Integrating Research & Education: Using High-Speed Networking to Improve the Learning Environment

俄勒冈州的大学已被选为国家科学基金会的研究和教育的整合表彰奖的十个收件人之一。 该大学已经开发了一种校园范围的方法，使用高速网络和先进的计算机技术，为新一代的发现为基础的课堂学习经验。 该大学的倡议包括开发交互式课件和联机数据库。 新的基于Java的交互式计算机课件为学生提供了虚拟实验+，使他们能够操纵变量和分析从模拟模型中出现的实验数据。 共享数据库允许学生探索教师研究产生的数据。 参与这些课程编制工作现在被视为终身教职和晋升决定的一部分。这些学习工具-模拟，交互式课件，并从教师的研究数据访问-提供发现为基础的学习机会，非科学的学生在大型介绍科学调查课程。 这种方法代表了提高整个本科学生的科学素养水平的模式。 该大学整合研究和教育的努力是根据具体结果设计的：提高学生对测试的理解和表现;增加学生使用分析程序直接操作数据的参与;增加非科学专业学生的参与和动机参加入门科学课程;并通过将他们的研究纳入课堂探索来使教师参与个性化课程的过程。 该大学将获得50万美元的资助，目标是在未来三年内扩大、记录和传播其示范性做法。 使用奖励基金的计划包括：举办关于利用信息技术将研究与教育结合起来的区域讲习班;继续开发基于Java的交互式课件;评估利用交互式模拟进行学习的效果;以及制作和出版光盘材料。

The University of Oregon has been selected as one of ten recipients of the National Science Foundation's Recognition Awards for the Integration of Research and Education. The university has developed a campus-wide approach to using high-speed networks and advanced computer technology for a new generation of discovery-based classroom learning experiences. The university's initiative includes development of interactive courseware and on-line data libraries. The new Java-based interactive computer courseware provides students with -virtual experiments+ that allow them to manipulate variables and analyze the experimental data that emerges from a simulation model. The shared data libraries allow students to explore the data resulting from faculty research. Participation in these curriculum development efforts are now considered as part of tenure and promotion decisions. These learning tools -- simulations, interactive courseware, and access to data from faculty research -- provide discovery-based learning opportunities to non-science students in large introductory science survey courses. This approach represents a model for increasing the level of scientific literacy of the entire undergraduate student body. The university's efforts to integrate research and education were designed with specific outcomes in mind: improving student comprehension and performance on tests; increasing student participation in direct manipulation of data using analysis programs; increasing engagement and motivation of non-science majors enrolled in introductory science courses; and engaging faculty in the process of personalizing their courses by incorporating their research into classroom explorations. The university is being awarded $500,000 with the goal of expanding, documenting, and disseminating its exemplary practices over the coming three years. Plans for the use of the award funds include: regional workshops on the use of information technology to integrate research and education; continued development of Java-based interactive courseware; assessment of the effectiveness of learning using interactive simulations; and development and publication of CD-ROM materials.