Read It Chapter 8 & 9

Using Technology to Enhance Science Learning

Chapter 8

"Technology for its own sake has just as much potential to destroy the message as it does to enhance it."

My thoughts:  I agree with kindergarteners learning how to peruse through computers at school, exploring, and navigating through programs designed for their level.  Technology is unavoidable, and very prevalent to their education.  Not every child will have access to their own computer, and if they do, the exposer may not be educational, so I highly agree that schools should teach children age appropriate skills.  

Recent reports are coming out about young children and screen time.  I wonder where we draw the line on what is reasonable and ok screen time.  Is reading books online hindering brain development in young children?  Is it part of the problem of screen time addiction?  

I found an article that I would like to share 

click here for article

When using technology, it's important not to let it get ahead of the lesson.  It should be used to enhance learning and stimulate thinking, not for entertainment value.  That's where I struggle.  I tend to put videos of songs into my lesson plans so to meet the technology need, but I have often wondered its engagement factor.  

Using Technology to Enhance evidence-based learning:

• Science Webquest
• Asking a scientist-I like this idea.  Websites that allow a real scientist to answer student questions.
• Computer probe interfaces
• Digital Microscopes
• Virtual imaging
• Authentic science experiences
• Simulations-allow students to manipulate variables and see how the interactions among variables change the system.  Explorelearning.com

There is a time for technology in learning, but there is a time for students to rely on their own creativity, peer sharing & collaborating that can enhance learning as well.  Using technology can be a crutch.  It's important to know the difference in engaging them and enabling them.  

Chapter 9 
Adapting the Science Curriculum

• Todays classrooms are a multicultural community of children of different learning levels and languages. Providing reading material and science materials for non-english speakers is important.  Students who's english language skill are not as fluent should not be considered low learners.  Providing them material that they can understand and read, will allow them to learn and process content.  Science is tough enough, let alone trying to learn with minimal understanding.  
• Integrating children with special needs in science education through differential learning strategies.  
• Addressing needs of children with special gifts and talents through enrichments activities, challenge projects and other opportunities to use their unique talents and abilities.  Providing enriching experiences to advance understanding of science practices can also benefit all students.