Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Informal learning in science museum: development and evaluation of a mobile exhibit label system with iBeacon technology

  • Development Article
  • Published:
Educational Technology Research and Development Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Informal science learning has drawn the attention of researchers, educators and museum administrators for a long time. However, the problem of how to better support visitors to be more engaged while visiting exhibits and improve informal science learning performance is still missing. Context-aware technologies have the advantages of fostering learning interest and providing real time feedback. Previous studies have examined the effectiveness of 5E Learning Cycle in science learning. To address the problem, this study aims to develop a mobile label assisted system using the 5E Learning Cycle approach based on iBeacon technology in a science museum. A total of 43 college students participated in this study. Participants from different majors were assigned to two groups in an effort to make the groups relatively equivalent in terms of student majors. One group was the experimental group (mobile label assisted visiting mode, n = 21), and the other one was the control group (traditional visiting mode, n = 22). From the results of learning performance, stay-time, behavioral pattern analysis, and interviews, it was found that the mobile label assisted system can effectively guide visitors to interact with exhibits, conduct thoughtful learning, and prolong the visiting stay-time. Visitors are willing to visit the science museum with it. This was one of the very few studies focusing on the application of iBeacon to design mobile label system in a science museum. It turned out that iBeacon technology has huge potential applications for the future science museum.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akar, E. (2005). Effectiveness of 5E learning cycle model on students’ understanding of acid-base concepts. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Middle East Technical University, Ankara.

  • Bakeman, R., & Gottman, J. M. (1997). Observing interaction: An introduction to sequential analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Balci, S., Cakiroglu, J., & Tekkaya, C. (2006). Engagement, exploration, explanation, extension, and evaluation (5E) learning cycle and conceptual change text as learning tools. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 34(3), 199–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bitgood, S. (1991). The ABCs of label design. In S. Bitgood, A. Benefield, & D. Patterson (Eds.), Visitor studies: Theory, research, and practice (Vol. 3, pp. 115–129). Jacksonville, AL: Center for Social Design.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bybee, R. W. (2002). Learning science and the science of learning: Science educators’ essay collection. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bybee, R. W. (2015). The BSCS 5E instructional model: Creating teachable moments. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bybee, R. W., Taylor, J. A., Gardner, A., Van Scotter, P., Powell, J. C., Westbrook, A., et al. (2006). The BSCS 5E instructional model: Origins and effectiveness (pp. 88–98). Colorado Springs, CO: BSCS: Office of Science Education, National Institutes of Health.

  • Campbell, M. A. (2006). The effects of the 5E learning cycle model on students’ understanding of force and motion concepts. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.

  • Caulton, T. (1998). Hands-on exhibitions: Managing interactive museums and science centres (1st ed.). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, K.-E., Chang, C.-T., Hou, H.-T., Sung, Y.-T., Chao, H.-L., & Lee, C.-M. (2014). Development and behavioral pattern analysis of a mobile guide system with augmented reality for painting appreciation instruction in an art museum. Computers & Education, 71, 185–197. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2013.09.022.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C.-C., & Huang, T.-C. (2012). Learning in a u-Museum: Developing a context-aware ubiquitous learning environment. Computers & Education, 59(3), 873–883. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.04.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiou, C.-K., Tseng, J. C. R., Hwang, G.-J., & Heller, S. (2010). An adaptive navigation support system for conducting context-aware ubiquitous learning in museums. Computers & Education, 55(2), 834–845. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2010.03.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Falk, J. H., & Dierking, L. (2000). Learning from museums: Visitor experiences and the making of meaning. Lanham, MD: Altamira Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feher, E., & Rice, K. (1985). Development of scientific concepts through the use of interactive exhibits in a museum. Curator: The Museum Journal, 28(1), 35–46. doi:10.1111/j.2151-6952.1985.tb01688.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Felder, R. M., & Spurlin, J. (2005). Applications, reliability and validity of the index of learning styles. International Journal of Engineering Education, 21(1), 103–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerber, B. L., Marek, E. A., & Cavallo, A. M. (2001). Development of an informal learning opportunities assay. International Journal of Science Education, 23(6), 569–583.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heiss, E. D., Obourn, E. S., & Hoffman, C. W. (1950). Modern science teaching. New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofstein, A., & Rosenfeld, S. (1996). Bridging the gap between formal and informal science learning. Study of Science Education, 28, 87–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou, H.-T., Sung, Y.-T., & Chang, K.-E. (2009). Exploring the behavioral patterns of an online knowledge-sharing discussion activity among teachers with problem-solving strategy. Teaching and Teacher Education, 25(1), 101–108. doi:10.1016/j.tate.2008.07.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou, H.-T., & Wu, S.-Y. (2011). Analyzing the social knowledge construction behavioral patterns of an online synchronous collaborative discussion instructional activity using an instant messaging tool: A case study. Computers & Education, 57(2), 1459–1468. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.02.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, G.-J., & Tsai, C.-C. (2011). Research trends in mobile and ubiquitous learning: A review of publications in selected journals from 2001 to 2010. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(4), E65–E70. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01183.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, G.-J., Tsai, C.-C., Chu, H.-C., Kinshuk, K., & Chen, C.-Y. (2012). A context-aware ubiquitous learning approach to conducting scientific inquiry activities in a science park. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(5), 931–947.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, P.-C., Hou, H.-T., Wu, S.-Y., & Chang, K.-E. (2014). Exploring college students’ cognitive processing patterns during a collaborative problem-solving teaching activity integrating Facebook discussion and simulation tools. The Internet and Higher Education, 22, 51–56. doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2014.05.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, T.-C., Peng, H., Wu, W.-H., & Lin, M.-S. (2009). The effects of mobile natural-science learning based on the 5E learning cycle: A case study. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 344–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loomis, R. J. (1987). Museum visitor evaluation: New tool for management. Nashville, TN: American Association for State and Local History.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. (2009). In P. Bell, B. Lewenstein, A. W. Shouse, & M. A. Feder (Eds.), Learning science in informal environments: People, places, and pursuits (Board on Science Education, Center for Education. Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education). Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

  • Newman, N. (2014). Apple iBeacon technology briefing. Journal of Direct, Data and Digital Marketing Practice, 15(3), 222–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, T. M. (2015). From “Where I am” to “Here I am”: Accuracy study on location-based services with iBeacon technology. HKIE Transactions, 22(1), 23–31. doi:10.1080/1023697X.2015.1009411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parry, R., & Ortiz-Williams, M. (2007). How shall we label our exhibit today? Applying the principles of on-line publishing to an on-site exhibition. In J. Trant & D. Bearman (Eds.), Museums and the Web 2007: Proceedings. San Francisco: Archives & Museum Informatics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parry, R., & Sawyer, A. (2005). Space and the machine: Adaptive museums, pervasive technology and the new gallery environment. In S. Macleod (Ed.), Reshaping museum space (pp. 39–52). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick, W. (2010). Recognising non-formal and informal learning outcomes, policies and practices: Outcomes, policies and practices. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rourke, L., & Anderson, T. (2004). Validity in quantitative content analysis. Educational Technology Research and Development, 52(1), 5–18. doi:10.1007/BF02504769.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Screven, C. G. (1992). Motivating visitors to read labels. ILVS Review: A Journal of Visitor Behavior, 2(2), 183–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Serce, F. C., Swigger, K., Alpaslan, F. N., Brazile, R., Dafoulas, G., & Lopez, V. (2011). Online collaboration: Collaborative behavior patterns and factors affecting globally distributed team performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(1), 490–503. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2010.09.017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serrell, B. (2015). Exhibit labels: An interpretive approach (2nd ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen, C., Wu, Y.-C. J., & Lee, T. (2014). Developing a NFC-equipped smart classroom: Effects on attitudes toward computer science. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 731–738. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2013.09.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sparacino, F. (2002). The museum wearable: Real-time sensor-driven understanding of visitors’ interests for personalized visually-augmented museum experiences. Presented at the Museums and the Web 2002, Boston, MA.

  • Sung, Y.-T., Chang, K.-E., Hou, H.-T., & Chen, P.-F. (2010). Designing an electronic guidebook for learning engagement in a museum of history. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(1), 74–83. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2009.08.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thier, R., & Karplus, H. D. (1967). A new look at elementary school science: Science curriculum improvement study. Skokie, IL: Rand McNally.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuckey, C. J. (1992). Schoolchildren’s reactions to an interactive science center. Curator, 35(1), 28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vartiainen, H., & Enkenberg, J. (2013). Learning from and with museum objects: Design perspectives, environment, and emerging learning systems. Educational Technology Research and Development, 61(5), 841–862. doi:10.1007/s11423-013-9311-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S.-L., & Wu, C.-Y. (2011). Application of context-aware and personalized recommendation to implement an adaptive ubiquitous learning system. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(9). doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2011.02.083.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wellington, J. (1990). Formal and informal learning in science: The role of the interactive science centres. Physics Education, 25(5), 247–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilder, M., & Shuttleworth, P. (2005). Cell inquiry: A 5E learning cycle lesson. Science Activities, 41(4), 37–43.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Beijing Municipal Post-Secondary Education Reform Research Grants “Development and Application of Interactive Digital Textbook: An Ubiquitous Learning Approach”.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China

    Guang Chen & Youlong Xin

  2. Beijing Key Laboratory of Education Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China

    Guang Chen

  3. Department of Information Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Nian-Shing Chen

  4. China Science and Technology Museum, Beijing, China

    Youlong Xin

Authors
  1. Guang Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Youlong Xin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Nian-Shing Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nian-Shing Chen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, G., Xin, Y. & Chen, NS. Informal learning in science museum: development and evaluation of a mobile exhibit label system with iBeacon technology. Education Tech Research Dev 65, 719–741 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-016-9506-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-016-9506-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation