Who Knew Science Could Be Fun!?
Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!)
By Jared Mader and Ben Smith
There can be more to science than erupting volcanos and mixing two different compounds to make a violent chemical reactions. Nowadays, science classes can cover topics that are not necessarily typically science-y. Technology is so diverse in its purpose and use that teachers can utilize technology in every subject matter--and science is no exception. But before teachers add technology into the mix, Mader and Smith suggest teachers to gradually integrate it in three steps in order to successfully implement technology into the classroom:
1. Give them the tools: The first semester should focus on teaching the students technology basics. Teachers must communicate to their students the, rules, guidelines, procedures, and expectation. Most importantly, teachers should slowly introduce the new technology tool. This could be done by assigning small projects to ensure the students' understanding. This step is important because once students progress into larger , more complex projects, they will not feel intimidated by the tools--it will become common knowledge.
2. Give them the time: Give the students adequate time to feel comfortable with the new technology knowledge they are acquiring. Students will soon learn that certain tools will make certain task easier to perform and complete. This is also an essential step because in traditional teaching methods, student are taught to do things the "old-fashioned" way. While the "old-fashioned" ways are important for the students’ learning and growth, once students are old enough to go into the workforce, they will quickly realize that technology speeds up various work-related tasks.
3. Be vague: When the students have successfully learned the basics (second semester), the students will be well equipped and prepared to complete bigger projects. It is at this point that teachers should leave the rest to the students' imaginations. Teachers should be vague when creating the project guidelines to ensure the students' creations are completed out of the box. Keeping the guidelines vague will also encourage students to use the tools beyond the basics.
If ever I was hired to teach a science class, I will certainly implement it into my classroom.Not only was science not my favorite subject, my early experiences with the subject matter were not fun. So I would use various technology tools to make science interesting especially to those who share similar disinterest for the subject. From past experiences, I can relate to the difficulty in familiarizing myself to new technology tools. For example, last semester I was required to make and edit a video with software and tools that were unfamiliar to me. By the time I had the finished product in my hands, I was so grateful for the assignment. Many students will be very hesitant to put technology into regular use. But as their technology knowledge repertoire grows, the students will quickly learn that they are capable of obtaining and using this new knowledge. Most importantly, they will appreciate how technology has made their lives easier.
By Jared Mader and Ben Smith
There can be more to science than erupting volcanos and mixing two different compounds to make a violent chemical reactions. Nowadays, science classes can cover topics that are not necessarily typically science-y. Technology is so diverse in its purpose and use that teachers can utilize technology in every subject matter--and science is no exception. But before teachers add technology into the mix, Mader and Smith suggest teachers to gradually integrate it in three steps in order to successfully implement technology into the classroom:
1. Give them the tools: The first semester should focus on teaching the students technology basics. Teachers must communicate to their students the, rules, guidelines, procedures, and expectation. Most importantly, teachers should slowly introduce the new technology tool. This could be done by assigning small projects to ensure the students' understanding. This step is important because once students progress into larger , more complex projects, they will not feel intimidated by the tools--it will become common knowledge.
2. Give them the time: Give the students adequate time to feel comfortable with the new technology knowledge they are acquiring. Students will soon learn that certain tools will make certain task easier to perform and complete. This is also an essential step because in traditional teaching methods, student are taught to do things the "old-fashioned" way. While the "old-fashioned" ways are important for the students’ learning and growth, once students are old enough to go into the workforce, they will quickly realize that technology speeds up various work-related tasks.
3. Be vague: When the students have successfully learned the basics (second semester), the students will be well equipped and prepared to complete bigger projects. It is at this point that teachers should leave the rest to the students' imaginations. Teachers should be vague when creating the project guidelines to ensure the students' creations are completed out of the box. Keeping the guidelines vague will also encourage students to use the tools beyond the basics.
If ever I was hired to teach a science class, I will certainly implement it into my classroom.Not only was science not my favorite subject, my early experiences with the subject matter were not fun. So I would use various technology tools to make science interesting especially to those who share similar disinterest for the subject. From past experiences, I can relate to the difficulty in familiarizing myself to new technology tools. For example, last semester I was required to make and edit a video with software and tools that were unfamiliar to me. By the time I had the finished product in my hands, I was so grateful for the assignment. Many students will be very hesitant to put technology into regular use. But as their technology knowledge repertoire grows, the students will quickly learn that they are capable of obtaining and using this new knowledge. Most importantly, they will appreciate how technology has made their lives easier.
I stand behind these three steps that help incorporate technology into the classroom. I think the most important step would be the "give them the tools" step. There's nothing worse than to feel completely overwhelmed at school. Giving the students time to learn the basics, guidelines, and expectations would help reduce their stess level when working with something as complex as technology is. If this first step is not taken, students will feel overwhelmed and completely tune out of the assignment. I also think it's important for teachers to remember that there will always be some obstacles to overcome when working with technology and that the teacher may have to work very closely with some students to make sure they are underanding it.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that students need time to learn how to use tech tools as well, even though sometimes we may assume that they come in pre-wired to use any technology we put in their hands. I also liked the last step which encourages creativity once they have mastered the basics of a specific tool. Otherwise, they might only associate it with what their teacher wants them to do and won't try and to use it in a new learning experience.
ReplyDeleteI think the three steps are a great idea in how to implement technology and science together. With kids being more on the technology side, this would be a great idea and getting them interested in science, especially because science seems to be a subject that many find either boring or difficult. In combing science and technology, students would have a better understanding of the subject and fun.
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