The Influence of Mobile App in Promoting Interest and Engagement in Biology
Chapter One
Objective of the study
- To assess the influence of mobile apps on students’ interest in biology
- To evaluate the impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology
- To investigate the effectiveness of mobile apps in catering to diverse learning needs
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
The influence of mobile apps on students’ interest in biology
Mobile apps have had a significant influence on students’ interest in biology by making the subject more accessible, interactive, and engaging. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, educational apps have become valuable tools for both teachers and students, transforming the way biology is taught and learned. Here are some key ways in which mobile apps have impacted students’ interest in biology:
- Accessibility: Mobile apps have made biology resources available anytime and anywhere. Students no longer have to rely solely on textbooks or classroom lectures. With a wide range of biology apps available, students can access study materials, reference guides, and interactive content with just a few taps on their mobile devices. This convenience has made it easier for students to engage with biology beyond the classroom, fostering a continuous learning experience.
- Interactive Learning: Mobile apps provide interactive learning experiences that actively engage students. These apps often incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, animations, simulations, and quizzes, allowing students to explore biological concepts in a visually appealing and hands-on manner. By interacting with the app’s content, students can develop a deeper understanding of complex biological processes, which can spark their curiosity and sustain their interest in the subject.
- Gamification: Many biology apps use gamification techniques to enhance students’ motivation and engagement. By incorporating elements such as rewards, achievements, and challenges, these apps transform the learning process into a game-like experience. Gamified apps can motivate students to explore biology topics, solve problems, and compete with their peers, fostering a sense of excitement and encouraging them to delve deeper into the subject matter.
- Personalized Learning: Mobile apps can cater to individual students’ learning styles and preferences. Adaptive learning apps, for example, use algorithms to analyze students’ performance and provide customized content and recommendations based on their strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach allows students to study biology at their own pace, focusing on areas where they need more support or challenging themselves with advanced topics. By tailoring the learning experience, apps can help students feel more connected to the subject and boost their interest in biology.
- Citizen Science and Fieldwork: Some biology apps enable students to participate in citizen science projects and fieldwork virtually. These apps connect students to real-world research initiatives, allowing them to contribute to scientific endeavors by collecting and analyzing data. Through these interactive experiences, students can see the practical applications of biology and understand how it impacts their daily lives. Engaging in citizen science through mobile apps can foster a sense of empowerment and curiosity, driving students to explore biology further.
The impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology
Mobile apps have revolutionized the way students engage with biology. By providing accessibility, interactivity, gamification, personalized learning, and opportunities for real-world participation, these apps have played a crucial role in generating and sustaining students’ interest in biology. As technology continues to advance, it is expected that mobile apps will continue to evolve and offer even more innovative ways to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster a lifelong passion for biology.
The impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology
Research studies have investigated the impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology, revealing positive outcomes and increased levels of engagement. Laine, T., & Lehtinen, E. (2018) conducted a study to explore the learning and motivational effects of a digital science inquiry simulation game, which utilized a mobile app platform, on students’ engagement in biology. The findings demonstrated that the use of the mobile app increased students’ engagement by providing interactive and immersive learning experiences. The game-based features, such as virtual experiments and problem-solving tasks, stimulated students’ curiosity, promoted active participation, and enhanced their engagement with biology (Laine & Lehtinen, 2018). Kao, C. P., & Li, L. (2018) examined the effects of adaptive mobile learning on students’ motivation and performance in science education, including biology. The study revealed that the use of mobile apps with adaptive learning features significantly improved students’ engagement in biology. The personalized learning experiences offered by the apps, tailored to students’ individual needs and progress, enhanced their motivation, attentiveness, and active involvement in the learning process (Kao & Li, 2018).
These studies provide evidence of the positive impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology education. The interactive features, gamified elements, and adaptive learning capabilities of these apps contribute to creating engaging learning environments that foster active participation, motivation, and deeper engagement with the subject matter.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the influence of mobile app in promoting interest and engagement in biology. Selected secondary school in Lagos State form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of mobile app in promoting interest and engagement in biology. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the influence of mobile app in promoting interest and engagement in biology
Summary
This study was on the influence of mobile app in promoting interest and engagement in biology. Three objectives were raised which included To assess the influence of mobile apps on students’ interest in biology, to evaluate the impact of mobile apps on students’ engagement in biology and to investigate the effectiveness of mobile apps in catering to diverse learning needs. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, mobile apps have demonstrated a positive influence in promoting interest and engagement in biology education. The interactive features, immersive experiences, and personalized learning opportunities offered by mobile apps have the potential to enhance students’ interest, curiosity, and motivation in biology. Through virtual experiments, 3D models, gamified elements, and adaptive learning approaches, mobile apps provide students with engaging and interactive learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom methods.
Research studies have shown that the use of mobile apps in biology education increases students’ interest and engagement levels. These apps stimulate curiosity, foster active participation, and provide opportunities for deepening understanding of biology concepts. The incorporation of mobile apps in the learning process caters to diverse learning needs by offering personalized learning experiences, adapting to individual learning styles, and accommodating different preferences and abilities.
However, it is essential to acknowledge certain limitations. The generalizability of the findings may be limited to specific contexts, and the influence of mobile apps may be influenced by external factors beyond the study’s scope. Additionally, the quality and accuracy of content provided by mobile apps should be carefully evaluated to ensure scientific validity and alignment with educational standards.
Despite these limitations, the significance of mobile apps in promoting interest and engagement in biology education is evident. These apps empower students, enhance pedagogical practices, contribute to personalized learning, advance technology integration, and continuously improve mobile app development. By leveraging the potential of mobile apps, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that foster a lifelong interest in biology and support students in their learning journey.
Moving forward, further research is needed to explore the sustained impact of mobile apps on interest and engagement in biology over longer periods and to address the challenges related to technology access and infrastructure. With continued development, careful content curation, and effective integration into instructional practices, mobile apps have the potential to revolutionize biology education and empower students to become enthusiastic learners and contributors in the field of biology.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and conclusion of the influence of mobile apps in promoting interest and engagement in biology, the following recommendations can be made:
- Integration of Mobile Apps: Educators should consider integrating mobile apps into biology curriculum and instructional practices. Mobile apps provide interactive and engaging learning experiences that can enhance students’ interest and engagement in the subject. By incorporating mobile apps as supplementary tools, educators can create dynamic and immersive learning environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
- Quality Assurance: App developers, educators, and content experts should collaborate to ensure the quality and accuracy of content provided by mobile apps. Regular content reviews, alignment with educational standards, and collaboration with subject matter experts can help maintain the scientific validity and reliability of information presented in mobile apps. Quality assurance processes should be implemented to ensure that the content is up-to-date, reliable, and aligned with educational goals.
- Professional Development: Educators should receive adequate professional development and training on effectively integrating mobile apps into their instructional practices. Training programs can help educators understand the potential of mobile apps, explore best practices, and develop strategies to maximize their impact on student interest and engagement in biology. Ongoing support and resources should be provided to educators to ensure their continued professional growth in utilizing mobile apps effectively.
- Accessibility and Equity: Efforts should be made to address issues related to technology access and infrastructure to ensure equitable access to mobile apps for all students. Schools and educational institutions should explore options such as providing devices, improving internet connectivity, or utilizing existing resources to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to engage with mobile app-based learning in biology.
References
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- Kao, C. P., & Li, L. (2018). The effects of adaptive mobile learning on students’ motivation and performance in science education. Educational Technology & Society, 21(3), 237-247.
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