Science Education and Technology: Opportunities to Enhance Student Learning

In this article we match capabilities of technology-such as calculation, imaging, networking, and portability-to a range of pedagogical approaches-such as inquiry-based science and dynamic modeling. We describe several diverse examples that show how the different technology capabilities have been used to support these different pedagogical approaches. These examples include research demonstrations we have created at Apple Computer-Media Fusion, the Multimedia Bulletin Board-as well as software products that are generally available in the marketplace-the Visual Almanac, Kids Network. The intent is to provide readers with a context in which to consider the technological opportunities that already are, or soon will be, available to science educators.