TALES FROM A TECHNO DUMMY:
USING TECHNOLOGY* IN EDUC 341 (Elementary
Science Methods)
E-Mail and WWW
E-Mail:
Requirement: Students are to respond
to 3 messages over the semester--the messages might be
-
a continuation of a discussion begun in class based on readings (or
sometimes a discussion we didn’t have time for in class):
examples of topics: advantages and disadvantages of working in groups,
equity issues in science classes
-
a way to begin thinking about a topic which will be introduced in class:
example of topic: survey about students' recycling practices
WWW (and other resources)
Problem Based Learning Activities:
A problem to be solved by students working in groups
using various resources, e.g., library, ERC, organizations, "experts" and
the WWW
for example:
-
Habitats/classroom pets: What animals should we keep in our classroom?
(research habitat, care, costs, benefits for learning, etc.)
-
Environmental issues: Should we teach about/ encourage recycling or
not in elementary middle school classrooms? ERC, UD, DSWA, WWW
Lesson Planning
Students are required to include resources including
at least one good web site in their lesson planning preparation.
Combining E-mail and WWW
Example: "the mealworm question" --after
looking at mealworms and their behavior in class there was not time to
discuss another reason for having in classroom. This question was put out
as a challenge. E-mail including a website ("eatbug") was sent as a reminder
to the class. A few students followed up with guesses...and finally the
answer with back up from the web or other source.