Merging Technology and Education: Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring as A Catalyst for the Growth of Pre-Service Science Teachers in Citizen Science

Date

2023-7-10

Author

Kılınç, Selçuk.

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This dissertation delves into the transformative effects of integrating citizen science within pre-service science teacher education, utilizing real-time mobile air quality monitoring as a key tool for scientific engagement. Through a qualitative case study research design, this study meticulously examines the progression of understanding, attitudes, and competence among 12 pre-service science teachers engaged in the course. Data is collected via various methods, including pre-and post-course interviews, a range of validated scales, focus group interviews, detailed course and online platform usage observations, and scoring of research reports. This multiplicity of data sources ensures a robust and comprehensive understanding of the rich learning experiences involved. Many methods and strategies were rigorously applied to ensure the transferability, credibility, and trustworthiness of the research. Findings demonstrate a notable enhancement in the citizen science skills of participants. This is exemplified by an increased understanding of scientific concepts, particularly those on-air quality and environmental science. Simultaneously, there is an observable improvement in their attitudes toward science and the environment, indicating a heightened awareness and concern for environmental issues. Moreover, the participants exhibit enhanced competence in utilizing technology for teaching, thus illustrating the successful integration of technological tools within the educational process. This study underlines the potential of intertwining technology and citizen science in teacher education, highlighting its profound implications for molding future science educators. It concludes that the innovative use of real-time mobile air quality monitoring can be a potent catalyst for developing citizen science skills of pre-service science teachers, creating a more environmentally literate and technologically adept generation of educators.

Subject Keywords

Citizen Science, Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring, Educational Technology, Environmental Education, Pre-Service Science Teacher Education

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/104524

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis