Designing and implementing an inquiry-based virtual interactive learning environment for physics curriculum enabled by mobile technologies supported

The Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB)’s “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” has prompted primary and secondary schools to invest in iPads and Chromebooks in an effort to provide every student with a web-connected computing device. This scheme allows students to use their own mobile computing devices for personalized learning activities, with aim of developing knowledge understanding and generic skills required in the curriculum syllabus. However, the effective integration of pedagogy, e-learning tools, and the required learning objectives from syllabus has been the main issue in schools because of different factors from schools, teachers, students and parents. To address the issue, this study designed and implemented an inquiry-based virtual learning environment enabled by PhET platform supported by mobile technologies at a senior secondary school in Hong Kong. The HKDSE Physics topic "Gas Laws" was taught in this study in which 21 pupils conducted simulated experiments and engage in inquiry-based learning by summarizing their findings in graphs. Their understanding was measured by their ability to solve numerical problems based on Gas Laws with little or no guidance. The Simulated platforms, besides promoting students deeper conceptual understanding, also helps in the implementation of student-centered learning with hassle-free activities to explore the abstract topics of Physics understandably and enjoyably. As in real physics experiments, the students revel in determining cause-and-effect links and guide their learning through research. The goal is to improve their abilities rather than replace them so they can confidently and competently undertake physics experiments with real equipment. Copyright © 2023 The Education University of Hong Kong.