Scientists in Their Own Classroom

Abstract

This paper represents and contextualizes the use of advanced technologies in a high school biology classroom to enhance inquiry in traditional science curriculum by drawing upon two years' worth of data. This paper presents the research-practitioners' reflections and understanding of the application of Type II technology's impact when integrated in service to authentic science education at the secondary level. The goal of this paper is twofold: (a) to demonstrate the effectiveness of Type II applications of technology in creating an environment that allows students to be scientists in their own classroom, and (b) to provide a medium for the students' voices to convey the importance they attach to this type of opportunity. Obviously, a critical point is the role science educators must play in creating computer-mediated curricular models that nurture a community of learners, both in the immediate classroom and beyond.

Key Words:

• Bioinformatics
• Biology Student Workbench
• biotechnology
• critical thinking
• problem-based learning
• scientific inquiry
• Type II technology
• virtual lab
• visualization