Development and validation of an argumentation based multimedia science learning environment: Preliminary findings

Technology based settings have variety of assets and possibilities for learning elementary level science. This study has designed and developed a computer based environment, Argumantaryum. It provides virtual experiment facilities, visually rich multi representations of contents, video and simulations at which students may base their arguments and learn some elementary level science units. It has also a built-in discussion forum and an instant messaging component both contain argumentation sentence-openers. Following the implementation, the system was tested in real classroom settings under different study schemes for different learning units. When the system is used in the mode of a peer collaboration supported by a teacher (compared to individual use without a teacher support), it helps students to make progress in terms of both scientific discussion skills and knowledge of the learning units accommodated in the platform. Though, similar results were obtained when the same usage scheme is followed for another learning unit, we could not entirely confirm the previous finding. Further, the system performance in supporting collaborative work with teacher guidance was compared to lecture based learning. Although both collaborative use of the system under teacher guidance and the lecture based activities significantly helped their students to develop knowledge of the learning unit, the lecture based activities helped to develop better scientific discussion skills. The students who used the system individually without teacher guidance could not benefit from the system as much as collaborative groups who also received teacher guidance. Finally, the report provides a discussion and a set of recommendations on how to further test the platform facilities. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Academic World Education and Research Center.