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Promoting scientific understanding through electronic discourse

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Abstract

This paper illustrates the on-going efforts of an innovative science program called “Kids as Global Scientists” to take full advantage of Internet technology for better learning and teaching. We analyzed electronic communication between students and scientists on the Message Board and the development of students’ scientific understanding through electronic communications. Our research shows that the Internet has great potential to foster the development of students’ scientific understanding, which is difficult to achieve through traditional instruction alone. Despite increasing interest in the use of the Internet in the classroom, research on the educational benefits of the Internet on learning and teaching are still limited. This study will serve in this continuing research base in order to help expand our understanding by opening a discussion around the following questions: What are the characteristics of new learning opportunities and interaction patterns that students experienced? What new classroom dynamics and challenges are introduced as a result of the use of our technological innovations?

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Michigan, 1323 School of Education Building, 610 East University Avenue, 48103, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Soo-Young Lee

  2. The University of Michigan, USA

    Nancy Butler Songer

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  1. Soo-Young Lee
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  2. Nancy Butler Songer
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Correspondence to Soo-Young Lee.

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Lee, SY., Songer, N.B. Promoting scientific understanding through electronic discourse. Asia Pacific Educ. Rev. 2, 32–43 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03024930

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03024930

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