The role of IT in teaching experimental science: from the multimedia
perspective.
Jon Pearce
Science Multimedia Teaching Unit
The University of Melbourne
Abstract
Practical work in the sciences is one of those `sacred cows’ which has stood the test of time as is held close to our hearts as a `must have’ experience for students. We know that students gain much from working in real labs, with all the rigours and demands that these environments place on them. Yet often, research shows lab work to be ineffectual and often students see it as a negative experience. Yet we persist.
Simulations, on the other hand, are highly regarded in the arena of computer activities. They bring motivation, challenge and variety to students’ life. Are we prepared to sacrifice some sacred cows on the chance that we might better achieve our teaching goals?
We should examine carefully what simulations, and related computer activities, offer by way of supporting or replacing existing laboratory work. The ever increasing power of desktop computers opens up new areas such as scientific visualisations, animations and complex analysis. Developments such as the World Wide Web and virtual reality prompt us to re-examine thoughts we had even only a few years ago. They promise a `do it anywhere, anytime on any machine’ approach to computing and, possibly, to laboratory work too.
Jon Pearce is a senior lecturer at University of Melbourne, half time in the School of Physics and half time as Deputy Director of the Science Multimedia Teaching Unit. I have been involved in Physics Education and Computer Education over the last 15 years. Currently my time is spent in developing a CAUT project relating to first year physics teaching, researching ideas relating to using new technologies in the teaching of science (especially the use of the Web) together with the usual teaching duties, physics research, etc.