Relevant initiatives

Datalogging as innovative learning tool

VIA University College

2008-2010

European

Yes

Leonardo da Vinci LLP

Datalogging as innovative learning tool

VIA University College

LLP-LdV-Tol/2008/803

Online course, Teaching Methodology, Didactical resource

Chemistry, Physics, Biology, ICT, Science

English

Teachers, Students

The PISA reports showed that young Europeans in general lack engagement and interest in science and that they do not fully understand the key part that science plays in today's societies and economies. This situation needs to be reversed. To be able to do that there is a need for making a training course that implements teaching approaches to datalogging. The project therefore aims at qualifying the science teachers in primary and lower-secondary schools by developing a further training course in how to implement innovative learning approaches to datalogging in science. Datalogging is a tool that by the use of electronic sensors and interfaces measures and records changes in physical variables such as: temperature, hte beat of pulse, pH etc. As a learning tool it contains great didactic potentials.

The project developed a training course containing descriptions of different teaching approaches to datalogging, concrete examples of how to implement the teaching approaches, knowledge bank, best practice of the use of datalogging as learning tool in science.

Datalogging contains training course that shows how to implement teaching approaches to datalogging (http://www.dlis.eu/uk/index.php/ir/in-service-training/cource-concept). The course contains four modules for teachers/educators (module 1, 2, 3 and 4) and three modules designed for work without the educator, in between the other modules, and these are named A, B and C. There are labmanuals for implementing datalogging for different topics related to science education (http://www.dlis.eu/uk/index.php/ir/topics).
For example there are manuals how to deliver classes on energy with the use of datalogging (different experiments) http://www.dlis.eu/uk/index.php/ir/datalogging-in-science-topics/energy/labmanuals1
It is reliable supportive didactical resource for teaching science education, especially physics, chemistry and biology. It requires basic measurement equipment for datalogging.

The project developed interesting results. Datalogging and measurement methods for teaching are worth recommending. It's a good way to learn the issues in physics, chemistry, but may also contribute to the development of technical capacity. Modules for independent work of students are also interesting. Learning by experimentation is interesting for them.

We like to do experiments on lessons. It is easier to understand some concept when you try. Not just o seat and read books. It helps to understand better the nature.