Abstract
Considerable pedagogical advantage may be gained by the integration of the different ICT tools commonly used in teaching science and technology, particularly by integrating real and virtual laboratory activities. In the context of this paper, real laboratories involve benchtop experiments utilizing data acquisition systems while virtual laboratories entail interactive simu- lations and animations. Examples of such integrated activities are described; namely, (i) the study of wave phenomena using sound and (ii) a study of motion in one dimension. Such integrated com- puterized teaching tools also provide an opportunity for a greater level of integration of different science and technology disciplines.
Highlights
Classroom use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching science and technology has increased dramatically in recent years and has proved to be a very effective tool in a variety of situations (Newton, 1997; Rogers, 1997; Sassi, 2000; Rogers and Wild, 1994; Kocijancic and Jamsek, 2004)
In a “virtual laboratory” computers are used, for example, to simulate or animate specific scientific phenomena; pupils normally engage in hands-on activities which are directed towards increasing their understanding and insight of the principles involved
The integration of data acquisition experiments with closely associated computer simulations has proved to be effective in the learning process
Summary
Classroom use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching science and technology has increased dramatically in recent years and has proved to be a very effective tool in a variety of situations (Newton, 1997; Rogers, 1997; Sassi, 2000; Rogers and Wild, 1994; Kocijancic and Jamsek, 2004). Computer utilities may be used to simulate complicated, expensive and/or inaccessible devices (for example, a nuclear reactor) or to replace environmentally hazardous laboratory experiments. Such educational materials are often integrated within interactive html documents for web-based learning. Computers equipped with data acquisition and control systems have had the effect of increasing the level of hands-on experimental activity in science laboratories at both high school and university. It is important that methodologies adopted be chosen appropriately to the specific learning goals and age of the students involved For this purpose novel state-of-the-art hardware, software tools and courseware are under development by the ComLab-SciTech project (for details see the project website http://e-prolab.com/comlab). The software can be downloaded free of charge from the project website
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