Preparing Tomorrow's Science Teachers to Use Technology

Flick, L., & Bell, R. (2000). Preparing tomorrow's science teachers to use technology: Guidelines for Science educators. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 1(1), 39-60.

I believe that it is extremely important to integrate technology in the classroom. I choose this article because it seems fitting me for considering I am not only an education major but an IT major as well. I find it very important for technology to be used in the classroom because as technology evolves we should learn to evolve with it. If we fall behind technology the amazing benefits of it in the classroom are lost. The flexibility, speed, and storage capacity of contemporary desktop computers are causing science educators to redefine the meaning of hands-on experience and rethink the traditional process of teaching. Because of the use of technology in the classroom students, teachers, and faculty have an easier way to get in contact with each other. Technology also helps the students have a wider variety of resources readily available to them. This article talks about how technology should be seen as a means, not an end. Teachers should teach technological applications and software so that the students know how to use the computer before science is introduced. By teaching this software and then connecting it to science the students will benefit more than just having a lecture. They will know how to use the websites and gain experience in the science topic that way. Content-based activities using technology should be used in the process of modeling effective science teaching for teachers. Appropriate uses of technology should enhance the learning of science concepts and process skills, as well as reflect the nature of science. The activities did that involve technology should make connections to the student’s experiences and promote student centered, inquiry based learning. "Microteaching and supervised practicum experiences should help preservice teachers recognize that when students are making new discoveries of their own with microscopes, they are well-positioned to understand the reciprocal relationship between technology and science." (Flick, Bell, 2000) Students can see how their questions are what is helping to fuel new technologies. As the students are experiencing the limitations that a normal microscope has a teacher can teach them to consider how their experiences with this technology relate to those of a real scientist. Technology is a means to solve human problems, this is why it is important to be used in science class.