• Journal of Practical Engineering Education
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.479-489
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• 2022

In order to understand how to increase the use of virtual training content at K University's online lifelong education institute, this study examined the use experience, content recognition, field practice replacement, and requirements, focusing on the examples of operating institutions. To this end, 12 institutions that operated virtual training contents distributed by the K University Online Lifelong Education Center in 2020 were selected for in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis was conducted on the interviews of 11 institutions. As a result of the analysis, first, the experience of using the contents of the virtual training operating institution was aimed at changing the educational environment, supplementing theoretical learning, and improving the sense of practice. Second, according to a survey on the recognition of virtual training content, if the importance and utilization of the content are high, it can be replaced by on-site practice in non-face-to-face classes, such as experiences of facilities and equipment, attracting interest and attention. Third, in many cases, the perception of replacement for field practice is not unreasonable to use as a pre-training material for field practice, but it is difficult to replace field practice. Fourth, content quality improvements can be summarized as content quality improvement, content access and manipulation improvement, dedicated device development, training for instructors, and curriculum systematization. Fifth, institutional requirements include improving the quality of virtual training content itself, equipment support, curriculum systemization and characterization, systematic curriculum and detailed content sharing, detailed guidance on using virtual training content, introducing how to use content, and recruiting instructors. This study is meaningful in that it sought ways to improve the utilization of virtual training content based on the perception of virtual training content operating institutions.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.225-237
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of elementary pre-service teachers regarding their interest in science. A survey was conducted among 187 elementary pre-service teachers enrolled at Non-Metropolitan Area A University of Education. Data collection was carried out concurrently with three elementary pre-service teachers who agreed to participate in online interviews. The survey responses provided by the elementary pre-service teachers were analyzed using a qualitative text analysis method. Interest in science was observed to decrease during middle school, followed by the upper grades of elementary school and then the lower grades. The reasons for the decline in interest in science were interpreted as stemming from negative experiences with science education within the context of individual circumstances in the school setting. Strategies to address the decline and enhance interest in science were discussed across individual, family, school, teacher, local community, and national levels, considering both short-term and long-term perspectives. These strategies encompassed various inquiry activities and experiences related to the field of science, engagement in science-related activities, student-centered instruction, teacher professional development, support for elementary students and teachers, and policy measures. The multifaceted approach and efforts aimed to open avenues for positive feedback regarding science on an individual level and foster experiences related to science were interpreted as part of an effort to counteract the decline in interest in science. Lastly, given the current situation of declining interest in science and the need to enhance students' interest, it was implicitly and explicitly discussed that pre-service teachers should focus on improving their expertise in curriculum instruction. This research, by exploring the conceptual characteristics of interest in science, perceptions of changes, and educational needs related to interest in science among elementary pre-service teachers, is expected to have academic significance as foundational research data for the current status of declining interest in science.