Information Technology in the Service of Science Education

我们建议开发、测试和制作一套教育模块，利用计算机和基于网络的资源，以综合的方式向非理科专业的学生教授科学主题。这些模块将由超文本文档组成，使用最先进的技术将文本、静止图像、视频和声音结合起来。在锡拉丘兹大学教授的一门成功的为期两个学期的新课程--21世纪科学--的两个原型单元已经在教室里进行了测试。将采用先进的信息传输技术，如视频点播和模拟点播，以增加学生的积极参与。将开发新的单元来涵盖其他重要的科学主题，如进化和成像科学现象。这五个单元将构成对非理科专业本科生的科学入门。每个模块都将是独立的和易于扩展的；它将是便携的，因为它将通过因特网或以其他格式，如CD-ROM交付。该项目将分为三个阶段：a)模块的设计和开发，b)课程模块的实施、测试和评估，以及c)产品的传播和教师的培训。通过这个开创性的项目，我们希望通过革命性的信息技术与提高我们教育公民的能力相联系，为这一进程做出贡献。

We propose to develop, test, and produce a set of educational modules that use computer and network-based resources to teach science topics in an integrated way to non-science majors. These modules will consist of hypertext documents combining text, still images, video, and sound using state-of- the-art technology. Two prototype units covering topics of a successful new two-semester course taught at Syracuse University called Science for the 21st Century have already been tested in the classroom. Advanced information-transfer technologies such as video-on-demand and simulation-on- demand will be implemented to increase active student involvement. New units will be developed to cover other important science topics, such as evolution and imaging science phenomena. The five modules will constitute an introduction to science for undergraduates who are not science majors. Each module will be self-contained and easily expandable; it will be portable since it will be delivered through the Internet or in other formats, such as CD-ROM. There will be three phases of this project: a) design and development of modules, b) implementation, testing, and assessment of modules in our course, and c) dissemination of products and training of teachers. Through this pioneering project, we hope to contribute to the process through which revolutionary information technology connects with improvements in our ability to educate our citizenry.