Innovative approaches in development of educational materials: a case study of science teachers

Abstract

This study aims to examine experiences of science teachers in the training process they attended for innovative technology applications. Case study method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used for study design. 35 science teachers, who work in public schools affiliated to Ministry of National Education in seven regions of Turkey have participated in the study. In determining the participants, maximum variation and criterion sampling methods from the purposeful sampling methods were used. In the research, teachers were provided with training on innovative technology applications for a week period. Data collection tools used in the research were the reflection form developed by the researchers, daily activity evaluation forms and e-portfolios. The data was analyzed applying content analysis technique. Regarding the findings, teachers found innovative technologies positive in terms of attracting student attention, increasing involvement of the students, and facilitating/concretizing learning; and negative in terms of causing distraction and technology dependence. Regarding the results obtained from e-portfolios, participants produced concrete or digital products involving making a spacecraft, making Virtual Reality (VR)lasses, constructing hologram pyramid, creating picture holograms and video holograms. In addition, the participants emphasized that they mostly had positive opinions about the training they have attended, they encountered difficulties in Unity software, they plan to include innovative technology applications in science education especially in teaching astronomy and space concepts, they suggested stakeholders increasing the trainings given by experts and applied professional development activities.