Using Mobile Devices to Augment Inquiry-Based Learning Processes with Multiple Representations

Technological advances offer the possibility of using mobile devices to enrich learning environments with multimedia content. Although physical experiments play a key role in science learning, little is known about integrating multimedia learning in physical experimental processes, especially in real classroom settings. In our approach, students use tablet PCs to investigate motions with an application providing multiple representations of the measurement data. We present the results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial (N=262 matched samples) that covered the topic uniform motion. The results show that the treatment not only leads to a significant reduction of extraneous cognitive load (F(1,240)=27.01, p<10-3, ${\eta}$2=0.101, $1-{\beta}$=1.000), but also to greater conceptual knowledge (F(1,259)=10.82, p=0.001, ${\eta}$2=0.048, $1-{\beta}$=0.953). Structure equation modeling statistically supports the assumption of a causal relationship between the reduction of extraneous cognitive load and the increase in conceptual understanding.