final draft Guiding Principles

I spoke with many in my personal learning network and they helped me make some more changes to my guiding principles:




1)The use of web tools will help students be prepared for the "flat world" meaning, on par and competitive with children from around the globe (China and India, etc.). Use of web tools will contribute to the science education community. Use of technology in the science classroom should be bridging the disconnect between what the kids are doing at school and what they are doing at home. Use of technology in the science classroom should be taking advantage of technology’s power to engage student participation and interest.



2)Should help students do with technology what they could not do without it, especially in the science content outlined in the National Science Education Standards. Using technology in ways that are consistent with appropriate pedagogy, including opportunities for inquiry learning. This should not replace a proven exercise if it is not going to expand and enhance the understanding of the content. Things that are done well in a hands on lab setting should not be sacrificed for a technology based exercise unless it will be more engaging and eventually lead to better mastery of content. All this while keeping the focus on the science content rather than the mechanics of the technology.


3)Use of technology in the science classroom should be collaborative. The collaboration must be healthy while keeping boundaries and keeping the communications appropriate. Use of technology in the science classroom should be emphasizing the use of data, analysis, collection, both produced by students and by scientists.