Science communication is a key component of the academic process. Science centres provide researchers with an opportunity to convey their findings directly to the public, who in turn can be sure that they are receiving information from a trusted source. Therefore, this paper focuses on a new researcher-led public engagement project situated within…

This study aims to explore the perspectives of gifted students on augmented reality, one of the innovative possibilities offered by instructional technologies. Action research involved 40 gifted students aged 10-11, enrolled in a Science and Art Center (SAC). Over the course of five weeks, the study focused on teaching various topics related to…

In this paper we define the concept of collective usability, a complex systems perspective on usability that positions an entire group, not an individual, as the unit of analysis. Shared XR experiences have inherent temporal and spatial properties that produce emergent, collective impacts which can impede learners' engagement. Assembling large…

Informal science activities occurring at various non-traditional learning sites present a pivotal model for involving youths in the science learning process. The dynamic landscape of emerging technologies has prompted the exploration of innovative methodologies to bolster and refine informal science education. However, the expanse of this field…

The last forty years have seen significant growth in the area of research in science education in Brazil. Faced with the volume of academic output, studies that present a descriptive character are necessary. However, "states of knowledge surveys" are still rarely found in the field of science education. In this context, the objective of…

The main purpose of this study is to determine the gifted students' self-efficacy of educational technology for technology and design. It is also aimed to find out whether there is a statistically significant difference in terms of the gender, the special talent area, the type of school, the grade level, the education level and income rate of…

The next generation of STEM professionals needs to understand interconnections between human and Earth systems to be able to address complex, multifaceted, emerging global environmental issues. Interest in STEM fields and professions can begin in middle school. To educate and connect middle school students to Earth systems and STEM fields, we…

This paper presents a methodological discussion of the potential and challenges of involving mobile eye tracking technology in studies of knowledge generation and learning in a science centre context. The methodological exploration is based on eye-tracking studies of audience interaction and knowledge generation in the technology-enhanced health…

This research investigates the social learning affordances of a room-sized, immersive, and interactive augmented reality simulation environment designed to support children's understanding of basic physics concepts in a science center. Conversations between 97 parent-child pairs were analyzed in relation to categories of talk through which…

The aim of the study was to analyse learning using Augmented Reality (AR) technology and the motivational and cognitive aspects related to it in an informal learning context. The 146 participants were 11- to 13-year-old Finnish pupils visiting a science centre exhibition. The data, which consisted of both cognitive tasks and self-report…

This study focused on how to enhance the interactivity and usefulness of augmented reality (AR) by integrating manipulative interactive tools with a real-world environment. A manipulative AR (MAR) system, which included 3D interactive models and manipulative aids, was designed and developed to teach the unit "Understanding Weather" in a…

In June 2009 Pamela Melrose was a recipient of a "Premier's Energy Australia Scholarship". Her study tour took her to Scandinavia. This paper is an account of that tour. In her report Pamela argues for the use of authentic studies in science teaching. She cites examples from museums, nature schools and research establishments to…

Flexible Learning in an Information Society uses a flexible learning framework to explain the best ways of creating a meaningful learning environment. This framework consists of eight factors--institutional, management, technological, pedagogical, ethical, interface design, resource support, and evaluation--and a systematic understanding of these…