ERIC Number: EJ1177800
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-May
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teaching with Interactive Computer-Based Simulation Models: Instructional Dilemmas and Opportunities in the High-Adventure Science Project
Mutch-Jones, Karen; Gasca, Santiago; Pallant, Amy; Lee, Hee-Sun
School Science and Mathematics, v118 n5 p190-200 May 2018
The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine teacher instructional dilemmas and opportunities that emerged when students worked with interactive computer-based simulation models during the High-Adventure Science (HAS) project. The intervention included the HAS digital curriculum, designed for grades 7-12. Each curricular unit was framed to address scientific questions in earth and environmental science, currently being investigated by scientists. Instructional support was provided through a 2-day professional development session and through reporting systems within the curriculum. During 1 academic year, data were collected from a cohort of 12 teachers, through baseline and postimplementation surveys. From a nine-teacher cohort subset, observation, interview, and survey data were collected during the following year. Descriptive findings indicate that a designed digital curriculum with carefully sequenced interactive models has benefits but creates instructional challenges; teacher and student roles are often flipped during the implementation of such a curriculum; and teachers may need to shift their instructional approach and find new ways to make digital learning experiences relevant and compelling as they respond to both opportunities and challenges.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Teaching Models, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Opportunities, Science Activities, Scientific Principles, Earth Science, Environmental Education, Cohort Analysis, Teacher Surveys, Program Implementation, Faculty Development, Observation, Interviews, Role Conflict, Computer Uses in Education, Electronic Learning, Learning Experience, Secondary School Teachers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL1220756
Author Affiliations: N/A