One major problem facing educators today is the ability to
capture and maintain the attention of their students. Technology today is capable of giving
students instant information. At the
click of a mouse or touch of the finger, students can quickly download just
about anything that peaks their interest.
I think using virtual labs in science can be helpful in holding the
attention of just about all students.
Online lectures by video are fine for conveying facts, formulas
and concepts, but they cannot help anyone learn “how to” put those ideas into
practice. This form of technology
doesn’t give the students the experience needed in planning and experiment and
analyzing data, working as a team, or setting up and using a microscope. I think you only understand something when
you know how to do it and that’s not possible through traditional online
lectures. The NRC(1996) mentioned that U.S. Department of
Education and the National Science Foundation endorses mathematics and science
curricula that “promote active learning, inquiry, problem solving, cooperative
learning and other instructional methods that motivate students” (Roebyler & Doering,2013,p.317).
Advantages of
Integrating Technology
During the 1990’s, a reformation in science began. Roeblyer & Doering (2012) metioned that
the American Association for the Advancement of Science called on teachers and
schools to have their students engage in “doing science” not just hearing about
it(p.318). It was during that time that
the phrase “Hands-on/Minds-on” was coined.
According to Haury and Rillero (1994), Karen Worth, defines
hands-on/minds on as “engaging in in-depth investigation with objects,
materials and phenomena and ideas and drawing meaning and understanding from
those experiences”(Roeblyer & Doering, 2013,p.318). Schools that have experimented with such labs
state that simulated activities with chemical compounds and animal dissection
in biology are considered hands-on activities.
It gives students that may have weaker constitution or have certain allergies
the chance to work hands-on without the dangers of getting sick or experiencing
unpleasant feelings.
Using Multimeda in Science classes will not only be used for supplemental resources for lectures but hands on learning and maintaining the students attention. DigitalFrog is one example of a virtual lab site to incorporate in a Science class.
Using Multimeda in Science classes will not only be used for supplemental resources for lectures but hands on learning and maintaining the students attention. DigitalFrog is one example of a virtual lab site to incorporate in a Science class.
Disadvantages of
Integrating Technology
Robyler and Doering (2012) mention that the National Science
teachers Association and the American Chemical Society take issue with this
view, saying that “hands-on” means the students must touch the materials rather
than just “do” the science on a computer(p.319).
Currently, the College Board requires virtual school and others who
provide distance education courses to provide school-lab courses in order to
retain it’s endorsements as AP classes, (Robyler and Doering, p.319,
2012). Other disadvantages may arise
when combining the mentally and physical challenged students with their peers
if the proper supervision isn’t adequate. Also, Roybler and Doering (2012), state that
elementary teachers may face a special challenge because the number of math and
science skills young students must master is increasing. This means teachers at this level must become
content experts in math and science topics they may not have learned in their
basic education classes(p.324).
This article on Virtual Labs in the classroom by Rebecca K. Scheckler mentions the disadvantages of replacing traditional labs with vitrtual labs.
This article on Virtual Labs in the classroom by Rebecca K. Scheckler mentions the disadvantages of replacing traditional labs with vitrtual labs.
Specific Activities, Programs, etc
Here are some neat websites I found for teachers and students to use.
National Science Digital Library
https://nsdl.oercommons.org/browse/material_types/activities-and-labs
Annenberg Learner
https://www.learner.org/
Nasa Robotics project
http://robotics.nasa.gov/
National Science Education Standards
http://www.nap.edu/
Reference:
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. (6th ed.) Pearson, Inc.
Love how Digital Frog is 'saving frogs.' I like the idea of virtual labs in that it appears to have the same advantages as virtual field trips--low cost, ability to include many students (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.339). I did quite a bit of dissection in high school and learned a lot--are you concerned that some of the experience may be lost if only done virtually?
ReplyDeleteI actually like the idea of having a virtual dissection. Usually students are divided into groups and many times one member does most of the work. With virtual reality technology each student would have to learn the anatomy their selves. Roblyer and Doering (2012) stated, “Virtual schools,…,have proposed that simulated labs for activities such as experiments with chemical compounds and animal dissections in biology are very much in keeping with the idea of hands on learning” (p.318). I think it might actually help the students learn better because they are not relying on someone else to answer a question for them, they have to do it themselves. Do you think Virtual chemistry labs and dissections will become more increasingly used in public schools within the next few years?
ReplyDeleteRobyler & Doering (2012) stated that, "Technology supports science and science makes new technology possibly" (p. 308). To what extent do you believe that this statement is true and why?
ReplyDelete