Discussions on article and simulation on digestion

University of MauritiusBsc in Educational & Instructional Technologies Module: ICT Integration in Science : 1 University of MauritiusBsc in Educational & Instructional Technologies Module: ICT Integration in Science Linking information from a journal article and the use of Simulation to teach Digestion to Form 4 students. Journal article title: Use of ICT in Science Education. Url: http://kitses.com/animation/swfs/digestion.swf Presented by: Shahina Lalloo (0918803) Date: 16th April 2010

Agenda : 2 Agenda What was the lesson about? How did the student react? Research journal article Summary of research journal article Learning styles: visual, kinethetic, auditory Discussion on the simulation used in relation to the journal article Vygotsky - ZPD Strenghts Weaknesses Personal Reflection Conclusion References

What was the lesson about? : 3 What was the lesson about? Topic: Digestion Nutrients and nutritive value of different foods The different Parts of the alimentary system The chemical substances involved – enzymes, food particles, broken down food, simplest units Absorption of food

How did the students react? : 4 How did the students react? Students rated the overall class presentation 10/10 They contributed to a ratio of 75:25 % to the teacher. Students said they ere excited when they were told that they would be using the computer for this lesson All of them were able to manipulate computer hardware and tools. However, they mentioned that the internet connection was a bit slow. They said that the website on digestion was excellent and very interesting. Students found the sound, images and motions well designed. They also suggested that we should have more lesson delivered through this mode.

Research journal article : 5 Research journal article ICT use in science EducationB. Jarosievitz SEK Budapest International School, 1021 Budapest, Hővösvölgyi út. 131., Hungary

Summary of journal article : 6 Summary of journal article Survey - attitude to physics, their motivation and their IT skills science classes should be made more colourful and interesting take advantage of the opportunities offered by IT and multimedia Projects: The Solar constant measurement , Observation of the Venus transit “Globalization and technological change processes have accelerated enormously in the past fifteen years, therefore the use of ICT in education became a common requirement.The effective integration of ICT into the educational system is a complex process that involves the followings:curriculum and pedagogy, institutional readiness, teacher competencies, and long-term financing”

Slide 7 : 7 Impossible to teach natural sciences without the use of computers, video files and simulation programs “Some say that computers are not necessary if you have a decent teacher. Others fear that teachers will no longer instruct but, rather, leave everything to the student and the computer. These objections are understandable, but it can no longer be misunderstood: computers are essential to even moderate levels of instruction in the world at this time” “Computer simulation programs offer a unique opportunity for students to see and work with systems and substances that they would rarely, if ever, be able to actually practice with in reality. Dangerous substances and situations, expensive equipment, and theoretical, even fantastical, ideas can be explored in a way that is more thorough than practical teaching has ever been able to do before”

Slide 8 : 8 Misunderstanding- computer sole provider Teacher cannot be replaced Teacher- human – subject to laws of space and time Slower learner can use the simulation repeatedly until full comprehension of the concept Quick learner – freedom to experiment on advanced concept “In both cases the slower, and the faster students of a class benefit from the new methodology of combining the power of the computer with the wisdom of the teacher.” Student becomes autonomous Developed creative and IT skills

Slide 9 : 9 Use of the ICT in Education combined with the project method could be a promising asset to modernize the teaching of physics and make natural sciences more attractive by engaging multimedia and Internet communication. I am confident that the applied method and described projects highly changed the attitude of the students for the natural sciences and their mind start to open the doors for science. "Effective learning in the classroom depends on the teacher's ability ... to maintain the interest that brought students to the course in the first place"

Learning styles : 10 Learning styles Visual Smart Kinesthetic Auditory

Visual Smart : 11 Visual Smart Use of image, pitures, colours to organise information as in the flow of the digestion process. Students recall informations better where they are displayed through coloured images, pictures and grahic representations.

Kinesthetic : 12 Kinesthetic Physical skills, using the mouse and keyboard, manipulate the cursor, click and follow the sequence in the animation. “ Zoom” and “ Continue” option

Auditory : 13 Auditory The digestion animation is supported by music and different sound at each level of the process to emphasise the stages. Includes good sense of pitch and rhythm.

Discussion on the simulation used in relation to the journal article : 14 Discussion on the simulation used in relation to the journal article Use of ICT to teach Interactive teaching Teaching science experiment virtually as it occurs naturally The animation illustrate the whole process of digestion and absorption as in real situation Give a better view of the process which is impossible to view in reality Use of technology in modern classroom Time and cost effective

Vygotsky - ZPD : 15 Vygotsky - ZPD The major theme of Vygotsky's theoretical framework is that social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition. A second aspect of Vygotsky's theory is the idea that the potential for cognitive development depends upon the "zone of proximal development" (ZPD): a level of development attained when children engage in social behavior. Vygotsky sees the Zone of Proximal Development as the area where the most sensitive instruction or guidance should be given - allowing the child to develop skills they will then use on their own - developing higher mental functions. Vygotsky also views interaction with peers as an effective way of developing skills and strategies. He suggests that teachers use cooperative learning exercises where less competent children develop with help from more skilful peers - within the zone of proximal development.

Strenghts : 16 Strenghts Simple , easy to understand Very clear and brief explanation Use of different colours and sound to support the topic and make it interesting Well structured sequence Overall good illustration Students can view the animation repeatedly for better comprehension.

Weaknesses : 17 Weaknesses Internet connection obligatory Low internet speed Takes much time to connect to the site Protected by copyright Access to computer lab – lunch time

Personal reflection : 18 Personal reflection Constructivist Cognitivist Behaviourist Lesson was mostly student centered with the teacher acting as guide/facilitator This type of activity motivates students to concentrate and develop better understanding. Teaching and learning occur step by step and the process can be reviewed until full understanding.

Conclusion : 19 Conclusion Scientific experiment which cannot be demonstrated in classes due to constraints like cost, time, environmental conditions are easily illustrated through simulations. The Digestion process inside human body cannot be taught to students as it occurs naturally, so the use of ICT and simulation help for better understanding of the concept. The use of ICT enhances and facilitate teaching & learning to take place. Classes are more interesting and student centered Learning becomes more effective However due to the lack of facilities in schools, the integration of ICT in lessons tend to be difficult. So a proper technology management and leadership skills is to be set at national level.

References : 20 References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lev_Vygotsky http://tip.psychology.org/vygotsky.html http://www.learning-styles-online.com/ http://www.formatex.org/micte2009/book/382-386.pdf