More of a Personal Blog Today
I'm sorry that it's been a while since my last post, and tonight's post is not yet the Media Equation one. I'll have to do it tomorrow, as I can't print from this computer at home (I love my district PC), and I can't read that PDF online.
Here's today's link:
http://cade.athabascau.ca/vol16.2/kennepohl.html.
Kennepohl, D. (2001) "Using Computer Simulations to Supplement Teaching Laboratories in Chemistry for Distance Delivery." Journal of Distance Education. Retrieved from (link above) on March 25, 2007.
This study provides an interesting quantitative comparison of students using a prelab simulation to those who do not. The data showed slightly higher performance and somewhat increased understanding of the material, but not at a huge level. The biggest benefit was a reduction in required lab time. This can be a good result, but is definitely not the primary desired result of the use of laboratory simulations in most cases.
On a more personal note, I'm not nearly at 100% right now. I took a group of 6 kids to Disney for the state academic tournament, where they came in 5th, but 5 days with 6 teenagers and a very pregnant wife took a huge toll on my energy level. On top of that, my mother, who has been on oxygen for the last 2 years just found out that her doctor had not mentioned an additional underlying condition to her, and her second-opinion pulmonologist gave her 2 years if she doesn't get a transplant (the average wait is 2.5 years). She's 48. We've known she's bad, but it's a little more real to have such a terrible prognosis, especially since I have a 2.5 year old, and another daughter due in 33 days.
On a good note, I was offered (and today accepted) a position at Beth's school for next year. I am really looking forward to working in an independent school, with the ability to really get more involved with the students and really make a difference. I hope we will be able to work together as I try to implement a lot of this technology. Unfortunately, it renders the direct application of the material I've been talking about here as useless for my new position (this is AP level stuff and I'll be teaching chem I and 8th grade physical science). I know that simulations and the like will definitely be helpful, and I'm really looking forward to working in a new school with new curricula.
Here's today's link:
http://cade.athabascau.ca/vol16.2/kennepohl.html.
Kennepohl, D. (2001) "Using Computer Simulations to Supplement Teaching Laboratories in Chemistry for Distance Delivery." Journal of Distance Education. Retrieved from (link above) on March 25, 2007.
This study provides an interesting quantitative comparison of students using a prelab simulation to those who do not. The data showed slightly higher performance and somewhat increased understanding of the material, but not at a huge level. The biggest benefit was a reduction in required lab time. This can be a good result, but is definitely not the primary desired result of the use of laboratory simulations in most cases.
On a more personal note, I'm not nearly at 100% right now. I took a group of 6 kids to Disney for the state academic tournament, where they came in 5th, but 5 days with 6 teenagers and a very pregnant wife took a huge toll on my energy level. On top of that, my mother, who has been on oxygen for the last 2 years just found out that her doctor had not mentioned an additional underlying condition to her, and her second-opinion pulmonologist gave her 2 years if she doesn't get a transplant (the average wait is 2.5 years). She's 48. We've known she's bad, but it's a little more real to have such a terrible prognosis, especially since I have a 2.5 year old, and another daughter due in 33 days.
On a good note, I was offered (and today accepted) a position at Beth's school for next year. I am really looking forward to working in an independent school, with the ability to really get more involved with the students and really make a difference. I hope we will be able to work together as I try to implement a lot of this technology. Unfortunately, it renders the direct application of the material I've been talking about here as useless for my new position (this is AP level stuff and I'll be teaching chem I and 8th grade physical science). I know that simulations and the like will definitely be helpful, and I'm really looking forward to working in a new school with new curricula.
posted by MJS at 10:48 PM
2 Comments:
Hi Matt,
Welcome aboard. All is not lost with your simulations! I am counting on you to help in the middle school next year! We want tech savvy kids as I was told! We just need to find the right lessons. I am excited! I hope you will be around this summer. I am teaching Tech 1 (7th) and Tech 2 (8th) next year so put your thinking hat on.
I am sorry about your mother. I lost my step-dad of almost 30 years at the beginning of this class. It is hard. We are actually helping my mom clean out her garage this weekend and it is very emotional. Keep the faith.
I look forward to having you at Episcopal. It is a great place. I graduated from there - I won't tell you how many years ago - and our oldest son will be in 6th grade there next year. We are doing a lot of exciting things!
Take Care,
Beth
I am surprised to read that there is only a slight increase in student understanding after using a virtual lab. This may have something to do with the particular virtual labs used in this study. I would think that a properly designed virtual lab would have a great impact on student understanding.
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