Summary

If you're waiting to be convinced that computers offer more than pricey bells and whistles in the classroom, this is the book that will open your mind to technology's potential. But even if you're an early (and avid) adopter, you'll discover intriguing new concepts for technology-based teaching strategies that help students really learn science concepts.

The featured technologies range from the easy to master (such as digital cameras) to the more complex (such as Probeware and geographic information systems). Among the chapter topics: digital images and video for teaching science; using computer simulations; Probeware tools for science investigations; extending inquiry with geo-technologies; acquiring online data for scientific analysis; Web-based inquiry products, and online assessments and hearing students think about science.

The book's emphasis is never on technology for technology's sake. Each chapter includes a summary of current research on the technology's effectiveness in the classroom; best-practice guidelines drawn from the research and practitioner literature; and innovative ideas for teaching with the particular technology.

The goal is to stimulate your thinking about using these tools, and deepen your students' engagement in science content.