April 1998 — Features
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Partners in Learning: Twelve Ways Technology Changes The Teacher-Student Relationship
12. Technology makes classroom activities "feel" more real-world and relevant, and students often take these activities more seriously.
Fran Kenny's Internet-based genetics project "had much greater meaning for the students because we surveyed 4,500 people and it was more scientifically valid. The learning inspired by the Internet tools spilled over into student inquiry in the textbook and hands-on activities."
"Making use of real-time data and collaborative projects, my students are not just science students &emdash; they're scientists," explains Barbara DeBenedictis, 7th and 8th grade science teacher at P.S. 14, Bayonne, N.J. "My scientists can access data &emdash; the same data that scientists all over the world are using. They then have the job of making sense of the data &emdash; calculating, comparing, analyzing inferring &emdash; really honing their critical thinking skills. One student, calculator in hand, was compiling data from a recent Internet-based collaborative project. He told me he never knew math could be so much fun. That's the bottom line &emdash; the Internet makes learning real and gives our classroom activities meaning."
Reaping The Rewards
Overwhelmingly, these tech-savvy teachers were pleased with the effects that their use of technology had on their students' interest, motivation, engagement and persistence in learning. However, they also cautioned that reaping these rewards requires a great deal of energy, patience, self-motivation and support from school administrators. As one teacher noted, "You don't just insert a computer into the classroom and expect great things to happen. Teachers need time, guidance, support and the flexibility to experiment. In time, as I think we've seen, the rewards will be obvious."
Beth McGrath is Deputy Director of the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education at the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J. The author extends special thanks to the teachers who contributed to this article, particularly to Rosalie Moran, Bayonne Public Schools. E-mail: bmcgrath@stevens-tech.edu
URL for Site: http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu
Products
mentioned:
The Geometer's Sketchpad; Key Curriculum Press, Berkeley, CA, (800)
995-MATH, www.keypress.com
