McNally, T. (2012).Innovative teaching and technology in the service of science: Recruiting the next generation of STEM students. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 12(1), 49-58.
The author of this theoretical research article examined ways in which educators can adapt lesson plans to provide students with information on career options in the field of science and increase scientific literacy. The author further suggested that the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum can be changed from content-driven lectures to an inquiry-based approach to learning through the use of technology in the classroom.
The author described the importance of scientific literacy skills in students, as some of the most pressing issues and policies in today’s world deal with scientific concepts. Students need to develop knowledge and understanding of science in order to become informed voters and productive citizens. The author also notes that students will be more motivated to learn science if they feel as though the information has a real-world application. For example, implementing a technology outreach program such as “Bugscope” in the classroom allows students to view insects under an electron microscope and digitally interact with real scientists to ask questions about the field of science. The author describes another classroom where students participate in a video game-based educational environment; the students complete “quests” to achieve goals and a better understanding of the content. Educators can also use technology as a means of providing a visual simulation of a concept that cannot be accessed within the confines of the classroom.
Educators can use the information and examples provided by the author to provide their students with real-world applications to science content. Using technology is an effective way to motivate students and bring content otherwise difficult to access into the classroom while providing a hands-on approach to learning.
The author of this theoretical research article examined ways in which educators can adapt lesson plans to provide students with information on career options in the field of science and increase scientific literacy. The author further suggested that the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum can be changed from content-driven lectures to an inquiry-based approach to learning through the use of technology in the classroom.
The author described the importance of scientific literacy skills in students, as some of the most pressing issues and policies in today’s world deal with scientific concepts. Students need to develop knowledge and understanding of science in order to become informed voters and productive citizens. The author also notes that students will be more motivated to learn science if they feel as though the information has a real-world application. For example, implementing a technology outreach program such as “Bugscope” in the classroom allows students to view insects under an electron microscope and digitally interact with real scientists to ask questions about the field of science. The author describes another classroom where students participate in a video game-based educational environment; the students complete “quests” to achieve goals and a better understanding of the content. Educators can also use technology as a means of providing a visual simulation of a concept that cannot be accessed within the confines of the classroom.
Educators can use the information and examples provided by the author to provide their students with real-world applications to science content. Using technology is an effective way to motivate students and bring content otherwise difficult to access into the classroom while providing a hands-on approach to learning.