Enhancing Science Ed with Technology
As a science teacher and ed tech person, I’ve always been enthused about the use of technology in teaching science. More to the point, I’ve been excited about kids using technology to do science. After all, real scientists do!
Still, I haven’t seen as much activity in this area as I would like. Part of it is that science-oriented peripherals (Digital microscopes, probeware, etc.) are specialized and somewhat expensive. Part of it is also that integrating these tools is more complicated than, say, adding word processing to writing instruction or web-based research tools to a social studies class. Science data-collecting equipment and software is more complex, and managing a lab-based instructional environment is even more complex. (And I suppose a big part of it has been that science isn’t on the accountability chart. Yet. But it’s coming!)
That’s why I was pleased to read about the Sand Diego School District’s grant project. The press release hasn’t got a lot of detail, but what I see I like. In particular, there is a real emphasis on teacher training and the development of professional learning communities. That’s going to help regardless of whether or not technology is put to use. (It also sounds a lot like our No Limit math and technology grant. Great minds think alike!) I hope to track down more information as to the kind of technology and activities they have been using so far, and what they see using in the future. I’ll post what I find here. (via TechLearning.