Evaluating with Multimedia Tools Harouna Ba EDC Center

Evaluating with Multimedia Tools Harouna Ba EDC Center for Children & Technology www. edc. org/CCT

Evaluation Goals l Impact of a Complex Multimedia Science Project on Students’ Experiences and Learning – Diverse population of students

Methods l Print: interviews, surveys, and questionnaires, classroom observations, and inquiry tools l Video-assessment l Online databases: journals, message boards, and chat.

Multimedia Tool Affordances l Print: – Contextual information – Students’ learning l Video-assessment and online databases: – Reliability issues – Complexity of students’ learning – Technology use

Major Findings l JASON IMPACT ON TEACHERS l JASON changes teaching practice in terms of collaboration, project-based learning and alternative assessment. l JASON increases teachers’ use of technology.

Major Findings (Cont. ) l JASON IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING – JASON hands-on and environmental exploration activities are engaging and appealing to the students. – JASON curriculum makes science real and relevant. – Most JASON students acquired scientific inquiry and analytical skills, and outperformed non. JASON students.

Major Findings (Cont. ) l COMMON CONTEXTUAL ISSUES AND CHALLENGES – Curriculum – Teachers – School and district requirements

Major Findings (Cont. ) – The success of JASON depends on the teacher. • The project attracts teachers who take a handson approach to science and enjoy learning new subjects. • The project gives teachers ideas for labs and activities. • The project requires dedication and innovation on the part of teachers.

Major Findings (Cont. ) – The JASON curriculum is adaptable. • Teachers pick and choose activities from the curriculum. • Teachers select activities that support state and district standards. • Teacher reuse activities.

Major Findings (Cont. ) – District and School constraints impeded the process. • Even inexpensive materials add up in cost when used with many students. • Schools/districts do not always pay for training for all JASON teachers. • Teachers have no time to coordinate interdisciplinary projects with other teachers. • Lack of access to technology prevents teachers from taking advantage of online resources. • Stressed teachers cannot integrate new material into existing curriculum.