PERCEPTIONS OF PRIMARY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS IN THE UTILIZATION OF PLANT IDENTIFICATION APPS AS EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

Plant identification apps make learning about plants more convenient. This study explored the participants' perceptions of using three plant identification apps, PlantNet, PictureThis, and LeafSnap, as potential educational tools. Problems experienced, differences in perceptions, and the participants' most preferred apps were also determined. Through purposive sampling, the study engaged 162 primary pre-service teachers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines. Data were collected through a developed questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. The questionnaire was reliable with an identified single component for perception. Participants first explored and used the apps to identify local plants, thereafter, responding through an online questionnaire. Results showed that participants strongly perceived the apps as engaging, helpful in plant identification, easy to browse, providing details, effective as emerging tools, and significant for scientific literacy, except for consistency of results. There were significant differences, but with small effect sizes, indicating negligible differences in the perceptions of male and female participants regarding the apps' consistency of results and effectiveness. Weak internet connection was the primary issue affecting the apps' utilization. The pre-service teachers preferred LeafSnap over PictureThis and PlantNet. Conclusively, this study affirmed the potential of the apps for students learning about plants, further supporting their feasibility as emerging educational tools.