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Background Objectives Methods Results and Conclusions The adoption of virtual laboratories (VLs) has experienced a significant surge, catalysed by the global changes in the educational landscape, notably influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Originally supplementary to traditional in‐person laboratory experiments, VLs swiftly transitioned into a primary source of hands‐on laboratory activities for educational institutions worldwide during the pandemic. As restrictions have eased, virtual, computer‐assisted learning platforms continue to be used, though now as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, hands‐on experimentation opportunities. However, their adoption presents both opportunities and challenges that require thorough investigation to maximize their effectiveness and equity.This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of VL resources utilized across various scientific disciplines. It evaluates their potential to enhance traditional hands‐on laboratory activities and examines the efficacy of computer‐assisted learning platforms from a constructivist learning perspective. By doing so, the study seeks to identify best practices, challenges, and strategies for the effective integration of VLs in science education.A content analysis was conducted on literature published from 2013 to 2023, focusing on VLs in educational settings. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize the findings into three primary pillars: Merits, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies. Multiple researchers participated in the analysis to ensure reliability and consistency. To further enhance reliability, regular cross‐checks and consensus meetings were held to resolve any discrepancies and maintain the integrity of the thematic categorization. A constructivist learning perspective was used to analyse the instructional implications, focusing on active learning to evaluate alignment with educational goals, adapted teaching methods, and assessments.The analysis revealed that VLs offer significant benefits, including enhanced accessibility, flexibility, and opportunities for active learning. Virtual labs provide scalable, safe opportunities for inquiry‐based science learning by replicating experiments in an accessible digital environment, enhancing understanding of scientific concepts based on research demonstrations of improved learning outcomes. However, challenges such as high initial setup costs, technological barriers, and the need for effective integration with traditional curricula were also identified. Despite these challenges, VLs have the potential to complement and enhance hands‐on laboratory experiences, provided they are implemented thoughtfully and equitably. Future research should focus on improving the efficacy, accessibility, collaboration among stakeholders, and economic feasibility of VLs to maximize their educational impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Science history is a discipline that teaches the development of scientific thought and the discoveries of scientists. However, these topics can sometimes be abstract and difficult to understand. The use of technology can make the teaching of the history of science more effective, engaging, and accessible. By providing students with visual and interactive experiences, it allows them to better understand abstract concepts and closely follow the discoveries of scientists. In this way, history of science lessons can become more appealing and conducive to learning for students. Objectives: This research aims to design and develop a Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) environment that can be used for teaching science history. Methods: The research was conducted using a design‐based research method consisting of four stages: Analysis, design, development‐implementation‐evaluation, and reporting. The research involved 10 science teachers and five secondary school students. Data were collected through focus group interviews, individual interviews, notes, audio recordings, and images, and then analysed using content analysis. Results and Conclusions: As a result of the research, a MAR application named TISAR‐3D was developed, which allows students to interactively and visually explore scientists and enrich their learning experience. Implications: The widespread use of the TISAR‐3D application in science history education is recommended, as well as the development of similar MAR applications for other topics. Lay Description: What is known about this topic: AR technology is an increasingly used technology in education.AR technology is effective in teaching the history of science.AR makes abstract concepts concrete and provides interactive experiences for students. What this paper adds: The research focuses on the development of a MAR application called TISAR‐3D.The application supports Turkish and English languages and offers voice narration.The role of scientists in the history of science is not sufficiently known.Scientists are not adequately represented in textbooks. Implications of the study findings for practitioners: Include more scientists in the app for a broader learning experience.Include more interactive activities in the app for a fun learning experience.Teachers should extend more time to accommodate the app's use in class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Science teachers' understanding of the roles of computing practices in science frame how they enact scientific computational practices in their teaching and how their students perceive the relationship between computational practices and scientific endeavours. Objectives: This critical, integrative review synthesizes teacher learning literature about the role of computational literacy and computing practices in K‐12 science teaching. Methods: We examined 54 peer‐reviewed articles and analysed the ways the researchers and teacher participants describe the affordances of integrating computational thinking (CT) and other computational practices in science. We characterize how CT and computational practices are framed in relation to scientific learning goals. We identify six primary affordances for integrating computational practices with science that are conveyed to teachers and by teachers, as represented in these studies of teacher learning. Results and Conclusions: These six perspectives include (1) learning computer science principles, (2) developing CT dispositions, (3) engagement and inclusion in science, (4) taking ownership of science, (5) supporting learning science content, and (6) participating in computational practice as a form of scientific epistemic practice. Our analysis indicates that computational thinking and computational practices are often integrated in science in order to teach something about computing (e.g., Perspective 1), rather than to support learners' scientific work. Only the 29 articles coded for the sixth perspective—that is, in service of epistemic aims in science—demonstrate commitment to students' uses of computational ideas and practices as epistemic tools to participate in the sensemaking work of science. Takeaways: Comparison of Perspectives 5 and 6 illustrates the nuance between computational practices in science that reify something students have already "figured out," rather than those that serve epistemic goals. Perspective 6 encapsulates the deep synergy among (1) the reflexive nature of computing with scientific ideas and (2) computing as a central practice in science and engineering. We contend that a more focused message of computational practices in service of scientific sensemaking goals is necessary if we expect teachers to enact CT and related computational practices in their classrooms. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Science teachers' understanding of the roles of computing practices in science frame how they enact scientific computational practices in their teaching. What this paper adds?: We analysed 54 peer‐reviewed articles regarding teacher learning about the role of computational literacy and computing practices in K‐12 science teaching.We characterized the ways the researchers and teacher participants describe the affordances of integrating computational thinking (CT) and other computational practices in science.We present six primary affordances for integrating computational practices with science that are conveyed to teachers and by teachers, as represented in these studies of teacher learning. These six perspectives include (1) learning computer science principles, (2) developing CT dispositions, (3) engagement and inclusion in science, (4) taking ownership of science, (5) supporting learning science content, and (6) computational practices in service of epistemic aims in science. Implications for practice and/or policy: We find that computational thinking and computational practices are often integrated in science in order to teach introductory computer science principles, but not to support the original science learning aims.Only the 29 of 54 articles demonstrate commitment to students' uses of computational ideas and practices as epistemic tools to participate in the sensemaking work of science.We contend that a more focused message of computational practices in service of scientific sensemaking goals is necessary if we expect teachers to enact CT and related computational practices in their classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online collaboration tools have been identified as potentially effective means for enhancing student learning, motivation, and engagement in science education. However, their effectiveness in improving science education outcomes among middle school students remains uncertain. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the impact of online collaboration tools on science education outcomes among middle school students, focusing on learning achievement, engagement, and motivation. Methods: A quasi‐experimental design with a pretest‐posttest control group was used in this study. A total of 60 eighth‐grade middle school students were involved in the study, with both the experimental and control groups comprising 30 students each. The experimental group incorporated the use of digital collaboration platforms, including Asana, Slack, and Team Viewer, as instrumental components of group project execution and discussion in their science lessons. Conversely, the control group adhered to the current educational approach in Turkey, characterized by the employment of an inquiry‐based learning strategy in their science instruction. Data was collected over eight weeks using a science achievement test, engagement scale, and science motivation scale. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher post‐test scores compared to the control group, suggesting that online collaboration tools positively impacted science education outcomes. Additionally, survey data indicated high levels of engagement and motivation among the experimental group students when using the online collaboration tools. Conclusions: The findings support the notion that online collaboration tools can effectively enhance learning, motivation, and engagement in science education among middle school students. These results have significant implications for educators, educational institutions, policymakers, and curriculum developers. Further research is needed to examine the potential of these tools in various educational contexts and with different student populations. This will help broaden the understanding of how online collaboration tools can be integrated into diverse learning environments, potentially benefiting a larger number of students and further improving science education outcomes. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Technology's role, particularly online collaboration tools, in enriching science education is undebatable (Donkin & Rasmussen, 2021; Rahmawati et al., 2022). Such tools have been theorized to bolster student learning outcomes, motivation, and engagement (Donnelly et al., 2013; Ekici, 2017; Khazanchi & Khazanchi, 2019). Yet, the empirical evidence validating their efficacy in science educational settings remains sparse. What this paper adds: This research delves into the influence of online collaboration tools on science learning outcomes among middle school learners. Data indicates that employing these digital tools substantially elevates student performance, as gauged by a science achievement test. Furthermore, students navigating through these online collaborative platforms recorded elevated levels of both engagement and motivation. The primary effectiveness of online collaboration tools stems from their ability to foster specific behaviours, such as increased communication frequency and structured task management, which can amplify learning and group collaboration through their facilitated structured interactions. Implications for practice and/or policy: This study's conclusions offer pivotal insights for educators, academic institutions, policy framers, and curriculum architects. Online collaborative platforms exhibit promise in amplifying student outcomes and engagement within the realm of science education. It is imperative to broaden this research scope to discern the tools' potential across varied educational environments and diverse student demographics. There is a compelling case for stakeholders, especially educators and policymakers, to contemplate incorporating these online tools into science pedagogy, aiming to magnify student learning experiences and engagement levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a growing call for inquiry‐based learning in science education, and mobile technologies are perceived as increasingly valuable tools to support this approach. However, there is a lack of understanding of mobile technology‐supported inquiry‐based learning (mIBL) in secondary science education. More evidence‐based, nuanced insights are needed into how using mobile technologies might facilitate students' engagement with various levels of inquiry and enhance their science learning. We, therefore, conducted a robust systematic literature review (SLR) of the research articles on mIBL in secondary school science education that have been published from 2000 to 2019. We reviewed and analysed 31 empirical studies (34 articles) to explore the types of mIBL, and the benefits and constraints of mIBL in secondary school science education. The findings of this SLR suggest new research areas for further exploration and provide implications for science teachers' selection, use and design of mIBL approaches in their teaching. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Inquiry‐based learning (IBL) in science education is a pedagogical approach in which students' learning is driven by an investigative question.The use of mobile technologies can create customized learning opportunities for science students.Mobile technology‐supported IBL (mIBL) can enable seamless science learning experiences. What this paper adds?: Presents a systematic review of empirical studies of mIBL in secondary school science education published from 2000 to 2019;Describes the fundamental research foci, settings and contexts of mIBL studies;Develops a synthesis of 31 empirical studies leading to a categorization of types of mIBL; andPresents the benefits and constraints of mIBL in science education. Implications for practice and/or policy: Provide opportunities for science teachers to rethink the use of different types of mIBL;Learn how to organize activities for implementing various types of mIBL;Inform developers and policymakers about ways of using mobile technologies to support IBL;Outline future research developments of mIBL in secondary science education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidance has showed positive effects on promoting inquiry‐based learning in science education. While an increasing number of studies focus on the design of guidance in simulation‐based inquiry learning due to recent technology developments, how different designs of a same type of guidance affect learning remains a question. Objectives: This study reviews the (quasi‐)experimental research on the learning effects of differently designed guidance in simulation‐based inquiry learning in the past decade (2011–2020). The investigation is guided by two questions: how differently designed guidance affects inquiry‐based learning in simulated environments in terms of learning process and learning outcomes, and what role technology plays in the design of guidance. In particular, we report on studies that compares the effects of a same type (process constraints/prompts/heuristics/scaffolds/metacognitive supports/direct presentation of information) of guidance with different instructional designs, and select a total of 28 peer‐reviewed journal articles. The results indicate no equivocal tendency of effectiveness towards a specific design. Instead, each type of guidance has related factors that may influence its effectiveness. Three major factors that related to optimization of inquiry learning guidance in simulation‐based environments are identified: the learner factor, the pedagogical factor, and the technological factor. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Inquiry learning is an active learning approach that involves learners in self‐directed scientific discovery process to acquire knowledge.Technology provides alternative environments and unique features to support inquiry learning.Proper guidance could improve learning outcomes of inquiry‐based learning. What this paper adds?: Regarding to effectiveness, there is no equivocal tendency towards a specific design in each guidance type in simulation‐based inquiry learning.Technology plays multiple roles in the design of guidance in simulation‐based inquiry learning. Implications for practice: In the design of guidance in simulation‐based inquiry learning, learner factors, pedagogical factors, and technological factors should all be considered together.The teacher's role in providing guidance needs further exploration in simulation‐based inquiry learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have suggested that flipped learning can be enhanced by designing effective in‐class learning activities to improve students' higher order thinking skills. Problem posing has been recognized as such a learning strategy that has great potential for improving students' higher order thinking skills. However, it has been reported as a challenging task for most students. Research evidence has indicated the potential of engaging students in group learning with step‐by‐step hints when conducting problem‐posing activities. Therefore, this study proposed a multilevel concept mapping‐based problem‐posing strategy to assist students in completing the problem‐posing tasks in flipped learning. To understand the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, a flipped learning system was developed and adopted in the science class of an elementary school. Seventy‐five fifth graders from three classes were divided into experimental group A, experimental Group B and a control group. Students in Group A used the concept map‐guided problem‐posing strategy for flipped learning (CMPP‐FL), students in Group B used the problem‐posing strategy‐based flipped learning, while students in the control group used the conventional flipped learning strategy. The results showed that the CMPP‐FL was effective in terms of improving students' learning performance, especially for students with higher levels of critical thinking tendency. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Flipped learning enabled teachers to have more class time to engage students in applying knowledge.Scholars have suggested that the value of flipped learning can be enhanced by designing effective in‐class learning activities to improve students' higher order thinkingProblem‐posing has been recognized as such a learning strategy that has great potential for improving students' higher order thinking. What this paper adds: This study proposed a multilevel concept mapping‐based problem‐posing strategy to assist students in completing the problem‐posing tasks in flipped learning.A flipped learning system was developed and adopted in the science class of an elementary school.It was also found that the results showed that the concept map‐guided problem‐posing strategy was effective in terms of improving students' flipped learning performance, especially for those with higher levels of critical thinking tendency. Implications for practice and/or policy: Employing concept maps as a guidance for problem posing is a promising approach.It is worth investigating the impacts of the concept map‐guided problem posing approach on the students with different personal characteristics, such as knowledge levels or motivational levels.It is worth applying the approach to other courses in the future to further explore its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sound‐augmented toys producing factual knowledge were thought to encourage incidental, playful learning in children with visual impairments (VIs). A group of 15 children with VIs and 22 sighted controls played with a sound‐augmented savannah landscape and listened to an informative story in a counterbalanced order. Children's knowledge about savannah animals was assessed at baseline and after each condition in order to quantitatively compare knowledge gains between conditions. Results indicated that children with VIs gained more knowledge than sighted controls from playing with the sound‐augmented toy. Furthermore, offering both the augmented toy and the informative story led to higher knowledge gains than a single medium, especially in children with VIs. Sound‐augmented toys could therefore be a useful addition to the current curriculum in special education for children with VIs. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Game‐based learning is becoming more popular as educational context.Children with visual impairments are often unable to benefit from a predominantly visual learning context.Augmented environments encourage exploratory learning by enhancing physical materials with technology.Sound‐augmented toys might encourage playful learning in children with visual impairments. What this paper adds: This empirical study compared an innovative sound‐augmented toy with traditional verbal instruction.Both children with visual impairments and a sighted comparison group participated.The targeted learning outcome was factual knowledge about animals.Children gained comparable knowledge from the augmented environment as from verbal instruction.The augmented toy was a more effective learning context for children with visual impairments than in sighted children. Implications for practice and/or policy: Sound‐augmented environments encourage object interaction and playful learning in children with visual impairments.Sound‐augmented toys can be a useful addition to the current curriculum of children with visual impairments in special education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports our classroom implementation of a new remote laboratory (RL) system, which was developed by using innovative ideas and methods for applying technology‐enhanced learning to secondary school science education (Grades 7–9 or Ages 12–14). The newly developed RL system, which involves 8 remote experiments, was tested with 32 secondary school students from a local public school in order to evaluate its usability, learning, and their perception. The present study was carried out by using a mixed research method, including a questionnaire survey (open‐ended questions) and interviews. The corresponding research tools were specifically developed to collect data on students' perceptions and the implementation issues of the RL system. The survey results revealed that there was no major refinement required for the RL system, which was good enough for further adoption in secondary science education because its methods used to conduct online experiments could (a) extend/enhance the existing practices (with virtual/simulation experiments only) of e‐learning and (b) largely induce students' favourable views and perceptions in their own learning. Besides, negative comments and suggestions for improvement were purposely collected during a follow‐up period with an aim to pinpoint any ways in which the RL system and its design could be refined. They turned out to be very minor and easily fixed, and so the refined RL system is educationally suitable for use in laboratory activities and demonstrations to enhance the learning and teaching of science within and outside the secondary school environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quasi-experimental study was set up in secondary education to study the role of teachers while implementing tablet devices in science education. Three different classroom scripts that guided students and teachers' actions during the intervention on two social planes (group and classroom level) are compared. The main goal was to investigate which classroom script leads to the best results regarding progress in domain-specific knowledge and inquiry skills. Besides student achievement, students' experiences towards the role of the teacher and students' perceptions towards learning with tablets within the three conditions were investigated. In the first condition, the classroom script included learning activities that were balanced between the group and the classroom level. In the second condition, the learning activities occurred predominantly on the group level. The third condition entailed the classroom script as the control condition in which the learning activities were situated only on the classroom level, with the tablet used in a traditional way or as 'book behind glass'. Results show that students perform better on domain-specific knowledge in the conditions where the teacher intervened on the classroom level. Regarding the acquisition of inquiry skills, students performed best in the condition where the learning activities were balanced between the group and the classroom level. Moreover, students who perceived more structure achieved better. These results indicate that the role of the teacher cannot be ignored in technology-enhanced learning. Moreover, these results seem to suggest that one of the best apps remains the teacher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual representations are essential for science understanding, but many students have poor diagrammatic reasoning skills. Previous research showed that teaching high school and college students about the conventions of diagrams (COD) can improve diagrammatic reasoning. In this study, middle school science students received COD instruction delivered as a classroom warmup using laptop computers, while control students received publisher-developed warm-up questions. Students receiving COD warm-ups for 10weeks (but not 4weeks) improved their diagrammatic reasoning more than control students. Treatment students' answers were more accurate than control students' answers, especially on easy questions. The discourse of pairs of students during the warm-ups showed that treatment students talked about the diagrams more and made more inferences and that this difference was greatest for easy questions. Results suggest that COD instruction can be initiated in middle school along with more formal science instruction, can be integrated into classroom routine using computer-delivered warm-ups, is helpful (if sustained) both for improving diagrammatic reasoning and for supporting learning science content and works at least in part by increasing students' engagement during routine work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]