A Remotely Operated Science Experiment framework for under-resourced schools

Abstract

Teaching argumentation with appropriate activities and strategies would support a wide range of goals in science education. Though science labs have been suggested and employed for argumentation activities, such educational expenditures are likely to be beyond the means of most schools in under-resourced areas. Due to the lack of appropriate technological infrastructure and financial support, science education in developing countries is limited to the traditional approach. Teachers and students in the developing world, or other rural areas without sufficient lab resources in developed countries, would adopt argumentation in science classroom if they utilize their wireless infrastructure. We suggest a remote science lab for students in under-resourced schools, and suggest a possible way to engage them in argumentation activities. This paper introduces Remotely Operated Science Experiment (ROSE) and its implementation, and draws on the result of the intervention focusing on the impact of ROSE on students’ argumentation and learning. 

Keywords:

• science education
• remote lab
• argumentation
• mobile learning
• inquiry-based learning

Notes on contributors

Dr. Donggil Song is an assistant professor of educational technology at Sam Houston State University, and the educational research manager of Seeds of Empowerment. He has been the director of Einbrain Lab, which focuses on designing new experimental technologies for learning in both formal and informal settings.

Arafeh Karimi is a professional e-learning consultant and trainer. She holds a master’s degree in multimedia and e-learning technologies and worked as the head of Research, Training and Consultancy Unit in the Asia Centre for E-Learning (ACE) at Asia e University.

Dr. Paul Kim is the Chief Technology Officer and Assistant Dean at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Kim has been leading numerous projects involving the design of learning technologies, educational research, and international development.