Live From Mars was active July 1996-December 1997.
Moving Toward Theoretical Underpinnings
The differences between contemporary ITV (Instructional TV) and
"Electronic Field Trips"
are indeed significant. The programming is designed for instant response
and feedback from
all participants via two-way audio, video, and internet traffic.
Participants also gain a
powerful participatory sense of audience. And what kid doesn't love an
audience? When
an audience is interested in what a young person has to say, the
experience has an apparent
and positive impact on learning. Additionally, the notion that a big
production team is
assembled for their learning is also important. (Think about what is
usually being said by
the structure of the school day and the limits of supply and resource.)
Via the internet, materials that relate to a project branch out in
easy-to-follow links in so
many directions as to be firstly and practically infinite to the human
mind. Secondly, these
links and their connectedness provide opportunities for the individual to
follow personal
interests.
Beyond the reality of almost instant and expansive access to information
lies another
opportunity -- an opportunity to engage visual materials, tools, and
techniques for the
purpose of visualizing information (Edward R. Tufte, Envisioning
Information and The
Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press, Box 430,
Cheshire
Conn. 06410). Cumulatively these factors yield a sense of ownership by
the student lucky
enough to be allowed the opportunity to construct personal meaning.
Current fundamental tenets of how learning takes place are expressed
profoundly by a
learner using electronic field trips. Electronic field trips are
addressing a broader criterion
of learning, more closely approximating the reality of successful
learners.
The Science Framework for the State of California recognizes the need to
"Demonstrate the
enterprise and operation of science...examining the array of job prospects
and interest
areas...and describing how the products of science and technology change
society."
Introduction to Electronic Field Trips
Theoretical Underpinnings
Written by Scott Coletti, Middle School teacher
Crittenden Middle School, Mtn.View, CA.
Please send suggestions or comments to scolett@quest.arc.nasa.gov
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