Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Integrating Real-World Data in Classrooms Greg Bartus Educational Technology Associate Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ NECC 2007

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education What is Real Time or Near Real Time Data? Information that describes events that are happening now When is now? What time is it?

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Examples of Real Time Information include: Weather Stock Market Flight Air Quality Ship Webcams Ocean News

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

Examples of lessons integrated with real time data…

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education First, here’s an example of a “Text book” problem that might appear in a math class or a basic physics class dealing with the topic of vectors. Question: Ship A leaves Port B at 11:00 PM on June 9 th headed for Port C which is 1250 miles away….if Ship A is going 25 mph when will it arrive?

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Here’s an example of how real- time data can be used to enhance this type of problem… Imagine you are a stowaway on a cargo boat. Cautiously looking over the edge of the vessel, you see nothing but ocean on all sides, and you decide that you want to get back home without alerting the ship's crew to your presence. You know only the ship's identification code, but as luck would have it, you remembered to pack your laptop, cellular phone and modem.

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Earthquakes affect our lives in many ways. In this project, students use real time earthquake and volcano data to explore the relationship between earthquakes, plate tectonics, and volcanoes.

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

Through this project, students will focus on outdoor air pollution; what it is, what factors contribute to its formation and the health effects from breathing polluted air. Good Moderat e Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Unhealthy Very Unhealthy Hazardous

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education CAMNET Real-time Air Pollution and Visibility Monitoringwww.hazecam.net

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Advantages of Using RTD in the classroom: Foster Problem-Solving Skills Can Address several Learning Styles Relevance to students Assist ESL Learners Connectivity

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Foster Problem Solving Skills Given the dramatic National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Science findings of 2000, which revealed a statistically significant increase in scores of those students who downloaded and analyzed data, there also exists compelling evidence that this approach to science instruction can improve standardized test scores. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2001)

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Learning Styles Restructuring of information into interactive, multimedia formats provides assistance to learn with attention to individual styles and paces that are customized to specific, identified learning needs. Technology’s adaptable construction allows us to present and understand information using text, images, and sound to overcome traditional learning difficulties. Round Rock ISD, Technology Plan, Extended Technology and Learning Statement

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Relevance to Students Students enjoy using computers in the classrooms Fosters 21 st century workforce skills Digital age literacy Inventive thinking Effective communication High productivity North Central Regional Education Laboratory, enGauge Bransford, J., Brown, A., Cocking, R. (1999). How People Learn. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education ESL Learners Enhance motivation Promote language proficiency Can improve academic achievement Foster higher level thinking skills Integration for ESL Success: TESOL Standards, Multiple Intelligences and Technology Carol Beckett, Ines Marquez-Chisholm, Arizona State University West, USA Integrating the Internet in ESL Education in a Senior High School Shelley S. C. Young, National Tsing Hua U. at Taiwan, Taiwan

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Connectivity Pop Quiz What is the percentage of U.S. Public Schools with Internet access? A.65% B.83% C. 99% ? ? ?

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Answer: As of Fall 2001, 99% of all public schools had Internet access; 99% of Elementary connected 100% of High Schools connected City schools had a 97% connectivity rate; urban fringe 99%, town 100%, rural 100% "Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools, Fall 2002."

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Sounds Like Great News, Right?

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Not Quite Yet Too often, computers have been provided for teachers with little or no associated training. Consequently, applications in classrooms have been focused on simplistic uses such as drill and practice programs -a traditional use of computers, but not effective integration. Speziale, Mike, Technology in the Classroom, Research For Better School, RBS Currents Volume 7.1 – Fall/Winter (Cattagni & Westat, 2001), (Rowand, 2000)

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Teachers effectively trained in how to use Real Time Data in the classroom tend to: feel better prepared to teach problem-solving skills spend less time lecturing report an improved ability to teach complex concepts be better able to conduct small group learning activities more easily implement cooperative learning approaches be better able to effectively manage diverse learning styles Yepes-Baraya, M., (2003). Alliance+ Mid-Point Evaluation, Minority Student Retention and Academic Achievement in Community Colleges, EDO-JC-01-02

Copyright © 2007 Stevens Institute of Technology Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education Thank you! Questions? Presented by: Greg Bartus, The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology