Shifting Sand:
Impacts of Technology
in Higher Education
George Watson
ghw@udel.edu
Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Arts & Science
University of Delaware
The Way It Was...
1973
graphing calculators,
laptops,
gigabytes and gigahertz
Computation
2002
The Way It Was...
1973
e-mail,
voice-mail,
chatrooms,
FAX,
pagers,
cell phones
instant messaging,
wireless connectivity
Communication
2002
The Way It Was...
1973
Online Information:
web catalogs,
networked databases,
Britannica Online,
online newspapers,
course websites,
CMS
Collections
2002
Teaching and learning
in the stormy “seas”:
Computation and Calculation
Communication and Collaboration
Collections and Connections
The Perfect Storm?
The question before us:
Given the amazing advances in technology,
the dramatic change in the first-year experience,
and knowing what we know about our students,
How can we best proceed in our classrooms?
One possible answer:
Problem-Based Learning
The principal idea behind PBL is…
that the starting point
for learning should be
a problem, a query, or a puzzle
that the learner wishes to solve.
(Bould, 1985:13)
What is Problem-Based Learning?
PBL is an instructional method that
challenges students to “learn to learn,”
working cooperatively in groups
to seek solutions to real world problems.
PBL prepares students
to think critically and analytically, and
to find and use appropriate learning
resources.
What are the common features of
PBL?
Learning is initiated by a problem.
Problems are based on complex, real-world
situations.
Information needed to solve problem is not
initially given. Students identify, find, and
use appropriate resources.
Students work in permanent groups.
Learning is active, integrated, cumulative, and
connected.
PBL: The Process
Students are presented with a problem.
They organize ideas and previous
knowledge.
Students pose questions, defining what
they know and do not know.
Students assign responsibility for
questions, discuss resources.
Students reconvene and explore newly
learned information, refine questions.
The Problem-Based Learning Cycle
Overview
Problem, Project,
or Assignment
Mini-lecture
Group
Discussion
Whole Class
Discussion
Preparation of
Group “Product”
Research
Group Discussion
The principal idea behind PBL is?
A. PBL challenges students to learn to learn.
B. Learning is initiated by a problem.
C. Students work in permanent groups.
Think/
pair/
share
“Marriage” of PBL and technology
PBL and
active learning
The web and
instructional
technology
How can technology aid student learning
in a PBL course?
How can PBL aid students in using
technology to learn?
Utilizing Online Resources
Web Sites and
Web Pages
Information for
solving problems
Ingredients for
writing problems
Inspiration for
designing problems
Ingredients for
writing problems
Inspiration for
designing problems
Information for
solving problems
Utilizing Online Resources
Web Sites and
Web Pages
Ingredients
for
Ingredients for
writing problems
problems
writing
Borrowing
images
Creating
images
Background
facts
fromscanners,
other
sites
with
from networked
digital cameras
databases
Utilizing Online Resources
Web Sites and
Web Pages
Film and TV
Quack websites
sites for scripts
International
forregional
“raw”
Online
and characters
newspapers
for
material
newspapers
for
global view
local perspective
Inspiration for
designing problems
Utilizing Online Resources
Old thinking:
Web
Sites
and
The web is full of
Web Pages
misinformation
and
biased representation
Stay away!
Evaluating online
resources critically
New thinking:
Engage and develop
critical thinking skills.
Information for
The Internet Challenge!
solving problems
Executing web
searches effectively
Silicon, Circuits, and the Digital Revolution
SCEN103 at the University of Delaware
http://www.physics.udel.edu/~watson/scen103/
The course:
SCEN103 in Spring 2000 was an Honors
colloquium designed to introduce first-year
students to some of the science behind high
technology.
Designed to promote scientific and computer
literacy and awareness, SCEN103 gives students
an opportunity to leverage their interests in
everyday devices and high-tech objects into a
study of fundamental science concepts.
Live demonstrations, in-class group explorations
of technology applications, and daily work with
the Internet are essential elements of SCEN103.
Broad Course Objectives:
Analyze simple electrical circuits to assess their function and
effectiveness.
State and describe fundamental scientific principles
underlying modern electronic devices.
Explain the basic operation of electrical
circuits, simple semiconductor devices, and
integrated circuits.
Identify the contributions of science
and technology to everyday life.
A Problem-Based Learning Approach
to Simple Electrical Circuits
Incorporating PBL problems,
Other collaborative exercises, and
Hands-on laboratory exercises.
PBL #1
Crossed Circuits
Two roommates argue about perceived use of electrical energy.
Who should pay more towards the utility bill?
Energy = power x time
PBL #2
A San Francisco Treat
Electrical wiring plans are formulated for a building conversion
in San Francisco using floorplans from “This Old House”.
Parallel circuits
Household wiring
Power ratings of appliances
Lab #3
Batteries and
Bulbs
Students work from the simplest possible circuit to the
challenging circuit on the left and its companion on the right.
Series and parallel combinations
Motivation for This Project
Faster, cheaper ‘what if?’ changes.
Anywhere, anytime accessibility to ‘lab’.
Wireless technology for collaborative
learning.
When hands-on experiences in a physical laboratory
are not available, computer simulations are often
the next best option.
For some topics, computer simulations can provide
an environment for active learning that is just as
rewarding as the traditional laboratory.
Implementation of This Project
JavaScript and Java applets are often
employed to implement computer
simulations for learning that can be
accessed over the web.
Often overlooked are other software solutions
that run from suitably configured web
browsers -- Macromedia Flash is one such
approach.
We have created a simple circuit simulator
written in Flash that provides an interactive
experience for introductory students of
electricity.
Features of the Circuit Simulator
The current version provides
a prototyping workspace
drag-and-drop selection of resistors and batteries
multimeters that can be configured to display
current and/or voltage for each circuit element
wire cutters and wire to complete and reconfigure
circuits to carry out simulated experiments.
a written and audio introduction to its use.
As initially presented to the students
Running a circuit simulation…
Demonstration
http://www.udel.edu/present/showcase/watson/
Problem-Based Learning and Physics:
Developing problem solving skills in all students
NSF DUE 00-89408 CCLI-EMD
The problem-based learning (PBL) program initiated at the University for
reforming undergraduate science teaching is being expanded beyond the
University by the development of instructional models and materials made
accessible to faculty worldwide through an online clearinghouse. The project is
developing a database of problems, instructional models, evaluation tools, and
web-based resources that effectively incorporate PBL across the content
framework of introductory undergraduate physics courses. Materials are being
collected and reviewed for a wide variety of introductory physics courses, for both
science majors and non-science majors, across all levels of instruction and class
enrollment. In addition to collecting existing problems and material, the project is
implementing problem-writing workshops as an important element in developing
the collection of PBL materials needed to cover the different curricula of physics
at the college level. Selected clearinghouse problems will also be adapted to the
high school setting.
PBL2002 Conference
www.udel.edu/pbl2002
Shifting Sand:
Impacts of Technology
in Higher Education
Anytime, anyplace simulations
Wireless computing
In-class interactivity
WebCT
Interactive Student Response Systems
www.educue.com
Advanced and emerging
technologies in higher education
www.udel.edu/cte/techgrants.htm
Using Palm Pilots to Enhance Student Learning in Telehealth
3D Visualization for Macromolecules for Effective Instruction…
Use of Internet 2 to Bring Creative Arts into the Classroom
Exploring Business Issues and Decision-Making with
Videoconferenceing and Electronic Meeting Tools
Timelines, Delivery of Historical Images by Varied Databases
Electronic Portfolios as a Vehicle for Student Growth
ERP Recording for Learning about Cognitive Neuroscience
Asynchronous Learning Network Tool for Homework Assignments
Writing, Structuring, and Designing Information for Screen Display
Shifting Sand:
Impacts of Technology
in Higher Education
Computation and Calculation
Communication and Collaboration
Collections and Connections