US-Australia Planning Visit: Foundational Research on Student Use of Interactive Science Simulations on Tablet Devices

该项目将研究两项新兴和创新的技术：交互式、动态模拟和基于触摸的平板设备。触摸式平板电脑技术(如iPad)在课堂上的使用正在迅速增加，尽管目前还没有做什么研究来了解学习科学的有效实施。互动模拟目前在K-16年级的教育中使用，尽管平板电脑设备对科学模拟的有效实施有什么影响尚不清楚。该项目将在一系列背景下探索这一教育的新前沿，为有效的交互模拟设计、课堂促进技术以及基于平板的模拟使用对STEM课程中代表性不足人群的影响提供新的见解。加州大学伯克利分校交互模拟设计和课堂使用的领导者Emily Moore博士和化学教育研究、科学可视化和技术教学的领导者、西悉尼大学的Roy Tasker博士将共同研究科学教育中的新技术前沿-为未来研究用于学习科学的技术基础问题奠定基础。这项工作具有巨大的潜力改变科学学习的未来，使其对不同人群更具吸引力和更有效。研究结果将立即影响1)新的和现有的PHET模拟的设计-使用PHET模拟覆盖全球数百万学生和教师-2)为使用平板电脑技术的教师制定最佳实践指南，以提高学生在STEM学科中的学习、参与度和参与度。

This project will study two emerging and innovative technologies: interactive, dynamic simulations and touch-based tablet devices. The use of touch-based tablet technology (e.g., iPads) in the classroom is rapidly increasing, though little research has been done to understand effective implementation for learning science. Interactive simulations are now in use across K-16 levels of education, though what impact tablet devices have on the effective implementation of science simulations is not yet known. This project will explore this new frontier in education, over a range of contexts, providing new insight into effective interactive simulation design, classroom facilitation techniques, and the effects of tablet-based simulation use on underrepresented populations in STEM courses. Together, Dr. Emily Moore (PhET, UCB), a leader in interactive simulation design and classroom use, and Dr. Roy Tasker of the University of Western Sydney (UWS), a leader in chemistry education research, science visualizations, and teaching with technology, will research on the new technology frontier in science education - laying the groundwork for future investigations of foundational questions in technology use for learning science.This work has great potential to transform the future of science learning, making it both more engaging and more effective for diverse populations. The research findings will immediately impact 1) the design of new and existing PhET simulations - reaching millions of students and teachers using PhET simulations worldwide - and 2) the development of best practices guidelines for teachers using tablet technology to increase student learning, engagement, and participation in STEM disciplines.