Skip to main content
Log in

An Online Questionnaire for Evaluating Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of Constructivist Multimedia Learning Environments

  • Published:
Research in Science Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the development, validation and use of the Constructivist Multimedia Learning Environment Survey (CMLES). This questionnaire assesses teachers' and students' perceptions of the learning environment when students use online multimedia programs while teachers use constructivism as a referent for their teaching. The design of the questionnaire was based on a constructivist approach to learning and focused on the process of learning with the multimedia program and on the nature of that program. Before the use of the CMLES becomes widespread, it was important to determine whether it is valid and reliable. Therefore, a study involving 221 students in 12 high school classrooms into statistical validation and interpretive validation of the questionnaire was undertaken. For this sample of Grade 10 and 11 students who completed the actual and preferred forms of the questionnaire, the CMLES scales demonstrated a high degree of internal consistency reliability (with alpha reliability coefficients ranging from .73 to .82), as well as satisfactory factorial validity and discriminant validity. Therefore, the study supports the reliability and validity of the CMLES for assessing students' and teachers' perceptions of one important aspect in evaluating learning environments which promote the use of multimedia programs and constructivist learning approaches.

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

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Barnea, N., & Dori, Y. J. (1996). Computerized molecular modelling as a tool to improve chemistry teaching. Journal of Chemical Information and Computer Science, 36, 629–636.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonk, C. J., & Cunningham, D. J. (1998). Searching for learner-centred, constructivist, and sociocultural components of collaborative educational learning tools. In C. J. Bonk & K. S. King (Eds.), Electronic collaborators: Learner-centred technologies for literacy, apprenticeship and discourse (pp. 25–50). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bybee, R., & DeBoer, G. (1994). Research on goals for the science curriculum. In D. Gabel (Ed.), Handbook of research on science teaching and learning (pp. 357–387). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cobern, W. W. (1995). Constructivism for science teachers. Science Education International, 6(3), 8–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. (1977). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daniel, P. (1996). Helping beginning teachers link theory to practice: An interactive multimedia environment for mathematics and science teacher preparation. Journal of Teacher Education, 47, 197–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edelson, D. C. (2001). Learning-for-use: A framework for the design of technology supported inquiry activities. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38, 355–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, F. (1986). Qualitative methods for the research on teaching. In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching (3rd ed., pp. 119–160). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, F. (1998). Qualitative research methods for science education. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education (pp. 1157–1173). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, D. L., & Fraser, B. J. (1983). A comparison of actual and preferred classroom environment as perceived by science teachers and students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 20, 55–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, B. J. (1998a). Science learning environments: Assessment, effects and determinants. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education (pp. 527–565). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garbinger, S. R. (1996). Rich environments for active learning. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed.), Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (pp. 665–693). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordin, D. N., & Pea, R. D. (1995). Prospects for scientific visualization as an educational technology. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 4, 249–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hand, B., & Prain, V. (1995). Teaching and learning in science: The constructivist classroom. Sydney: Harcourt Brace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harasim, L., Hiltz, S. R., Teles, L., & Turoff, M. (1996). Learning networks. London: The MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harper, B., & Hedberg, J. (1997, December). Creating motivating interactive learning environments: A constructivist view. Paper presented in the ASCILITE conference, Perth, Western Australia. Retrieved January 19, 2004, from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/perth97/papers/Harper/Harper.html

  • Hirumi, A. (2002). Student-centred, technology-rich learning environments (SCenTRLE): Operationalizing constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 10, 497–537.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horak, W. J. (1991, April). An analysis of metacognitive skills utilised by students during computer simulation activities. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Fontane, WI.

  • Jonassen, D. H. (1994). Towards a constructivist design model. Educational Technology, 34, 34–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D. H., & Reeves, T. C. (1996). Learning with technology: Using computers as cognitive tools. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed.), Handbook of research for educational communications and technology (pp. 693–720). New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozma, R. B. (2000). Students collaborating with computer models and physical experiments. In I. C. Hoadley (Ed.), Computer support for collaborative learning (pp. 314–322). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozma, R. B., & Russell, J. (1997). Multimedia and understanding: Expert and novice responses to different representations of chemical phenomena. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34, 949–968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krajcik, J. S., Simmons, P. E., & Lunetta, V. N. (1988). A research strategy for the dynamic study of students' concepts and problem solving strategies using science software. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 25, 147–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Logal. (1999). Logal high school science gateways. [On-line]. Available: http://www.riverdeep.net/demos/logal_science_demo.jhtml

  • Maor, D. (2001). Development of formative evaluation of a multimedia programme using interpretive research methodology. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 20(1), 75–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maor, D., & Fraser, B. J. (1996). Use of classroom environment perceptions in evaluating inquiry-based computer assisted learning. International Journal of Science Education, 18, 401–421.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maor, D., & Taylor, P. C. (1995). Teacher epistemology and scientific inquiry in computerised classroom environments. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 32, 839–854.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDougall, A., & Squires, D. (1995). An empirical study of a new paradigm for choosing educational software. Computer Education, 25(3), 93–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, W. (1994). Efforts to improve computer-based instructions: The role of knowledge representation and knowledge construction in hypermedia systems. Computers in the Schools, 10, 371–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, D. (1993). School networks: Delivery or access. Communications of the ACM, 36(5), 49–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O'Connor, M. C. (1998). Can we trace the efficacy of social constructivism? Review of Educational Research, 23, 25–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orion, N., Dubowski, Y., & Dodick, J. (2000). The educational potential of multimedia authoring as a part of the earth science curriculum – A case study. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37, 1121–1153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parril, A., & Gervay, J. (1997). Fostering curiosity-driven learning through interactive multimedia representations of biological molecules. Journal of Chemical Education, 74, 1141–1142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peat, M., Franklin, S., & Lewis, A. (2003). Learning-centred evaluation of CFL projects in higher education. Retrieved January 19, 2004, from http://www.tlc.murdoch.edu.au/project/cutsd01.html

  • Schank, P., & Kozma, R. (2002). Learning chemistry through the use of a representation-based knowledge building environment. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 21, 253–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Songer, N. B., Lee, H., & Kam, R. (2002). Technology-rich inquiry science in urban classroom: What are the barriers to inquiry pedagogy? Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 39, 128–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tasker, R., Daiton, R., Sleet, R., Bucat, B., Chia, W., & Corrigan, D. (2002). Description of VisChem: Visualising chemical structures and reactions at the molecular level to develop a deep understanding of chemistry concepts. Retrievable from the Australian Universities Teaching Committee (AUTC) Learning Designs Web site: http://www.learningdesigns.uow.edu.au/exemplars/info/LD9/index.html Last accessed on Tuesday, 16 November 2004.

  • Taylor, P. C., Fraser, B., & Fisher, D. (1997). Monitoring constructivist classroom learning environments. International Journal of Educational Research, 27, 293–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, R. (Ed.). (1980). The computer in the school: Tutor, tool, tutee. New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. G. (Ed.). (1993). The practice of constructivism in science education. Washington, DC: AAAS Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. G. (1998). Issues and trends in the teaching of science. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education (pp. 129–151). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K., & Fraser, B. J. (1998). Qualitative and quantitative landscapes of classroom learning environments. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education (pp. 623–640). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. G., & Gallagher, J. (1987). What happens in high school science classrooms? Journal of Curriculum Studies, 19, 549–560.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. G., & Tippins, D. (1993). Constructivism as a referent for teaching and learning. In K. G. Tobin (Ed.), The practice of constructivism in science education (pp. 3–23). Washington, DC: AAAS Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, H., Krajcik, J., & Soloway, E. (2001). Promoting understanding of chemical representations: Students' use of a visualization tool in the classroom. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38, 821–842.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dorit Maor.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Maor, D., Fraser, B.J. An Online Questionnaire for Evaluating Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of Constructivist Multimedia Learning Environments. Res Sci Educ 35, 221–244 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-005-2148-3

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-005-2148-3

Keywords

Navigation