Discovery Research K-12 Project
Project Summary
I2U2 supports and strengthens the education and outreach activities of scientific experiments at U.S. universities and laboratories by providing a framework for a portfolio of coherent, collaborative online science education laboratories.
Scientific experiments, particularly those supported by NSF, are judged on intellectual merit and broader impacts. But scientists do not always know what best practice says about effective outreach.
We have developed e-Labs, online, cross-platform, ubiquitous environments that support collaborative learning for high school students to study science based on real experimental datasets.
With a professional development component, is this an effective instructional model for 21st century science teaching and learning?
Research Questions
To assess the impact and effectiveness of e-Labs, and associated professional development.
Do students learn science practices—increase their skills in using technology as a tool for conducting science (skills that mirror real-world science), engage in scientific collaboration, and increase their knowledge of related science and grid concepts?
Do teachers have a virtual learning community to support their practice and development in order to enable their students to learn science practices with the I2U2 cyber-enabled tools?
Research Design, Data Collection & Analysis Method, Evaluation Plan
Research Design Elements: Monitoring, product development, and implementation plan & testing
Data Collection:
- Product development through Think Aloud protocols, expert reviews, and classroom beta testing both small and large
- Monitoring and implementation and testing through participant surveys, pre- and post-surveys, follow-up phone interviews, Help desk stats, personal logs, e-Lab posters and other student products
- Evaluators, staff and lead teachers collect data; evaluators assess and write reports.
Evaluation Plan: Each evaluation activity is related to a study question derived from a program goal and expected outcomes related to the activity. For each activity we identify respondents and data collectors and describe evaluation criteria and/or the purpose of the activity.
Study Questions:
To what extent are e-Labs—
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