Group items tagged

Gende, D. (2011, April 1). Science Simulations: A Virtual Learning Environment. [web log post]. Retrieved from http://plpnetwork.com/2011/04/01/science-simulations-a-real-way-to-learn/ This post is from an educator who published in The How of 21st Century Teaching.  Gende explains how time and money are always an issue in science education.  Technology simulations can be used as a helpful tool to supplement and enhance scientific learning within the classroom.  This is with the stipulation that it should not be a replacement for hands on lab work, but to be used as an engaging tool to support learning.  She explains how research has supported this idea, listing the advantages of using simulations.  Gende then proceeds to instruct on how to implement science simulations in the classroom with a multitude of website resources to assist anyone who would like to explore and use them.

Cherry, G., Ioannidou, A., Rader, C., Brand, C., Repenning, A. (n.d). Simulations for Lifelong Learning. Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado, Boulder. Retrieved from http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~ralex/papers/PDF/NECC99.pdf  The authors looked at simulation integration at all levels (elementary through the professional level) using VAT (Visual Agen Talk).  They base their thoughts on the idea that simulations are used the show how or why something works.  It gives them the opportunity to engage in scientific inquiry, and test their theories.   They believe that by using these simulations teachers support student collaboration and support science inquiry in the classroom.

Birch, P. M. (2013). Pointing out the Power of Prezi, Part I: Why Consider Prezi. Trends in Law Library Management and Technology, 23, 23-28. Retrieved from http://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1204&context=law-faculty-publications&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fscholar%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dprezi%2Bfor%2Belementary%26btnG%3D%26as_sdt%3D1%252C2%26as_sdtp%3D#search=%22prezi%20elementary%22  The author explains how Prezi, an online presentation software created by Hungarian artist and architect Adam Somlai-Fischer, was launched in 2009.  This presentation program is used as a more current, engaging way to relay information (outdating PowerPoint).  Birch then goes into the features of this newer program and how even products of Prezi can turn out to be negative if not done with the audience in mind.  He discusses both the positive and negative aspects of using Prezi.