Design of Inquiry Learning Activity Using Wireless and Mobile Technologies

This study aims to design an inquiry learning activity using wireless and mobile technologies for applying to science experiment course in elementary school. The authors provide clues to guide an inquiry learning activity. The inquiry activity comprises six steps, which are providing clues, getting clues, investigating and collecting data, comparing data, integrating clues, and verifying answer. The inquiry activity includes individual and group inquiry. Students use clues to find out plants having the same clue, and use embedded digital camera to take photos on the characteristic of plants based on the clue. When students came back to the classroom, they can discuss with group members using the data they collected outdoor. Based on the design, a mobile inquiry-based learning system was implemented for science experiment course. The system modules include web services and inquiry function modules. The web services function module consists of communication, record, and management functions. The inquiry function module consists of template download, data upload, and inquiry plant functions. Finally, a preliminary study was conducted to observe students' learning status.