Technology Pedagogy and Epistemology Opportunities and Challenges of

Technology, Pedagogy, and Epistemology: Opportunities and Challenges of Using Computer Modeling and Simulation Tools in Elementary Science Methods Kristine Sierra EME 2040

Introduction �The integration of technology and students has yet to be found in schools. �One way that this can be adjusted is for new teachers to get proper technological education in college and once they begin teaching they use the skills learned and use it all through out their teaching career. �In this experiment Christina V. Schwarz will integrate simulation and modeling in an elementary science course for a whole semester, to help teachers further their understandings in epistemology and pedagogy in science education.

Hypothesis �Christina V. Schwarz, Jason Meyer, & Ajay Sharma’s hypothesis to this experiment is: �“It was our hypothesis that computer modelingand simulation software might play a pivotal role in helping preservice elementary and middle school teachers learn about robust uses of technology in the science classroom within the larger context of helping them advance their understanding of science pedagogy and epistemology”

Why Modeling and Simulation Tools �They said it is to believe that computer modeling and simulation is the central focus of studying science. � The importance of computer modeling and simulation software is that it can be used forecasting the weather, analyzing atomic and molecular structure, determining the physics of the early universe, and understanding human reasoning. �From the results it shows that teachers have little knowledge of and access to computer modeling and simulation software. �Teachers also tend to lack the technical knowledge, scientific knowledge, and community support needed for incorporating such software; and usually have little knowledge of the important role that computer modeling or computational modeling plays in science.

Goals for Our Study �The goal that they have in mind for this experiment is: �“Specifically, we hoped that the preservice teachers might come to understand some of the powerful uses computer technology can play in teaching and learning science and recognize how to evaluate and integrate some of the strong pedagogical computer software tools into their teaching. Throughout this process, we also hoped that using and thinking about modeling tools would help preservice teachers begin thinking of science and science learning as a process of creating and revising scientific theories or models by generating and evaluating evidence within a scientific community. ”

Nature of Intervention �The three main components of this experiments which were tested in an elementary science method class are: � 1 -The use of two computer simulation toolkits within science investigations to see, experience, and reflect on how technology can be incorporated into science teaching. � 2 -Discussions about technology and modeling tools to provide a rationale and framework for technology integration. � 3 -Investigations of one of five particular modeling and simulation tools in science and incorporation of those tools in science lesson plans to help preservice teachers envision how they might use such tools in their own science teaching.

Subjects and Methods � 25 senior students were used in total, 22 females and 3 males in Professor Christina V. Schwarz’s elementary science methods course in the semester of Fall 2002. �In order to collect data on their subjects they preformed a series of written pre- and posttest, videotapes of classes, journals, lessons plans and other work, and an hour-long interview. �At the end of the three months most of the students enjoyed the programs very much. Many said that the program was effective and helped explain concepts that would be difficult for a young child to learn.

Results �Data indicated that preservice teachers’ experiences in this intervention expanded their understanding of the kinds of software available for science teaching. They began thinking not only of teaching media, but also moved toward thinking about media for inquiry. Moreover, preservice teachers expanded their ideas about the role that technology can play in the classroom, from thinking of technology as a source of information and a tool for clarification, to helping in conducting research and creating models.

My Reaction �As wanting to be a science teacher these computer modeling and simulation tools are a great idea to use in the classroom. It can help with: �Online Dissection �Explanations of certain problems �Explore molecular Science, such as atoms. �These programs though I believe will be more effective to high school and college students versus elementary students since they are still very young and the material is a lot easier.

Citation �Schwarz, Christina, Jason Meyer, Ajay Sharma. "Technology, Pedagogy, and Epistemology: Opportunities and Challenges of Using Computer Modeling and Simulation Tools in Elementary Science Methods. " Journal of Science Teacher Education 18(2007): 243 - 269.

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