Evaluation of Smartphone Microscope Applications for Use
in Middle Year Biology Classroom

Arvaniti Virginia, Koliakou Iro, Pallas Anastasios

(1. Anatolia College, Greece; 2. 3rd Gymnasium of Harilaou, Greece)

Abstract: With the introduction of smartphones in everyday life, educators have gained access to a variety of new applications and technologies. These innovative applications could be a valuable tool for teaching Science and especially Biology, since they could further attract the students’ interest in the lesson and help them recognize how Biology is correlated with their everyday life. In this project smartphone microscope applications are evaluated for the middle year Biology classroom for 1st formers. The applications were chosen due to the curriculum given by the Greek Ministry of Education for students that age. Criteria of evaluation included easy usage, relevance with the teaching objectives, consistency with Science standards, graphics and the ability of controlling and changing parameters. The microscope applications were then used in class where a sample of students worked with them to investigate the validity of the conclusions of the evaluation.

Key words: microscopes, smartphone, biology, STEM