ABOUT THE MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE
Teaching Science with Technology will introduce you to interactive science simulations through PHET and other open educational resources (OERs). Throughout the course, you will explore a range of scientific concepts. With PHET's interactive simulations as our primary tool, you will have the opportunity to manipulate variables, conduct experiments, and visualize abstract concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of fundamental principles across various scientific disciplines and at all levels, primary, secondary, and post-secondary.
From physics and chemistry to biology and mathematics, you will learn how simulations can bring complex theories to life and uncover the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way. You will also learn how to access and evaluate OERs, expanding your resource toolkit. TSTMOOC emphasizes active learning and collaboration, with opportunities for group discussions, peer-to-peer teaching, and project-based assessments. Over the duration of the course, science and pedagogy experts will guide you through the development of PhET simulation activity plans and worksheets that can be implemented in the science classroom. By the end of the course, you will not only have a newfound appreciation for the power of simulations and OERs in education but also possess the skills to leverage these resources effectively in your academic and professional pursuits.
This course is open to teachers, teacher trainees, teacher educators, and instructional designers from anywhere in the world. You will gain insight into the latest advancements in educational technology and learn how to develop interactive learning experiences for your students through an enriched science lesson plan. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to incorporate virtual laboratories, harness the power of simulations, and effectively integrate technology into your science teaching. Subscribe now!
Two levels of certification are available based on your level of participation and completion of tasks/activities:
From physics and chemistry to biology and mathematics, you will learn how simulations can bring complex theories to life and uncover the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way. You will also learn how to access and evaluate OERs, expanding your resource toolkit. TSTMOOC emphasizes active learning and collaboration, with opportunities for group discussions, peer-to-peer teaching, and project-based assessments. Over the duration of the course, science and pedagogy experts will guide you through the development of PhET simulation activity plans and worksheets that can be implemented in the science classroom. By the end of the course, you will not only have a newfound appreciation for the power of simulations and OERs in education but also possess the skills to leverage these resources effectively in your academic and professional pursuits.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
This course is open to teachers, teacher trainees, teacher educators, and instructional designers from anywhere in the world. You will gain insight into the latest advancements in educational technology and learn how to develop interactive learning experiences for your students through an enriched science lesson plan. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to incorporate virtual laboratories, harness the power of simulations, and effectively integrate technology into your science teaching. Subscribe now!
A COURSE OUTLINE
| Week 1 Introduction to science and technology | Key concepts, inquiry-based learning, and participant roles Scientific method and online learning Introduction to PhET interactive simulations in Science |
| Week 2 Using PhET simulations and OER | Simulation and active learning in Science Application and examples of PhET in Science teaching OER and Creative Commons licenses |
| Week 3 Application of blended learning and PhET activities | Introduction to blended learning for Science teaching Guidelines for using PhET simulations in blended learning Planning simulation lessons in Science using PhET |
| Week 4 Planning for activities in Science | Designing simulation lesson plans in Science Assessment of simulations in Science Other technology tools for Science teaching |
| Week 5 TST course review | Evaluating lesson plans in Science Reflections on Science teaching with technology |
CERTIFICATION
Two levels of certification are available based on your level of participation and completion of tasks/activities:
- Certificate of Participation: requires 70% or more on each weekly multiple-choice quiz and participation in at least three discussion forums.
- Certificate of Completion: requires 70% or more on each quiz, participation in at least three discussion forums, and successful completion of a TST Science Lesson Plan.
