Teaching science with mobile computer supported collaborative learning (MCSCL)

Effectively incorporating technology into the classroom is a great challenge faced by schools today. In this article, we propose a mobile computer supported collaborative learning (MCSCL) system to support high school teachers with wirelessly networked handheld computers. This system promotes student collaboration and constructivism, without losing face-to-face contact. The MCSCL system was tested during a five week experience in a high school physics class. We observed both its qualitative and quantitative impact. Students and teachers responded very favorably to the system, and the experience also had a strong social impact outside the classroom. The MCSCL system provided a highly motivating learning environment that changed classroom dynamics and promoted collaboration between students. We obtained statistically significant results showing that the environment created by combining the teacher´s instruction with the MSCSL system enabled the students to construct new knowledge based upon the previous knowledge provided by the teacher.