ICT IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM

By Toby Hopkins

Context

Secondary Education Science Human Biology/Biology Genetics

Contents

What is ICT? Application of ICT’s in the science

classroom Journal article Website Podcast Video Strengths/Issues Conclusion

What is ICT

Information and Communication Technologies

Allows external communication and information in the classroom

Radio Tv Computer Cell phones Etc.

Application of ICT’s in the Science Classroom

Journal Article

A framework for teachers’ integration of ICT into their classroom practice (Donnelly, McGarr, & O’Reilly, 2011)

Decline in students undertaking science Simulation technology on the rise Independent Teacher positions Integrating ICT into classroom Framework

Quote

“Educational change is dependent on what teachers do and think” (Fullan; as cited in Donnelly, McGarr, & O’Reilly, 2011)

http://0-www.sciencedirect.com.prospero.murdoch.edu.au/science/article/pii/S0360131511000522

Journal ArticleStrengths

Comprehensive research and referencing Framework Low running cost Individual Self-pace Time

Journal ArticleIssues

Ireland study Less students undertaking science Barriers Teacher positions

Website

Genetic Science Learning Center (2011)

About Website

Genetic Science and Learning Centre Provide educational materials and programs

to be used world-wide http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/ Educational material on biological science, in

particular on genetics Used by Teachers, students and public Meet US education standard Learn.Genetics website is one of the most

widespread education sites in the world

WebsiteStrengths

Designed for non-research audiences Jargon-free Target multiple learning styles Convey concepts through animation and

interactivity Up to date Free and easy

WebsiteIssues

US education standard Copyright Computer access

Podcast

http://www.nsta.org/publications/laboutloud.aspx

Bartel & Basler (2010)

About Podcast

Lab Out Loud Radio Program Episode 49 “Science We Can Listen To” Audio in classroom Songs, interview snippets and podcasts

into lesson plan

PodcastStrengths

Current science teachers Multiple Science Background Specific content (“Science Friday” ) Blog Fun (music) Dramatise Science

Bartel & Basler (2010)

PodcastIssues

Specific content Outdated Only one sense used = not very flexible Credibility

Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Fix3Veqww

About Movie

Encourages ICT in the classroom Eg: Teacher presentations Practical experiment guide Simulations Pre-prepared lessons Student assessment Combine old methods (physical material)

with new methods (ICT (simulations))

(LJCreate, 2010)

MovieStrengths

Straight to the point Visual examples Easy to digest Brief length Engaging

MovieIssues

Not expanded or explained ideas Does not cover issues of ICT No dialogue

Conclusion

There are good ICT’s and applications available for educational purposes and many are free

Educational websites are great tools for in classroom and out of the classroom work

ICT’s are facilitators like teachers Learning through different senses Fun and different for students Strengths out weigh issues

References

Bartel, B. (Presenter) & Basler, D. (Presenter). (2010, 20th September). Science we can listen to. Lab Out Loud [Podcast radio program]. Wisconsin: National Science Teachers Association. Retrieved from http://www.nsta.org/publications/laboutloud.aspx

Donnelly, D., McGarr, O., & O’Reilly, J. (2011) A framework for teachers’ integration of ICT into their classroom practice. Computers & Education, 47(2), 1469-1483. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.02.014

Refernces

Genetic Science Learning Center (2011). University of Utah. [website]. Retrieved 4th of September 2011 from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu

LJCreate (Creator). (2010, January 22nd). Using ICT in Science Lessons [Video recording]. Retrieved 5th of September 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Fix3Veqww