Advantages and Disadvantages of Integrating Technology in Science Class
“Technologies are an integral part of modern
mathematics education and science education because they are essential in the
field themselves” (pg 324). There are so many ways to integrate technology into
science lessons. However, science teachers face many challenges. Due to the
ever-changing world of science, teachers must keep up and know how to use and integrate
new technology in the best way possible. “To help train the workforce of
tomorrow, all mathematics and science teachers must keep updated on what these
new requirements mean for their own content knowledge” (pg 324).
Virtual
Science Labs
Advantages
One advantage of a virtual science lab is that it
helps cut costs. It allows teachers to be able to demonstrate labs that may be
very expensive. A second advantage is that they help present ideas and concepts
that can be difficult to comprehend or explain (“How can students”).
Disadvantages
There are many disadvantages that come with them
virtual labs. One disadvantage is that the lab lacks the hands-on part and so
students do not get to see things as they happen in reality. A second disadvantage
is that some teachers use them to completely replace real labs. A third
disadvantage is that a virtual lab may not align with your school’s curriculum.
You should always go through the lab and make sure that it covers the correct
material. Otherwise, this could become a huge mess come lab day. (“A few
disadvantages”, 2013).
Poll
Everywhere Text Message Polling Service
Tremblay (2010) suggests having students use their phones
as student response systems (pg 322).
Advantages
There are many advantages to using cell phones as
student response systems. One advantage is that you can use any device that has
either text messaging or an internet connection. Setting up student response systems
can be difficult, but using cell phones is quick and easy. A third advantage to
using cell phones is affordability. They cut costs tremendously because they
are 1/10 the cost of clickers (“Lots to love”).
Disadvantages
An inevitable disadvantage of using cell phones is
that not every student has a device that they can use. A second disadvantage is
connection issues and text messaging. If student’s device is unable to connect
to the internet or they do not have text messaging, then they are unable to
participate. A third disadvantage was that students had to register using the
same format, which can be confusing (Nanovsky R. & Mistler B.).
Robotics
The book states that technology and engineering are known
as the missing topics in science education (pg 323). One way teachers can highlight
these topics is through robotics curriculum. This has become a very popular way
of getting students interested in engineering. Nugent, Barker, Grandgenett, and
Adamchuk (2010) found that robotics camps significantly impacted students’
learning and attitudes towards science and technology (pg 323).
Advantages
Robotics is a great way to learn about engineering. It
also helps students develop critical thinking skills because they are in
control of everything when they develop a robot (“Canadian students identify”,
2011)
Disadvantages
A problem with robotics in education is that it mainly draws in those students who are already interested in the topic. A second disadvantage is that there is a lot that goes into building a robot such as the parts, computer programming, and graphical programming. Some students may not have the ability to remain focused on such a task that takes up a large amount of time (Correll, N., Wailes, C., & Slaby, S.).
A problem with robotics in education is that it mainly draws in those students who are already interested in the topic. A second disadvantage is that there is a lot that goes into building a robot such as the parts, computer programming, and graphical programming. Some students may not have the ability to remain focused on such a task that takes up a large amount of time (Correll, N., Wailes, C., & Slaby, S.).
References
Canadian students identify
benefits of robotics curriculum.
(2011, Feb 24).
http://www.vexrobotics.com/news/2011/02/canadian-students-identify-benefits-of-robotics-
curriculum/
A few disadvantages of virtual
labs in a classroom.
(2013). http://virtualweblab.com/a-few-
disadvantages-of-virtual-labs-in-a-classroom/
How can students learn from
virtual labs, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?.
https://sites.google.com/site/virtuallabsadvantages/
Lots to love about poll everywhere. http://www.polleverywhere.com/classroom-response-system
Mistler,
B., & Nanovsky, R. Real-time student
response systems in the classroom.
http://www.cdetg.org/HandoutRevised_5.pdf
Slaby,
S., Wailes, C., & Correll, N. A
one-hour curriculum to engage middle school students in
robotics and computer
science using cubelets. http://www.gk12.org/files/2012/11
/dars_toecubelets.pdf
M6: "Mobile learning is not only on the rise, it’s inevitable." http://t.co/wySboS6fZa #ED527UM
— Peyton Truett (@peypey3191) November 12, 2013
