Workshop 7: Digital media in science teaching
Discuss in your team: Why should students learn with digital media?
10 thesis about digitisation in education
- will not go away
- changed what knowing and other basic concepts of education mean
- opens up new paths and changes the objective.
- is choice for effective networking
- enables access to knowledge independent of time and space
- not only solves questions, but also creates new ones
- demands new competences
- releases new potentials
- means work and confrontation
- breaks the teacher’s monopoly of knowledge and thereby transforms their mission
(c.f. Bieler, 2018)
Research
In 2017 Hillmayr et al. (2017) have shown in their metastudy on the use of digital media in science, that students which learned with digital media had better results in performance tests. This positive impact is higher, if traditional material is used in addition to digital media. Also an increase of student’ motivation was found.
In exploratory studies, a motivational effect (c.f. BITKOM, 2011; Schaumburg, Tschakert & Blömeke, 2007), stronger cooperation between students (cf. Tutty & White, 2006; Kolle & Singer 2008; Schaumburg & Issing, 2002) and greater media competence was found (cf. BITKOM, 2011; Reinmann & Häuptle, 2006). Also a greater self-direction in the learning process (cf. Schulz-Zander, 2005) and a higher cognitive complexity was determined (cf. Grafe, 2008). But one important finding was, that if teachers have undergone training before using digital media, a greater positiv influence on student performance is shown (cf. Hillmayr et al., 2017).
Based on this studies, it is not surprising that the educational policy of various countries demands, that digital learningmedia should be introduced in schools and universities.
The general digitisation in society also means that parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders expect digital mediato be used in learning. This was only reinforced by the covid-19 pandemic.
How can digital media change teaching?
Organisation
- Tablets/laptops in the classroom
- Learning-management software (moodle,…)
- Interactive whiteboard
- Cooperative software (Answergarden, Padlet,…)
- …
Learning material
- Interactive digital books
- Presentation tools (Powerpoint, Keynote)
- Audios
- Games/Quizzes/…
- Videos
- …
This are just some of the digital media around today. Based on the innovation speed, new digital media will be developed and will change teaching again.
Potential and Challenges
New learning methods and concepts can be implemented in science class, for example flipped classroom. New learning media for example explanatory videos, online courses and online resources can support students’ learning and can lead to individual and adaptive learning in heterogeneous groups. The digital exchange of knowledge, media and concepts can improve learning broadly.
But of cource, there are some challanges, that needs to be faced. Digital media are expensive and based on the general innovation, after a few years, it will be difficult to work with some devices. To use digital media successfully in teaching, educators need knowledge and suitable beliefs regarding digital media. Further, a society, that has a negative attitude regarding digital media in school can be a challenge.
Limitation
There is no fundamental superiority in the learning success, if student learn digital. Here too, as has always been the case, it is the didactic concept that is crucial for a successful students’ learning. There are new possibilities, but they need to be used effectively by teachers and learners.
Experience and discuss examples of digital media
With the provided material you have the opportunity to get to experience some ideas of teaching with digital media, like:
- Learning with Tablets/iPads – Apps
- Interactive whiteboard
- Online tools
- Digital media in school
- Digital learning environments
Discuss in your team: How can you implement digital media in your science teacher education?