Appropriate integration

1. Information and Communication
Technologies
• ICT Program of Studies
• Integrated into new curriculum
– Science
• Computers in schools (2003)-97.7% of elementary and
secondary schools in Canada had Internet connection.
• 5 to 1 median ratio of students to computers in Canadian
schools. (4.1 in Alberta)
• For more information see Connectivity and
Learning in Canada’s Schools

2. Underutilized Technology
• While the technology is available in every
school, we see little evidence of it being
used in science classes.
• This appears to be especially true when we
look at high schools
• Technology use focuses more on digital
resources than cognitive tools.

3. Digital Resource versus
Cognitive Tools
• Digital Resource
– “…computer available information source
containing facts, perspectives, or information
on a topic of interest.”
– E.g. NASA News
– Anatomy
– ESTAT

4. Cognitive Tool
• Resource presenting information
specifically tailored for particular learning
goals on a particular topic of interest for
learning by a particular target audience.
• E.g. BioKIDS
• Virtual Solar System
• ESTAT Teacher Resource
• WebQuest

5. Learning Dimensions (page 483)
Learning Dimension Associated Technologies
Learners think critically about
science ideas and/or compare with
real life conditions
Modeling, simulations, and
visualization tools
Learners critically evaluate and
communicate scientific ideas
Online critique and discussion
resources
Learners formulate knowledge such
as scientific explanations from
evidence
Online scaffolding tools
Learners using appropriate tools to
gather, analyze, and interpret data
Computer-based collection and
analysis

6. Another Definition of Cognitive
Tools (Mindtools)
• Jonassen (1996)- “Mindtools are computer
applications that require students to think in
meaningful ways in order to use the
application to represent what they know.”

7. What kind of thinking is
promoted?
• Critical Thinking
– Evaluating, analyzing, connecting
• Creative Thinking
– innovative thought, novel approach
• Reflective Thinking
– introspective, examines own values and beliefs

8. Appropriate Technology
Integration
• based on the belief that the curriculum and
the needs of the learner determine the use of
the technology
• requires pedagogical strategies that engage
the learner
• takes advantage of the truly unique
attributes of the technology

9. Concept Mapping
is an area of
science that
studies
is an area of
science that
studies
can be through
can be through
cell division that
results in
cell division that
results in
contain twice the
number of
chromosomes of
contain many
genes
Genetics
Cell Division
Chromosomes Genes
Meiosis
Mitosis
haploid cells
diploid
cells

10. Simulations/Models
• a constrained environment that allows learners to
test hypotheses
• provides experiential learning
• allow the exploration of phenomena
– E.g Gizmos
• Science Education- Class Code- NCZNT4LPRL
• Jason Project
• learners can build their own models
– E.g. Stella

11. Internet Activities
•Blogging
– Nobel Intent
•Podcasts
– Current Science and Technology
•Virtual Exhibits
– Museum of Science - Boston

12. Data Collection Probes
• Vernier
• Pasco
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are neededtosee this picture.