This systematic review provides eight new findings that
have emerged in response to the three research questions:
(1) The most common research purpose for the studies on
mobile learning in science was designing a mobile system
for learning, followed by a combination of evaluating the
effects of mobile learning and investigating the affective
domain during mobile learning; (2) case studies, mixed
methods, and quasi-experimental design were the most
adopted research methods by researchers of mobile learning
in science; (3) all studies of mobile learning in science
reported positive outcomes; (4) the majority of studies of
mobile learning were conducted in the area of life science;
(5) most of the studies on the use of mobile devices for
science learning took place in elementary school settings;
(6) the majority of the studies occurred in an informal
educational context; (7) the variety of the devices used
indicated that the device type was not important; and (8)
while research was conducted in thirteen countries, the
majority of the studies on mobile learning in science were
conducted in Taiwan.
Looking at the findings holistically, the researchers
discovered that there is an interest in using mobile devices
to learn science. This research interest is particularly
developed in the life sciences and within informal contexts.
The scientific concepts studied in life science are primarily
about living organisms that are found outside the classroom.
With the portability of mobile devices, these
concepts can now be explored in multiple settings; they are
not confined to classroom study. This study did identify
positive use of mobile devices in all areas of science,
indicating that there is value in embracing these technologies
to support all science learners. As the accessibility
and use of mobile devices grow in schools, it will be
important for research in this area to continue so that the
value and affordances provided by mobile learning can be
evaluated and shared with others.