A Jigsaw-based Cooperative Learning Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes for Mobile Situated Learning

Most of the previous studies on mobile learning focused on using PDAs or cell phones to create situated learning contexts that enable students to learn anytime and anywhere, so as to increase their learning interest and motivation. However, some researchers have noted that the learning performance may be disappointing if such devices are used for situated learning without the support of appropriate learning strategies and instructor guidance. Therefore, this study proposed a jigsaw-based cooperative learning strategy with Google+ to support cooperative learning through social network services, and thus overcome the restrictions of traditional mlearning. In addition, Tablet PCs were used in this work as the learning device, as they have a better screen size than PDAs or cell phones, and this can strengthen the reading effect, providing a better learning environment. An experiment was conducted in the general curriculum “The ecological culture of Taiwan the waters” to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that this approach not only improved the students’ learning attitude, but also enhanced the effectiveness of learning.