Computer Microscopes
Article: http://www.ceo-of-your-life.com/education-technology-integration-computer-microscopes-are-enhancing-science-education/
This article focused on the use of SmartScope in science classrooms. This technology could replace traditional microscopes because they allow the teacher to show a good sample though the computer. The teacher could project the image on the board and students could all view the same sample at the same time. The blog writer stresses that this would be great because students struggle with making their own slides (did somebody say air bubbles?) and finding the image clearly under the microscope. But I'm not sure I agree with taking away that learning experience all together. I believe it is important for students to learn how to prepare a slide as well as how to adjust a microscope and find their object. Yes, its a struggle and the teacher must bounce from microscope to microscope to help everyone in the class, but I think it is rewarding to see the students' enthusiasm and wonder when they finally see the wiggling paramecium (or whatever it is) under their own microscope.
That being said, I definetly think there would be benefits to having a SmartScope at the front of the room projecting an ideal image for all students to see. Furthermore, you can record video and play it back. So if you are mixing various protists in hopes of seeing them engulf each other you can record the action and show other classes. Or better yet, put it on YouTube and track how many hits you get. I plan on looking into the SmartScope and hopefully finding a colleague to write a grant proposal for one that could be shared among all our science teachers!
posted by jlaura324 @ 8:58 AM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
Jlaura...this article was a great find! I was not aware the Smart Technology had advanced to this level. That just goes to show how quickly technology changes.
At any rate, I agree with you that SmartScope should not take away the "hands on" component of learning. The fun is in the discovery (or at least that's what I believe). However, the teacher could use the SmartScope image as a model for students. Letting them know what to look for.
I also love this article! Very interesting!
I totally agree with you! Using SmartScope will help and give more benefits during lab. I also agree with you that students should know how to slide and adjust a microscope on their own. Using SmarScope will change your classroom. It will be more interesting and fun to learn together. Like you have mentioned, some students are shy and others are scared to dissect something. This will be a great way to model your students in order to make them want to do on their own. There is nothing more important than practice, since practice makes it perfect. Showing students how to do it by using SmartScope will help them improve their knowledge and when they are confident enough is time for real practice. Using two different methods to teach our students will also benefit different learners since some can be more visual than others. I believe using technologies will help and improve your teaching methods and we need to use many different tools to serve our students.
This is a great find you have. I think tools like this would make it easier for teachers to manage the classroom while allowing students to use their individuality in learning. I think it can still be hands on if managed correctly. It's frustrating for a child to mess up a slide and be the only one of the class who is not able to participate in the lab experiment. I like technologies like this. It's just a matter of how teachers utilize them. If you put a smartboard in the classroom and the teacher uses it only a high-tech whiteboard then you're missing out on 90% of the potential.
That is pretty neat. Although it is not as cool as a SMART Scope, I've seen teachers use a document camera on their microscopes (as long as they are illuminated.) Also, have you seen NASA's virtual lab? It isn't real time, but you have the power of an electron microscope at your disposal. We downloaded all the specimens and stored them on the server so students could view them in lab settings. http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/
SmartScope is an interesting idea to use within the classroom, yet I must agree with you, there are positives and negatives. I am in favor of the concept that the SmartScope can project images for all of the class to view; however, I do not think that this image should take place of the labs. Students will be at a large disadvantage if their experiment time is taken away. The learning process in science will be impacted, creating a gap in students' understanding. If it were to be used simply as an exampe for students to mirror, it would be helpful, but taking out the most essential part of learning will be hurtful for students' progress.
Thanks for choosing this article. As an English teacher, I tend to only stay up-to-date with the world of literature in combination with technology, but this information is important to know in order to stay connected with the entire curriculum.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home