Using Digital Technology-Generated Dynamic Visualization in Science Education – Perceptions of Pre-Service Science Teachers

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of pre-service science teachers who viewed digital
technology-generated dynamic visualizations such as animation, short-film and documentary throughout the
teaching of atmosphere-related environmental problems (global warming, acid rain etc.) and renewable energy
sources (energy of sun, wind, wave etc.). The working group consisted of 103 junior pre-service science
teachers enrolled at a mid-size university in the west of Turkey and only 82 of those voluntarily participated in
the treatment evaluation process. In the study, descriptive research design was used. “The scale of opinion
about the use of dynamic visualizations” which had been revised from the previous version was used as
quantitative data collection tool in the study involving quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. In
addition, “the questionnaire of opinion about the use of dynamic visualizations” consisting of open-ended
questions developed by the researchers was utilized to obtain in-depth data. The quantitative data were analyzed
by using descriptive statistic while the qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The results of
the analysis indicated that the pre-service science teachers overwhelmingly support the use of dynamic
visualizations and believe that they enhance their learning experiences. However, according to the pre-service
science teachers, using dynamic visualization in science classroom facilitates the understanding of concepts and
also provides the retention of knowledge. Furthermore, the participants claimed that the lessons conducted with
the help of dynamic visualizations were interesting, enjoyable, and motivating. Moreover, it was found that
there was no difference between the female and male pre-service science teachers’ perceptions regarding the
treatment. The findings of the study were discussed in terms of importance of the use of dynamic visualizations
in science and environmental education.