Development and Evaluation of Technology-Infused Learning Environments in Taiwan

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to present how the technology-infused learning environment (TILE) research team in Taiwan developed and evaluated innovative learning environments for science education. The three environments presented in this chapter cover important scientific topics and involve real-life issues such as the seasons, air pollution, and water reservoirs. These learning environments aim at facilitating students’ conceptual understanding, cultivating their inquiry abilities, and contributing to the goal of developing independent learners. To achieve these goals, the features of these environments include: (1) helping students visualize scientific concepts and principles to enhance their conceptual understanding; (2) providing multiple linked representations and web-based sharing tools to promote sharing and communication; and (3) integrating innovative and advanced technologies that enable teachers to utilize digital resources and support students in conducting authentic scientific investigations . In the past 5 years, multiple sources of data were collected to evaluate the effectiveness of these environments, and the results suggest that by providing well-designed features, TILEs could support students’ engagement in authentic inquiry and demonstration of desirable learning practices.

Appendix

Alternative conceptions of the cause of seasonal change

Mental model	Types of alternative conception
No concept	1. No conception
Phenomenal	2. Pre-experience of phenomena
	2-1. The sun is covered by clouds
	2-2. The moon absorbs the radiation of the sun
	2-3. The tides and ocean flows
	2-4. The planetary wind systems and air pressure
	3. Facing toward or away from the sun
	4. The duration of the sun’s irradiation of the earth
	4-1. The change in the sun’s radiation
	4-2. The length of day and night
	4-3. The duration of sunshine in the northern and southern hemispheres due to the tilt of the earth’s axis
Assimilatory	5. The tilt of the earth’s axis causes the change in earth–sun distance and/or sunshine area
	5-1. The angle of the earth’s tilt changes during revolution around the sun
	5-2. The tilt of the earth’s axis means some locations on the earth are close to the sun and some are far away from the sun
	5-3. The “sunshine area” in the northern hemisphere is bigger than that in the southern hemisphere because of the earth’s tilt
	6. It is winter at the aphelion and summer at the perihelion in the northern hemisphere
Scientific
	7. Partial explanations
	8. Complete scientific explanations