., & Sarapuu, T. (2008). Transforming students’ inquiry skills with computer-based simulations. In Proceedings of the 8th IEEE international conference on advanced learning technologies (pp. 938–942), 1–5 July 2008, Santander, Spain.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mäeots, M., & Pedaste, M. (2014). The role of general inquiry knowledge in enhancing students’ transformative inquiry processes in a web-based learning environment. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 13(1), 19–31.

    Google Scholar 

  8. OECD. (2013). PISA 2012 results: What students know and can do—Student performance in mathematics, reading and science (Vol. 1). Pisa: OECD Publishing. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1782/9789264291118-en

  9. Pedaste, M., & Sarapuu, T. (2006). The factors influencing the outcome of solving story-problems in a web-based learning environment. Interactive Learning Environments, 14(2), 153–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Pedaste, M., & Sarapuu, T. (2006). Developing an effective support system for inquiry learning in a web-based environment. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 22(1), 47–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Pedaste, M., & Sarapuu, T. (2014). Design principles for support in developing students’ transformative inquiry skills in web-based learning environments. Interactive Learning Environments, 22(3), 309–325.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Pedaste, M., & Sarapuu, T. (2012). Uurimuslike oskuste kujundamine ja hindamine. In L. Koppel (Ed.), Gümnaasiumi valdkonnaraamat loodusained. Bioloogia (pp. 68–81). Tallinn: Riiklik Eksami- ja Kvalifikatsioonikeskus. in Estonian.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Pedaste, M., de Jong, T., Sarapuu, T., Piksööt, J., van Joolingen, W. R., & Giemza, A. (2013). Investigating ecosystems as a blended learning experience. Science, 340(6140), 1537–1538.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Rocard, M., Csermely, P., Jorde, D., Lenzen, D., Walberg-Henrikson, H., & Hemmo, V. (2007). Science education now: A renewed pedagogy for the future of Europe. Brussels: European Commission: Directorate-General for Research.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The SCY ECO mission was developed in the context of the SCY project, which was funded by the European Union (EU) under the Information and Communication Technologies theme of the 7th Framework Programme for R&D (grant agreement 212814). This document does not represent the opinion of the EU, and the EU is not responsible for any use that might be made of its content. We would like to acknowledge the SCY project members as well as teachers and students who participated in the study for their contributions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Margus Pedaste .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Pedaste, M., Kori, K., Mäeots, M., de Jong, T. (2016). Improvement of Inquiry in a Complex Technology-Enhanced Learning Environment. In: Riopel, M., Smyrnaiou, Z. (eds) New Developments in Science and Technology Education. Innovations in Science Education and Technology, vol 23. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22933-1_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22933-1_6

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-22932-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-22933-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics