Two Canadian Approaches to Teaching Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics to Senior High School Students in Virtual Classes.

The successful integration of information technologies in the teaching of biology and other sciences is in part dependent on the transition from closed to open teaching and learning environments. This paper outlines the transition from a closed model of schooling in rural Newfoundland and Labrador to the beginnings of an open model. Seniors in a rural Newfoundland high school participated in a study evaluating the use of Internet resources to enhance biology education. Three biology topics were taught using three different methods of instruction: traditional, in which students were taught face to face by the teacher from the textbook; cooperative, in which students worked together using text and Internet sources selected by the teacher; and Internet, in which students worked individually and used Internet sources. Results indicate that Internet resources have the potential to enhance student learning. This approach is referred to as a "closed" model, because the school is autonomous and has its own students, teachers, and community. The installation of a digital intranet linking nine schools in the Vista school district (Newfoundland) created an "open" model of education in that classes in different schools share teaching, learning, and resources. This open model is grounded in the application of information technology and the construction of virtual classes. Factors to consider in developing a pedagogy appropriate for the open model are discussed. (TD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCAT AL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) his document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATER 6.1. HAS BEEN GRANTED BY tin he-ft s TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." Two -Canadian Approaches to Teaching Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics to Senior High School Students in Virtual Classes Ken Stevens Chair of Tele learning & Rural Education Faculty of Education Memorial University of Newfoundland St Johns, NF, A1C 5S7 Phone: (709) 737-4847 Fax: (709) 737-8582 E-mail: stevensk@morgan.ucs.mun.ca Prepared for the Australasian Science Education Research Association July 1999 An earlier version of this paper was presented to the TeleLearning Network of Centres of Excellence, Vancouver, Canada, November 1998